Storyteller's Journey

The Happy Prince
and Other Tales

by Oscar Wilde

Back Cover Description:

Beneath the surface of these beautifully written tales lies a world of quiet, sorrow, moral clarity, and deep human compassion. In this classic collection, Oscar Wilde presents five timeless stories that explore love, sacrifice, friendship, and vanity through poetic allegory and gentle irony.

Fom the golden statue who gives everything for the suffering people below, to the nightingale who dies for a rose that goes unappreciated, each story reveals the beauty - and tragedy - of true kindness.

My Thoughts: 

This little tome is a lovely ode to kindness and love - and it's perfect for readers from the ages of eight to eighty. Today marks the 172nd birthday of Oscar Wilde, so it's a great day to showcase his anthology.

Storyteller's Journey

Learning from a Legend

Earlier this week my husband and I attended a fundraiser for FVRL - our local library. The special guest speaker was the award-winning author, Amy Tan. Learning from talented writers is always inspirational for me, and hearing Ms. Tan was no exception. She shared about how in 2016 the racism targeted at Asian women had hit her hard. She'd found solace in taking an art class to learn how to draw the birds in her own backyard. And draw them she did! She filled journals with her amazing renditions. 

Those journals became the #1 New York Times Best Seller: The Backyard Bird Chronicles. Over the last ten years, Ms. Tan has observed and documented over 60 bird species near her home in Marin County, California. In the process, she transformed her backyard into a protected avian habitat. I actually purchased this little tome a couple of months ago, so I took my copy to the dinner to have her sign it. If you're a lover of nature, this beautiful book should not be missed!

The old quote says: Never meet your heroes. However, when I met Amy Tan, she was delightful, humble, and funny. While we briefly talked, my husband chatted with her husband Lou DeMattei just to Amy's right - he was hilarious! All in all, we had a fantastic night at the FVRL Authors & Illustrators dinner.

Storyteller's Journey

Plot Twist - A Memoir on Writing

by Harlan Coben

Flap Copy Description:

With 100 million books in print worldwide and over twenty blockbuster television and film adaptations of his work, Harlan Coben has much to teach us about the creative process. Part deep personal memoir, part storytelling seminar, Plot Twist is a refreshingly honest look at the life of a writer whose stories have thrilled us for decades...

My Thoughts:

While Mr. Coben is a super successful author, I must confess that this is the first Harlan Coben book I've read. However (like so many others) I discovered the uber-talented writer through his made-for-TV mystery thrillers. When I listened to him on a podcast, I was fascinated by his life, and by his approach to his craft. I just had to read his new book!

From his pragmatic approach to writing, to his quirky Jewish family (which includes the Kosher Nostra!), this is one of the few books I've read on writing that was not only insightful, but entertaining. He also reveals a few of his secrets to those incredible finales for which he's so famous. He included numerous inspirational quotes, which was cool for me since I love quotes. Here is one that he mentioned over and over: "If it helps me produce pages, good. If it doesn't, bad."  My personal favorite: "Amateurs wait for the muse to arrive; the rest of us just go to work." (Attributed to many authors.)

I highly recommend Plot Twist to anyone who aspires to be an author, and to established authors as well!

Storyteller's Journey

Autumn's Arrived!

After a fun-filled and productive summer, autumn has finally arrived. It's my favorite season here in the Pacific Northwest.

Gray rain clouds bring on a cozy feeling of spending time inside reading, writing, and enjoying a mug of hot coffee or apple cider.

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter which includes an exciting update on my current work in progress.

Wishing everyone a fantastic fall season!

Storyteller's Journey

The Summer of '26
 

After our spring trip to Scandinavia, we spent most of our summer close to home. The black-tailed deer herd that resides on our property is always a joy to behold.

Spending time with our sweet granddaughter Adeline is one of our favorite things to do. She's very curious and loves to be outdoors. She also loves to be creative. The day I took this photo Adeline had another art lesson with her oil-painter grandfather, Michael. 

🥀

Speaking of oil painting, serving as a model for my husband is something I regularly do. Believe me, I'm the last person who should be a model! (Pictured here: Victoria in Blue Dress - 12 X 16 - Michael Lindstrom.) 

Attending the summer concerts of MIDNIGHT THEORY was also something we enjoyed doing. Our son, David, plays the bass guitar for the band. (He's pictured on the far left.) Great music!

Catching up with my longtime friend, Laura, is always special. She has an English degree from UCLA and is a former editor for a NYC magazine - she keeps me on my toes! We enjoyed a luncheon not far from her riverside home.

In August we travelled to Olympia, WA, to visit my cousin Jill, and her husband, Mike. Since they live in the Bremerton area, and we live in SW Washington, meeting in the middle works well. So much fun!

Later in August, I took my dear friend and book formatter, Kriston, out to lunch along the Columbia River. It was a great way to celebrate the publication of my new novel A VIGIL IN VENICE.
 

Obviously, this is a blog about my writing journey, and yes, I wrote a lot this summer! So far, the first draft of book 4 of The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle is over half done. Stay tuned for more updates!

Storyteller's Journey

Photo credit: CNN

Never Forget

Twenty-five years ago today, America changed forever. It was one of those days that was not only horrendous, but that defined our collective view of the world forever. Many have compared it to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. I've blogged about 9/11 many times, but the post that still resonates with me, was when I wrote about my visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City over a decade ago. Click here to read that post.

Remembering and honoring all those who lost their lives on that day, and years later. May their memories be a blessing.

Book Release

It's Book Release Day!

When I first envisioned my time-travel middle grade series about a young protagonist named Livvi Biddle, it was back in 2012! Now, the third book in the series is finally being released! It's taken two extensive trips to Europe, a ton of online research, the reading of numerous books, and the collaboration of a number of talented and creative partners. 
(Not the least of which was my fine artist husband, Michael Lindstrom.)

Click here, if you're interested in purchasing my latest novel.

As always, thanks for your continued support!

Storyteller's Journey

It's Summertime!

After a busy spring, it feels like summer crept up on me. That being said, after Independence Day, I'll begin drafting book four in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle. Consequently, I'll be taking my usual summer break from blogging; I'll be back in September just in time to announce the release of A Vigil in Venice - Book 3.

Stay tuned for news on the release of A Vigil in Venice!

I recently returned from my Scandinavian Adventure, where among other things, I did a bit of research for my next book. I've included a few photos in my recent newsletter. 

Click here to read the quarterly newsletter to learn about the trip and other author news.

Wishing each of you a fantastic summer season!

For all the fathers and father figures out there: Happy Father's Day!

Storyteller's Journey

Public Domain Photo

Most of my blog posts for Storyteller's Journey include the daily routine of my life as a writer. But nearly every year, I go on an actual trip. I'll be stepping away from my blog while my husband and I visit Scandinavia.

After a brief stay in Denmark, we'll travel to Sweden. We'll visit friends in Eslov, I'll do some research at Varnhem Abbey in Skara, we'll travel to Stockholm, and later, we'll visit the Lindstrom Family ancestral home near Mora. This is also where the Anders Zorn Museum is located, which we're anxious to visit.

After leaving Sweden, we'll travel to Oslo, Norway, and take the Norway in a Nutshell Tour to Bergen. One set of my maternal great-grandparents emigrated from that area. (I also had a set of French great-grandparents, and two sets of British great-grandparents.)

I'll be sure to post about the trip and how it ties in to Book Four of 
The Time Travel Tales of LIVVI BIDDLE!

By the way, I'm all set with some reading material for our trip!

Storyteller's Journey

If you follow this blog, even occasionally, you're aware that I'm working on a seven-book fantasy series for middle grade readers. It's called The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle.

The third novel in the series is entitled, A Vigil in Venice. It will be released this autumn.

If you'd like to learn about the inspiration for the series or view the book covers and trailers for each book, check out my blog page: LIVVI BIDDLE.

If you'd like to visit my website, click here: www.victorialindstrom.com 

You can also subscribe for my quarterly newsletter on my website!

Storyteller's Journey

The Path to an Enriched Existence

Nature has long been my main muse when it comes to writing. Since I write stories for children, it's probably no surprise. Memories of hiking, bicycling, and swimming at a local lake are never far from my mind when I'm enjoying Mother Nature.

The photo above, is of a pond in our Common Area that I enjoy visiting. Now that it's spring, spending time there certainly reminds me of sunny days as a child in the out of doors. It also inspires new ideas for my children's book series, since my protagonist, Livvi Biddle, spends loads of time in the natural world. With our society so enthralled with cell phones, streaming sites, and artificial intelligence, it behooves all of us to encourage children to spend more time with Mother Nature.

Science has proven that spending even a little bit of daily time in nature improves not only our physical health, but also our mental health. It reduces stress and enhances happiness. Mother Nature also provides us with a sense of satisfaction and gratitude for our lives.

With everyone seeking the secret to an abundant life, spending time in the natural world is really the path to an enriched existence. Spending time in the out of doors with the children in your life is one of the best gifts you can give to them. (In addition to reading to them, of course!)

"It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement: the greatest source of visual beauty, the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living." Sir David Attenborough He turns 100 today!

Storyteller's Journey

Society's Secret Weapon

Much of April I was in bed battling pneumonia. In addition to reading and resting, I reflected a lot about why I write stories for children, and not adults. I love reading all sorts of books, including adult novels and memoirs. That being said, as a little girl, reading children's books had an immense impact on me; ultimately, it helped me set my own personal philosophy of life.

I believe children's books are society's secret weapon. 

When a child learns ideas about life at an early age, she begins to critically think for herself. She begins to have her own opinions. She begins to understand that the world is a place with different kinds of people - with different customs - all deserving love and kindness. 

I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say online, or even in person, "Oh, she (or he) just writes children's books." The implication being that children's literature is of lesser value than adult literature.

Here are a few quotes from award-winning authors:

"As great scientists have said and as all children know, it is above all by the imagination that we achieve perception, compassion, and hope." Ursula Le Guin

"A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.

C. S. Lewis

"Anyone who writes down to children is simply wasting his time. You have to write up, not down."

E. B. White

"Fairytales do not tell children that dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairytales tell children that dragons can be killed." G. K. Chesterton

"I don't want to write for adults. I want to write for readers who can perform miracles. Only children perform miracles when they read."

Astrid Lindgren

Encouraging children to read - whatever they choose - is the best way for a society to create a more compassionate, curious, and responsible generation for tomorrow. It will also create the kind of leaders our country so desperately needs.

Storyteller's Journey

My Book Trailer!

While my very first book trailer was created by a professional videographer, for my last several novels I've created my own with iMovie.

Check out my book trailer for A Vigil in Venice

BOOK Three in The Time Travel Tales of LIVVI BIDDLE!

Subscribe to my quarterly newsletter on the CONTACT PAGE at

www.victorialindstrom.com 

Storyteller's Journey

An Early Earth Day!

This photo of Earth, taken by the crew of Artemis II, is just exquisite. It's such a beautiful photo of our planet.

When NASA launched the first crewed flight of the Artemis program for a lunar flyby on April 1st, a new era had dawned for the space program of the U.S.A. Watching their launch from Kennedy Space Center had me in tears - and again at splashdown, near San Diego, California.

While the mission made history on so many levels, what caught my attention was the eloquent way each of the four astronauts spoke about their experience while still in space:

"You can see the entire globe from pole to pole...it was the most spectacular moment, and it paused all four of us in our tracks." Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, 4/2/26

"You guys are talking to us because we're in a spaceship really far from Earth, but you're on a spaceship called Earth that was created to give us a place in the universe." Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover, 4/5/26

"No matter where you're from or what you look like - we're all one people." Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen - first Canadian astronaut to travel to the vicinity of the Moon.

"When we burned the burn towards the moon, I said that we do not leave Earth, but we choose it. And that is true...But ultimately, we will always choose Earth. We will always choose each other." Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

"Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known." Carl Sagan

Photo Credit: NASA

Storyteller's Journey

COVER REVEAL!

Over Spring Break I spent time doing a variety of things, the most important amongst them was to finalize the cover for my next middle grade novel, A Vigil in Venice, the third book in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle. (It will be the seventh book I've had published.) Many thanks to my artist husband, Michael Lindstrom, for the beautiful cover art! He's been the artist for all my books. Thanks, Lindy!
 

I also owe a BIG thank you to my dear friend, fellow author, and book formatter, Kriston Clark. She, too, has had a hand in all my books. It's been quite a journey, girlfriend!

The book trailer reveal is coming soon!

Storyteller's Journey

It's Time for Spring Break!

I'll be taking a hiatus from blogging to catch up on a number of things; those include spending time with my granddaughter, catching up on my TBR list, and working on my next book release. With the weather already warming up, I also plan to spend more time in Nature. (We do have a vacation planned later in the season.) I'll be back on Writ of Whimsy sometime in April.

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter!

Wishing you a sensational spring season!

Storyteller's Journey

My To-Be-Read List

I love to read poetry, and when it includes some of the poet's own artwork, it's even better. I recently purchased this copy of CHRISTINA ROSSETTI Poetry In Art; I can't wait to enjoy this beautiful book!

I love to read a variety of genres, but since I write middle grade stories, I read a lot of children's books. However, I also enjoy Young Adult Fantasy among other types of books. THE WINTER GARDEN by Alexandra Bell looks to be just the ticket for my next serious read!

The SEASONAL QUARTET by author-printmaker Angela Harding is a beautiful collection of books celebrating the beauty of nature and wildlife. When I discovered these books online, I just had to purchase them, even though they shipped from England. (I must be channeling the British branch of my ancestry since all these books are by English authors!)

What's on your to-be-read list?

Storyteller's Journey

 A Walk in the Woods

Earlier this week, I ventured out into our Common Area that I affectionately call, the Thirty-acre Wood. It was a dry, clear, comfortable day for a walk. It was one of those late-winter days that teases you with a hint of spring. As I've mentioned many times here on Writ of Whimsy, nature is my main muse. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our time out in the local countryside.

This pond is one of two that we enjoy in the Common Area. I've blogged a few times before about this extraordinary slice of nature; but seeing it through the seasons offers a new perspective each time I visit.

This lovely creek runs through the picturesque acreage. The crimson leaves still visible on the distant deciduous trees will soon be replaced with greenery with the arrival of spring.

The creek widens and deepens as it proceeds through the woods. The sun appeared briefly while we continued on our walk. It felt invigorating to be out since it had been weeks since I'd visited this beautiful hinterland.

This historic covered bridge was built in 1898 and is only accessible by residents of our local neighborhood. It allows walkers and horseback riders to enjoy both sides of the creek which makes for a nice long walk or horse ride.

Spending time in Nature always inspires my writing! 

What inspires you to create?

Storyteller's Journey

Livvi Biddle Art!

One of the most enjoyable parts of being an author, as well as a small publisher, is working with my illustrator-husband, fine artist, Michael Lindstrom. Here are a few images for the cover art and upcoming book trailer for my MG fantasy novel: A Vigil in Venice.

In each of the novels of my seven-book middle grade fantasy series, The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle, the protagonist goes back in time and meets an iconic historical figure. In Book 3 - A Vigil in Venice, that figure is Antonio Vivaldi. Since the "Red Priest" was not only a famous composer, but a violin virtuoso, this image will work well in the video book trailer. (All images copyright, Michael Lindstrom Art.)

This image will also work well for the book trailer. The Campanile, or bell tower, in the background beyond a small canal, is an icon in St. Mark's Square. It was completed over 150 years before the birth of Vivaldi. (The top image will be the insert art for my upcoming book. See the previous book covers on right.)

Stay tuned for more updates, including the book trailer!

Storyteller's Journey

Update on Livvi Biddle

As I continue to revise the manuscript for Book 3 of The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle, I also composed a flap copy description. I thought those of you who are interested in my journey as a writer might find it interesting. The time-travel portion of the middle grade novel is set in Venice, Italy. Here's the current description of A Vigil in Venice:

Traveling back in time to 18th Century Venice, Italy, turned out to be a more menacing experience than Livvi Biddle ever expected! While the girls from Chilcott's Academy of Creativity did meet Antonio Vivaldi (the famous composer and violinist) as they'd planned, what they didn't plan was to become permanent residents of the Ospedale della Pietà - an orphanage! Meanwhile, the Legion of Dark Angels were still on the hunt for Livvi Biddle; they caused havoc to the Biddle household by intimidating Sadie and Granny to reveal Livvi's whereabouts...with truly disastrous consequences. Will the girls from Steamboat Landing escape the Venetian orphanage? Can the Dark Angels be successfully dealt with? Trouble seems to follow Livvi and her pals whether they're in the present or the past!

When I traveled to Europe in 2014, Venice, Italy, was one of my favorite cities. Of all the places we visited and researched that summer, it was the spot that seemed to hold its history the most. It was as though I had stepped back in time like my protagonist! From the Venetian Lagoon to St. Mark's Square, to the extraordinary architecture, the beauty is otherworldly.  

Stay tuned for more updates, including the cover art!

Storyteller's Journey

What the World Needs Now...

Since the beginning of 2026, there have been a number of significant stories in the news - most of them negative. However, witnessing Americans defend Bad Bunny, support Savannah Guthrie's search for her missing mom, and donate to World Central Kitchen to help Gaza, have all, at least the for the moment, reminded me of the power of love.

Enjoy this timeless song from Jackie DeShannon in 1965:

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Storyteller's Journey

My 15th Blogiversary!

Fifteen years ago this week, I began Writ of Whimsy. This is the photo I featured with my first blog post back in February 2011. In the ensuing years I've had six children's books published, moved to another town, become a grandmother, traveled to numerous countries, survived cancer, and lost loved ones. So much has happened in those fifteen years.
 

That being said, so much has remained the same. Spending time in nature is still the main inspiration for my writing. Moving to our rural property - Fern Hill - nearly five years ago, was a dream come true. During these challenging times I find refuge amongst the tall evergreen trees that surround our home.

I've learned so much about life from the beautiful black-tailed deer that live on our property. Their simple and peaceful lives remind me that contentment is found with family, friends, and Mother Nature.

To mark this anniversary milestone for my blog, I've donated to Kids for Peace. Given the dark days we're all living through right now, I felt I wanted to focus on a global organization whose mission is peace.

Storyteller's Journey

This is Not a Dystopian Novel

Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley; 1984, by George Orwell; and It Can't Happen Here, by Sinclair Lewis, are three of the most well-known dystopian novels of the 20th Century.

Lest we forget, here is the definition of Dystopian:

An imagined, often futuristic society characterized by dehumanization, oppression, fear, and misery, where life is as bad as possible.

That being made clear, what we all are living through, particularly in Minneapolis, is not a dystopian novel. The abhorrent killing, violence, lawlessness, disrespect, and chaos is really occurring, though it feels like a nightmare from which we're unable to awaken. 

For my younger followers, here are two young adult dystopian novels:

"Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth." William Faulkner 

Storyteller's Journey

An illustration by Michael Lindstrom from The Scandinavian Santa

When Fantasy Meets Reality

Last fall, my husband and I booked a trip to Scandinavia. We had hoped to take it in 2023 to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, but cancer intervened.

So, we'll be visiting Denmark, Sweden, and Norway for fifteen days in late spring. We also want to research our ancestral roots - mine in Norway and Michael's in Sweden. A final reason for the trip is that the fourth book in my middle grade fantasy series takes place, at least in part, in Sweden. I look forward to researching Varnhem Abbey.

What began as an exciting adventure to anticipate, has now turned into a situation that we must monitor. The current state of affairs with Denmark, Greenland, and our other NATO Allies, has us cautious about visiting that extraordinary corner of the world. So far, I've been able to conduct research in the featured country for each of my books in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle. Seeing a sign on the news, "Yankee Go Home!" is quite disconcerting...but totally understandable.