Interview with A Mentor: Linda S. Glaz

Why do you write?

I can’t imagine a life NOT writing. OR it’s those nasty voices in my head trying to get out. Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books? Forgiveness and trust are probably the two key elements.

How long have you been writing?

I could be cheesy and say that first story in eighth grade hooked, but more seriously, about 28-29 years.

And how long did it take you to get your first book published?

My first novella was published 18 years after I started writing. It took me a while to ‘get it’, that I wasn’t all that good and a nickel!

Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.

Agent of the Year for ACFW. Meant so much to know that someone cared enough to write an essay that nominated me.

Tell us about a recent/favorite book or article you’ve published.

I have a client who writes historic romance, and she’s received numerous started reviews from Publisher’s Weekly. Having been a part of that has meant a lot.

Tell us about one of your greatest joy(s) in your writing career.

Having a patients at the clinic where I worked asked me to “Please” write a sequel to that first novella. I had thought to sit down and dash off a 500-750 word epilogue that would complete what happened to the secondary characters and give it just to her. Once I started, however, I realized that those characters had their own story to tell, so wrote another novella. She was so pleased.

Tell us about one of your darkest moment(s) in your writing career.

Writing a story about the bombing of the White House, but when I finished it, 9-11 happened and I was encouraged to shelve it for a while. Now, because of circumstances in the story, the theme is a moot point and I have to completely rewrite the entire arc. So until I have that moment when I simple ‘have’ to tell the story differently, I’m stuck waiting. Probably my best and fave writing to boot.

Rejection is a common experience for writers. How do you overcome rejection?

Perseverance and believing how important perseverance is. How has rejection shaped you or your career? I think it prepared me to be an agent more than an author. I know how much it hurts and try not to dish that out to new authors.

How has God led you to mentor other writers?

It’s just what I do. I’ve always taught in many arenas, and when your heart’s in it, you want to help others.

Do you speak at writers’ conferences?

Oh, yes. Love to. What are some of your favorite topics to speak about? Perseverance, Show vs. Tell, Writing first pages that Pop! and other topics.

Tell us about some of your favorite conferences and why you like them.

I tend to love the smaller more intimate conferences where you can really get to know people. But then, there’s the ACFW massive conference which is really awesome in its own right.

Have you organized or led other types of groups to support writers?

Writers groups, but I honestly prefer to leave that to folks with amazing organizational skills. Or, you DON’T want to see my office!!!

How else do you provide support for writers?

Seeing potential in someone and just wanting to help them get it right!

Tell us about a facet of mentoring that particularly excites you.

Starting to work with a new author, and then seeing them receive a contract from a publisher, then seeing readers go crazy for their novels.

What venues/methods have you found most effective for meeting and mentoring writers?

 Conferences, for sure. And, of course, referrals.

What advice do you have for writers as we interact with our peers? What can we do to be better supporters and mentors of our fellow writers?

Do your best to show them that you are a professional. Learn to do things the right way first time out and it will show. What can we do to be better supporters and mentors of our fellow writers? Help by reposting new book releases for friends, take part in contests, help by becoming beta readers and being part of friends’ launch teams.

Linda S. Glaz is an agent with Hartline Literary Agency, and also the author of eight novels and two novellas, so she “gets” writers. She represents authors in both the Christian and secular communities. She speaks at numerous conferences and workshops around the country each year. Married with three grown children and four grands, she lives in a small town where everyone is family.