I Had a Parrot Who…Part 1

Have you ever wondered how authors come up with their ideas for their books? Or have you ever thought you’d like to write a story, but didn’t know where to start?

I thought it would be fun to give some behind the scenes of the inspiration of my first book.

My first series of blogs was inspired by Squirt, the narrator and star of THE PARROT ON THE PORCH.

Squirt was a red-headed amazon parrot, and not only did he live on our porch in Panama when I was a kid, he observed us and regularly surprised us with things he taught himself to do.

We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into when a little featherless baby bird that needed to be fed in a dropper ended up as part of our family. As he grew feathers, he grew a personality, and by the time he was fully grown, he was a force to be reckoned with.

Find a good perch, and enjoy getting to know the real parrot who…

WHISPERED if there was a sheet over his cage.

Yup, at night, we’d put a sheet over Squirt’s cage. Squirt knew that he had to be quiet if the sheet was on his cage, but if he could hear us, he’d start whispering, “Hola,” or “Hello…” until we took the sheet off. As soon as the sheet came off, he’d the crank the up volume and yell, “HOLA!!!” or “HELLO!!!” over and over again until we’d interact with him.

I had a parrot who knew when to use a quiet voice and when to use a loud voice. Squirt and I would love to know what your pet can do? Jot us a note and tell us what your pet can do.

Who knows…it might just inspire you to write your own story.

I Had a Parrot Who…Part 1

Joy Vigil