Tag Archives: writing

Bloom

Clouds, Dreams & Fantasy, Things to ponder...., , , , , ,

As seeds lay under the soil until condition are right,
so my next work has been slowly preparing to unfurl.

My first blog post for January, I said:

with a clean slate
and a grateful heart
I have a new start

I decided to end 2022 closing a chapter I’ve referred to as my Pandemic writing. Previously, I’ve shared little about Covid or its effect on me, in my writings. Mostly due to recognizing each of us went through this time in our history, yet each dealt with the Pandemic individually. Life continued, but in uncharted ways. Births, deaths, weddings, illness, moves, loneliness, fears and uncertainties still happened. There was no correct way to process the last couple of years. Because the impact resides within each of us, we all have a story to tell. 

My story is a collection of writings, short stories, short shorts, and some poetry. Covid opened the door for me to connect with other writers from around the world. Some groups offered writing prompts, others met via Zoom or on Facebook. It was a time to draw deep into my feelings and thoughts. Sometimes I was surprised at what rose to the surface. 

The time has come to allow these writings to become part of my works. Currently, much of my time is dedicated to completing this project. 

Title to be disclosed later.

How did living through the Pandemic effect you? Please share your responses in the comments. There are no incorrect responses, only your experience.

Just in Time

Finding the Way Home, , ,

Are you finding yourself wanting to snuggle in on a cool evening and read a book? Are you thinking about a gift for a reader?

Finding the Way Home may be just what you’re looking for and it’s available on Amazon.

by Linda L. Flynn
Genre: Juvenile Fiction/Girls & Women
Fiction/Contemporary Women
Price $17.99

Finding the Way Home, Book 2 of the Rosethorn series is a fictional story. You’ll reconnect with Liz, returning from Paris, where she discovered her passion and planned her future. Quickly, her high expectations were dashed as she discovers the plans she and Eric set in motion were unravelling. Life happens. Just like it does to you and me. The messiness of relationships and family issues unresolved threaten to undo Liz. She discovers an inner strength and confidence while navigating these challenges. Finding the Way Home invites you to shadow Liz as she matures and refines the dreams for her future. In the process, she learns, sometimes one must face the past to unlock their potential. Much of this story uses the Colorado Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. This environment allows the reader to discover the richness of natural beauty and friendships found there.

And yes, the cover is a photo from the Roaring Fork Valley.

After reading the book, please leave a review, or leave a comment here. I’d enjoy hearing from you.

Arriving before the end of the year…

Finding the Way Home, , , , ,

Finding the Way Home, Book 2 of the Rosethorn series by Linda L Flynn.

This is a fictional story and will be available later this year. They say “All good things come to those who wait.” For those of you who read Dream Glasses and have been waiting for the sequel, thank you for your patience.

It’s editing, layout and then final editing time. 

In Finding the Way Home, you pick up with Liz returning home from Paris with high expectations for all the future will hold. Before leaving the airport, it becomes obvious the plans she and Eric had set in motion are unravelling. Life happens. Just like to it does to me and you. The messiness of relationships and unresolved family issues threated to undo Liz. Finding the Way Home invites you to shadow Liz as she matures and refines the dreams for her future. Much of this story uses the Colorado Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. In this environment, you will discover the richness of natural beauty and friendships found there. 

Visit the Sign Me Up page to be one of the first notified when this book is available.

This time of the year…

Things to ponder...., , , , ,
What’s your shiny object?

While holiday songs fill the airwaves and pine fragrances permeate the air, I find my days filled with decorating, getting holiday letters written, gifts for children and grandchildren to be mailed. With those things going on, my personal pattern finds my mind pulled to evaluating the year’s writing goals, and developing plans for the next year. This trend has been consistent, and you’d think I would expect it instead of finding it to be an annual surprise.

Reflecting on 2021 writing was an interesting project. My major goals were accomplished. I have “first drafts” of three distinctly different writing pieces completed. It also means many hours of editing, creating cover designs and proof copies will fill 2022.

Be on the lookout for upcoming information on:

  • The sequel to Dream Glasses, which is Finding the Way Home. Liz returns from Paris excited to start the future she has planned, only to discover life doesn’t always move in the direction we expect.
  • A collection of short stories, poetry and little quips—Clouds. Most of this writing occurred during COVID, and was inspired by various writing communities I am involved with. The inspiration and camaraderie of like-minded artists is invaluable to me.
  • A children’s story, Charley’s Great Adventure. The story of Charley the Chipmunk on his first big outing without his mom. He’s excited, he’s nervous—and he’s totally unprepared for what he encounters. How does he react to a fearful situation, to knowing he failed to follow his mother’s advice?

On the less than stellar accomplishments, my commitment to write as regularly as I had in 2020 was a struggle. Between moving and connecting in a new community, there were more interruptions. My excuse “shiny objects distract me.” I’m fortunate to have another writing mentor who assures our group, even when writers are not writing, they are processing information for future writings. I take heart in her words.

As your year is winding to a close, where are your thoughts and dreams for the coming year? Did you feel stuck in 2021, or did you discover new passions and interests this year? 

Some People Say…

Things to ponder...., , , , , , ,

…2020 was the lost year.

I disagree

2020 was the year… 

I became focused

I got serious about my writing

Enjoyed contact with writers from around the world

Was challenged and encouraged

To be bold

To let the words out

To trust my voice

Learned the peace of spending time with my thoughts

Found joy in simple pleasures

Around my house

With my husband

Enjoyed time to read

And then read some more

Cooked some amazing meals

Wrote, and wrote and wrote some more

Became comfortable with Zoom and its limitations

Met other creatives who were open about their struggles during this time

Up rooted myself

Moved

Settled in to find myself surrounded by unknown plants

Doors opened to new learning 

Writing continues

Meeting neighbors and others

Continue Zoom meetings with writers

Projects progressing…

2020 was the year that continues in 2021!

Amazing Agave or Dr. Seuss Tree

Highlight of the Week

Gabriel and the Bear, , ,

This week I received notice that Gabriel and the Bear received the following award:

Award-Winning Finalist in the Juvenile Fiction category of the 2020 American Fiction Awards.

I’m excited and honored to share this information with you. Special thanks go out to my illustrator, Carol Gault whose great art contributed to the success of this book.

Story of a young boy’s first encounter with a bear

The book is available on Amazon.

If you haven’t done so already, check out this story.

Inspiration…

Things to ponder...., , , ,

Why, as the sky turns dark, and I lay my head into my pillow, do all these great thoughts and ideas come to mind? I want to sleep but instead I ponder story starts, and various scenes to add to pieces I’m writing. My body is weary, too weary to get up and write. The thoughts are so vivid I’m sure I’ll remember them the next time I sit down to write, or for sure, in the morning.

DSC00777
Night Sky

Slumber finally comes. Then when the pink glow of morning lights up the sky and the sun peaks above the horizon, my eyes slowly awaken. Gratitude for the new day and all it offers, fills my heart. But alas! Some thief snuck into my room in the night while the stars twinkled and shone. I’m certain I was considering something wonderful last night, but all those thoughts vanished. Not a remnant remains, nor is there any evidence of who took the fruit of my inspiration.

Do you have this same thief at your house?

Do you have a way to overcome this challenge?

 

 

 

Home and Writing Routines…

Things to ponder...., , , , , ,

I’ve been back in Colorado about a month now. After a few days, I adjusted to the time differences, the altitude, the night stars and different lifestyles. Remaining were the routine things around the house that needed attention, civic responsibilities and reconnecting with friends on this side of the Atlantic. It looks like it might take us the rest of the year to connect with family and friends we haven’t seen in a while.

While in Ireland, I established a “more” regular writing routine than I had previously practiced. For me, that meant at least three or four dedicated times of writing, or writing related activities per week. It seems like I fell out of step with those practices quickly after landing back in the states. My first goal is to return my Irish writing routine.

Writing Location

I’m okay with you checking in to see my progress. That’s accountability.

 

Can you imagine my surprise?

Things to ponder...., , ,

Several years ago, when I started writing what was to become “Dream Glasses,” I wanted to stage much of the story in a Parisian Bakery. My storybook bakery was to be located across the street from a neighborhood park. Using the internet, I found Ble Sucré in the 12th arrondissement met these requirements. The bakery in my book was renowned for making Madeleines.

Can you imagine my surprise when reading news this weekend, I found Ble Sucré identified by Top Chefs as one bakery having the best pastries in Paris? …and the bakery’s best is their Madeleines!

Locations identified in “Dream Glasses” are real Parisian locations. The story is fictional. If you want an armchair trip to Paris and an easy read “Dream Glasses” is your ticket.

bookcoverwithyellowtext

 

 

“Dream Glasses” is available on Amazon, both as a Kindle or print format. There are print copies available for sale in Carbondale, CO at Susan Flowers & Artisan Boutique and in Glenwood Springs, CO at the BookTrain.

 

 

The full article “The Best Bakeries in Paris, According to Top Chefs” by Kate Krader & Richard Vines was originally published April 17, 2018.