I am humbled and grateful to have had brushes with the Literary Life throughout my life but especially here in Bellingham, Washington, where I have lived since late 2001.
I have met authors of exceptional talent and eloquence such as Chaim Potok, Barry Lopez, Terry Tempest Williams, Julia Butterfly Hill, Sister Helen Prejean, Brenda Miller, Craig Lesley, Dr. Riki Ott, and Dr. David Suzuki. These authors tell powerful stories and push our culture and our conversation forward through their work, writings, and public readings.
Many are activists working for transformation. Many teach, and many donate partial or full proceeds from their readings and lectures to wildlife refuges, land conservancy organizations, and organizations working on behalf of people and animals. In short, they work on behalf of what I call “The Human Project.”
Generally speaking, authors are among the most generous people I have ever met. I was so astonished and grateful when Sister Helen Prejean and Terry Tempest Williams each asked me specifically about my writing and then encouraged me.
How do I have a place in the Literary Life?
My Dad, Likeke R. McBride, was an author and a voracious reader. My Mom, Sally McBride, was a voracious reader and loved to talk about books and authors. I am most grateful for everything they gave me and for their example.
I have been a voracious reader all my life, and I have been writing for many years now. I am honored to be participating more fully in the literary conversation now – finally. My publishing credits are modest; however, I know that I will work as a writer and author the rest of my life. Finally, part of my mission as an author and editor is to help other writers get their work out into the world.
Humbly, Andy (AKA Andrew Shattuck McBride)
P.S. Blessings to the memory of Chaim Potok, Likeke R. McBride, and Sally McBride.
Andrew Shattuck McBride, Writer's Blog 