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The dawn of between-time rises gray and slick with ice. Sheets of rain turn to sleet, to snow and back to rain, the cold raw and penetrating. The first of the winter moons rims the shunting clouds in silver, the ice moon, when the world requires far less effort.
When I started writing fantasy, I found myself contemplating worlds without the modern convenience of electricity, worlds without light switches and clocks, furnaces and gas ranges. Logistics needed to be attended to, and I paid attention to the way the moon and stars lit the forest’s night sky, the way the cloud cover blocked or magnified light.
I began taking short lightless walks at night (despite the cougars and coyotes). There were nights when the woolen darkness was so thick I couldn’t see the ends of my fingertips and nights when the luminous moon cast long blue shadows. I began writing with greater attention to the seasons, the phases of the moon, the natural rhythms of the wilderness that were integral to my characters’ lives.
In the Dragon Soul Trilogy, the Ice Moon begins with the full moon’s appearance in the early winter sky. Here in Oregon, the Ice Moon bares her full face on Christmas.
My blog’s green summery background has been irking me a bit lately, so I thought for a year I would follow the moons through my fantasy world. Welcome to the Ice Moon. Happy solstice.
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Myths of the Mirror 
I share your love of walking in the darkness. I like to walk our Collie dog in the darkness. We play fetch with a ball that flashes red so that we can both find it!
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The nighttime ball game sounds fun. The dog has you well trained, Steve 🙂 Sometimes it gets pitch black out here and I can’t walk because I’ll bang into my car or a tree. Other nights I could read by moonlight. Thanks for the visit!
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You studied the ever-changing light of the forest; the infinite varieties of it that exist there so that you could bring a greater authenticity to your fiction, and inject a dose of reality into your fictional worlds. I am curious – did it work? Anyway, your study of light in its natural habitat gave me an idea: live-blogging nature, perhaps keep a journal which I will call the “Book of Light”, and focus on the subtle variations of this intriguing phenomenon. How it appears different in different environments and my changing moods. I think that would be quite fascinating.
Light is a wonderful energy that greets us from the harsh coldness of space. It is ethereal; yet quantifiable, and it is a powerful quantum force. It has a beauty we take too much for granted, even though it is such a precious thing; the sun’s own life-giving beneficence. Light is an astral emissary coming from far away. I want to spend a lifetime basking in light, and its endless nuances and shades. I want to fly to a tropical climate, and soak up the solar rays in all of their shifting moods on a sandy white beach. Go to the furthest reaches of Alaska, and be mesmerized by the lambent curtains of the aurora borealis. Seek out a secluded timberland above the Arctic Circle, and experience the healing lunar radiance I imagine I would find underneath the polar moon. It is wondrous beyond compare, when you think about it; photons bathing our planet in a perfect energetic bliss.
I’m also glad that the coyotes and the bears and the wolves, and the other myriad woodland creatures, do not hinder your meditative journeys into the mysteries of the forest. There, Nature bestows you with gifts of the spirit, and you share them with all with your appreciate readers.
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So eloquently stated 🙂 Yes, attention to the light and moon and seasonal changes beyond my window did have an impact on my writing and the story. Communities that live more intimately with the seasons also have seasons and morph with the temperature and light. And you are so right that the quality of light changes depending where you stand in the world. 🙂 Here’s a little piece on “light” from the book:
At Elen’s table, she painted the face of a large platter, grays and whites with shadows of black and winter blue, soothing in contrast to the glow and heat of the forge. She loved the way light, the intensity and tone of it, changed the way a room looked, the way a day or night felt. Light could alter a whole landscape, change a whole world. What if she could rework the light of her way or her mother’s way? Would their lives be different bathed in the glow of firelight instead of the distant twilight of stars?
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Reblogged this on Kate McClelland.
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Thank you, Kate 🙂 I appreciate every share. Have a wonderful month of the Ice Moon.
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Love this idea and look forward to seeing the changes through the coming year. Plus, the current background feels less distracting from your text. Thumbs up all round!
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Thanks, Tara. The background is much more soothing to me too. I’ll probably leave it up all year (hehe). Nah, it was too fun changing it. More to come.
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Amazing, thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thanks, Christoph. Happy New Year 🙂
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Beautiful. Thank you for sharing this snap-shot of your meditative process.
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You’re welcome. I would have liked to see the ice moon, but it was snowing! Hope you had a wonderful, peaceful Christmas 🙂
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Yes, I did though we were missing some dear, familiar faces. This is a time of transition with many changes to embrace. Some very dear old friends of mine moved to Vancouver Oregon, up your way, and I’m going to miss them terrible. My children are also, scattering…letting go isn’t my strongest suit but I’m determined to do so and find the joy in it.:0) The pictures you shared appear Christmas perfect. I’m glad your power is back.
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My family is scattered too, though we followed our daughter across the entire country in anticipation of a grandchild. Letting go isn’t for the faint of heart. I wish you a new year with many old and familiar faces.
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Thank you. I hope the same for you.God bless.
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The moon was a participant in Christmas for me this year for the first time. So I much enjoyed finding you writing about the moon and ice and fantasy worlds. I also love the snow falling through the blog!
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Thank you so much for visiting, Ellen. It was snowing here when the ice moon shone above us. I’m glad you got to see it 🙂
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Diana, I spent 2 years of focusing on world events and historic dates in monthly posts. I had a friend from flashy fiction and julesgemstones, who suggested I follow the moons. I found out sometimes they have multiple names given by the Native Americans. I think this will definitely help change your perspective. I seem to always looking up. The series, Dragon Soul Trilogy, will be mentioned on my post on Dec. 30th, featuring fellow bloggers who are authors. Smiles, Robin
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When I was naming the moons, I avoided researching the traditional names – opposite of what I usually do. I allowed the weather outside to guide me. It was really fun to go organic! 🙂 Thanks for the mention on the 30th. That is so sweet of you. Smiles coming back your way. ❤
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What I wouldn’t have given to have a bit of ice moon and snow-frosted pine needles here around Christmas time (it was near 70 in Boston). But we will be getting plenty soon enough.
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Be careful what you wish for, Erik! As I recall, last year the east coast was buried in feet of snow. I’ll remind you of your comment later this winter when you’re waist-deep in white fluff. 🙂
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Yes, I really only want it for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It’s the fantasy. But I’ll take the 70-degree days for the holidays, if it means not getting 12 feet later.
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Ah, yes, fantasy indeed 🙂
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Very cool idea. When I EVENTUALLY publish I should imagine I will change my design to reflect stuff from it too. Also love your description 😊 And how much tactical research you do. That’s always an inspiration to me. I’m lining up ideas for my next book, and I need to go to COLD COLD places, I’m thinkin it’s an excuse for a trip to Iceland – although like your previous research I need to go on long boats too!
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Go to those Cold Cold places, Sacha. And if you can spend some time on a long boat…do it! Those experiences will be invaluable 🙂 How exciting. I’m looking forward to your book!
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hehe, thanks Diana. I plan on a trip to Iceland at some point – might not be the coldest place on Earth – but then I need to be realistic too!
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I love the idea of your new bsckground and hello ice moon phase 😀. Look forward to all the others. What a great idea to follow natures lights, even at night although the local wildlife sounds rather too wild! We only get hedgehogs and pheasants round here! I used to enjoy wandering alone at night through my university town as a student, a different world to the daytime one I knew so well.
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I’ve never actually seen a wild cougar around here, but people catch them on camera now and then. Thanks so much for the visit, Annika. My company just left and I’m dragging. I’ll be visiting everyone tomorrow 🙂 Hope you had a fabulous holiday!
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We are still having festive parties at the moment and the holidays have been great if somewhat tiring! They also included a wedding! Lovely. Hope you are having a wonderful break. 😀
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A wedding too! Fun and tiring. Enjoy the festivities 🙂
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Late night walks sounds lovely, but cougars…? I’m not sure if my little Jack would hang around to protect me! Hope you’re having a nice Christmas
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No cougar sitings. Thanks for the Christmas wishes, Cat. Hope you had a peaceful holiday. Best to you in 2016 ❤
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Beautiful Picture 😉
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Thank you. Happy holidays and a peaceful new year 🙂
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😉
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Nature offers wonderful inspiration for writing–not the least imagery but also ideation. Great post!
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Thanks, John. I am certainly inspired by this beautiful, mysterious planet. Happy holidays to you. 🙂
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Like the new decor and Ice Moon drew me right in. Happy Holidays!
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Thank you ❄️❄️❄️ After three years it was time for a change to the decor! Ha ha. Happy peaceful holiday to you as well. ❄️❄️❄️
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There’s nothing like a good feel for our surroundings to aid in our writing Diana. This was a beautiful post. Happy Solstice to you too! 🙂 (And thank you for taking the time to read and generously review my book. ) ❤
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Hi Debby, and thanks for visiting. I bought your book and hope to read it in January when things settle down. And I’ll definitely review – I’m happy to. ❤
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? I just saw a new review from Diana. Lol, sorry, I thought it was you?
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Ha ha. No problem. I had to think about it…did I read the book and review it and I just don’t remember…? Old age, Debby 😀
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Lol, I hear you! A simple coincidence I suppose. But lovely to know another Diana read and enjoyed my book. 🙂
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I know you had a lot going on today, so I really appreciate your posting. I hope you are not without power and heat.
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Still no power, but we heat with wood anyway and are running the generator. Christmas dinner will be on the grill :-). The only challenge is water. Plenty of it but all cold! Brrr. I enjoyed posting and reading. Thanks so much for reminding me…and checking in 🙂
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It is unseasonably warm in the east, which, I’m ashamed to say, has been making me much crabbier than usual.
But at least I can take an evening walk without fear of getting mauled by a cougar.
Have a very Happy Holiday, my friend!
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These aren’t mini-cougars either, Mike. They’re lions! I take my dogs with me, but it’s questionable whether they’d stick around or run home while I’m providing the cougar with a tasty distraction 🙂
It just doesn’t feel like Christmas without a little fluff on the ground, does it? I hope you get a big snow!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours
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Lovely images. Happy Christmas and happy writing!
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A little writing and pie-making today before family descends tomorrow. Have a Happy Holiday, Steve. 🙂
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It’s green around here, too. Sixty-two degrees? In Michigan?? In December??? On the 23rd???? Crazy stuff. Happy Solstice!
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Happy winter! I suspect it will arrive before too long. Then we’ll be wishing for spring 😀
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Beautiful post…and your new background couldn’t be more inspiring at this time of year, love it!
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Thanks, Holly. Merry Christmas to you and yours ❤
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Love your new background. It’s perfect for the winter season…
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Thanks, Michelle. We might get snow on Christmas 🙂
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I hope you do! I don’t think we will be so lucky… spring looks like it’s already here! 😉
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We have a moon but it’s supposed to be in the 70s this week. I do enjoy a book with a well-built world!
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Thanks, Noelle. World building is a great deal of fun. As usual, the worlds I create blur with my real life. 🙂 Have a wonderful holiday.
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You, too!
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Your background is very fitting! I hope I get a chance to see the ice moon too. More snow in the forecast but you never know!
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We are due snow too, so we’ll see if the lovely moon is shining on us. Have a wonderful holiday 🙂
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You too!
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When I clicked onto your post and saw the background change I smiled and was like: “Yes, she did it!” Ha ha. Looks very nice. And you didn’t blow up your blog doing it 🙂 Hope you have a lovely Christmas ~Tamara
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Thanks for the inspiratio, Tamara. I took the easy way out and just switched out the background – It looks so different to me and I didn’t blow anything up! 🙂 Lovely Christmas to you as well ❄️❄️❄️
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I like the look of the blog. The moon is so fascinating with its phases and the way it affects nature.
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Thanks, Judy. My last background hadn’t changed in 3 years! So it was fun to play around with new ideas. Merry Christmas and happy winter to you 🙂
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It has paid off! wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and happy new year too xx
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I’ve gone through stages where I like to just have more “raw feels” experiences like going walking at night by moonlight. It makes me feel more alive somehow.
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I agree. Connecting with nature in a more “primitive” way can be thrilling. You must cartoon about it! 😀 :-D. Merry winter and happy holiday to you and yours ❄️❄️❄️
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I’ll be looking for that moon this Christmas. Really like the look of the blog. Hope you get a chance to post tomorrow to the Senior Salon.
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Thanks for the reminder, Bernadette! We are out of power again – from a wind storm this time – and it’s supposed to dump snow starting tomorrow. Ha ha. Got my shopping done, and hubby’s stocking up on fuel. Ceaseless fun. Thanks so much for the visit and I’ll make a point of stopping by tomorrow 🙂 ❄️❄️❄️
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Oh no, take good care of yourself. Winter is beautiful but it isn’t for the weak of heart.
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Your words are enchanting. “ice moon” is a beautiful thought!
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Thank you so much for visiting 🙂 I hope you get a glimpse of the ice moon on Christmas. Happy holidays and Merry Winter to you and yours.❄️❄️❄️
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I love futuristic fantasy, way back with Suzanne Seizemore ect. I like your writing it is flowing and a keeps you interested. I can wait for more. (I have them all on request at the local library!) Happy Holidays Diana.
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Thank you so much for the lovely comment 🙂 I’m happy to donate to libraries too. Let me know if they can’t get them ❄️❄️❄️
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We’re off to a wet and warm winter so far. The ice is a pretty sight, but I’m not going to wish for it. If it comes, so be it.
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Ice here is a given, Dan. More reliable than snow. I remember some stunning ice storms where the whole landscape was coated in glass. Of course, it created all kinds of problems too, but, wow, was it beautiful. Stay cozy and I wish you a have a flaky ice moon instead 🙂 😉
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My wife has pictures of ice coating every needle of the pine trees we used to have. It is beautiful
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Beautiful. The moon isn’t a mystery to man anymore, but she (I like to think the Moon is a she) is still wonderfully mysterious. Walking out at night is both terrifying and thrilling, so kudos to you for that. Merry Winter and Happy Solstice.
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Thanks so much, Lenora. I’m always entranced by the moon. I imagine mankind has been since the dawn of time. Merry Winter to you too 🙂
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Your site is the most wintry we’ve seen. Here (UK) it gales and lashes and no stars or moon is visible. Nothing feel right in this temperate Christmas so this lovely post recreated it. Happy Christmas to you and yours!
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You’re right, we haven’t had a moon here for ages! 😦
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We get very little snow here, Philippa, though the weather forecasters are predicting a rare couple feet for Christmas. At least my characters get to enjoy a white winter. 🙂 Thanks so much for the visit. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
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Just beautiful, Diana. I’ve always had a special bond with the moon and stars as well. We call the view from our patio “star theater,” in fact, because we have a large telescope out there that we enjoy with family and friends. Looking forward to following the moon here on your blog – happy solstice and winter to you as well! Here’s to longer days!
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I love the idea of a “star theater!” Maybe a telescope some day 🙂 I planned a change from my summer background for the solstice and could barely contain myself. And yes, here’s to longer days!
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Such a fantastic and creative idea, and perfect for who you are. xo
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The picture, the background the words…all merge into each other to create perfect imagery! Is it poetry Diana? I thought so!
I love your blog all the more…enjoy your Christmas and have a blessed time with your ‘Icy moon!’
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Thanks, Balroop. You are the poet, though. 🙂 I simply had a lot of fun pulling this together. I wish you a happy winter and merry holiday as well. ❤
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It’s snowing on your blog! That’s awesome. Sadly, this is about as close to real snow as we are going to get this year. I love the descriptive language, and beautiful, site update.
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We don’t have any snow yet here, Jed. Last year only on flurry with an inch of accumulation. This snowy scene is pure imagination, though the weather forecasters told us 2 feet for Christmas. Very exciting! Merry Christmas to you and your family 🙂
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Love nighttime walks, though I don’t have to worry about cougars where I live (coyotes, yes). It’s great to walk under the full moon–never heard the term ice moon, but I like it. Great feels in this post–thanks, Diana!
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One of the fun things about writing fantasy, Julie, is making things up – such as the ice moon. 😀 Have an awesome holiday. I hope you have a glimpse of the ice moon this Christmas.
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A perfect image, Diana. Happy Winter. ❄️ ❄️ ❄️
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Merry solstice and happy winter to you too, Van.
How do you make those little snowflakes? Some people know all the tricks. I’m still stuck with smiley faces 🙂
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Here you go, just copy and paste. http://getemoji.com/
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THANKS ❄️
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I’ve heard of artists suffering for their art, but please don’t get eaten by a cougar! Even if it *did* do wonders for your sales.
“Have you read Sunwielder”?
” Isn’t that the one written by the crazy lady who got eaten by a coala?”
“It was a cougar, actually, and she wasn’t crazy, just committed to her art. But yeah.”
“No, but I saw the movie. Great stuff.”
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Ha ha ha ha ha. Too funny …I assure you, I take the dogs with me on those rare nights and I don’t go far. THE MOVIE??? Now that would be the best Christmas present ever! Happy Solstice, Nicholas. 🙂
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Here’s hoping. You too, D 🙂
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I’ve never heard of the Ice Moon before, but I am looking forward to the full moon on Christmas Day … like I do every full moon. There is a beauty and mystery about it.
Your background photo is so beautiful and appropriate for the season! Happy Solstice and hope you have a lovely week 🙂
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I totally made it up, Joanne. I renamed the “months/moons” in one of my books – the creative liberty of a fantasy writer. 🙂 Thanks so much for visiting and happy winter to you and yours ❤
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I love your attitude … renaming the moons to suit your purposes is wonderful!! 🙂
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It’s those kind of thoughts that make you the wonderful writer that you are, Diana.
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Thank you, Richard. You are too sweet! Happy holiday and a merry winter to you. 🙂
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May your snowflakes be large and feathery 😄❄️❄️❄️❄️
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It’s details like tracking celestial movements that make stories more immersive. It’s as thought time stopped at Stonehenge in a way. I think that the landscape of world devoid of convenience helps making the character more sympathetic as well.
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I do love world-building, Rob, and the background details are part of it. No wonder I get confused about what is real. Ha ha. Thanks for much for visiting 🙂 Have a wonderful holiday and cozy winter. ❤
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