Storyteller 's Journey

It's Time for Spring Break!

After the coldest winter I've personally lived through, I'm anxious for the arrival of spring. Then too, gardening is one of my favorite pastimes. Additionally, I'm in the thick of things preparing for the publication of my middle grade novel, LIVVI BIDDLE AND THE SIBYLLINE SCROLL. While it has an autumn release date, there's still so much to do. Consequently, I'll be away from Writ of Whimsy until sometime in April.

Click here to view my recent quarterly newsletter. 

If you'd like updates on my middle grade novel's release, you can subscribe to my newsletter at my website: victorialindstrom.com 

Wishing each of you a sensational spring season!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Frondescence (n.)

the process by which buds, flowers, and new leaves begin to emerge and unfold.

Example: Spring, and the frondescence it brought with it, was the gardener's favorite time of year. 

Bibliophile's Corner

Freewater

by Amina Luqman-Dawson

Flap Copy Description:

Under the cover of night, twelve-year-old Homer flees Southerland Plantation with his younger sister, unwillingly leaving their mother behind. Through tangles vines, hidden doorways, and over a sky bridge, the two find a secret community called Freewater, deep in the swamp.

In this secret society created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children, Homer finds new friends, almost forgetting where he came from. But when he learns of a threat that could destroy Freewater, he crafts a plan to return to Southerland Plantation, free his mother from enslavement, and help his new home.

My Thoughts:

When I recently read Freewater, I was aware I was reading a children's classic in the making. Based on a little-known chapter in American history, this middle grade novel shines a light on the men, women, and children who dared have a life of freedom in the wilderness, rather than to remain enslaved. Ms. Luqman-Dawson is a master storyteller; her thrilling novel is brilliantly told. Freewater recently won both the Newbery Medal Award, as well as the Coretta Scott King award. Brava, Amina Luqmon-Dawson!

Click here to learn about the author, Amina Luqmon-Dawson.

Storyteller's Journey

Kevin Zimmerman

  The Editor on my Team!

While I've mentioned numerous times other members of my publishing team, namely my husband, fine artist Michael Lindstrom, and Kriston Clark, book formatter at Tattered Page Ink, my editor has always been somewhat of a mystery. That's because he's basically a private person...and he's my son!

Kevin is one of the most talented individuals I've ever known - and that's not just a proud mother speaking. He attended Arizona State University on a full academic scholarship, received his master's degree from the University of Washington, he speaks Spanish and French fluently, and he contemplated becoming a professional pianist as a young adult. That's in addition to him being one of the funniest individuals you'll ever meet!

As far as his editing and writing skills, you can best learn about those by checking out his website here. I guess I am a proud mom. 😀

Whimsical Word of the Week

Palaver - (N.)

an unnecessarily or elaborate process.

Example: The celebration for the toddler's second birthday was a complete palaver by his overly devoted mother.

Bibliophile's Corner

The Inheritance Games

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Flap Copy Description:

Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her luck changes in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves her virtually his entire fortune. The only catch? Avery must move into his sprawling mansion, full of secret passages, riddles, and codes. Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just disinherited. This includes the four Hawthorne grandsons: dangerous, magnetic boys who grew up with every expectation that, one day, they would inherit billions.

Heir apparent Grayson Hawthorne is convinced that Avery must be a con woman, and he's determined to take her down. But his brother Jameson views her as their grandfather's last hurrah: a twisted riddle, a puzzle to be solved. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege, with danger around every turn, Avery will have to lay the game herself just to survive...

My Thoughts:

At Christmastime I received The Inheritance Games Trilogy - I finished all three books last week. Needless to say, I loved this young adult series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes! The dominant element that hooked me was the premise: A poor young girl inherits billions from someone she's never known. Think: Knives Out meets Downton Abbey. I highly recommend The Inheritance Games for readers aged sixteen and up.

Click here to learn about the author, Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

Storyteller's Journey

Fine artist, Michael Lindstrom

Creating a Book Cover

While my husband, fine artist Michael Lindstrom, is a gallery-represented oil painter and usually paints plein air (in the out of doors, in the open air), he's also my illustrator!

Here, he's working on a painting that may be a part of my soon-to-be-released middle grade novel's book cover.

Michael's impressionistic style of painting has become part of my brand; he's been the illustrator and cover artist for all of my books. The long process is laborious with numerous renditions of the final painting.

When the final book cover is complete, I'll be sure to post it!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Aliferous (adj.)

having wings, winged.

Example: While most angels are aliferous, the dark angel's wings had been excised.