I’m starting this month’s post with some exciting news. I was recently interviewed by fellow writer Bradley Sides for the Alabama Writers’ Cooperative (AWC)! You can find the full interview on their website at alabamawriterscooperative.org, or go directly to the post at alabamawriterscooperative.org/news/2023/4/10/writing-what-you-know-a-conversation-with-lisa-c-bailey.
The AWC is one of the oldest continuing writers’ organizations in the United States, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It is responsible for nominating Alabama’s Poet Laureate—currently Ashley M. Jones—for the governor’s appointment. While you’re visiting the AWC’s site, check out some of the many wonderful works by some of its members, including my interviewer, Bradley Sides. His collection of short stories, Those Fantastic Lives, is filled with evocative tales of magical realism. You’re sure to find something you’ll like on the Books by Members page, which lists the many poetry collections, novels, essays, and so on by some great Alabama writers.
In other news, spring is in full swing around here, and I’m relishing the beautiful weather—even if it’s a bit unsettled at times. It’s been a tad windy today, but the temperature is pleasantly cool under a crisp, blue sky illuminated by plenty of glorious sunshine. The humidity is very low—a balm to the souls of those of us who reside in the southeastern United States. In a couple of months or so, we won’t be able to walk out the door without thinking we must be stepping into a sauna.
The spring bird migration is also at the height of activity. Each morning when I walk my dog, I’m listening to all the bird songs, and I’m counting the different species. In addition to our beloved year-round birds, such as blue jays, cardinals, and mockingbirds, white-eyed vireos and broad-winged hawks are announcing themselves, making their home with us until the fall.
Baby birds abound now, too. We just had the privilege of watching three adorable Carolina wrens fledge from our front porch. They had nested in a gourd grown by my parents and made into a bird house. We’ll now be hearing those little ones exuberantly exclaiming, “Teakettle, teakettle, teakettle!” along with their parents.
With all the horrific things happening in our real world, it offers some comfort to focus on the beauty of the natural world. It’s harder to focus on the fantasy world of a book, but, as I mention in my AWC interview, Book 3 in the Edgemont series is coming along. I try to keep in mind that at the very least it might offer someone a reprieve from all the bad news and heartache and present some glimmer of hope for the future—for the fantasy world and the real world.
May your little corner of the world be filled with the delights of whatever season you’re entering and bring you much comfort—and hope.
Take care!