Ask the Author: Mark Lages
Answered Questions (23)
Mark Lages
Thank you!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed the book. My next book is in the works, and should be out by the end of the year.
Mark Lages
I always liked to write, but when I was younger I discovered that I didn't have a lot of life experience. I did write short stories every now and again over the years, but I did not start writing full time until I was in my sixties. Now I write all the time, and I have a whole lifetime of varied experiences to draw upon. This had been an important consideration for me. Also, now that I'm older, I do not need to write for money. I can write about things that matter to me (and hopefully to my readers) without worrying about how many books I'm selling.
Mark Lages
Most of my writing about the Vietnam War is from memory and reflections, but I did not go there. I missed the conflict by a year. It was a very big deal while I was growing up, so I suppose that is why I often write about it. Sorry to hear about your brother.
Mark Lages
When I was young, I hated to read. I wanted to read, but I hated doing it. I couldn't concentrate, and the books I read seemed boring. Then in college I picked up a copy of Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail from the book rack at the grocery store, and I took it back to my dorm room to read it. I was mesmerized from the first page to the last, and for this reason I would have to say Hunter S Thompson is my favorite author. I have grown up a lot since those days, and now his books seem sort of myopic and immature to me. But he is the one who first got me interested in reading and writing.
Mark Lages
As far as your story line being cliche, I always like to keep in mind what the narrator said in one of my favorite Fellini movies. He said (in so many words) that everything has already been said, that it's not what you say, but how you say it. So tell your story with your own unique voice, and I think you will have the opportunity to create a special piece of literature that many people will appreciate reading. In other words, don't try to sound like someone else. Be yourself and have confidence in your writing abilities.
Mark Lages
Yes, all wars are tragic. The Disneyland ride scene was not intended to be funny. Rather, it was my attempt to show how many of us in the United States have, for whatever reason, decided these days to view war and its horrific consequences as being noble and even a little fun. Honestly? It makes me sick to my stomach.
Mark Lages
I get asked that question often. I hate having to answer it because I detest the whole idea of genres. Content should not be classified. By doing this one automatically defines an author's books as following (or straying from) certain formulas, the kiss of death for any worthwhile literature. An author ought to be free to write about anything he wishes, in his own style, using his own words and thoughts, and readers should try to connect with the author, not with the parameters of a genre.
Mark Lages
You are on the list...thanks!!!
Mark Lages
Thank you for your kind words. It means a LOT to me. Writing is a very lonely endeavor, and hearing back from my readers is always a joy.
Mark Lages
Just a little wind here with no rain. No big deal where I live.
Mark Lages
This short story is exactly what happened to my friend and me, so it is a true story. It was my first lesson learned regarding politics and politicians. I like what Henry Kissinger had to say. He said, "Ninety percent of politicians give the other ten percent a bad reputation."
Mark Lages
I write fiction. None of my work is autobiographical, but it is all based upon what I have seen and experienced over the course of my life, seasoned with a little poetic license.
Mark Lages
Since my mom and dad moved us out of San Bernardino when I was very young, I don't have any specific memories of the place that I can use in my writing. We moved to Northern California (San Jose area), and that's where I was raised. I moved back to Southern California when I was in my early twenties. That concrete tee pee motel is in San Bernardino, I think. It's on Route 66, which I believe is now Foothill Blvd. I always wanted to write a story using that wonderful motel as a setting. There are still some other remnants of the old Southern California standing here and there that would make great settings for stories. I would love to be able to go back in time and experience San Bernardino and the rest of Southern California around the time you and I were born. Things have changed so much. As a kid we drove down and visited Southern California often to see relatives. I have a lot of good memories from these visits, and I do use them in some of my stories.
Mark Lages
All kinds of apples grow on trees. I simply find them and pick them. I really can't take much credit for writing about things that are simply there for the taking :)
Mark Lages
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it! I especially like this book. It is one of my favorites.
Mark Lages
Hi Robin,
My email address is marklages@cox.net. Look forward to hearing from you!
My email address is marklages@cox.net. Look forward to hearing from you!
Mark Lages
I lost my driver's license. I went to the DMV for a new one.
Mark Lages
I would travel to the Restaurant at the End of the Universe and order a cup of tea.
Mark Lages
What a great question! There's so much I could say. But without getting carried away, I suppose I might say the following: First, don't write unless you love to write. Writing is an art, and art requires passion. Anyone can work hard, but hard work is only a small part of the picture. If you aren't passionate, readers will pick up on your lack of enthusiasm just as quickly as your fingers can type. Second, always be honest with your readers. Pretenses and falsehoods are to be avoided at all costs. Third, be original. A parrot can mimic, and the art world is (most unfortunately) full of parrots. Don't be afraid to write something original. I'd rather see someone fail at originality than succeed at the tried and true. Fourth, live your life first and then write. An average writer who has some life experiences under his belt is far more capable than a talented writer whose only experience is writing. Fifth, and last, don't write to become a successful writer. Write to engage and entertain your readers. Write to make your readers think in new ways. Write to make your readers laugh, cry, cringe, cower, and shout with joy. Write to make your readers want more. I think the best books come from those who aim to write great stories, and not from those who aim to sell books.
Mark Lages
Mystery: where did I put my car keys two years ago? Parked my car in the garage, came into the house, and put them somewhere. Still haven't found them. They're in the house somewhere, and I could write a whole book on all the places I've looked. Fortunately, I had a second set on hand to take their place.
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