MANCHESTER, NH – Manchester Memorial High School English teacher Elaine J. Makara never aspired to publish a book of her own poetry, but sometimes serendipity has its own plan.
After completing a graduate course titled “Poetry Fundamentals” at Southern New Hampshire University, where Makara is pursuing her master’s degree in creative writing, she decided to take her professor’s advice and submit her work for publication.
On a whim, Makara sent her manuscript—which she would later title “Moments: Every One Counts”—to Poet’s Choice, an international press based in India, then put it out of her mind.
With a full-time teaching position, graduate school classes and a family at home, Makara already had plenty on her plate. Besides, Makara said, she was working toward her master’s degree so she could become certified to teach running start courses (high school classes that offer college credits) and, someday, at the collegiate-level.
She had no interest in becoming the next Sylvia Plath. “I never intended to publish,” said Makara, who grew up in Candia and attended Trinity High School and Notre Dame College, both in Manchester. “Who was going to read my work anyway? Publication was not my impetus for getting my creative writing degree.”
Then, a week later, she received an email from the publisher accepting her manuscript. Makara, who had never written poetry in her life, was going to become a published poet.
“I found myself gravitating toward poetry in the grad class, largely because it was cathartic to write,” said Makara. “I didn’t have to work that hard at it. The poetry just came out, but the publication took me by surprise. It has changed the trajectory of my life and my goals.”
“Moments” was released in September, and so far, Makara said that she has been pleased by the response from readers.
“People have been really receptive and asking me for more,” she said. “I hope people read it and can relate to it. I hope they find some solace in the book.”
The poems in “Moments” are largely inspired by her father, who passed away three years ago, and Makara said that the writing became her “therapy” in the grieving process. “The book would not be published without my dad. He was the muse for me to get the words on paper,” she said.
The book also manages to cover the themes of parenthood, marriage, death and aging in a relatable, straight-forward voice that manages to avoid the endless navel-gazing that can anchor a lot of verse.
Makara is also using her book to inspire some those much-touted “teachable moments” with her students. She keeps a copy of her book in her classroom and said her students have been “excited and supportive” of their English teacher’s literary pursuits.
“Students need to see writing that brings out emotions,” siad Makara, who teaches an Advancement Placement Language course, as well as Journalism and American Literature.
With her first book under her belt, Makara said she has now caught the writing bug and planning future projects. A cancer survivor, she is currently working on stories and poems about battling the disease while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy in her busy life at home.
“I think I can [keep writing books], and I want to see what else I have. I have a story to tell,” she said.
For now, however, Makara said she is happy to “enjoy the wave” of this first book and looks forward to the experiences that come with it.
“Writing has always been in me, but at this point in my life, it has taken me to a place where I look at things differently, teach things differently, and want to explore things a little deeper,” she said. “This opened a door that I didn’t expect. It’s exciting, and I feel blessed.”
Elaine Makara will read from “Moments: Every One Counts” at The Bookery in Manchester on Nov. 17 from 2-4 p.m.