‘Tis the season’ of the writer's life as the days get shorter. I seem to spend much of my time these days attached to my laptop with a mere cup of tea for company. A little honey makes it sweet. Honestly, the introverted part of me is happy as a lark, yet I know I need people. Real-life people, not characters I write about. Seems I have to be intentional about getting out into that garden of life and surrounding myself with beautiful, life-living, heart-warming bloom buddies whom I select carefully to germinate with.
Whatever our stage of life, whether we are up to our armpits in work deadlines or first or second jobs or family, we all know it’s important to reach out and grab that lifeline to friends, be it a man or woman. We need a sanity break or a reality check. A belly laugh or a shoulder to cry on. Now and again, I’ll pop up for air and realize how much I miss my friend time. We are created for community and friends are God-given gifts.
This blog is long overdue. I have not written a blog in some time due to other commitments. The upcoming holidays make me sentimental. The time of giving and gathering. I’m back at the art of writing my eighth book about the “Land of Blue Smoke called SHACONAGE .”
Shaconage is my first fantasy fiction novel for all ages. Digging through some history is fascinating. Written under the name J.W. also known as Jackie Lynaugh. The Carolinas hold a deep-rooted connection to my family's history. Lineage traces back to my great-great-grandmother who was half Cherokee, a heritage that entered my family through my mother's side. This great-great-grandmother was cared for by my Grandfather Collins. A man whose life was filled with intriguing and captivating stories about Little Granny.
As a result of this rich family history, I’ve spent a significant portion of my life visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, a place that has instilled a multitude of wonderful memories from a very young age. These mountain ranges, with their majestic beauty and breathtaking views, have always held a special place in my heart.
In my 20s, during one of numerous visits to these mountains, I purchased my very first gnome statue. This was not just any gnome statue, but a unique piece of art carved in wood and dressed in parts of nature gathered from the forest. A place that has contributed greatly to my love for gnome statuettes and nature, a passion that continues to this day. God’s garden not only has camaraderie, but His land is captivatingly beautiful.
Let's venture into God's Country in the 1700s when many creatures roamed the Earth. Imagine a time when the landscape was untamed and wild, filled with diverse flora and fauna. The 1700s were a period of exploration and discovery, where every step into the wilderness brought new encounters with nature's wonders. From majestic predators to gentle herbivores, the land was teeming with life, offering a glimpse into a world that was both beautiful and perilous.
Feel free to comment below. I would love to hear from you. Your thoughts and insights are highly valued, and I am eager to engage in a meaningful conversation with you. Whether you have questions, reflections, or stories to share, please don't hesitate to leave a comment. Let's create a vibrant community where we can exchange ideas and learn from each other.
Happy Hoildays are coming!