Author Dialog

	"It Don't Come Easy" A little bit of angst, travel experience and discipline to write are some of the ingredients to successful writing discussed at a talk with two Yalie authors October 12, 2002 in Brentwood. Aimee Liu SM'75 and Mark Salzman '82 shared their experience with the creative writing process with about 25 alums, including many writers. Aimee and Mark discussed the agonies and joys of turning the right phrase and illustrated their comments with anecdotes from writing their most recent works: Aimee's Flash House, inspired by true stories of intrigue in India & Central Asia at the start of the Cold War and Mark's Lying Awake, a novel of faith and humanity set in a Carmelite monastery outside present-day Los Angeles. Aimee Liu Road to author: Aimee majored in painting, but eventually turned to writing a book about her experience with anorexia nervosa. Her other works explore her family's Chinese heritage, and often include an Asian influence. Writing Advice: Aimee warned that when writing about historical subjects, avoid getting too caught up into spending endless hours researching the historical "life and times" because that can inspire too many story tangents. Story Ideas: She added that authors can draw upon some story of personal struggle or angst to inspire them to write. Like with Yale application essays. Recent book: Aimee's new book Flash Housewill be available soon. Mark Salzman Road to author: After being a kung fu teacher and a cello player, Mark eventually traveled to China and published some of his travel stories were published in his first book. Writing Advice: Mark compared writing a book to building a bridge. The author must wear the dual hats of architect and engineer to make sure the story is constructed properly with believable characters and that the story beginning and end meet up in the middle. Story Ideas: He added that most writers tend to incorporate a personal issue into their writing, either directly or subconsciously. Recent book: Mark has written several books covering a range of subjects, including life in suburbia and the story of a nun in Lying Awake.	Available at Amazon.com Aimee Liu's Flash House Inspired by true stories of intrigue in India & Central Asia at the start of the Cold War Mark Salzman's Lying Awake A novel of faith and humanity set in a Carmelite monastery outside present-day Los Angeles. Aimee Liu SM'75 Mark Salzman '82
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