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!

Storyteller's Journey

Spring Break!

I'll be taking a break to hopefully enjoy the spring sunshine. Gardening, hiking, and reconnecting with my friends are at the top of my list. (We also still need to work on finishing the landscaping around our house.)

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter.

Wishing each of you a sensational spring season!

Storyteller's Journey

Hurry up, Spring!

While the calendar indicates that spring is just around the corner, the weather in the Pacific Northwest hasn't received the memo! (It snowed here several days the first week of this month.)

While I love the season of winter, I'm definitely ready for a change in the climate. Getting out in nature is one of the primary ways I receive inspiration. However, I admit that I'm a fair-weather hiker, so heavy rain will always keep me inside. Until we see drier weather, I guess it's more writing & reading...and Pilates, for me! (Photo from our common area.)

Storyteller's Journey

Missing My Friends

During my battle with cancer, one of the things I missed the most was seeing my friends. It wasn't that I couldn't see them, but my symptoms of weakness, fatigue, nausea, etc. made it difficult to spend quality time with my friends.

During the last year, I've always felt their love and support, even though I wasn't able to physically be with them. However, every day I grow stronger, and feel better. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with my friends very soon. Many of my friends are also writers - or at least lovers of literature. I've missed conversations about the writing and reading journey we're each travelling. Friends are what life is all about! 

Storyteller's Journey

In my little library.

     Persevering

It's been a year since I first experienced symptoms of cancer; it's been a long, difficult process. Through all the chemotherapy, CAT scans and other tests, writing seemed to get pushed to the back of my mind.

However, since the holidays, I've managed to work on two projects:

1- The second book in my Livvi Biddle Time Travel Tales is outlined, and the first three chapters have been penned. I had hoped to complete more of that manuscript, but it is what it is.

2- During the January snowstorm we experienced, another Lindstrom Wintertime Tale dropped into my mind. I'm thrilled that another book in out series of illustrated short stories is in the works.

Getting back to my normal writing routine and daily wordcount is proving to be a work in progress. I'm still weak and tired most days but getting stronger a little bit at a time. Wish me luck persevering!

Storyteller's Journey

Surviving Cancer

Recently, I completed my final chemotherapy infusion, followed by a couple of weeks of chemo pills. Unfortunately, I ended up getting severely dehydrated and was hospitalized due to the severe side effects of the treatment. Thankfully, I'm on the mend, though very weak. I'm so grateful for all the kind messages, cards, and even flowers from so many of my dear friends and family. You have no idea what they meant in the midst of my health storm.

While I'm thankful to have completed my chemotherapy, I won't know for months if every cell of cancer was clobbered. Still, I'm going forward with my life believing that I'm cancer-free.

Next week I'll give you an update on my writing over this challenging time. Believe it or not, I was actually able to work on a project.