Pauline Baird Jones’ Scenic Route: Swamp Thing

An American Alligator(Alligator mississippiensis) on an old Cypress stump in the Honey Island Swamp near the Pearl River, southeastern Louisiana.

I grew up in Northern Wyoming, about as far from swamps as you can get. I’d probably never have seen a swamp, or this swamp thing, if it weren’t for taking the scenic route with the hubs. I also found the Cypress stumps both fascinating and creative-juices-stirring (like squat gnomes or something. I’m amazed I didn’t end up writing fantasy).

More of the hubs Louisiana photos can be seen here and of course, I feature some of his photos on my landing page.

I started writing before we moved to Louisiana, but I made my first sale there. Here’s a long list of New Orleans writers. There was something in the air, a zing or a tingle that I’m sure helped me along the path to becoming published. No question that two of my books were fueled by New Orleans: Do Wah Diddy Die (reflects the sense of fun that was the Big Easy) and A Dangerous Dance (a look at the dark side of Louisiana).

Has a place ever stirred you to action? Ever swamp toured? Fed marshmallows to a “swamp thing?” Comments are entered into my monthly drawing for a $10 AnaBanana gift card. Winner announced first blog post of the new month.

Perilously, and still taking the scenic route, yours,

Pauline