I found the start of “One Word and a Bird” in an old journal, scribbled writing from about 10 years ago. The idea was initially titled “The Word”.
I can’t say that I have any idea what inspired it. I assume I was writing another story and “searching for a word.” I can also guess that it’s about navigating your own expectations and those of the world around you. Sometimes, we can’t find the answers. We just need the whistle of a bird, the loyalty of a dog, and the wildness of a horse to carry us home.
I’m immensely proud of this beautiful book. My favourite part is the last word on the final page, which doesn’t have a full stop after it. Why? So it can simply float . . . is it the word our character has found, or is it the abstract noun? Also, look for the two hidden fairies . . .