"In Bear Country" by Barbara Houston
– a really harried, hairy encounter
Being prepared favors luck in most places. And in bear country? Survival.
Barbara Houston lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. A member of an informal writing group, the Scribblers, she is currently writing her memoirs. After college, Barbara taught English for four years. Later, she served as Director of Human Resources at Discovery Place Museum in Charlotte for over ten years. Now retired, Barbara enjoys her writing project, reading fiction, singing, spending time with family and friends, and traveling with her husband, Jerry.
Author’s Talk
Barbara Houston
After my parents died, I realized I had many unanswered questions about their early lives. So, when I retired, I decided to write my memoirs for my children and grandson. A friend told me about a memoir writing class offered in early 2019. That six-week course provided the jump start I needed.
When the class ended, a few participants formed Scribblers, a memoir critique group. I discovered that I enjoy writing stories about my life and family. The feedback and support from my writing friends has been invaluable.
Perhaps my desire to write is in my genes. My father, a Baptist minister, wrote five books, one about Christian salesmanship and the others about theology. One of my brothers, who is fascinated by Elvis Pressley’s legacy, has written articles for Elvis fan magazines.
My memoirs include my childhood years, college experiences, marriage and children, career, and travel. I have also written about people who influenced my life. Many other stories beg to be told about my father and Pop Paw Charley, my paternal grandfather who was larger than life. My collection also includes tributes to three dear friends who died too soon.
In Bear Country is a story which describes one of the more memorable and harrowing experiences my husband and I have had in our many travels. It depicts the tension we felt during one of the most frightening experiences in our lives. The Scribblers encouraged me to submit my story to the Personal Publishing Project. I was delighted and surprised when it was accepted. I appreciate the critique I received from Steven Kirk which guided me in making some changes to strengthen my story.
I look forward to continuing to write, not necessarily for publication, but for my own satisfaction and to preserve my family’s legacy. I hope my experience as a novice writer will encourage others to tell their stories.
