Introductions

First posts are daunting. No blog wants to bust the door down with content overload, beating its chest and proclaiming, "I have validity!" But a rambling mission statement won't entice readers to so much as remember your name. Is it better if I bowl you over with a bearhug, or only stand as close as I need to to shake your hand? I find both approaches wanting. What is a magpie to do?

What's that you say? A simple signpost is all you need? Aha! Now we're onto something. Say no more.

Hello Reader! You are [X] here:

De Natura Picae: a blog "On the nature of the magpie"

I am not actually a magpie. Though I did once live on Magpie Lane.

In reality I'm a wayward medievalist and English enthusiast residing where three countries meet. My dream is to have my fiction works join the published ranks of my academic ones. For now, I am still learning to echo, like the creatures Pliny the Elder endearingly described thus:

"There is a certain kind of magpie that can learn words; they become fond of some words, and not only repeat them but can be seen to ponder them... When they forget a word they cheer up greatly when they hear it spoken."

De Natura Picae, a fangirlish tribute to De natura rerum, is where I share my discoveries on the road to writing seriously. Here's hoping that the fun is in the journey.

So welcome. Have a hug and a handshake, and stay a while.