Poet, journalist and novelist Melinda Elmore talks about how she balances her work and life
Melinda Elmore
Melinda Elmore is an American author and poet whose work has been published in Soft Whispers Magazine and Autumn Leaves online poetry journal. Her romance novel, Native Dreams, draws on her fascination with Native American culture. Melinda is also a freelance writer for the Navajo/Hopi Observer in Flagstaff, Arizona.
What inspired you to become a writer?
As a child, I loved to read and write. Many nights I would wrap up in a blanket, daydream, while I turned the exciting pages of a book. The books would take me to many places. I loved the idea of going from the normal world in which I lived, then instantly I would be taken to a place far away.
I started writing and creating my very own world - a place where I could go and lose myself with just a pen and paper. I read all of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books and from that point on I vowed to do my best to become a writer.
How did you go about getting your work published?
Getting published is a task all on its own. You have to submit, submit, submit, and then you have to wait, wait, wait. It’s worth it in the end.
How do you balance your time between creative writing, journalistic writing, and maintaining your online presence?
Well you have to be able to make the time for the things that are important. I home-school my daughter, and with the help of my wonderful husband and son everything seems to work out.
I think you can always find a way to make time for the important things in life. You must stay focused and prioritise.
How important do you feel an online presence is for a writer?
An online presence offers a variety of different things. The more you market yourself and your books and writings, the more success you will have.
What inspired you to write Native Dreams?
I grew up with the fascination of the American Indian and Native Dreams is about the turbulent times of the 1800s for Native Americans. In addition, I use the animals of the Mother Earth to reveal the sacred bond, shared between the main characters, Cloud Feather and Precious Hawk. Cloud Feather’s spiritual guide is the eagle, and Precious Hawk’s spiritual guide is the hawk.
The trials suffered by th Native Americans inspired me to write about them. I want to help them in some way, and maybe through my writing I can.
I write from my heart - whatever path it takes me down then I will follow.
Whose writing do you admire?
My favourite authors are Joseph Marshall III, Margaret Coel, Carol Ann Didier, and Linda Broday.
What are the biggest challenges of writing?
Writing in itself is a challenge. You have to stay focused and love what you are writing about.
What do you enjoy most about it?
Researching is my favourite part. I have learnt a great deal researching so I can explain the ways of Native Americans to the best of my knowledge.
Where do you carry out the majority of your writing?
Really, everywhere I go. I have a tendency to jot things down during the day no matter where I am. Sometimes I find myself writing while outside, but I guess the majority of the time its at my desk in total silence.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
When my book, Native Dreams was published. Now, my goal is to get with a big publishing company, so cross your fingers for me!
What advice would you offer an aspiring writer?
Keep writing, and believe in your work. Push yourself to keep writing and to keep submitting your work to publishers, no matter how many rejections you get. Have faith and perseverance.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a Native American mystery novel and the sequel to Native Dreams.
For more on Melinda please visit www.melindaelmore.webs.com and www.melinda.essentialwriters.com
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Melinda, it’s so interesting getting to find out more about you. It’s always nice to know how other writers think and feel. And thank you so much for mentioning me in your interview. That’s so sweet! I wish you lots of luck with finding a publisher for you next book.
I have recently met and corresponded with Melinda, and she is a very dedicated, sincere writer of Native American history and culture. Her heart shows in her writings. I wish her much success in the future. Carol Ann Didier