Tag: Glen Gabel

Glen Gabel drops by this series to class it up a bit (seriously, how often do people casually drop in Latin on the Irresponsible Reader? And the Bible in Latin? I’m pretty sure never. When I met Gabel at the Library’s Book Faire–he didn’t even mention his book (and I really should’ve asked him about it), he brought up someone else’s book (also mentioned below) and sold me on it! (not literally, that author wasn’t present, but it was added to my TBR). Who does that? It’s actually an effective advertisement for Gabel’s own book–you want to support someone like that.

Anyway, get to know Glen Gabel, and then track him down at the links below!

Before we get into things, why don’t you give the reader a brief introduction to you and your work.
Sure thing. My name is Glen Gabel, I’m an author and screenwriter, coffee addict and burger connoisseur. I love long walks on the beach, as long as I don’t get sand in my shoes, getting immersed in a good book and muttering under my breath at the kids who play on my lawn. When I’m not obsessing over a writing project, I’m making sweeping generalizations about the decline of western civilization or taking a nice walk out in nature with my wife and wonder-pup, Puffin. Beyond that I do a fair amount of gaming, gardening, and working with kids. You can find me at:
www.glengabel.com
https://www.facebook.com/frompentopage
https://www.instagram.com/ghgabel/
https://x.com/glen_gabel
https://www.youtube.com/@from-pen-to-page

Are you a native Idahoan? What brought you to Idaho in the first place? (answer whichever question applies) What is it about Idaho that keeps you here?
A long time ago in a galaxy far away, we lived in Los Angeles, and then the pandemic hit and we found ourselves suddenly living in a third-world country (maybe it always was to some degree). Since we mostly work from home we decided we needed a change and discovered Idaho. We fell in love with the culture and natural beauty the state offers (also way more affordable) and we moved. Best choice we ever made. I know Californians have a bad reputation here and I get it. No one likes the status quo shaken up, especially when the status quo works well. But our intention wasn’t to change anything, it was to find a new home – and Idaho feels like home to us – a home that only existed in our memories.

“A home that only existed in our memories.” That’s a good line—is that the kind of prose a reader should expect from you?
Hopefully! If I’m feeling inspired at least. Lol.

Are you tied into some sort of local author/bookish group/culture? If so, tell us about it and how it helps you as an author. If you’re not, is there a reason for it?
I’m not a super-outgoing person, so I’m not sure I’m really “connected” to anything but I’ve attended a few local author events and I’m always excited to meet other writers. I’m a firm believer in Proverbs 27, Ferrum ferro exacuitur.

What kind of events in the area do you attend—either to sell/promote your books or to network with authors? Are there any outside of this area that you hit regularly and wish we had something like it here?
Well, we met at the Treasure Valley Book Fair, so that’s one. I’ve done a book signing or two at Shared Stories in Caldwell, and the Authorpalooza in Middleton last year. All fun events and good ways to network with other authors and connect with readers.

Authorpalooza–one of those events in Middleton I only hear about the day of–generally with about 30 minutes left in it. One day, I’ll get there…

What’s the breakdown of your audience—do you have a strong local base, or are your readers from other parts of the world?
Do I have an audience? I think I do. My debut novel, The Soothsayer, is a Christian YA fantasy novel – so I guess teens and fantasy lovers would be it for now. But I wouldn’t really call myself a fantasy author – the truth is I don’t read much fantasy work (save the classics–Tolkein, Lewis, Alexander, and Rothfuss). I don’t like pigeonholing myself to one genre (which I know may confuse potential readers but they can get over it). I’m currently working on a supernatural crime thriller. I think my social media puts it as an author of “thrilling fantasy and supernatural suspense” (which has a nice alliterative ring to it but doesn’t lock me down too much).

Hopefully you’ve got enough of an audience that people have bought your book (who knows if they’ve read it). Or are you such a glutton that you’re going to keep producing until you get an audience?
Haha–yeah I’ve had sales but also yes, I’m a glutton for punishment. Storytelling has always been part of who I am. Even with no audience, I’d write them.

Do you think there are particular challenges or advantages to being a writer in the Treasure Valley? (possibly both)
Challenges–none that I can tell. Writing is tough no matter where you live. Advantages? Well I think the Treasure Valley is more welcoming of writers than L.A., In California everyone and their grandmother has a script or manuscript they’re trying to sell, everyone has the next “big thing”, so there’s a certain amount of indifference that’s pervasive toward writers down there.

Not being from there, I don’t have first-hand experience, but that’s definitely the reputation. So even with the larger potential customer-based, it’s still not as good as the smaller cities/towns around here?
Well, I’ll put it to you this way there’s a lot of people there who want not to write, but to have written, not to produce, but to have the reputation for producing, and definitely not to really read anything, but to have the optics of a nice library. In short – finding a platform down there for your work is easy enough, but getting folks to really read and engage – that’s challenging. Here there’s less noise, fewer distractions – you still have to earn every reader you get, but at least they show up.

Do you bring Idaho (or some sort of Idaho-sensibility, assuming one exists) to your work? Whether or not anyone else sees it, can you look at some aspect of your writing and think “That’s Idaho” or “I would do ____ differently if I was a Kentuckian or from Illinois?”
First you have to ask what makes up an Idaho-sensibility? I’m still new to the state so I don’t want anyone thinking I have it figured out. From what I’ve seen it’s rugged independence, a kind spirit, and stalwart grip on faith, family, and traditional values. All things I’m a fan of. I think my novel, The Soothsayer touches on those themes–holding onto your faith in trying times, bringing some light to a dark world, and racing after your calling despite what the world thinks of you.

One final question, is there a book (or two…or 18, if you get really carried away), that embodies Idaho/the Idaho spirit to you to recommend to my readers?
Well I’ll plug my novel, The Soothsayer first. Whether you’re a fantasy fan or not, I think you’ll find the struggles Colin faces will keep you hooked and the message may resonate. Beyond my work I’d have to say Clair Huffaker’s The Cowboy and The Cossack to be a fantastic western adventure that throws typical cowboy tropes on their heads, and Meg Ashley’s Through the Corner of Circles to be a unique Native-American dystopian epic that has a lot of layers to it.

I’ve added both to my TBR! Thanks! (sort of…I wouldn’t mind some help trimming it down for size)
Great! Thanks for the opportunity to discuss!

Thanks for your time and participation! Hope you enjoyed it!
Thank you!