The short story "Ivory-Bill Sighting" was inspired by the experience of an amazing and brave artist friend who has spent much of her life pushing back against physical infirmity, creating beautiful art and bringing important messages about the environment and sustainability to the world.

As often happens with stories, I found that this piece didn't go where I initially thought it would. My protagonist was originally supposed to see a hummingbird, but the mythical ivory-billed woodpecker appeared in the first paragraph and wouldn't be dislodged. Sometimes you have to run with the details. In this case, I was glad I did: the story ended up being about lost creatures, lost souls, and the hope that emerges in spite of dark circumstances. I don't know if any other bird would have been as appropriate as one that came out of legend.

"Ivory-Bill Sighting" was published in November 2015 by Helen: A Literary Magazine.