I don’t live in the bayou full-time, but it’s where I go to breathe. Most of my stories start somewhere between a cast and a gut feeling. This page isn’t about writing tips or character arcs. It’s about the places I’ve been, the fish I’ve chased, and the dumb luck and bad weather that come with both.
It’s not an “About the Author” page in the usual sense. But it’s probably the most honest one I’ve got.
This is Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana… where most of the Etienne Arceneaux Mysteries take place. Marsh, backroads, and secrets in every direction.
II don’t live in South Louisiana, but I get down there as often as I can. We’ve been fishing the marsh for over 15 years. Mostly around Cocodrie and Pointe-aux-Chênes, but we’ve also spent time in Dulac, Bayou Dularge, and more recently, Delacroix. That one’s closer to New Orleans, east of the Mississippi, not Terrebonne Parish, but close enough to feel like home.
Just sharing a few snapshots from the marsh. The bottom photo’s from Pointe-aux-Chênes. Those horses live on a little island right across from the marina.
This storm rolled in fast while we were fishing near Sulphur Mine out of Pointe-aux-Chênes. We saw it in the distance, and ten minutes later it was on us hard. Wind howling, sheets of rain. So I nosed the boat into the marsh grass just to keep us steady.
It rained so hard I couldn’t see past the bow. One of my buddies dropped to his knees in the back and said, “Dear Lord, I’m ready if it’s my time.” I had on a rainsuit, but the only dry spot on me was the inside of my mouth.
That’s my dad and my brother down in Cocodrie. I took this shot on the water one evening, and we had it printed on canvas. Now it sits on my dad’s mantle. His favorite kind of sunset, in his favorite kind of place.
Caught this beast of a red down in Delacroix. Biggest one I’ve ever landed in the marsh. Just over 17 pounds. Snapped a quick pic, then let him go to fight another day. Still thinking about that first run.
Baby gator hanging out behind the camp. I wasn’t about to get too close. Where there’s a little one like this, mama usually isn’t far behind.