Storyteller's Journey

 Season's Greetings!

Winter Stream - 8X10 - Oil on Canvas - Michael Lindstrom

Christmas will be different this year for people all around the world. While my husband and I will be spending the holidays home alone, we have much to be thankful for, and to celebrate, in spite of Covid-19.

We hope to have a ZOOM chat with our three sons, who are in NYC, Tucson, & the Pacific Northwest - at least I'll see their handsome faces!

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter.

As usual, I'll be taking a break from blogging until January.

Wishing you and yours the peace, joy, and love of the season.

Happy New Year!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Twelvetide - (n.)
the twelve days of Christmas.
Example: The young child enjoyed twelvetide, leading up to the Day of Epiphany.

Bibliophile's Corner

12 Days of Christmas
illustrated by Lara Hawthorne

Goodreads Description:

Celebrate the magic of Christmas with this well-loved traditional poem, The Twelve Days of Christmas, beautifully illustrated by Lara Hawthorne. Take a walk through each beautiful scene brimming with details that will remind you of the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas. Perfect to read with your true love.

My Thoughts:

While The Twelve Days of Christmas was written in the 1700s in France, and was set to music by the English composer Frederic Austin, Lara Hawthorne has brought this classic Christmas carol to life in the most enchanting way - through her exquisite illustrations! I recommend 12 Days of Christmas, most enthusiastically, to readers of all ages!

Click here to learn about the illustrator, Lara Hawthorne.

Storyteller's Journey

Rafflecopter Giveaway Winners!
Many thanks to everyone who participated in my Rafflecopter Giveaway over the last few months! It always helps to create a buzz when you release a new book. After over 6,300 entries, here are the winners:

Carol Graves - a signed collection of my Lindstrom Wintertime Tales.

Angela Kern - a signed copy of THE NIGHT OF THE NORTH.

Ashley Sawyers - a signed copy of THE NIGHT OF THE NORTH.

Marie Cantelli - a signed copy of THE NIGHT OF THE NORTH.

(Each book will also include a matching bookmark.)

Robyn Low - a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card.

Liz Kilcher - a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card.

Misty Handa - a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card.

Wishing all the participants a safe and happy holiday season!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Tintinnabulum - (n.)
a small tinkling bell.

Example: The small child and the tintinnabulum, at the end of It's a Wonderful Life, is one of the movie's most iconic scenes.

Bibliophile's Corner

Mistletoe
A Christmas Story
by Tad Hills

Flap Copy Description:
Mistletoe loves everything about Christmas - baking cookies for Santa, listening to the falling snow, and of course, finding the perfect gift for her best friend, Norwell. This year she has an idea to make the most perfect gift ever, but it's not going to be easy.

Brimming with holiday cheer and filled with the true meaning of Christmas, this story from master picture book creator, Tad Hills introduces young readers to two warm, funny, and resourceful characters to love.

My Thoughts:
Mistletoe - A Christmas Story is the perfect picture book for this holiday season! While the mouse and the elephant are best of friends, they do have their differences. So, Mistletoe sets out to find a way that she and her friend Norwell can enjoy the winter snow. It's a wonderful story of how generosity can make a friend feel loved. I highly recommend this picture book for children aged three to seven this holiday season!

Click here to learn about the author/illustrator, Tad Hills.

Storyteller's Journey

Reflections on NaNoWriMo

After participating in the National Novel Writing Month three times, I've learned a few things that have helped me be successful. Thankfully, I was successful again; my final wordcount total was 50,074! I thoroughly enjoyed penning the first draft of my new middle grade historical fiction novel.

I first began researching the concept for my story, set in WW II France, when I saw this vintage photograph. That was years ago, and yet the idea for the story has always stuck with me. I finally spent a week last summer compiling a detailed outline for NaNoWriMo. That outline is what allowed me to keep writing; I had the ability to keep moving forward last month because I already had a three act story structure to work from.

However, now I'm ready to: take a brief break before I begin rewriting and revising; catch up on my reading; and celebrate the winter holidays at home.

Next Friday I'll announce the winners of my Rafflecopter Giveaway!

Congratulations to everyone who completed NaNoWriMo 2020!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Piebald - (adj.)
when an animal has patches of black and white fur or plumage.
Example: The magpie may well be the original example of a piebald creature.