Dana Mack
Author Interview - Dana Mack
Author of All Things That Deserve To Perish: A Novel of Wilhelmine Germany
Dana Mack gives readers a taste of late nineteenth century German history in this thoroughly researched and beautifully crafted story of a talented young Jewish woman who finds herself drawn into a fragile mixed
marriage. Kirkus Reviews called the book a “rich tale,” and pronounced its heroine “a character worthy of Edith Wharton."
Author Interview - Dana Mack
Author I draw inspiration from: The late nineteenth century German writer, Theodore Fontane
Author Interview - Dana Mack
Favorite place to read a book: I have a great reading chair in my piano studio. It faces a wall of narrow windows. Very cozy, especially on winter afternoons, when the sun is low.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: It's probably not a very original answer, but I would love to have a long chat with Dorothea Brooke (George Eliot's "Middlemarch"). She was so intelligent, and even had decent priorities. Yet, she still made some really stupid decisions. Of course, she eventually woke up to them, and with some luck was able to put her life together again.
Author Interview - Dana Mack
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: When I was six, I desperately wanted a dog. My parents were not animal people, and I knew I wouldn't get one. So I wrote a story about an imaginary dog. At the end of the story, the dog died. When my mother read it, she cried -- right in front of me. It sounds cruel, but I really liked the effect I had on her!
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Paperback, all the way. I really like the audio book of "All Things.." I found a great narrator. But I would never listen to an audio book by choice because reading is such a private experience with me; I don't want to share it. Hardback books annoy me, because they aren't pliable. I like paperbacks because I can abuse them, if I want to, with notations and creases, and even potato chip stains, and I don't feel guilty.
The last book I read: A Passage to India, C.S. Forester. Finally got around to this wonderful classic when my book club read it!
Author Interview - Dana Mack
Pen & paper or computer: Computer, hands down! First of all, my handwriting stinks, and so my skills of critical evaluation go right out the window if I write in longhand. In fact, I think my writing regresses to high school quality, because that's the last time I wrote in longhand. On the other hand, it's easy to like what comes out through word processing, and that is also dangerous. I read my work aloud after a writing session. Hearing it stimulates the critical faculties! Sometimes, hearing my words is humiliating. But when I like what I hear, it gives me enormous gratification!
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: It may sound self-serving, but I love the heroine of my own recent novel, Lisi von Schwabacher. I could definitely be best friends with her. Her faults, though not negligible, are forgivable. I wrote her consciously wanting my readers to like her, too. But I liked her even more when she took on a life of her own, and did some things I hadn't planned on. Readers ask me if she is modeled on me. She has many of the same tastes and opinions, but she is prettier, nicer, funnier, more talented, younger, more charming and altogether more interesting. So, no! She is not me. I see a lot of my daughter in her. And my daughter is definitely my best friend!
Author Interview - Dana Mack
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: I was trained as a musician. So I am that, too! But if I didn't write, I would just vegetate. Maybe I would be a competitive eater!
Favorite decade in fashion history: If we are talking aesthetics, definitely the first decade of the 20th century. The evening gowns were gorgeous -- so elegant and complementary to the female form! But then, who wants to put on a corset?! What a bother!
If we are talking aesthetics and function, the 1930s were pretty great. But again, dressing was formal, even for daytime.
If we are talking function: Right now! This decade! I spend my days in leggings or sweats. For "dressing up," I like easy wear clothes that drape nicely over the figure, and aren't either baggy or tight. One can wear almost anything to the opera nowadays, and I love that women are relieved of pressure to put on the dog for evening events!
Place I’d most like to travel: I love, love, love, love, love South Africa! I am dying to go back to Kruger National Park again! I remember every single minute I spent in South Africa; there is nothing like the bush.
My signature drink: Drink(s) Wine for three seasons, margaritas in the summer, water all day, every day, all year long..
Favorite artist: Rembrandt. The self-portraits just pierce me to the core.
Number one on my bucket list: Grandchildren, and I have one coming! YAY!
Anything else you'd like to add: I'd love to hear from readers of All Things That Deserve To Perish! I love to dialogue with my readers!
Find more from the author:
Website: Danamack.com;
Twitter: danamac90928723
#allthingsthatdeservetoperish
Author Bio: Dana Mack is a musician, historian, and writer living in Connecticut. She is the author of two non-fiction books as well as the recently published novel, All Things That Deserve To Perish.
Her articles on culture, education, music, and social issues have been published in The Wall Street Journal, Commentary Magazine, The New Criterion, USA Today, the LA Times, The Washington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, and many other publications.
