Margaret Damele Elam interview

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Ypsilanti Michigan. Most of my life I've lived in Ohio.

What was it that first got you into writing and when did you start writing?

I can't say that there was an exact moment when I decided to write. I remember writing long involved stories when I was just a little girl. I'd rather write than anything else in the world. Coming up with a new story idea makes my fingers nearly burn if I can't set to work and get the words out on the spot.

Which writers have influenced you the most?

Early teens I loved to read the bittersweet love stories of the Brontes. Jack London is another favorite. A.A. Milne, Shel Silverstein, Margaret Mitchell, William Shakespeare, Jean Auel, Stephen King,--dozens of names pop into my head. Most of all my, own mother who told me I could.

What kind of things do you write?

I love fantasy but don't like to be pigeon holed into a single genre. My short stories are mostly contemporary offerings about normal people who do extraordinary things. Longer works are fantasy. I love world building.

What are you working on now?

I've been participating in a little message writing for the kick off of a book called Messages by Lynne Rees and Sarah Salway. Let me tell you, creating a 300-word message in response to a particular prompt every single day for 30 days is a challenge but lots of fun for sure.

Besides that I am working on a fantasy novel called Ascalla's Daughter. The book is about a magical realm under attack by a black-hearted monster of a fellow. Ascalla's survival depends upon the ability of one woman, a foundling in love with a prince but to low born to believe she will ever stand beside him as an equal. Lots of magical acts, a fiendish villain and even a loyal lady dragon -- oh what fun I've had with this one.

Finally, I am writing a children's series about the magical happenings in a place called Asmagoria where snakes and trees and all manner of creatures share adventures with a little elf named Timberwolf.

What is your writing day like?

I'm an early riser, up by about 5:00 and finished with morning chores by 6:00. I'm at my keyboard after that and work through until about 1:00. I skip out to clear my head and take a walk, usually alone but sometimes with our little pug. Once back I have a bite of lunch plan dinner and then hit the reading chair. It's one of those giant recliners that cradles you like a lost mother. Pug naps while I read away a couple of hours. Then it’s back to the computer to read over the mornings work. At that point I decide where to begin the next day and make a few notes to guide me. I like to leave the notes because they give me a goal, a beginning spot, and I don't just stare at the screen and wonder what to do next.

What’s the most exciting thing about writing for you?

Creating worlds and populating them with characters from my imagination. Sometimes they bear a slight resemblance to someone I may know. I take pains to be sure they are only recognizable to me, however. After that I must say I find it a tremendous thrill to have someone read my work and like it. Not just the polite little nods, but the ones you know really mean they like it.

What’s the most frustrating thing about writing for you?

Thinking I've started too late with all of the things I have to say. Wondering if I'll have time to say them all and knowing that no matter when I started, I'll never write everything I want to write.

What’s the best piece of feedback that you’ve had from your audience?

I think that would come from a dear friend across the sea. I've never laid eyes on her, but I know she's there. The words are simple. "You can write," she told me. "You can write."

Do you write for a particular audience, or is your first priority to satisfy your own creativity?

I write what sings to my heart. When I can read my own work and feel that surge in my head and heart, I know I've said something true, no matter whether the story is fantasy or reality.

Do you have a homepage? Do you have any short stories or poems published online? (If so, please provide the URLs):

I do have a homepage? The URL is http://www.wolfetales.com/.

Underground Springs you can find as a sample story on my web site or read it at http://www.pindeldyboz.com/mdesprings.htm

Timber Tales from Asmagoria "Timberwolf's Quest" is alive and kicking in the children's selections on the LaFenetre web site. http://la-fenetre.net/2007-05/childrens.php

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