Check out these stunning photos of Cormorant fisherman Lao Huang by photographer Peter Yan.

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His last name is Huang, and he is 86 years old. The locals call him Lao Huang (meaning old Huang in Chinese). He told me he’s been a fisherman ever since he was a kid, and both he and his brother learned to train cormorant from his father. Nowadays, this is just a hobby, and apparently, he makes a good living from donations, as well as breeding the birds.

Interview: Travel Photographer Highlights China’s Traditional Cormorant Fishing

Story Time

When I look at Peter Yan’s photos, I can’t help but think of the gritty, futuristic sci-fi story I’ve been working on for way too long (not to mention all of the other projects I’ve started but haven’t finished; may they rest in peace).

This particular story features a criminal on the run who ends up stuck with a pelican that refuses to leave his side. It’s a sprawling, episodic sci-fi adventure and I can’t wait to get back to it.

The Good News: I’ve recently accepted a book project I’ll be able to share more about in the next month or so.

The Bad News: There is no bad news! I’ve been stuck in bed for 14 months and I finally have contracted work coming in! Of course, this does mean my pelican story will have to wait–but I’ll do everything I can to make it worth the wait.

In any case, I’m able to fill sketchbook pages with pelicans every now and then and dream of finishing this story. 

Abandoned Project

Do you have a project that could use a little more attention? What are you working on? Please share in the comments.