Author Leslie Savisky Inspires Pitt-Greensburg’s Aspiring Writers

Photo Courtesy of Haute Fuse

Local author Leslie Savisky visited the Millstein Library on March 18 to speak to aspiring student authors and share her insights on the world of writing, self-publishing, and the careful balance between working to make a living and pursuing one’s passion. 

“I always wanted to write from the time I was a little girl. I was always writing — poems, short stories, cartoons,” Savisky said.

Working not only as a freelance writer for Trib Total Media and “Pittsburgh Parent” magazine but as a substitute teacher to boot, Savisky is the author of two books: “Other People’s Words” and  “Almost Too Late.” 

“I feel like I’m not even working lots of times. I feel like I’m just going to do something fun, and I get to make money doing it too,” Savisky said.

Savisky cited two traumatic experiences with break-ins in both her childhood and adult life as direct inspiration for her first novel, “Other People’s Words,” which is a thriller that draws on aspects of her real-life grapplings with mental health. 

“I went through a really difficult period in my life, and it took me a long time to come to grips with all of that. I started writing a book, and it was a fictional version of my story. It was very cathartic for me. I didn’t have any plans of doing anything with it. Then as time went on, I decided to publish it,” Savisky said.

Photo Courtesy of Haute Fuse

Photographed: The Insider Staff

During her talk on campus, Savisky stressed the importance of doing something that brings you joy, while having an appropriate level of cynicism towards job security in the writing field. Savisky elaborated on the balance between maintaining a career that pays the bills while also regularly partaking in personally enriching interests and hobbies.

“If I could just simply make writing my only job financially and take some other stuff off my plate, that would be great. Internally, I feel like I’ve achieved what I wanted to do,” Savisky said.

Photo Courtesy of Haute Fuse

Photographed: The Insider Staff

Savisky reflected on her life and writing career and gave Pitt-Greensburg’s aspiring writers some sage advice.

“Having a life that you love and appreciate is something that comes with age, too,” Savisky said. “You’re like, ‘Okay, this is what matters — being able to spend time with people you love.’”