By: Seraphina Quinn

Joel Machak’s path to becoming an author is as eclectic as inspiring. Born on June 1, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, Machak’s early life was marked by a deep passion for art. This passion led him to art school, where he honed his skills in drawing and painting. His creative talents soon found a practical application in advertising, where he enjoyed a 47-year-long career. Starting as an art director and eventually transitioning to a copywriter, Machak’s work in advertising spanned various industries, from large corporations to governmental agencies.

After retiring a little over two years ago, Machak turned his attention to writing full-time, channeling his creative energies into the literary world. His diverse career background is evident in the various genres he explores in his writing, from historical and science fiction to spiritual adventures.

Machak’s Literary Works

Machak has written and self-published four books, with a fifth currently in the works. His first book, Upheaval, is a Native American historical fiction novel. Reflecting on this work, Machak acknowledges that he would approach it differently today, considering more recent research on Native American history. His second book, Civilization Starship: The Maiden Voyage, marks a departure into science fiction, offering a thrilling adventure that questions humanity’s readiness for deep space travel.

His third book, Wilder Skies: How Mankind’s War on Nature Began, delves into themes of environmentalism and human nature. His fourth, A Spirit Guide Speaks: The Reality Behind Our Reality, is a spiritual nonfiction narrative based on personal experiences. Due to its extensive use of photographs, it is available exclusively as an eBook.

The Making of Wilder Skies

Wilder Skies is set 20,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, a period of significant environmental change as the great glaciers melted and sea levels rose dramatically. This backdrop serves as a canvas for Machak to explore the impact of these changes on human settlements and the natural world. Central to the novel are two spirit beings, Inakomas and To’Hapa, who take on human forms to understand and influence humanity’s behavior.

Inakomas, embodying the gentle spirit of the Earth, and To’Hapa, representing the wild spirit of nature, navigate the challenges of human existence and strive to understand humanity’s complex relationship with nature. Their journey is a metaphor for the broader human struggle to balance technological advancement and environmental stewardship.

Themes of Human Nature and Environmentalism

Machak’s exploration of human nature in Wilder Skies highlights the enduring human desire for dominance and control. This is illustrated through the development of tools and weapons, such as the atlatl (referred to as the “arm of the giant” in the novel), which allowed early humans to hunt large animals more effectively. This technological progression symbolizes humanity’s relentless drive to assert control over nature.

Machak’s fascination with the interrelatedness of all life forms and the consequences of human actions on the environment is evident throughout his work. He emphasizes the need for a deeper appreciation of nature and a reevaluation of humanity’s role within it. By setting his novel in a prehistoric time, Machak invites readers to reflect on the origins of humanity’s environmental impact and consider the lessons that can be learned from the past.

Crafting a Historical Narrative

Machak’s dedication to historical and technical accuracy bolsters Wilder Skies‘ authenticity. He conducted extensive research into the Solutreans, a prehistoric people from the Iberian Peninsula who, according to some theories, may have crossed the Atlantic to settle in what is now the eastern United States. This theory, detailed in the book Across Atlantic Ice by Dennis Stanford and Bruce Bradley, provides a speculative yet plausible foundation for Machak’s narrative.

Machak’s commitment to technical precision extends to depicting ancient technologies and practices. He personally learned how to knap flint and use an atlatl to ensure these elements were portrayed accurately. This meticulous attention to detail enriches the reader’s experience, providing a vivid and believable depiction of prehistoric life.

The Role of Emotion and Storytelling

Machak’s writing is deeply influenced by his understanding of human emotions and their significance in storytelling. He believes that fiction serves as a powerful tool for exploring the mysteries of love, life, and human connection. Through his characters and their journeys, Machak seeks to illuminate the complexities of the human heart and how our emotions shape our interactions with the world and each other.

In Wilder Skies, the emotional depth of the characters, particularly the spirit beings Inakomas and To’Hapa, adds a layer of poignancy to the narrative. Their quest to understand human behavior and their own roles within it mirrors the broader human quest for meaning and purpose.

Recognition and Influence

Machak’s work has not gone unnoticed. His contributions to advertising, particularly a safety belt campaign credited with saving over 80,000 lives, have earned a place in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s permanent collection. This recognition underscores Machak’s ability to create impactful, behavior-changing content.

This experience has profoundly influenced his approach to writing. Machak aims to create stories that are entertaining and capable of inspiring change and prompting reflection. He believes that fiction can alter perceptions and encourage readers to think critically about their actions and their effects on the world.

Looking Ahead

As Machak prepares to publish his fifth book, a strong environmental tale exploring humanity’s relationship with the Earth, he remains committed to blending historical accuracy with imaginative storytelling. He also looks forward to potentially revisiting the characters and themes of Wilder Skies in a sequel, continuing to explore the rich tapestry of human history and nature’s enduring influence.

Machak’s upcoming teaching endeavor, a course for older adults aspiring to write novels or memoirs, reflects his passion for nurturing creativity in others. By sharing his insights and experiences, he hopes to inspire a new generation of writers to explore their own stories and contribute to the ever-evolving literature landscape.

In summary, Joel Machak’s journey from art school to advertising and finally to authorship is a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of following one’s passions. Through his diverse body of work, Machak continues to challenge readers to think deeply about the past, present, and future, encouraging a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life and the profound impact of human actions on the natural world.

Published by: Khy Talara