Ask the Author: Elaine I. Makas
Answered Questions (10)
Elaine I. Makas
My life is a pretty much an open book...LOL. However, there is a mystery in the connections between my inner life and being socialized in the 70's. It's not a traditional mystery but would make a good read!! Lots to reveal as the clues add up!!
Elaine I. Makas
When you listen to your heart, and it tells you, "This story must be told" (and you know you are the only one that can tell it)! Then you look up to heaven and say, "Okay Lord, if the story must be told then you must walk this journey with me cause I don't know what I am doing!!" Then God provides the inspiration, the skills, the right contacts, and the time!
Elaine I. Makas
I'm reading my library's 100 books to read to be a well-rounded reader. Therefore I will be reading books and genres I would have never thought of reading! Next in line are The Kitchen God's Wife, Bel Canto, The Tea Girl, The Age of Innocence, Cutting for Stone, Devil in the White City, Long Way Gone, Of Human Bondage, Love in the Time of Cholera, and Interpreter of Maladies.
WHEW! I wonder how many of those I will get through in summer 2021!
WHEW! I wonder how many of those I will get through in summer 2021!
Elaine I. Makas
It would be "Lord of the Rings" but I would have to be an elf!
Elaine I. Makas
Once upon a time, I started writing a nonfiction narrative memoir of someone I dearly loved without knowing how to do it and having no time to do it. So, I started several times over the years and kept failing and one day I started again and now it is finished - the next horror story is how to get your work out there!
Elaine I. Makas
I never use the words or concept of "writer's block." Just the term itself closes doors and windows. Instead, I write what I can during my writing time. If I cannot work on the narrative, I work on the research or the references. If I cannot address the sequence, I write out of order. If I cannot get the words right, I write them wrong and edit them later. If all else fails I write Haiku or oil paint which opens creativity! Don't ever tell yourself you have writer's block - it will only make you stumble more.
Elaine I. Makas
Writing always feels like you are doing something important, worthwhile, and lasting no matter if it is a journal entry, short story, novel, trade book, poem, etc.! With writing, you see the fruit of your struggles in both your work and in those who read your writing.
Elaine I. Makas
That's not an easy question but I know what helped me to get through the challenges of writing a nonfiction narrative memoir. Here are some ideas:
1) Find a time that works for you BUT find a time (I worked most days from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.). Res search says 20" per day will get you to a goal - so try that approach if you are really busy.
2) Join a writing room, writing group or get a writing coach in the beginning.
3) Buy some books on how-to books in the genre you are writing.
4) Listen to authors' talks/podcasts. I got some of my best advice from authors on MasterClass!
5) Choose to write about something you are passionate about - it's a long road but worth it!
6) Choose perseverance over perfection.
1) Find a time that works for you BUT find a time (I worked most days from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.). Res search says 20" per day will get you to a goal - so try that approach if you are really busy.
2) Join a writing room, writing group or get a writing coach in the beginning.
3) Buy some books on how-to books in the genre you are writing.
4) Listen to authors' talks/podcasts. I got some of my best advice from authors on MasterClass!
5) Choose to write about something you are passionate about - it's a long road but worth it!
6) Choose perseverance over perfection.
Elaine I. Makas
I am working on a set of short stories that revolve around people's survival and ethical decision-making. The story I am on right now is called "The Pockets" and has to do with a young girl trying to feed her starving siblings. All the stories will be from real-life experiences.
Elaine I. Makas
The idea for the book that became "A YOUNG MAN ON THE FRONT LINE: Lessons of War" came from all the wonderful years I spent with my father who was a WWII veteran. My father, Sgt. Chris Makas saw a great deal of combat in Southern Germany in 1944. He shared so much of his experiences and wisdom with me I wanted to pass it along and share the story and the wisdoms with all ages. Readers will laugh, cry, fall in love and learn so much about WWII, war, liberation, steadfastness, loyalty, trauma, and adaptation.
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