Meet Lindsay Grossman: Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsay Grossman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsay, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Pursuing a creative career never really felt like a choice for me. From a young age, I was indoctrinated into the classic film and musical theater cults and I never gave a real thought to doing something that wasn’t in the arts. What is interesting is that I always kind of knew that, even with all my interests, that I wanted to write more than anything else. I was always a huge reader but the books I read and the shows I watched were constantly put down (not a surprise considering female-driven stories are consistently undervalued). Those stories that I loved made me think, laugh, cry. What’s really incredible about storytelling is that it’s a safe way to experience a situation and that’s an incredibly valuable tool, especially for young women. In college and even in the years that followed college, I lacked the confidence to fully throw myself into writing, feeling a sense that I wasn’t smart enough or talented enough to actually do it. The more I’ve thrown caution to the wind and given myself over to the stories that interest me versus the stories I thought would be given the most “value,” the more opportunities have come my way. Truthfully, I still doubt myself every single day. But, I also can’t imagine trying to do anything else with my life which I guess is how I know it’s worth the struggle.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Wow, big question! I’m a screenwriter/TV writer and I specialize in the YA/romance realm. I grew up with great stories in those genres and only adore them more as I’ve gotten older. Especially romance, which widely, at least in book form, has been mostly written by women, for women. I also just wrote my first novel during pandemic (I know!), a contemporary workplace romance set in the world of cable news. I tend to be inspired to write things that have a societal or political connection to our world. I’m especially drawn to period pieces, particularly because I think those stories are really about holding up a mirror to our current world. Getting where I am has taken so much patience. Even now, it’s still a waiting game. This career is a waiting game and you have to really enjoy the process of something otherwise you’ll give up. Truly, following my voice and having amazing cheerleaders are what’s kept me in the game!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Okay…trying to remember before lockdown times haha. I was a big 101 Coffee shop fan. That was a spot I’d had so many dates and coffee meet ups and hangouts. Still sad it’s closed. But hopeful it’ll be back in some way. During the lockdown, I haven’t eaten much takeout but I go to Burgers Never Say Die in Los Feliz at least once a week. Best burger in LA – fight me! Before lockdown, I spent most of my time at the American Cinematheque – the Egyptian and the Aero. I’m a big classic film fan and those screenings are the thing I miss most about not going out. They’re apart of my favorite LA memories. Truly, when friends did visit me, these theaters were the places I always forced them to go to. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh gosh! There are SO many people who have helped me and given me confidence but truly I think more than anyone, Meg Cabot has influenced me most! I wouldn’t even want to write without Meg. Her books were and still are everything to me. In terms of people who have encouraged me, it truly has come from my writing peers. There are people I talk to on a daily basis who remind me why I’m doing this and tell me to keep going: Jackie Penn and Maureen Lee Lenker are just two of them! The way they build me up…it’s what’s kept my head on straight, especially during this pandemic. Also Deanna Shumaker who has literally read everything I’ve written and always gives me great notes without making me feel like a failure! haha

Website: https://www.lindsaygrossman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evianisnaive/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaygrossman46/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/evianisnaive