An Interview with Leslie Glass

Leslie Glass is a mystery writer, journalist, and playwright. She is also an active philanthropist for non-profit organizations. She established the Leslie Glass Foundation which provides fellowships for students to certain universities. She has published fifteen novels, nine of which are based on the New York Times Bestselling series about April Woo.

How did you get into writing? At what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I have been a professional writer since I graduated from college 150 years ago. I started journaling as a course in college. My professor told me I was the best natural writer she had ever seen, which encouraged me. Then I had to learn everything else, which has taken my whole life.

What was your first book or story that you completed? Did you ever get it published?

I wrote my first novel when I was 22. Had an offer from Doubleday. I didn't take it. I revised it maybe 20 times and no one else wanted it. My second novel was published 7 years later. I had worked in advertising and at a magazine and for publishers by then. I knew how to craft a story.

How did you finally get published? When were you able to write on a full time basis? Please explain your success story?

I finally got published because I had a byline at a major magazine and editors knew who I was.

How do you stay motivated to finish a novel? How do you stay focused?

If you're a real writer, instead of someone who likes the idea of being a writer, you keep working because you can't help it. You want to get it right and will do anything to learn how.

What is your writing schedule like? Do you write in the mornings, evenings, and for how long?

I work whenever I have a free moment. I've learned how to walk in and out of a project at a moment's notice. When I was a young mother, I used to get up when everyone was sleeping and work then.

How do you get your ideas? What is your method for remembering them?

I get my ideas from the newspaper, from what's going on in the world. What seems to be important to people. I just remember because it's in my head.

If you get writer’s block, how do you get over it?

Writer's write.

What are your thoughts on self publishing?

This is a really tough question because there are more books being published this way than by traditional publishers. This is a lovely thing to do if you want to give the books to your family, or want to leave a record of your life. However, if you don't have a following, it's very difficult to sell any books. If you want to see yourself published, nothing wrong with it. But you won't get reviewed and you won't be eligible for competitions. And another caveat. People don't spend enough time learning how to write. I wrote 3 novels that didn't get published and it took me 15 years to make money at it. Frankly there are no shortcuts to learning a business.

What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a writer? What is a good starting point for them?

Accept that this is a long process. Journal first, write short pieces, either fiction or non fiction next. Then try stories. Don't attempt a novel or a play or a screenplay if you haven't taken other steps. It's just too hard. And trust me, you won't get it right. You can't be an astronaut without the training. Same with writing. Check out my website Ilovequitters.com for more thoughts on writing.

To find out more about Leslie Glass, and her work, check out Leslie Glass's website.