Behind the Curtain in the Author's Brain

I did one of my presentations (i.e. talk, slideshow and book signing) Tuesday 11 July for Birdlife Ballarat. I loved it. They loved it. It was a delightful group. Doing one of these presentations is life affirming to me. I literally (correct use of the word) love doing them. After I have done one, I have about a day of validation/performance high. It is real. It is palpable. It’s a feeling of joy in my chest and brain. I do not have much of that in, or around, me anymore. But I do keep writing. Two books published and I have begun the third which is due out in 2025. We will see.

December 2022 Cocos Island. One of my happy places. It will be in the third book

The old man at his 'talk' for Birdlife Ballarat. I enjoyed those people (Photos by Warwick Remington)

Twenty years or so ago, I made a good living as a touring entertainer. I would have night, after night, after night of validation. The joy of performing and being appreciated rumbled through me after each show and fed my soul. Standing ovations and encores are as good as it gets for a brain like mine. 

Before the books there were the songs. They are still out there on YouTube and stuff. 

Yes, creating stuff and sharing it affects me physically. I can feel that joy. A Life Bird gives me that as well. I refer to it as Lifer High in my books and I have written about it a lot (and about Lifer Pie of course). I have written less about what I reckon could be called, ‘performance high’. Going for months at a time without doing any presentations or ‘performances’ if you will, causes me to drift further into the darkness. An isolating extrovert can be a danger to themselves.

Gouldian Finches from the first book

A Whale Shark and me off Christmas Island in the second book

I understand more about my ADHD brain now than I did even a couple of years ago. I know that I have what is called a neurodivergent brain and that it is physically wired differently than a neurotypical brain. My mental/emotional needs are different. I create and I physically need to create. But I can only create to share, therefore I need to share (duh). I am so grateful for these opportunities to connect with audiences who enjoy my words enough for me to share them. 

The above photos from Kutini-Payamu NP (the Iron Range) January 2023 and will be in the third book coming in 2025 I think.

There is a writer for “Ibis”, The International Journal of Avian Science who has reviewed both my books. I do not ‘know’ Jonathan T. Coleman but he knows me. I would love to shake his hand one day and thank him. He is the one who wrote the wonderful sentence, “The author captures the very essence of birdwatching in Australia”.  

I will close with his review from IBIS. I wish more people knew about my books.

RICHARDSON, R.B. More Australian Birding Tales. 368 pages, numerous colour photographs and maps, Oxford: John Beaufoy Publishing, 2022, paperback, AU $39.99 (£19.99 NHBS), ISBN:9781913679248

More Australian Birding Tales is a sequel to the author’s first book An Australian Birding Year. The style of writing is highly personable, easy to read and captivating for readers. This book describes the author’s continuing birding adventures around Australia as he progresses his Australian bird list to 759 species.

The book has a unique appeal to birdwatchers, travellers, and anyone curious about Australia and its birds. The author blends birdwatching, Australian culture and his own personal challenges into a compelling story line describing his journeys the length and breadth of Australia to see some of the most challenging and elusive species. The stark contrasts between populated and remote areas are also educational for any reader and a reminder of how remote and isolated it is possible to be when chasing certain species.

The book describes many well-known birding sites in the country and although not intended as such, does provide something of a guide for those wanting to see specific species and some of the challenges associated with them. His travels also extend to such locations as the Cocos islands and Christmas Island: several of Australia’s pelagic destinations also feature.

The author brings a very personal note to the book which makes it particularly special, describing his own personal challenges, friendships, good and bad experiences, and the sheer joy he has for birdwatching, weaving this all into a compelling narrative. There are lessons and messages here for everyone and the book with its combination of humour, fact and shared experiences truly has something for most audiences. The book is a wonderfully engaging read, complementing his first book, and providing yet more insights in Australia and its rich birdlife in an easy-to-read and informative manner.

Sending love as I do ❤️

The old man and a Bush Python across the road in Kutini-Payamu NP, January 2023 My god I love it up there. Thank god for memories...