Storyteller's Journey

A Fantasy World

Since I live in the corner of the country made famous by Bigfoot, vampires, and werewolves, it's not surprising that when I began to write, I wrote fantasy stories, and still do.
Public Domain Photo

Writing (and reading) can not only be a form of entertainment, but a way of escaping a world too difficult to deal with - like the one we live in right now. For the most part, I try to stay out of the current chaos. It's not that I'm sticking my head in the sand during these tumultuous times, it's just that after a while, listening to the constant rhetoric reminds me of children saying, "You did it first!" However, I find the recent racial bent to the rhetoric, deplorable. This is not the example the young people of our country should be seeing! If adults act like this, how do we expect the leaders of tomorrow to act? Our youth are the future fabric of our nation. Will it be strong, or will it be torn apart?

This was, in part, my motivation for the protagonist of my middle grade novel to bring an era of peace to the world. It's sad to think that that idea would be set in the plot of a fantasy novel, but here we are. Maybe, by some miracle, my middle grade fantasy series - The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle - will not only entertain young readers, but might introduce them to iconic historic figures, customs and cultures of different countries, and might plant a seed in their minds as to a better way to understand different types of people. We'll see...

(I'll be away from Writ of Whimsy for a few weeks. See you soon!)

Storyteller's Journey

Autumn's Arrival!

As I've mentioned many times on this blog, autumn is my favorite season! While that might seem strange to folks who know I live in the Pacific Northwest with its infamous rains, it's true.

This season with its cold, crisp air and colorful leaves, reminds me of my school days so long ago. It also triggers me to begin writing again in earnest.

Click here for my most recent quarterly author newsletter.

If you live in the PNW, I'd love to see you at my upcoming book event!

Wishing each of you a fantastic fall season!

Storyteller's Journey

New Book Cover Reveal!

Last June I posted about the cover art for my next novel; well, here it is, and I absolutely love it! Nimbus Over Normandy is the second novel in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle Series. While it won't be released until next year, I thought you'd enjoy seeing the cover. Below is the flap copy description of my new middle grade fantasy novel. (Original Art by Michael Lindstrom Copyright 2024)
 

Livvi, Caden, and Mia have barely returned to Chilcott's Academy of Creativity for a new school year before the magical and mysterious again confront them. Lord Abaddon has assigned the demise of Livvi Biddle to a new antagonist: the shrewd female agent, Lilith. In addition to the threat posed by that dark angel, the three friends encounter an enigmatic neighbor in the form of Mrs. Dinwiddie, who bestows a peculiar prophecy upon Livvi. However, it is the three girls' unexpected trip back in time where they meet an iconic artist in his French country home that presents a truly colossal problem to their survival. Livvi and her pals desperately search for a path back to the present, while dealing with the customs of the past, all as time is slipping away!

Creating and publishing a novel independently is not for the faint of heart. I couldn't do it without the efforts of my creative team! Many thanks to Kriston Clark of Tattered Page Ink for her incredible cover and book formatting. You're the best! (As always, I owe a big debt to my editor son, Kevin Zimmerman, and my artist husband, Michael Lindstrom, for their extraordinary contributions.)

Stay tuned for updates of my path to publication!

Storyteller's Journey

Sights of Summer 

The summer of 2024 proved to be productive as well as entertaining. The photo on the left is from my visit to Cannon Beach, Oregon last month.

One of my favorite things to do each summer is to enjoy a beautiful nature setting while reading, as my husband sets up his easel and paints plein air. Our trip to the Oregon Coast was particularly enjoyable this year!

Since we live in an extraordinary setting, at the base of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, there's never a shortage of beauty next to our home. We love sharing our property with several black-tailed deer.

I'm grateful to live in the PNW where there's no shortage of nature settings that have been set aside for the enjoyment of its people. (Salmon-Morgan Creeks Natural Area.)

We also journeyed to the center of Washington State, specifically to our state's capital of Olympia. Since my cousin lives north of there, and we live south, it makes a great destination to meet for lunch.

We enjoyed most of these sights in August. June and July were spent doing yardwork and landscaping. It's always exciting when fall returns; I treat it like the beginning of school and again begin writing in earnest! 

Stay tuned for more Writ of Whimsy blog posts coming soon!

Storyteller's Journey

Summertime Fun!

With summer just around the corner, I am looking forward to spending time in the beautiful countryside we share with our neighbors. I am so grateful to live in the Pacific Northwest!

We're also excited to be spending time with our three sons and daughter-in-law this summer. Our middle son, Kevin, is with us for a couple of months before he returns to Peru for an extended visit. Our youngest son, Brian, will be here from the East Coast in a few weeks for a visit, and our eldest, David, and his wife, Jessica, live nearby. It's always special when our entire family can gather together.

I'll also be working on the second novel in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle, as well as spending time in my garden!

I'll be taking a break from Writ of Whimsy for the summer but will be back in September with updates on my current work in progress.

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter.

Wishing each of you a fantastic summer season!

Storyteller's Journey

From Photo to Cover Painting

This image was taken by my husband, Michael Lindstrom in June 2014 at the home of Claude Monet in Giverny France. I absolutely love it!

When I began the second novel in my series of The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle (set in France) I searched our photo archives for an image Michael could use to create cover art for my novel. The photo was great inspiration for the painting he created. (Painting by Michael Lindstrom.)

The cover reveal for book II in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle, Nimbus Over Normandy, will hopefully be coming next fall!

Storyteller's Journey

Music as a Muse

While I've mentioned on Writ of Whimsy numerous times, nature is my main muse. However, music is a close second. Whether it's listening to classical music streaming on my Bose speaker or enjoying tunes on my headphones, music always gets me in the mood to write. I especially like listening to movie scores inspired by fantasy novels or historical fiction. As I continue penning the second novel in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle (set partially in France) I've been enjoying the music of Edith Piaf: La Vie en Rose.

Storyteller's Journey

A Literary Life

I recently returned from a lengthy trip to Arizona. It was great to catch some sunshine after what seemed like the longest winter of my life. It had been over a year since I'd seen my family.

Whenever I travel, I always bring my computer with the hope of writing at least a few pages on my current work in progress. Well, I only managed to write a few hundred words!

However, it was all good. The main goal for my visit was to catch up with my elderly mother. It was a trip I'll always cherish. It had been years since I spent such great one-on-one time with her.

It's always a balancing act in a literary life: time spent writing; time spent socializing, etc. When it comes to family, however, I usually choose the side of time spent with family - especially when many of my relatives live so far away. I'll never regret spending time with my loved ones, over meeting my writing goals. I had the best Mother's Day ever!

Storyteller's Journey

Public Domain Image 

Creative Growth

For many, if not most, following your creative passion comes from a deep desire to express your soul. If, and when, you choose to put that creativity out into the world, it becomes not only an expression of art, but a commodity.

What I've found is that soon after the launch of your work, there is the immediate need to market your work. That is where the problem arises for many creatives. We love creating; we hate marketing!

I've spoken to numerous writers and artists about this very subject. A few creatives do quite well, promoting their work, but most do not. 

How can a creative grow to a place where they can confidently promote their work? That is what I'm asking myself right now!

My husband (a plein air artist) is also struggling with this challenge. We're both introverts and we've recently had a few in-depth discussions about this very question. Our conclusion has been that it won't be comfortable. It will require some discomfort in our soul. We will need to put ourselves out there in a way that we've not yet done before. It's not that we're expecting to make a payday on our work, but on the other hand, we do want people to know we're creating our art.

Like the butterfly struggling to be released from the chrysalis, some effort is required to realize your full potential. Wish me luck!

Storyteller's Journey

Yellow Roses 16 X 12 by Michael Lindstrom (Not for sale)

 Painting with Words

Recently I mentioned that my plan for my middle grade manuscript is to revise it this fall. I thought it might be interesting to discuss my method of revision. My preference is to go over my story multiple times, looking at my manuscript with a specific element in mind: Word choice; pace, rhythm, etc. One of my favorite ways to write is with the mindset of painting with words. Creating scenes that leave the reader with a clear visual picture in their mind.

This is especially important in the novels that I pen; while the illustrated short stories that I create with my husband include his beautiful paintings. The reason that I treasure painting with words goes way back to my childhood. I loved being able to imagine a different place and time in the books that I read. A well-written novel would even cause me to feel I'd left my own life and traveled to another. Maybe that's why, as an adult, I love writing fantasy and time travel. So, this autumn I'll be revising my manuscript one element at a time. Painting with words will be high on my check list!

Storyteller's Journey

An Awakening

When a person is told they have a life-threatening disease, many issues in life become trivial. For me, family, friends, and Mother Nature were all that seemed to still matter. 

As I continue to recover from cancer, little things, like gazing at a blossoming tree can bring tears to my eyes. Why is that?

I believe it's because I took so much of my life for granted. Things that had always been there, at some point, were overlooked. 

As spring continues to unfold, the wonder of life is all around me. 

(I recently learned that my first grandchild will arrive this fall!) I am so grateful that I survived; that I am still alive. I would describe my previous life as being in black and white, while my life after cancer is in full color. It's as though I've had a life-altering awakening. 

While I wouldn't wish a cancer diagnosis on anyone, I will say, if that's where your journey has led you, and you're lucky enough to survive, be sure to take advantage of your new perspective on life. You will have earned it. Wishing all cancer patients hope, love, and perseverance.

Storyteller's Journey

The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle

As I continue penning the second novel in the Livvi Biddle series, I'm reminded of how much I enjoy losing myself in the world of my protagonist. I've crafted a world that has elements of art, nature, and history - all subjects I'm thoroughly passionate about. 

(Livvi Biddle image by Michael Lindstrom.)

In the second book of the series, Livvi and her friends time travel to France, in 1920, where they encounter a famous artist. I won't give you any more pertinent information - I don't want to ruin the surprise!

In any event, I find writing to be a most enjoyable activity - at least for the most part. The majority of the story that spans seven books has been alive in my mind for many years now. However, as any writer will tell you: penning down on paper what is in your mind is no easy task!   

I'm about a third of the way through the first draft, so I'm just entering the "muddle in the middle." The second act of any novel is usually the most challenging. So far, I'm finding that to be true with this book. The plan is to complete my manuscript by the end of summer, revise this fall, and hand it off to my editor after the holidays. Wish me luck!        

Storyteller's Journey

Northwest Beauty

Earlier this week we were treated to 70 degree weather; I wasted no time in getting out for a hike in our thirty-acre common area. The sights and sounds were just glorious after a very long winter.

As I've said numerous times before, nature serves as my primary inspiration as a writer. This scene seems magical, like a fairy or dryad could pop out at any moment!

This hidden spot also gave me a sense of the magical or even the mysterious. I am so grateful for the setting in which my husband and I now live. The beauty all around us is astounding.

This historic covered bridge allows horses to cross the creek that runs through the common area. It also serves as a meeting place for the neighborhood community during the warmer months.

Once you cross the creek and continue walking through the woods, you come upon a meadow with the second of two ponds on the property. I love the view of the hills and trees in the distance.

It's been difficult for me to articulate just how grateful I am for coming through my recent battle with cancer. Enjoying the day last Tuesday was extraordinary. More about gratitude in a future post!

Storyteller's Journey

Spring Break!

I'll be taking a break to hopefully enjoy the spring sunshine. Gardening, hiking, and reconnecting with my friends are at the top of my list. (We also still need to work on finishing the landscaping around our house.)

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter.

Wishing each of you a sensational spring season!

Storyteller's Journey

Hurry up, Spring!

While the calendar indicates that spring is just around the corner, the weather in the Pacific Northwest hasn't received the memo! (It snowed here several days the first week of this month.)

While I love the season of winter, I'm definitely ready for a change in the climate. Getting out in nature is one of the primary ways I receive inspiration. However, I admit that I'm a fair-weather hiker, so heavy rain will always keep me inside. Until we see drier weather, I guess it's more writing & reading...and Pilates, for me! (Photo from our common area.)

Storyteller's Journey

Missing My Friends

During my battle with cancer, one of the things I missed the most was seeing my friends. It wasn't that I couldn't see them, but my symptoms of weakness, fatigue, nausea, etc. made it difficult to spend quality time with my friends.

During the last year, I've always felt their love and support, even though I wasn't able to physically be with them. However, every day I grow stronger, and feel better. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with my friends very soon. Many of my friends are also writers - or at least lovers of literature. I've missed conversations about the writing and reading journey we're each travelling. Friends are what life is all about! 

Storyteller's Journey

In my little library.

     Persevering

It's been a year since I first experienced symptoms of cancer; it's been a long, difficult process. Through all the chemotherapy, CAT scans and other tests, writing seemed to get pushed to the back of my mind.

However, since the holidays, I've managed to work on two projects:

1- The second book in my Livvi Biddle Time Travel Tales is outlined, and the first three chapters have been penned. I had hoped to complete more of that manuscript, but it is what it is.

2- During the January snowstorm we experienced, another Lindstrom Wintertime Tale dropped into my mind. I'm thrilled that another book in out series of illustrated short stories is in the works.

Getting back to my normal writing routine and daily wordcount is proving to be a work in progress. I'm still weak and tired most days but getting stronger a little bit at a time. Wish me luck persevering!

Storyteller's Journey

Surviving Cancer

Recently, I completed my final chemotherapy infusion, followed by a couple of weeks of chemo pills. Unfortunately, I ended up getting severely dehydrated and was hospitalized due to the severe side effects of the treatment. Thankfully, I'm on the mend, though very weak. I'm so grateful for all the kind messages, cards, and even flowers from so many of my dear friends and family. You have no idea what they meant in the midst of my health storm.

While I'm thankful to have completed my chemotherapy, I won't know for months if every cell of cancer was clobbered. Still, I'm going forward with my life believing that I'm cancer-free.

Next week I'll give you an update on my writing over this challenging time. Believe it or not, I was actually able to work on a project.