So much shapes who we are and what we become – our childhood, our influences, our experiences, and our beliefs. While I have a long list of those I could share (I am of a certain age, you know), there are three that have molded not only me, but my writing as well:
Adventures – I grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest at the end of the Oregon Trail along the Columbia River. That beautiful setting echoes with the adventures of frontier and WWII heroes and heroines that need to be retold. So far, they’ve inspired three of my four historic novels and shaped personal adventures for me, too.
Journeys – I love the Pacific Northwest and married a Canadian so I have heart ties to both countries. University graduate studies required teaching and I’ve loved teaching and writing courses ever since. Having many delightful foreign students live in our home led to me visiting their countries and being extended family—not a tourist. I’ve also loved taking mission trips to many places. Every connection to amazing people and nations has enriched me and expanded my borders.
Home – In childhood we lived opposite a library. The very nurturing librarian said I read more books than any other member. I started composing rhymed stories in the third grade. My classmates’ enthusiasm spurred me on to creating more rhymed stories, poetry, news articles, compilation stories, and now novels. Here I’ve hit my stride for writing many more of the stories in my heart. Home for me literally is divided between six months on a Minnesota farm and six months among the gentle people and warmer climate in Northeastern Mississippi. My meaningful Adventures and Journeys have made Home more than a geographical place for me. I believe more than location it’s to be a deeper place of becoming interconnected and well-centered. I’d love for my books to help readers in that process.
When I’m not writing, teaching, or speaking, I enjoy my sons’ families and five grandchildren. Travel remains my favorite means of education, and I also continue more adventures like gently collecting quills from live porcupines to make jewelry or master other wilderness crafts.
Thanks for visiting. God Bless you and yours and Happy Reading!
Delores
