My editor at Kensington once commented to me that most writers are quiet. This is because, according to her, we are observers.

I think she's right. And it is a very important part of the creative process. But don't fiction writers make stuff up? Of course we do. But we have to give the fiction a real context. Even if you're writing fantasy or Sci-fi there will be something in your story for your human readers to relate to. Some reality that grounds the story.

I love to observe the world around me, especially when I'm alone. All of my senses go on alert and I'm listening, smelling, feeling as much as I can. On a recent walk by the river, I was listening and catloging the sounds of fall in Missoula, Montana.

 My sounds of fall include:

The swish of people walking through piles of leaves.
Marching band drums echoing off the mountains.
The spray and hiss of sprinklers being blown out.
The roar of leaf blowers.

What are the sounds of fall where you live?

This turned out to be the most amazing autumn day.

  We've had these colors for a while, but today the sun came out and made them come alive.

So, I had to take a walk with Jenny (the dog) and Iris (my Dutch exchange daughter). We had a blast taking photos. Thought we might share some with you.


Mount Sentinel was crawling with small ant-like critters from this distance.
Of course, they were people out for some excercise and a great view of the Missoula valley.







The Clark Fork river shone in the afternoon sun.





                                                                                                                 

         And the kayakers were out enjoying Brennan's Wave. It's days like this that make Montana The Last Best Place.