Ask the Author: Elizabeth A. Havey
Answered Questions (12)
Elizabeth A. Havey
Susan, I am honored that you asked. We are entering a busy season and I will be traveling--first time since Covid. Do you have a deadline in mind?
Thanks, Beth Havey
Thanks, Beth Havey
Elizabeth A. Havey
Once upon a time, I spent ten years learning how to write a novel. When the work had been burnished and polished and was ready for readers, no one wanted to publish it or read it. (sentence #3--But that hasn't happened yet.)
Elizabeth A. Havey
I have two answers: first I would go to Mary Oliver's town where she writes in UPSTREAM she built her own house! This isn't fiction, but I would love to see her little house.
Then I would appear on the doorstep in the first chapter of Ann Patchett's COMMONWEALTH, and ask to wander the fever-dream of her Christening party. I too would drink GIN with California orange juice and watch the reorganization of loves that changes the pathway of two families and begins this amazing story.
Then I would appear on the doorstep in the first chapter of Ann Patchett's COMMONWEALTH, and ask to wander the fever-dream of her Christening party. I too would drink GIN with California orange juice and watch the reorganization of loves that changes the pathway of two families and begins this amazing story.
Elizabeth A. Havey
I want to reread Eva Moves the Furniture by Margot Livesy;
Elizabeth Strout's new collection of stories: Anything Is Possible;
Commonwealth Anne Patchett
The Lilac Girls Martha Hall Kelly
Everything We Left Behind, Kerry Lonsdale
Lincoln in the Bardo Saunders
THAT'S A START
Elizabeth Strout's new collection of stories: Anything Is Possible;
Commonwealth Anne Patchett
The Lilac Girls Martha Hall Kelly
Everything We Left Behind, Kerry Lonsdale
Lincoln in the Bardo Saunders
THAT'S A START
Elizabeth A. Havey
Actually, I am working on that mystery in my current work-in-progress. My father died when I was three. I had an amazing mother, but the mystery my character challenges in my novel is WHY? Why do we lose someone we need and how do we then approach our lives with that emptiness? And does it affect our own choices? I attempt to answer all of these questions.
Elizabeth A. Havey
Right now it would be Ella and David Singleton, the couple in my work-in-progress. Why? Because I know there strengths and weaknesses, where they hurt and how they are blocked from helping one another. As their story progresses, they will have to unite in finding their child. They will have to renew their love and recommit to the promise of their marriage.
Elizabeth A. Havey
I had written many stories and when I began to look at them again, I realized they all had a common thread-motherhood--and A Mother's Time Capsule was born.
Elizabeth A. Havey
Reading. Taking a walk and looking around you. Hearing a conversation. Travel. It all works together, but you can get an idea simply living in your own little world.
Elizabeth A. Havey
A novel that I have rewritten many times. It's been a long process, but I love this book and won't give up on it.
Elizabeth A. Havey
Read and read some more. Then journal or start a story. I didn't begin novel writing until I had written and rewritten over twenty stories. Many authors would tell you to read books about writing. That can stimulate your desire, but unless you have something ON THE PAGE, you can't really being to apply what you learn in those books.
Elizabeth A. Havey
Everything. Getting ideas, working with them, enjoying the process. And of course the best thing is being read and touching those that read your work. It's a gift.
Elizabeth A. Havey
If I'm stuck, I'll go and work on another project. But I have been very fortunate and don't often deal with writer's block. That's certainly not to say that everything that comes through my keyboard is good stuff!
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