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.