Shawn at the computer
I’m just pondering how much of our identity is defined by what people know of us. For years I’ve been crafting poetry and stories, but aside from the odd person who received a poetic gift or judged in a contest, no one ‘outside’ has known that part of my life. I have been “an English teacher” first and foremost. Of course, I’m an English teacher because I love words and love reading and love sharing that passion with young people. Occasionally I light a spark and some kid discovers that joy or I get to delight in encouraging some amazing talents in their infancy. It’s a great job.
Now I have a new identity. When I’m introduced, it’s more often as “writer” than “teacher.” It’s strange to have people redefine me so suddenly and so thoroughly.
I had dreams of being a writer someday, and now my dream is so recognised that others use the label. It’s kind of crazy when dreams come true.
May 2011 be the year that you see dreams coming true as well. May you enjoy the fruits of your efforts and the satisfaction of reaching your goals.
Photo: me in my writer zone with my resources close and the computer in front of me.
Shawn L. Bird 
Hello,
I’m a doctor, and still at it. But I was an artist too, and always wanted to write. After a decade of work, my novel, “The Mandolin Case,” was published in 2010. For a while it made it to #1 in the Amazon country book category. It has been much fun.
As far as I know, I’m the world’s only physician bluegrass fiction writer. If old Doc can write a book, it can happen to anyone.
By the way, my mom was an English teacher, and she taught me my love of books early on.
Dr. B
Congratulations! It would be so convenient to have a medical background as a writer, since so often characters need medical attention! I have a friend who’s a doctor who agreed to read through a few paragraphs to ensure I hadn’t made any gross medical errors in my hospital scenes, but he never responded so I’m hoping that means they were fine. I just have my fingers crossed at this point. 😉