Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have published two collections of short stories, and two single short stories, all available on Amazon.
English was my favourite lesson during my school days, and I always enjoyed writing stories.
Then I grew up and worked in Casinos for twenty years, and spent fifteen of those years travelling on cruise ships.
Leaving ships in 2011, I now live in the North East of England. When I’m not busy writing, I enjoy music, movies, beach walks and beer.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Breaking Spirits’, a dark short story available on multiple formats. I got the idea for the story from a newspaper. I get lots of ideas from newspaper articles. I expand the original idea, work on it for three or four days, ending up with lots of notes on paper. Then when I’ve got most of the story figured out, I’ll get to my laptop, start typing it up, breaking it down by scene, in random order. I usually find that the first and last scenes are the easiest ones for me.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do a lot of writing in the car. Obviously, not while I’m driving. I’ll park at the beach, put my seat back, scribble away on my notepad, developing the idea, drinking coffee and staring out to sea. It’s my home away from home!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m an avid reader, particularly enjoying James Lee Burke (Robicheaux series), Robert B Parker (Spenser series) and Lawrence Block (Scudder series).
I usually bookmark my favourite passages from their books, then revisit them later, hoping to soak up some of their skills!
What are you working on now?
I promote my books on social media, and I’ve set up my own website, joined Goodreads and Twitter, trying to spread the word, get reviews, all that jazz. I’ve sold some books already, but it’s not enough. It’s never enough.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Truthfully, I’m still learning about promotion. Writing stories is something I enjoy; promotion/marketing is a bit more like work. A necessary evil. But it’s nice to do author interviews and guest posts!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just sit down and write. Never mind the laundry, or making a snack, or going for a bike ride – sit your butt down and write. There’ll always be other stuff to do, so get to it after you write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do it or don’t do it.
What are you reading now?
Hope to Die by Lawrence Block. I’ve read it before, now I’m reading it again. The whole Scudder series is superb!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve just finished a story, so now I’ll spend a week or so promoting my website and books. Then, in the not too distant future, I’ll get the urge to start another story…
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. Winston Churchill – The Second World War.
2. Any Spike Milligan war memoir.
3. Stephen King – It.
Author Websites and Profiles
Glenn McGoldrick Website
Glenn McGoldrick Amazon Profile
Glenn McGoldrick’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account