JAMES H. BIRD

ABOUT ME

 

I spent over twenty years as a Technical Writer and manager, I have been a published songwriter and written subject matter articles (mostly technical drivel). I thought I’d give this historical fiction writing stuff a serious run. My current works are The High Water Mark, The Last Man Standing, and Tullahoma Mud (a NaNoWriMo project). I have another project The Rhythm of the Stone currently under review by an editor who will likely tear it to shreds or call the police. I dream to see all these masterpieces in print, but publishes jab me with long sharp sticks when I approach them about this endeavor.

 

I was born in Georgia, graduated from Georgia Southern University with a BS in Political Science sometime around the turn of last century. As a ‘military brat’ I have had a variety of employment and life experiences. I have been in trouble with the law, many women, the IRS, bookies, bill collecting agencies, husbands, boyfriends (not mine! geeze), most of my teachers and all of my professors, and administrators. Besides that, I am one righteous dude. My job experience is closer to a rap sheet and work release assignments. I have worked alongside racers, mechanics, ski bums, carpenters, chefs, nefarious characters, shadowy figures, crooks and thieves, political minions, neurotics and government officials on the take. Some were even unarmed! Next up is editors, I’ll leave that alone for now…

 

My writing passion is historical fiction and the research this category involves. My writing style is a humorous, cynical with a touch of southern charm. I am also a student of the human condition, well at least my condition. My influences include Hunter S. Thompson, Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, H.L.M. Mencken, Bill Bryson, Jon Meacham and the public library. I love the history of the weird and other mostly unknown facts. I currently live in Tennessee and I go by the name Hal for legal purposes that need not be addressed here without review by many lawyers. I have neither wife nor issue that I am aware of at present. Bird's Blog of Babel will have many articles about my research efforts snipets from my writings.

 

I enjoy music starting out annoying my parents and anyone with in ear shot on a beat up drum kit. After a raucous rock and roll life, I ditched the sticks for picks, began playing the guitar at eighteen, and haven’t put one down since. I have also noodled around on a banjo, Dobrobanjo, mandolin, doghouse bass and slide guitar. I tried a fiddle once but fled in terror believing I had murdered a cat…

 

I used to be athletic but the ravages of this interest combined with time have rendered me useless in this regard. I like to write, cook, learn, explore, travel and meet interesting people. I have a wicked sense of humor and enjoy a good laugh and making others laugh. My driving goal is to publish. I pray every day that my writing is worthy of your readership. My wants are simple my needs great but I persevere.