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.

Storyteller's Journey

Why Nancy Drew Books Matters

When my journey as a bibliophile first launched it began with Heidi, Pippi Longstocking, and Little Women. But soon thereafter, I discovered The Nancy Drew Mystery Stories. I would say that the effect Carolyn Keene (with all the authors that wrote under that pen name) had on me was incalculable. While the first book in the Nancy Drew Series was written even before my mother was born, the timeless friendship that Nancy and her girlfriends, Bess and George, had made a big impact on me.

During my youth, I read every book in the original 56-book collection of Nancy Drew Books. The mystery stories were fun to read, but looking back it was the friendship between the three females that meant so much to me. Today it seems that authors of middle grade novels attempt to reach every adolescent, both male and female. While that is fine for some, my desire is to create something in line with what I experienced with the friendship of Nancy Drew and her girlfriends. Our young girls today need to be reminded of the importance of supporting their "sisters." It's curious how my reading habits as an adolescent are still having an immense impact on me today as an author.