Poet Interview Series: Vivian Glazier

Today we chat to writer, poet and actor Vivian Glazier from Austin Texas. Vivian, has graduated summa cum laude from the University of Oklahoma with a BFA in Drama and recently published her first poetry book, One Whole World, which is available on Amazon.

Where do you live and how does it influence your writing?

 I live in Austin, Texas. I find Austin to be rather inspiring because you have a whole lot of artists from different mediums creating things because they're passionate about it. If they set their mind to it, they do it, and I try to do the same. 

What inspires you to write? 

I'm inspired by people. I like to observe how people interact with each other. Writing gives me the opportunity to say things that I've wanted to say -- to add to conversations that I see or to conversations I've been a part of and didn't have the courage to speak my mind. I also love language and the words that we choose to express ourselves. There's unlimited variations and patters that can be used, and the space between communication and miscommunication is also really fun to explore. 

When did you first start writing and what was it about?

I've recently accepted that I'm a writer. I never really identified as such, but I decided I really missed writing after graduation. I started a blog, but found myself drawn to self-publish poetry and focused on that. After I published my book, One Whole World, my family kept reminding me of other things I had written when I was younger. My mom recently sent me a poem that I wrote for her on a birthday card, and I realized that I was always a writer. I've been an avid reader, and I love stories. It really only makes sense that I want to write my own. 

What is your favorite genre and why?

I've always really enjoyed historical fiction. Mainly, in part, because I think there's so many intricacies to history that often go untold or are undervalued. I've always found these unsung heroes or heroines to be inspiring and worth more time and attention than they're often given. There's something mesmerizing as well about expanding on truth, and having this historical foundation in which to build from a contemporary mindset. 

Who inspires you and why?

My book is dedicated to my great-grandmother. She's always encouraged me. She's even kept a book of my earlier poems.  She's a truly incredible lady, and I've always enjoyed hearing her stories. It's nice to be able to give her something in return.  

Do you support yourself through writing financially, or do you have a day job and what is it?

I have a day job. I'm also an actor. I wear many hats.  

How many hours a day do you spend writing and what helps you to get into the writing mood?

I juggle a lot of things so I don't have an allotted amount of time that I spend writing. I write when I can. Once I sit down and focus on a story, it's hard for me to stop and move on to something else. I have this list of ideas that I keep, and when I have the chance to extrapolate on them, I lose track of time. I find a lot of inspiration when I've ventured outside of my home. It's then when I jot things down on my phone or in a notebook so that I can return to those ideas later.  

And what’s the best moment you’ve had in your writing career so far?

I've been really blown away by the support that I've received. People have been extremely encouraging and kind with what I've created, and I'm really grateful for that. I think my "career" is still pretty early, but I'm excited to see what comes next and what opportunities lie beyond the horizon. 

Tell us about your book. How long did it take to write? What inspired you to write it?

My book took me about 5-6 months to write, edit, and self-publish.  I was having a quarter-life existential crisis, and I needed to hold something in my hand and show myself that I could accomplish something. The idea for that thing to be a poetry book came when I was visiting an art museum. I gave myself permission to enjoy the art with no time constraints. If I wasn't particularly moved, I'd go to the next exhibit. If there was a chair or bench, I'd sit and take in. As I was staring at an outdoor sculpture, I realized that the sculpture was staring back at me through a reflection pool, and I hadn't noticed. I started writing, and as soon as I put pen to paper, more ideas and poems started to come forth. I felt like the book had been there all along, and I just needed to let it out. 

What are you working on next?

I'm working on another poetry book to be published at the end of this year. I've also been writing screenplays to submit to some various programs and contests. I also have a couple novels in the works. I keep bouncing between all of the projects, and prioritizing what has the most imperative deadline. I have fun writing, even if no one else ever reads it, I think it's a productive use of my time. I enjoy stories, and I enjoy telling them, even if only for my own personal enjoyment.  

Where would you like to see yourself in three years time.

I would like to have a writing agent and to be published through an actual company, and not just self-published. I want to have more stories on paper and check some more off of my idea list. 

Can you give any advice for an aspiring writing?

Don't give up! Surround yourself with encouraging and inspirational people or environments. If you want to write, write. Make time to do it, even if it's just a little bit of time a week or a month. Set a little goal for yourself, and once you've done that set a little bigger goal. 

Be kind to yourself when you're writing. The critique comes in the editing. Give yourself the time to get it all on paper, and go back later with the red pen. 

Look yourself in the mirror, and say, "I'm a writer, and I have a story to tell." You may want to minimize that or make excuses. You may want to diminish the amount that you've actually written, but we all start somewhere. Continue to look forward and move toward want you want. You are a writer, and you have a story to tell. I can't wait to hear it someday. I'm sure it will be amazing. It will be uniquely you. No one else has the same ability to tell your story. It may only exist in your mind. It may be a manuscript that you've hidden away. Whatever way you decide to express yourself, be patient and kind as you find it. Allow yourself the freedom to create. Allow yourself to speak from the essence of your soul. You beautiful, incredible, writer. Tell your story. 

Get her Poetry Collection on Amazon and be amazed!