Like most readers, I visualize the details of place when I read a book, while arranging a room, while giving directions. While on my daily walks, I observe my surroundings, though sometimes I obsessively observe details of place. As I pass Scudder Pond, I say: withered lilies, velvety cattails, absence of turtles, murky water, purple bloom on surface. This inventory helps me as a writer and visual artist. I spent two months on the Spokane River once in order to finish writing “Whispering, Idaho,” the through-line landscape element being a river.
In “Celia’s Heaven,” the little churchhouse is located on a small lake–a through-line detail. She and her deceased sister, inherited the churchhouse on Lake Monroe. She lives alone, though her preacher father moves in during a terrible winter storm. While there, her ghost sister makes an appearance. The lake acts almost like a character. In a story and in life, we come back to place frequently, grounding ourselves in where we belong. As a writer, it is useful to unify a story by threading the detail of place through the story.
Besides writing novels and memoirs, I also coach for The Narrative Project, a nine month program designed to Get Your Book Done. So many people say, “Some day I’m going to write a book.” Perhaps now is the time. If you want to know more about Cami Ostman and The Narrative Project, go to https://www.thenarrativeproject.net/
If you are interested in my book, “Celia’s Heaven,” I’d like to invite you to my book launch at Village Books, September 19th, 6PM. It is free. Additionally, there will be a book group discussion one month later (more about that at the launch) where you can ask me anything about the writing life and my novel. Here is the link to sign up for the launch: https://www.villagebooks.com/event/litlive-nancy-canyon-091920
Also, I would love for you to enter your name and email on my mailing list. I send out periodic blog posts and invitations to my art and writing events, nothing else. Thank you for your support,
Nancy Canyon
Local author, Nancy Canyon works as a writing coach for The Narrative Project and writing teacher for Chuckanut Writers. She holds the MFA from Pacific Lutheran University. Her books include STRUCK, Saltwater, Dark forest, and Celia’s Heaven. She lives in Bellingham, Washington with her artist husband, Ron Pattern, Sid, the cat, and Olive, the dog.
