Author Interview – Glenda Young – Murder At The Seaview Hotel

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed author Glenda Young about her new book, Murder At The Seaview Hotel, what inspires her to write, and her career so far.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I’m Glenda Young, a novelist and bestselling author living in Sunderland. I write in two genres – cosy crime and saga – and both are published by Headline.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I’ve always felt I had a book in me, ever since I was a child. It’s just taken a l-o-n-g time to get it out so my bit of advice to anyone reading this is that it’s never too late to start!

When did you take a step to start writing?

I began to write fiction in 2015 with short stories being published in women’s magazines.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

It takes over a year for the whole process from completion to release and often by the time the book is published, I’ve forgotten what’s in the book and have to re-read it to remind myself!

How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

All books take over a year to 18 months from completion to release.

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Murder At The Seaview Hotel?

I’ve always wanted to write a fun story set in Scarborough, my favourite seaside town. I had plenty of time in lockdown last year and was between sagas so decided to see if I could write a cosy crime. I did it! Headline gave me a three book deal to write a series.

What were your biggest challenges with writing Murder At The Seaview Hotel?

As I wrote the book in lockdown, it was being unable to research the area by visiting so I had to rely on online sources and friends sending maps and tourist information from Scarborough.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

All of my books, whether sagas or cosy crimes, have strong female leads, the kind of heroine I love to read about in a novel.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

I was inspired by a sleazeball of a man who the reader wouldn’t feel any empathy towards.

What is the inciting incident of Murder At The Seaview Hotel?

When the sleazeball is dressed as Elvis Presley and ends up dead with his blue suede shoes stolen.

What is the main conflict of Murder At The Seaview Hotel?

The heroine’s internal dilemma of facing life alone after her husband dies. Does she sell her beloved Seaview Hotel or stay and try to run it on her own. When she makes her decision, she takes a booking from a group of 12 Elvis impersonators (Twelvis!) and that’s when things start to go wrong…

Did you plot Murder At The Seaview Hotel in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

I plot very loosely so that my chapter plans have energy and dynamism to change where needed.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Murder At The Seaview Hotel need?

Yes, my editor at Headline is wonderful and helps with editing. For this book, only a light editing touch was needed.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

NEVER GIVE UP

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

There are two more books in the Seaview Hotel cosy crime series due in 2022 and 2023 and I’m wiring more sagas too.

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Yes and OH YES!

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Twitter: @Flaming_Nora
Facebook: GlendaYoungAuthor
Website: GlendaYoungBooks.com
Blog: http://FlamingNora.blogspot.com

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