Interview with Mark Glamack

Mark Glamack is a director, producer, and writer for the family entertainment industry, specializing in motion pictures and television. He was elected to six terms as a Governor for the Academy of Television and Sciences and has recently written an award-winning, Christian-based, Young Adult , "Littluns: And the Book of Darkness", geared towards the whole family.


When did you start writing?
When I realized that was the only way I could capture what was in my head for a film and television project. Becoming and author is a different story.

About five and a half years ago, I was in the process of funding any one of six projects that I created and developed over several decades. And I had what can only be described as an epiphany. It was an experience of pure love like nothing I had ever experienced before, asking me to write “Littluns".

Now, contrary to popular opinion and perception, not everybody in the entertainment industry is rich… and certainly not me. I would make a living directing a show for a studio and when my work was completed, only then would I have the time to work on my projects. This is something I have been doing all of my professional life, never being able to completely realize my dreams. I keep thinking that our Lord had me going around the mountain until He thought I was ready for "Littluns".

Well, I had written scripts and other writings, but a novel? Not in a million years would I have ever considered writing a novel. Not that I wouldn’t have wanted to do so, but I always thought there were those far better qualified than I to take on such a difficult and demanding journey. Besides, I already had more on my plate than I could possibly handle and just couldn’t take on any more.

After completing the first draft of the first chapter, I quickly threw it away telling myself I can’t do this. I then told my closest friend Stella about my dilemma as she knew me better than anyone else, understanding that I wouldn’t be satisfied with just writing a book.

If I were going to do this, it would have to offer much more. But, could I be more than just another author?

In all her wisdom she said two things to me: Find your own voice; it’s what made all great writers great through their own unique style, and write from your heart.

Well, I shut myself up in a 10 x 11 room working between ten to fourteen hours a day and I would only get out a few hours each week, usually to go grocery shopping for the following week. Except for a few real friends, most people I had known over the years left me for dead.

Now, after five and a half years later, and amongst every unimaginable deterrent, obstacle, negative distraction, and relentless invasion, the novel “Littluns: And the Book of Darkness” was complete.


What was your path towards publication like?
A nightmare with rejection after rejection, and the publishers who wanted to publish “Littluns” proved to be less than what I had hoped for. So, I was forced to self-publish.


Who was "Littluns: And the Book of Darkness" written for?
“Littluns” was written for both Christian and secular readers.


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
My novel, "Littluns: And the Book of Darkness" triggers EVERY emotion. From life and death to truth, peace, love, hope, joy, and the heart's desire; to mystery, terror, and the end times; to friends and family, to extreme good and evil, to our choice in this life for His Light, or that of darkness.

"Littluns: And the Book of Darkness" is a fantasy based in reality and truth.

This may be the first animation-like novel for grown-ups that is also family friendly. And the first novel over 150 pages printed with full color illustrations.

My work in guided to inspire and enlighten readers beyond what is, to what can be and the infinite possibilities beyond.


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
What it means to be a true Christian under the most challenging of circumstances, and hopefully that it inspires people to read the Bible, and welcome Christ in their lives.

Kevin James Richardson wrote: ' "Littluns" is to Christians what "Harry Potter" was to the secular world - yet "Littluns" is written for both.' I want others to see the book the same way.


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
Stop making “Writers Block” excuses. The problem here is a state of mind. Sometimes just walking away and doing something else will get a writer back on track.


What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?
Find your own voice. All great writers became great because they stood out from the crowd. And write from your heart.


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing a writer could do to destroy his/her career as a writer?
A bad attitude in taking it all for granted will sooner or later destroy any career.


What’s ahead for your writing?
There's talk about a “Littluns” prequel half-hour television special. Also, if sales dictate there could be a sequel or two for "Littluns".

Visit Mark Glamack at http://www.littluns.net or http://www.littlunsblog.com/

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.