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!