Lynda Johnson: Home
"Sharlie" is the award-winning fantasy novel by Lynda Johnson, inspired by the legendary sea serpent who lives in Payette Lake near McCall, Idaho. The story spans the Northwest and includes orca whales, snow dwarves, mermaids with flowing wings, and sturgeon in a quest to save their realm from the outside world. The book includes the CD single "Beneath the Water".
"Sharlie" is available at Blue Grouse Books (McCall Drug) in Mccall, Idaho; also at Hastings in Boise and online at Amazon.com
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August 16, 2008
Last weekend we searched for star garnets near St. Maries, Idaho. We had been in Coeur d' Alene visiting my husband's twin, Roger, sister-in-law Glorie, and Nick, Brenton, and sweet little Gabriel. It was a fun trip - truly one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.
A star garnet is a rare jewel that is found only in that part of the state and in India. The rarest garnets, with six rays, can be found only in Idaho. Doesn't the name spark the imagination? I needed to learn more about them for a story I'm working on. More about that later...
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Thanks to those of you I met last weekend at the book signing at Blue Grouse Books in McCall. Steve Stuebner was also there. You can check out his new book, "Boise Trail Guide," here.
It was a beautiful day, and from our table I had a front seat to the 'live music and a fabulous view of the lake.
It was fun meeting so many people who were out enjoying the day. Special thanks to Michele, Rose, and Madi for all your help!
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In a recent ceremony in Los Angeles, "Sharlie" received an IPPY Award (Independent Publishers Book Award) in the Fantasy/Science Fiction category. "Sharlie" tied with Brian Froud's latest book, "World of Faerie".
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I've just added some pictures from a recent drive from Boise to Sharlie's home, Payette Lake, which is next to McCall, Idaho. These are some of the images that make Idaho home, places and things that have become as much a part of me as the landscape they inhabit.
While I was there I took a drive down Warren Wagon Road, where a fox posed for a picture. She wasn't afraid of me at all. She even yawned and scratched her ear.
The lake was as smooth as glass. I like to imagine that if someone dove into the lake in that moment, when it shines like a mirror of silver, they would end up in an even more magical place.
I continued driving around Payette Lake, taking a few pictures along the way, and stopped at Blue Grouse Books (McCall Drug), where the staff was, as always, helpful and kind. Then I drove home, pausing to take pictures of Rainbow Bridge, the railroad bridge, and the river, which is filled to the brim with freezing water, snow that has melted from the mountaintops. It would be difficult to describe the powerful sound that comes from the rushing water, or the awe it inspires. I also took pictures of Long Valley and the mountains and clouds - it is easy to see why this is called "Big Sky Country."
I never get tired of the drive to McCall. Simply magical.
Lynda
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The image of Sharlie on this page was painted by fantasy artist Bleu Turrell, http://www.azulart.com
The book cover was designed by Michael Anthony Lynch, http://www.bookcoverdesign.com
The photograph of clouds reflected on the Columbia River was taken by Doug Dyer, http://www.soundthinking.com