An Interview with Mark Elberfeld
Atlanta writer Mark Elberfeld began this essay collection – appropriately on the theme of journeys – at a remote chateau in tiny Orquevaux, France. Educated at the University of the South, Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English, and Georgia State University, Mark previously taught sixth grade in the Washington, D.C. area, where he grew up, and in Budapest, Hungary. His work has appeared in NANO Fiction, the Bread Loaf School of English Centennial Journal, South Writ Large, and Voices Elevated: 10 Years of the Elk River Writers Workshop. He has also been nominated for publication in Best American Essays. A facilitator and executive coach, Mark lives with his husband, Russell, and their calico, Sophie. This is his first book.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
Even though the title came from an essay in the book, it emerged late in the game. I looked through other books that used a story or essay title as their book title for inspiration. This one just clicked!
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
Even seeing the early versions of the cover made the whole process feel very real. When we landed on the final version, I knew there was no other option! It was perfect. Same with holding the proof in my hands for the first time.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
For this book, I was inspired by the other artists I wrote about. It was so much fun tagging along on their artistic journeys. Also, the title essay came from my time at a writers’ and artists’ residency in Champagne; I had a captive audience in reading it to my fellow artists. I credit them for helping shape the piece.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
One friend just realized that I had been a teacher. Another friend says he’s still learning things about me after our thirty-year friendship. I am still a facilitator and executive coach, so I consider myself an educator – always wanting to lead others through something.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
So far, the launch party was the most rewarding part of this process. It was truly a wonderful celebration not just of the book, but of my family, friends, and other supporters without whom I would not write. Plus having actual sour cherries from Buc-ee’s on each table represents my sense of humor.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
It does! It’s a Spotify playlist on my website. It’s eclectic – just like the essays and experiences in the book.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I want readers to learn something, but I’m not attached to what that is. I hope they will walk away with reflections of their own experiences. Or to think about art or literature in a new way. The perfect reader would simply be open to what I have to offer no matter their background.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
It feels creative – in a very different way – to talk with bookstores and to think of ways to get the word out.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
Atmosphere has been and continues to be supportive and encouraging through the whole process. They have helped me realize a major life dream.
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