Ask the Author: Deborah Makarios
Answered Questions (8)
Deborah Makarios
Well, it depends on what sort of gardening you're interested in - as well as whether you prefer your inspiration visual or wordy or both.
I've really enjoyed Christine Dann's books Cottage Gardening in New Zealand, Perennial Gardening in New Zealand, and Food@Home, but then I'm interested in growing a productive cottage-style garden, in New Zealand. Gail Harden's book Create a Cottage Garden is also a good one.
I also enjoy reading older garden books, such as Angela Kirby's Gardening in Small Spaces and Roy Strong's Creating Small Gardens, both of which I think date from the late 80s or early 90s.
More generally, The Story of the English Garden - put out by the National Trust - and The History of Landscape Design in 100 Gardens are enjoyable reads.
And I'm currently reading Garden Design Master Class and European Garden Design.
There' a world of gardening books out there - have fun!
I've really enjoyed Christine Dann's books Cottage Gardening in New Zealand, Perennial Gardening in New Zealand, and Food@Home, but then I'm interested in growing a productive cottage-style garden, in New Zealand. Gail Harden's book Create a Cottage Garden is also a good one.
I also enjoy reading older garden books, such as Angela Kirby's Gardening in Small Spaces and Roy Strong's Creating Small Gardens, both of which I think date from the late 80s or early 90s.
More generally, The Story of the English Garden - put out by the National Trust - and The History of Landscape Design in 100 Gardens are enjoyable reads.
And I'm currently reading Garden Design Master Class and European Garden Design.
There' a world of gardening books out there - have fun!
Deborah Makarios
I have no summer reading list, because I lack impulse control when it comes to reading books. If I have a book marked as "want to read", it's because I haven't been able to get my hands on a copy yet.
Deborah Makarios
It's what I do.
That said, it can be hard to get going, but once I get going it's hard to stop. It's a good thing I have a husband who makes sure I eat and sleep regularly.
That said, it can be hard to get going, but once I get going it's hard to stop. It's a good thing I have a husband who makes sure I eat and sleep regularly.
Deborah Makarios
There are so many good things about being a writer - the eccentric dress code, the fountain pens, the ability to work in bed - but for me the best bit is when something in the story goes "click" and dovetails perfectly, like it was always meant to be.
Deborah Makarios
At present I am rewriting a second fantasy novel, provisionally titled The Wound of Words. It features an irresponsible young coachman, a stroppy apprentice healer and a flamboyant secretary who's been turned to stone - all on the trail of a surprisingly literal curse.
Deborah Makarios
Handwork! Knitting is my favourite but YMMV - Jane Austen used to shuttle back and forth between her sewing and her writing.
On the other hand, if I really can't get going, it's usually a sign that there's problems with the upcoming scene which I've been trying to ignore. Pro tip: this does not work.
On the other hand, if I really can't get going, it's usually a sign that there's problems with the upcoming scene which I've been trying to ignore. Pro tip: this does not work.
Deborah Makarios
Read lots. Write lots. Cultivate discipline.
Deborah Makarios
I had a dream. I wrote down some barely legible notes when I woke, and a mere ten or twelve years later, poof! a finished book.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more
Dec 13, 2021 11:56PM · flag