16 Comments
User's avatar
Ramona Kennedy's avatar

Another great read bud! Proud Momma💞

Alan and Diane Dailey's avatar

You have such a gift, Nate! I truly loved this and will share it with my husband. Keep writing!🍂

Nate Kennedy's avatar

Thanks so much, Diane!

Nicole Qualtieri's avatar

Don't we all have those stories that we feel like we're in, and they're just not yet fully baked? Tom McGuane says that all stories are dependent on tension. I know, with my dogs, the only tension I mostly feel is that of their too-short lives. Your story will come to you. Pay attention to the tension. It will pull at you when it's ready to be told <3 Thank you for sharing this with me. It's entirely and utterly relatable!

Nate Kennedy's avatar

Tension!! I love that. Thanks for taking the time to read and share your thoughts, Nicole. The dog and I have built up a whole lot of inspo since September, and prime time writing season is upon us. No plans to give up!

Nicole Qualtieri's avatar

Def check out the Tom McGuane episode of the now-defunct but still awesome Tailgate podcast. Worth the listen! https://www.thetailgatepodcast.com/

John's avatar

Somewhere along the lines of writing, I’ve read and experienced as well, like you penned in the essay above, that writing about personal passions is hardest to do. It’s a matter of time which you mentioned in your essay that will, at some point, allow you to write what your heart feels. That time will allow you to choose the right words that will relay the exact feel of the heartfelt experiences you wish to put down on paper or on a computer screen. I wish luck and inspiration for what you are seeking.

Ted Gattino's avatar

Well done Nate! Can't wait to read each new chapter!

Nate Kennedy's avatar

Thanks Ted! Have a great season, buddy. Hope to see you sometime soon.

Conservation Lady's avatar

It can be frustrating, but that's the beauty of writing; it always has its own timing. I'm looking forward to hearing more about how you discover the right times, the right moments to write about your bird dog journey.

Nate Kennedy's avatar

Thanks! Hope you’re doing well, Ashley.

George Kennedy's avatar

Another great one Nate!

Louis DiLorenzo's avatar

Great read Nate, you are extremely talented! Keep it up brother! ❤️👍

Amy Douglas's avatar

I’ve reread your piece multiple times, gleaning a new meaning and message each time. You have an extraordinary gift, and I see awards for your work in the future.

Your closing paragraphs, though. ALL the feels — “I’ll write poems for my wife and songs I’ll never sing. I’ll write journal entries and gear lists. I’ll write about yet another inspirational cup of hunting camp coffee. And I’ll keep trying to write about me and my bird dog.

After all, anything real I’ve ever done, I’ve written about.”

Nate Kennedy's avatar

Thanks so much, Amy!

Andrew Kennedy's avatar

Awesome Bud!❤️