In the enchanting realm of literature, few stories resonate as profoundly as those that emerge from the author’s journey of self-discovery and creativity. Today, we are excited to sit down with Leslie Gullo, the talented mind behind the debut novel Once Upon a Bookstore. This captivating story takes readers on a journey through the life of Melinda Jenkins, a successful lawyer whose life takes unexpected turns as she navigates love, destiny, and the magical world of books.
Join us as we delve into the inspiration behind the novel, the challenges of writing, and the beautiful significance of bookstores in the author’s life. Author Leslie Gullo will share personal insights into the writing process, the joys of publishing, and the transformative power of storytelling. Let’s uncover the magic that brings Once Upon a Bookstore to life and what lies ahead for this remarkable author!
But First, who is Leslie Gullo?
Leslie Gullo is an award-winning author. She discovered her ‘just shy of obsession’ love of writing on a long road trip, leaving her eager to share her stories of love, adventure, and self-discovery. She is living proof that sometimes the best stories are the ones that surprise even their authors.
A proud Texan, Leslie lives with her husband and their beloved Brittany Spaniel, aptly named Brittany. Her two daughters and four grandchildren always bring joy and love into her life.
Leslie Gullo‘s Book:
- Once Upon a Bookstore is your debut novel. What inspired the story, and how did the idea first come to you?
I’ve dreamed of writing a novel. I’ve even started a few times. I’d outline the story, and then I’d create character descriptions. I never got far. It wasn’t until I let go of all that and just wrote that this story came out.
The twists and turns seemed to have a life of their own. Despite my organized and systematic personality, I needed to abandon planning and see where my imagination could take me. I soon realized this was going to be a novel, and I wanted it to be out in the world. That was the fun part! Three years and countless hours later, I had a fully formed novel.
- The novel is centered around a bookstore—what role do bookstores play in your personal life? Do you have a favorite one that influenced this setting?
I’ve always loved libraries and bookstores. Walking among books, choosing my next read, wondering where it will take me—there’s something magical in that. When Melinda walks into Childleys’ Books, she feels drawn to the inviting reading nooks and cozy ambiance. Like Melinda, I’ve witnessed that placing the right book in the right hands when it is needed can change our perspective and give us the insight we need to face challenges and tough times. Once Upon a Bookstore shines a light on that power.
- Your protagonist, Melinda Jenkins, is a successful lawyer facing unexpected turns in her life. What drew you to her character, and do you see parts of yourself in her?
Melinda is practical and analytical. A career as a lawyer seemed perfect. And it was. She was able to use her skills to solve problems and win cases. She had a comfortable and lovely apartment to come home to at the end of a long day’s work. That was all she needed. But, as often is the case, an extraordinary set of circumstances taught her that there was more to life. She learned she had unexpected gifts and a capacity for love and forgiveness. Her world grew to include so much more than she could have imagined.
Melinda and I have very different backgrounds, but there are similarities. We both love the people in our lives, and we want to make the world a brighter place.
- Time travel plays a role in the novel’s themes. What challenges did you face in writing about time and its impact on the characters?
The hardest part about a story with time travel is writing it in a way that the reader can follow without having to take notes.
The benefit is that it gives the reader a chance to observe the way free will and destiny can work together in our lives.
An added bonus–time travel was a great mechanism for adding mystery to my romance novel.
- You’ve been described as an “award-winning author.” Can you tell us about the awards you’ve received and for what kind of writing?
I’ve been a wife, teacher, and mother, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I started writing professionally. I’m pleased to say that my writing career began with winning six awards at the Ozark Creative Writers Conference, including a first place in the Mike Willis Inspirational Award. Since I’d just started my writing career, these wins were great for my confidence.
- What was the most surprising or difficult part of the process of writing and publishing your debut novel?
The writing bit was incredible! I want more of that!
What shocks is me how excited I was to make Once Upon a Bookstore available to the world. Writing my novel was a personal and profound experience, and sharing it was terrifying. I felt brave, exhilarated, scared—all the things. And now total strangers are reading it!
- You’ve mentioned that you discovered your love for writing on a road trip. Can you share more about that moment and how it shaped your decision to pursue storytelling?
That’s right. We bought our first RV eighteen years ago when our children were young. That was a wonderful decision. We’ve roamed the country looking for fun and adventure and we’ve learned so much.
What changed? We became empty nesters. So maybe my thoughts were becoming more introspective. Although we sometimes wish we could go back to when our kids were little, my husband and I still enjoy roaming the country looking for adventure.
When I began writing Once Upon a Bookstore on a road trip in our RV, I didn’t know it would turn into a book. I told myself to write whatever came into my mind without filtering or second guessing myself.
And the story emerged!
- What was your writing routine like for this book? Did you have any rituals or habits that helped you stay motivated?
If I have a comfortable and interruption free spot, I will happily get lost in creating worlds. Sometimes that means you will find me furiously writing while everyone else sleeps. I write whatever comes into my head, keep what works, and rework what doesn’t.
My challenge has been letting go of chapters and characters that don’t propel the story forward—probably a byproduct of “writing by the seat of my pants.”
- What can readers expect from you next? Are you working on another novel or exploring different genres?
I’m finishing up my second novel now. And Then Again: Murder with an Artful Twist is a romance murder mystery. I’m super excited about it! You’ll meet Kate, a restaurant owner who loses everything before she discovers the wonderful life waiting for her.
- Lastly, if you could leave readers with one message from your book, what would it be?
Melinda believed her life needed to be scripted and limited. She wasn’t meant for love, passion, and family, or so she believed. She learned to question all her preconceived ideas. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t quick, but the benefits were startling.
Never doubt whether you deserve a full and wonderful life, but don’t expect it to fall in your lap. Do the hard work. Be courageous. Love deeply. And—never forget that true happiness comes from helping others.
Thank you, Leslie Gullo, for taking the time to participate in this interview. Your insights and experiences are greatly appreciated, and it’s been wonderful to learn more about your work and perspective. We value the conversation and look forward to following your journey!
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