In Cypress Slough

In Cypress Slough Redux

July 8, 2022 by cpgronlund Leave a Comment

In November 2020, I intended to release a short story about two deadhead loggers who discover an ivory-billed woodpecker in a slough off the Neches River in southeast Texas. At the time, I was busy with contract work and opted for a story that wouldn’t require as much research. It would be another year before getting back to it…

In Cypress Slough

“In Cypress Slough” was released on November 24, 2021. When I started working on the story in September 2021, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was considering delisting the bird (and 22 other species) from the Endangered Species Act due to extinction. (Of course, this didn’t stop many news organizations from saying the agency listed the bird as extinct.) It was strange writing a story about two long-time friends finding the bird on the brink of its possible real-world declaration of extinction.

“In Cypress Slough” ended up being one of my favorite stories I’ve written. It’s a story about friendship, the past’s effect on the present, industry, and the environment. Most of all, it’s a love story: to nature, to friendship, and new beginnings.

Back in the News

Two days ago, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a six-month extension on the final decision to delist the ivory-billed woodpecker from the Endangered Species Act.

Since the release of “In Cypress Slough,” I’ve received Google notices I never cleared about the bird: people claiming they had compelling photographic evidence of a female, calls, and other new footage. Looking and listening, nothing seems conclusive, no matter how much spotters claim their proof. But it all seems enough to open another 30 days of public comment.

The Future…

Who knows what will come of the extension; who knows if the ivory-billed woodpecker ends up officially declared extinct…that it actually is. Obviously, I hope the bird is out there. (Woodpeckers in general are badass!) That’s what I loved so much about writing “In Cypress Slough” — it’s a story of hope.

I’ve not listened to “In Cypress Slough” since sitting down with my wife on November 24, 2021 with a celebratory drink for its release. I think it’s time for another listen…

Behind the Cut – In Cypress Slough

December 13, 2021 by cpgronlund 3 Comments

Left side: A cross section of a tree in grass. Text: Behind the Cut - The Not About Lumberjacks Companion.

Right side: A painting of an ivory-billed woodpecker. Text: In Cypress Slough - Commentary By Christopher Gronlund

“In Cypress Slough” includes two gay characters, but it’s not a story about being gay in East Texas.

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I talk about representation, the stories I’d never write (and why), and how I approach writing disenfranchised characters who have experienced lives I can only imagine.

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Links to some people and things mentioned in this episode:

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Chopping Away: In Cypress Slough Released

November 28, 2021 by cpgronlund Leave a Comment

Christopher Gronlund standing on rocks in a small stream...

First, I hope everyone in the U.S. who celebrates Thanksgiving (however you celebrate the day), had a nice time with (or without family)…eating whatever it is you eat, and being thankful for things in your life. The stories behind the holiday always seemed a bit hyped to me as a kid, so it was always about being with family for me — not about pilgrims and stuff ’cause I was never a fan of those guys.

Today, it’s much of the same, but on a smaller scale (my wife, my mom, and me) and with different foods. (This is Thanksgiving #23 or #24 without turkey. I went vegetarian on a dare in my early 20s, and I had a few meat-less Thanksgivings then. I went back to vegetarianism in late 1999 and vegan in late 2000. Since then, Thanksgiving’s moved up in my list of favorite holidays.)

This year, I’m also thankful for another cycle of Not About Lumberjacks.

The response to “In Cypress Slough” has been great; in fact, in 36 hours, it had as many listens as a full week of a new release…and in a handful of days, it’s passed the total listens of “Calling Out of Time” since its release several months ago!

The Rest of the Year

The remainder of 2021 will see the Behind the Cut episode for “In Cypress Slough,” which will likely be about the care I think writers need to put into writing characters who have experienced hardships they’ve never personally faced. And then, of course, December will be the annual handful of micro fiction and a Christmas story.

What about 2022?

I already have handfuls of stories roughed out for 2022, including the mystery I set aside for “Milkboy.“

I’ve mentioned that I’ve considered starting a Patreon account for Not About Lumberjacks, and I’m still back and forth on the idea. But…since it sticks around, it’s probably best to stop talking and do it!

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So…that’s the latest!

I’m proud of the stories I released in 2021, and plans for 2022 indicate that’s not going to change.

Thanks to everybody who’s listened to and supported the show…I have fun putting stories out there, and I love that people find something in the things I write…

In Cypress Slough

November 24, 2021 by cpgronlund 2 Comments

Two deadhead loggers find something remarkable in the Piney Woods of East Texas, putting them at odds with a large timber company.

Content Advisory: In Cypress Slough deals with bullying, violence (including gun violence), homophobia, the destruction of wildlife and habitat, structure fires, mention of suicide, and swearing. Also, if you’re driving: be aware there’s a scene with approaching emergency sirens and one LOUD jump-scare (a gunshot).

Mitch Todd’s Andromeda Factory trailer.

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Credits:

Music: Theme – Ergo Phizmiz. Story – River Foxcraft, licensed from Epidemic Sound.

Story and Narration: Christopher Gronlund.

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