Monday, April 25, 2016

Birds, Birdhouses, and Writing


By Fran McNabb

Classic and Cozy Blog is primarily a writers’ blog so when you read an entry, I’m sure you expect some reference to writing and books. My topic today is “Birds, Birdhouses, and Writing.” I really wanted to write about our martin birdhouse because after nine years of watching an empty house, we have martins! I’ll figure out a way to include writing.

Before Hurricane Katrina we always had martins in the old birdhouse that was positioned on our pier. We lost both the pier and the birdhouse in the storm so after we settled into our new house, my husband ordered a brand new, really cute birdhouse. We were so proud of it, but when martins came into the area, they flew to ours, checked it out, then went to our neighbor’s house where they laid their eggs and raised their little ones.

Year after year this happened. It finally got to be a joke in the neighborhood because our
sparkling clean house stood empty while our neighbor’s old, dilapidated house attracted the birds. Not so this year. When the martins came into the area, we held our breath as bird after bird checked out our house and actually returned. Today we have six or seven nesting birds. Why this year? Who knows? The wind did shift the house slightly. Maybe they didn’t like the direction before it turned. We’re not questioning the why. We’re simply enjoying their presence.

Now how do I connect this to writing? It’s easy. In the mornings I sit on my chaise lounge in the sun room not far from the martin house. For the last week I have loved, loved, loved the sound of chirping as I work on my manuscript. Their constant chatter makes me happy.

I love living on the bayou harbor especially in the spring when life returns and everything seems to be active. This year is even more wonderful because of those cute little birds and their happy songs. No matter where you live, I’m sure there are birds that liven up your spring. Listen to them and let their singing help you tap away at your keyboard.

Fran McNabb lives on the Gulf Coast and uses the coast setting in many of her light romances. Her publishing credits include eight light romances, two entries in non-fiction anthologies, and several magazine/newspaper articles. As a former English and journalism teacher, she loves giving writing workshops. Visit her at www.FranMcNabb.com  and mcnabbf@bellsouth.net

14 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your new tenants, Fran. They're the best mosquito catchers in the world.

    We used to live in Baton Rouge and some of my best memories are of spring in S. LA. Of course, spring is the time when beautiful memories are created no matter where you are.

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    1. Sandy, yep, Baton Rouge would have as many mosquitos as we do here on the Gulf Coast, especially where we live on a bayou. Love those little birds!

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  2. Everything is connect to writing. Sometimes your experience shows up as a setting, sometimes something else. Heck, if you write mysteries, maybe the murder hid the gun in a birdhouse and the birds built a nest over it!

    Great entry Fran

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    1. Hmmm, wish I wrote mysteries, but that will never happen. I tried that once and by the second chapter it had turned into a romance!

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  3. I loved reading about your new neighbors! Yep. You nailed the connection to writing. (My neighbor's chickens are visiting right now - far less conducive to writing, although I love their antics.)

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    1. Sofie, when we lived away from town, we had chickens and I loved listening to them in the morning. I'm not a "country girl" but it was a neat experience for the ten years or so that we lived there and a great way to raise our boys. Enjoy the chicks.

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  4. It sounds great, Fran! In our new house, we have a nightingale, and I couldn't believe my ears when it started singing at 2.30 AM! It's very romantic.

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    1. Isn't nature wonderful! Thanks for dropping by.

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  5. Lucky you - and lucky martins to have such a lovely house. Birds are a constant soundtrack while I'm writing, too. Robins, gulls, and Canada geese at this time of year. Right now, though, the birds are drowned out by the shouts and laughter of children playing in the school yard across the park. Happy sounds, all! Good writing, Fran.

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    1. Children playing or birds singing? Both are wonderful backgrounds for a writing session. Enjoy.

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  6. I'm glad the martins have finally come over to your birdhouse! I love to hear chirping, too, and it keeps me calm and ready to write.

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  7. We're glad they came as well. It's so wonderful watching them and hearing them. Thanks for dropping by.

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  8. Fran, one of my college professors told our writing class: "There is no such thing as wasted time for a writer." Down time and reflection are critical to the creative process. Pastimes and hobbies, staring out the window - all are helping the muse find its way. We have regular visits from a hummingbird to my lavender bush on the balcony.

    Nice birdhouse!

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  9. Hi Fran--
    Lovely post. How wonderful that your house is full of birds and that their chirping and songs keep you company while you work.
    Victoria--

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