Bibliophile's Corner

I am Jane Goodall
by Brad Meltzer

Synopsis:

After receiving a stuffed animal chimpanzee for her first birthday, Jane Goodall's love of animals only grew. She saw what humans and animals had in common, not what makes us different, and used that to advocate for animal rights everywhere, becoming famous for her work with chimpanzees.

My Thoughts:

With the passing of Jane Goodall earlier this week, I felt I could honor her in one small way by featuring this book review. I love how one little incident - Jane receiving a stuffed animal chimpanzee on her first birthday - reverberated through her entire life. The book includes Dr. Goodall's thirst for knowledge, her passion for curiosity, and her love of our planet and its creatures. My own granddaughter celebrated her first birthday yesterday; this book will definitely be read to her very soon! This title is the tenth book in the series: Ordinary People Change the World by Brad Meltzer & illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. I highly recommend I am Jane Goodall to children up to seven years of age.

Storyteller's Journey

Livvi Biddle's Road Trip!

Since my husband and I had a road trip planned for the end of summer, I decided to take Livvi Biddle with us too! Below are the places that she visited, as well as a few added tidbits. Along the way, we met some really interesting and wonderful people!

Our first stop was Boise, Idaho. I'd not been to Boise since I was a little girl. We only stopped there as the place that would set us up to head south to our intended destinations. However, the hotel gave us a room with a view, so we had a delightful time on the deck overlooking the city! 

Leaving Boise on our way south, we stopped at Salt Lake City, Utah. I'd never been to that city, but unfortunately, we didn't have much time to spend on our tight schedule. When we left on September 9th, we drove through Orem and Provo on our way to Zion National Park. It wasn't until two days later that we realized we'd been in the general area of the abhorrent assassination of Charlie Kirk. The words of Governor Cox were good to hear.

As I mentioned two weeks ago, one of our best stays was at the Novel House Inn in Springdale, Utah next to the Zion National Park. Being in a literary setting was such a treat! The park itself was breathtaking; in some ways it felt magical. Livvi loved it! 😀

Our next stop was the Grand Canyon in Arizona. We'd been there twice before, but since we were headed to Flagstaff, we decided to visit it again. It's one of those special sites that you have a hard time wrapping your head around. Pictures just can't do it justice. If you've never been there, you really should plan a visit. Be sure to stay at El Tovar and visit the Hopi House. Spectacular!

We finally reached Flagstaff, AZ, one of our planned destinations since our nephew was getting married there. Prior to the trip, I'd booked this cabin because it was super-close to the wedding venue. Since we once owned a cabin, I thought it would be fun. Unfortunately, when we pulled up to the place, a dude sat in a rocker at a nearby cabin playing loud banjo music on a radio! No joke! Livvi didn't enjoy that very much. 😄

One of my favorite towns is Sedona, AZ. This time we stayed at an extraordinary place: El Portal. The hotel is filled with art, books, and antiques. It's also across the street from the world-famous Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. Needless to say, this was the best lodging spot on our trip! https://elportalsedona.com/

By the time we got to Phoenix, AZ, the temperature was over 100 degrees! I'm really not a fan of temperatures over 85 degrees; thankfully, my brother has a pool - so Livvi and I went swimming! 🏊The reason for this stop, was not only to see my brother, but to retrieve items I'd inherited last year. We had a lovely time catching up with my brother Don; he could be a stand-up comedian! When we left, we were towing my things in a U-Haul trailer behind us.

Visiting Yosemite National Park in Central California has been on my bucket list for a long time. Since we were heading north after leaving Phoenix, we made a point to include that special spot. Like the Grand Canyon, pictures just don't do Yosemite justice. If you ever visit, be sure to take in Yosemite Valley, that's where you can get a great overview of the park. That's what we did, since we only had a day and a half to spend there. It was epic!

When we arrived in Medford, Oregon, it was beginning to feel like home. While the trees were mostly pine, a few Douglas fir and cedar were beginning to appear. What we realized was how much we'd missed; we needed to take another trip to visit the Redwoods, Sequoia, and Crater Lake National Parks! Livvi agreed. 😀

By the time we reached our home in Washington State, we'd traveled over 3100 miles through five states! What we learned, once again, is that people are the same wherever you go. By in large, the folks we met were incredible, even fascinating. Travel has a way of reminding you of that fact. Maybe that's why I chose to feature a different country in each novel of The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle. 

 

Storyteller's Journey

The Arrival of Autumn!

As I write this post, I'm sitting in 100-degree weather in Phoenix! However, the calendar still says it's nearly autumn like it is back home in the Pacific Northwest. We'll be home by 9/20/25. Our road trip began nearly two weeks ago; its purpose to attend a wedding and to retrieve the items I inherited last winter after my mother's passing in Arizona. I also used the trip as a tour with my new middle grade book: Nimbus Over Normandy.

Check my post next week for a detailed account of my trip!

In the meantime, check out my recent quarterly newsletter here.

Wishing you each an awesome autumn season!

Storyteller's Journey

The Novel House Inn

Earlier this week we had the pleasure of staying at the Novel House Inn at Zion! What an amazing experience to see Zion National Park and to stay at an inn dedicated to novelists!

We stayed in the Rudyard Kipling room - so cool! It was complete with a four-poster bed that included a mosquito net, antique furniture, and jungle paintings; everything you'd expect to encounter in India of a bygone era.  Learn more about the Novel House Inn here.  

(Livvi Biddle was thrilled to visit this extraordinary location in Utah. In two weeks, I'll include some of the other spots she experienced along the way on our road trip!)

All in all, the majesty of Zion National Park was something that astounded me. It's not just the immensity of it, but the fact it goes on and on. We wished we had more time to spend in Zion - it brought me to tears.

Storyteller's Journey

My New Novel Just Released!

Last Tuesday, Sept. 2nd, my new middle grade novel NIMBUS OVER NORMANDY released! It's the second book in my fantasy series: The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle.

Here is a brief synopsis in flap-copy style:

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

If you think you or a young person you know may be interested in reading my book, click the link here to connect you to my Amazon Page.  It's available in hardback, paperback, and e-book.

Thanks for all your support!

Below are a few more images of the book, as well as the first book in the series: THE SIBYLLINE SCROLL.

Thanks for all your interest and support over the years!

Storyteller's Journey

Time for Summer Vacation!

Each summer I take a break from blogging; this will be my last post until September. My son, Kevin, will arrive soon from Colombia, while my youngest son, Brian, will arrive from the East Coast next month. We're looking forward to having the entire family together which happens so rarely! In addition to those visits, my husband and I will take a six-state road trip, including a wedding in Flagstaff, Arizona, later this summer.

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter.

Stay tuned for the release of Nimbus Over Normandy!

Wishing each of you a sensational summer season!

Storyteller's Journey

My Summer Reading List

Each summer I attempt to catch up on my TBR (to-be-read) list; pictured on the left, are the books on my list this summer. Two books of poetry, two middle grade novels, one YA novel, and one biography/research book. I've always enjoyed a wide variety of genres when it comes to my taste in books...this is a great example of that. Since we'll be taking a super-long road trip later this summer, I have plenty to keep me busy.

Enjoy a great book this summer. Happy reading, everyone!

Storyteller's Journey

Inspired by a Legend!

Last month, my husband Michael and I were lucky enough to attend the Outlaw Tour in nearby Ridgefield, WA. Michael has long been a fan of Bob Dylan; he enjoys painting in his studio to his music. Through the years, I too, have enjoyed Mr. Dylan's music, particularly how he has a way with words. It's no wonder that he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016!

It just happened to be Mr. Dylan's 84th birthday on the day of the concert. Like the true artist that he is, his performance included reinventions of his own music. It was spectacular! Watching him perform gave me not only a sense of nostalgia, but a huge amount of inspiration. As Dylan wrote, I hope to "stay forever young!"

"Inspiration is hard to come by. You have to take it where you find it." Bob Dylan

Storyteller's Journey

My Alter Ego

Like many creative types, I've dabbled in other forms of art than my main passion of writing children's books. Over the years, photography has been the one that I most enjoy.

The above photo was made several years ago and is entitled Astoria Dock. This one on the left, was created in my old neighborhood and is called simply, Railroad Tracks. Its location is along a rural highway next to the Columbia River; the tracks are featured in my fantasy series: The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle.

While I'm an amateur photographer at best, I enjoy composing iconic images using black and white photography.

The Oregon Coast is one of our favorite places to visit. This image was created several years ago near Astoria, Oregon and is entitled Jetty - Pacific Ocean.

This image is called Covered Bridge and was made more recently in the Common Area of the private neighborhood where we now live in Venersborg, WA. This subject is not only one of my favorites, but my husband, Michael's as well. An oil painting of the bridge hangs in our kitchen area.

The old horse bridge serves as a gathering place for the neighbors each summer.

Sometimes when you're creating art, in whatever genre, you get lucky. That's what happened when I saw my husband Michael sitting on the terrace next to me last month at the Maryhill Museum of Art. The only thing I did was move his glass of wine, framed and focused the image, and created this photograph. I call it simply, Lindy, my husband's nickname.

I hope you have a passion for an art form that you enjoy!

Storyteller's Journey

Tying Up Loose Ends

As I proceed on my path to publication this autumn, there are a plethora of tasks to tackle as an independent author. Here are the items that I've completed so far:

1- Complete, revise, & edit my manuscript. 

2- Acquire a cover artist & designer, as well as a book formatter.

3- Have a cover reveal, several times.

4- Listen to my manuscript via the "Speak" feature on Word.

5- Clean up my manuscript for unwanted spaces; helps book formatter!

6- Create a book trailer. (See last week's post.)

7- Update my author and publisher websites.

    victorialindstrom.com    thistleberrybooks.com

Here's a list of necessary items I've not yet completed:

1- Work with my book formatter to create the actual layout of the book.

2- Acquire new bookstores to carry my book.

3- Schedule at least one book launch event.

4- Create a plan to feature my book on social networking sites.

5- PUBLISH!

Wish me luck; I'll also start writing book three next month!

Storyteller's Journey

A New Book Trailer!

This past week, I finalized the book trailer for my new middle grade novel, Nimbus Over Normandy, the second fantasy book in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle.

(View the short video below!)

While the trailer is not that elaborate, it does give young readers a sense of the style of my story, and an insight to my protagonist's precocious personality.

The trailer is just one of many steps on my path to publication.

To receive updates on the release of my book, subscribe to my quarterly newsletter at victorialindstrom.com on the CONTACT page.

Storyteller's Journey

Relax, Regroup, & Rejuvenate!

As I mentioned last week, I'm in a transition period between writing and publishing/marketing. I'm also taking some well-deserved time to simply relax, regroup, and rejuvenate.

As I've mentioned before, nature is my main muse, and enjoying the arts is my passion. When they come together it's magic! Here's a recent photo with my husband Michael before visiting the Maryhill Museum of Art in the Columbia River Gorge. Michael was a participant in the Pacific Northwest Plein Air art show, where he won an Honorable Mention Award.

While it might seem like taking this much time off unwise, I've always found that I need a "full tank" emotionally and creatively to effectively write. So, while I'm taking it easy right now, I'm still checking out some important information for my path to publication ahead. 

Emily Dickinson once said, "Write me of hope and love, and hearts that endured." To do that, we need to have tasted of those things in our own lives.

Wishing all mothers and nurturers a very Happy Mother's Day!

Storyteller's Journey

Crossing the Finish Line

This past week I finally finished my current work in progress - revisions, edits, everything! That's not to say my work is over, it's not. The formatting, publishing, and marketing all lie ahead. (Photo: Public Domain)

This transition from writer to publisher is always a bit tricky. (I'm better suited for the former!) In any event, May will be a time to regroup and relax before my path to publication is realized at the end of summer.

Stay tuned for the specific release date sometime this autumn!

Book Two

Storyteller's Journey

Being a Creative Recluse

For me to be a productive writer, I must have solitude. I'm not unique; many creatives are wired the same way. When you're a professional, a wife, and a mother, that can sometimes be a challenge. Since my three sons are all grown and out of the house, I now have more "alone time" than I once did.

Over the years my husband, who is an artist, and I have developed a system for our own time management with regards to our creativity. In the past I would take at least one week each year to attend a writer's retreat and/or a writing conference. These events were pivotal to my productivity. Likewise, my husband participated in a few art events each year that gave him time to focus on his creativity.

In the last few years, due to the pandemic, change of location, and a health challenge, some of these outside events have diminished - especially for me. However, since moving to a rural setting four years ago, I've become even more productive. It turns out that my main muse really is nature. I've become a "creative recluse" in my own home. Looking out at a dense forest as I write really fuels my imagination!

This past week, my husband Michael participated in an oil painting event. Having a week alone, felt like my own little retreat. It helps that we live on property that would rival many retreat settings.

That's not to say, I don't covet my time with my friends & family, I do. We're looking forward to a full weekend with our art pals, as well as seeing our son, daughter-in-law, and our granddaughter. 💙

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Storyteller's Journey

Creativity and Spirituality

While you don't necessarily need to be a spiritual person to be creative, I've found that for me the two are intrinsically linked. The subject of artwork versus mere craftmanship I believe is also tied to this topic. While a person who creates a set of unique bookends and other wood products may well be considered an artist, a person that creates the exact same set of bookends over and over to me is a craftsman. Both should be highly respected! 

However, the latter is a skilled woodworker, I believe the former may be both a skilled woodworker as well as an artist. You may ask, "Why?"

It stems from the artist engaging their imagination, and possibly an expression of their soul, or even their spirituality, that for me makes the difference. You may disagree, and I would totally understand. We can agree to disagree! The fact is, both a craftsman and an artist are gifted.

Our world is currently grappling with how artificial intelligence (AI) will fit into all aspects of our lives. When it comes to the arts, this is another area where I feel that an AI generated project may well be of value, but not necessarily true art - no matter how impressive it is.

When the artist's soul is infused into a project, there is a long-lasting heartfelt message left behind within the artwork. Whether you call it spirituality, imagination, or emotion, I believe that that unique element is essential to be called art.

"A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art." Paul Cezanne

Much like a person must have developed a deep sense of love, kindness, and generosity to be considered a spiritual person, not merely a person who belongs to any number of faiths or religions.

At this time each year we celebrate new life, in so many ways. Right now, our world is in great need of love, kindness, and wisdom. These entities are readily available to each of us, but we each must do the difficult work to cultivate them within our souls. May we each do our part to make our world a better place. Not only by creating great books, art, and music, but by creating something beautiful inside our own souls.

Happy Easter! Happy Passover!

Storyteller's Journey

Painting by Michael Lindstrom

As I work to put the final touches on my current work in progress: The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle - Book 2 -Nimbus Over Normandy, I'm also working to create a book trailer for it.

I've said many times before how lucky I know I am to have a fine artist for a husband! Here, Michael is pictured painting the above illustration of Claude Monet's home in Giverny, France.

I'll be sure to share the book trailer for Nimbus Over Normandy when it's complete. 

In the midst of working on multiple projects all at once, it was wonderful to get out and enjoy the sunshine last week. 

Be sure you to get outside and enjoy the spring season!  

  💐

Storyteller's Journey

Spring has Arrived!

As I've mentioned here on Writ of Whimsy before, the arrival of spring in the Pacific Northwest is no small thing; after a long dark winter, longer days and warmer temperatures bring on severe spring fever! Therefore, I'll be taking my normal Spring Break for a few weeks to garden and to just generally enjoy the out of doors.

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter.

Wishing you each a sensational spring season!
 

Storyteller's Journey

Quick Study of VL by Michael Lindstrom

   Seeking Inspiration

A few weeks ago, my artist husband Michael Lindstrom, painted this quick study of me in his studio. Since we moved into our "new" home a few years ago, it seems we've gotten into the habit of me sitting as a model for him more. I must say, it's not an easy thing to do! Thankfully, Michael doesn't require that I sit perfectly still; his expressive style is obviously way more abstract than that of a portrait painter.

While he paints, we listen to Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, or John Prine; these are some of the musicians that inspire him as he creates his art. What's interesting to me, is that since I've been sitting for Michael, I've found that I'm more inspired in my own art of creative writing.

Art on the Boulevard, a local gallery that represents both of us, has always been a big source of inspiration. Sadly, after nineteen years as a beacon of art, it will close its doors next week. (Here, we're pictured at the farewell event earlier this month.)

In the last few months, there's been a new source of prominent inspiration for me: my granddaughter Adeline! I'm newly motivated to finish my seven-book middle grade series as soon as possible. (Here she's pictured in our television room watching a little bit of the 2025 Academy Awards; she loves the Wicked soundtrack!)

Now, more than ever, it's important to focus on things that inspire our creativity. Being intentional to embrace and savor the beauty and wonder in our world not only enhances our art, but it can also, frankly, keep us healthy and sane during these dark and difficult days.