Author Name:
Glen Loveland
Book Title:
Beijing Bound: A Foreigner Discovers China
Website URL:
Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/glenderful_
Link to book page on Amazon:
What is your book about?
Beijing Bound is my story—a journey from a disillusioned Congressional staffer to a cultural bridge between East and West, offering an unflinching, intimate portrait of China. Through my lens as both an insider and a perpetual outsider, I capture a pivotal moment when China flirted with openness—a world of underground bookstores, office power plays, coded languages, and contradictions that defined a nation teetering on the edge of transformation. This book is part memoir, part cultural commentary, peeling back the glossy facade of the world’s rising superpower to reveal something far more fascinating: a society wrestling with its past and future, seen through the eyes of someone who learned to call it home. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a story I lived—every messy, beautiful, and heartbreaking moment of it.
What inspired you to write your book?
I started writing this in 2020, smack in the middle of the pandemic. The world felt like it was coming apart at the seams, and I could see it changing faster than ever. I didn’t just want to write about what I’d seen; I wanted to capture what had been and what was yet to come. China, the place I’d come to call home, was at the center of it all. The pandemic had thrown everything into sharp relief: the contradictions, the tensions, the beauty, and the chaos. I wanted to tell the story of a country, and a world, caught between its past and its future. And I wanted to do it while the memories were still raw, the emotions still fresh.
If you have a business related to your book, tell us about it:
At Thunderbird School of Global Management, I stand at the intersection of tomorrow’s leaders and today’s most innovative organizations. Our master’s students aren’t just studying management—they’re mastering the tools that will reshape global business: data analytics, supply chain transformation, and sustainable enterprise. They arrive with unwavering determination and leave ready to drive real change. When I connect these rising stars with organizations hungry for fresh thinking, I’m not just filling positions—I’m helping architect the future of global business. This is how real transformation happens: one fearless graduate, one groundbreaking organization, one bold partnership at a time.
What is a typical day like for you?
A French press of coffee—Sumatra beans, of course. I begin by catching up on emails and social media to see what’s unfolded overnight. If time allows, I might slip out for a croissant at The Marketplace in Old Town Scottsdale—utterly divine. The rest of the day is a whirlwind of back-to-back meetings. If I’m on campus, I’ll often join our students for a happy hour at the Thunderbird Pub—such energy and ambition there, it’s invigorating. Evenings are reserved for collaborating with NGOs and governmental organizations, always striving to make an impact. Finally, at home, I unwind with a glass of Malbec, perhaps an hour of streaming, a few phone calls, and reading. Then, it all begins again.
What do you most enjoy about what you do?
I love that no two days are ever the same. When I was in my 20s, I was far too structured—too rigid, too focused on control. But life isn’t about how you make it; it’s about how you take it. When you stop embracing change, you stop growing. And when you’re through changing, well, you’re through. I thrive on the challenges of the unexpected—the surprises, the twists, the moments that force you to think on your feet. That’s where the magic happens. That’s where you truly come alive.
What are some favorite books you’d recommend to our readers?
Too many! Michael Pronko’s Tokyo Tempos is a masterful exploration of Japan that transcends typical travel writing. Through deeply personal yet universally resonant observations, Pronko captures the essence of Tokyo’s urban rhythms, offering insights that will engage both casual readers and serious students of Japanese society. As Japan’s role on the global stage continues to evolve, this book—which I discovered through the Nonfiction Authors Association—stands out as an essential text for understanding modern Japanese urban life, whether you’re planning a visit to Japan or simply curious about one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
What advice do you have to offer our readers? 
You’ve already demonstrated sound judgment by aligning yourself with the Nonfiction Authors Association. This shows an understanding crucial to literary success: recognizing that publishing is as much about expertise and connections as it is about talent. The path ahead remains demanding—it always is—but you’ve chosen to navigate it intelligently rather than simply hoping for the best. That strategic thinking, perhaps even more than your writing, suggests you grasp what it takes to succeed in this complex industry.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m positively brimming with surprises, darling. My go-to fun fact? I had the distinct pleasure of meeting President Clinton twice in one week during my time as a congressional staffer in Washington. Quite the whirlwind, I must say.
What’s next for you?
Now that Beijing Bound is complete, I’m finally allowing myself the luxury of diving into a good book—or perhaps several. If anyone has suggestions on what I should read next, do reach out. I’m always eager to discover new voices and fresh perspectives. After all, one should never stop exploring, should one?
Did you know we’ve hosted an annual Nonfiction Writers Conference since 2010? We deliver the traditional writers’ conference experience entirely online so participants from around the globe can attend. Join us for our next event!
