…I’m hoping The Stories We Cannot Tell reaches as many people as possible, especially women. It’s not political in the slightest. It’s really about fostering emotional understanding and compassion for all involved. So, regardless of your stance or decision, it’s about extending compassion to everyone. Understanding that someone else’s decision might differ from yours, and you can’t truly understand their situation unless you’re in their shoes. My hope is that as many people as possible read it and can see both sides of the issue of choice without seeing it as an issue, essentially. I’ve heard from many readers who either knew someone that had gone through what my characters experienced, or they themselves had experienced similar issues. These readers and friends have told me how much it meant to have someone understand what they went through. I want women to feel supported and able to discuss these topics openly. That’s why it’s titled “The Stories We Cannot Tell,” because many women feel they can’t talk about these issues…
I had the pleasure of talking to Leslie A. Rasmussen. Leslie, a Los Angeles native and UCLA communications graduate, has carved a distinctive path through the worlds of television comedy, nutrition, and, more recently, women’s commercial fiction. Her journey from the bustling sets of iconic shows like “Roseanne” and “The Wild Thornberrys” to the introspective solitude of a novelist’s desk charts a narrative of creative evolution and personal growth.
Rasmussen’s early career was marked by success in television comedy, contributing to the laughter behind household names such as Gerald McRaney, Burt Reynolds, and Roseanne Barr. Her work during this period reflected a keen eye for the intricacies of human relationships and the humor inherent in everyday life. However, the arrival of her children prompted a pivot towards a more stable and fulfilling personal life, leading her to leave the entertainment industry to focus on raising her family.
This transition did not signal the end of Rasmussen’s creative output but rather the beginning of a new chapter. Returning to academia, she obtained a master’s degree in nutrition, running her own business for a decade. Yet, the pull of storytelling remained strong, compelling Rasmussen to return to her first love: writing. Her essays, published in outlets such as The Huffington Post and featured on platforms like NPR, showcase her ability to weave humor into the fabric of life’s challenges, particularly those facing women in midlife.
Rasmussen’s novels, “After Happily Ever After” and “The Stories We Cannot Tell,” delve into the complexities of women’s lives with empathy, humor, and a keen sense of relatability. Her characters navigate the joys and sorrows of relationships, parenting, and personal growth, reflecting Rasmussen’s own experiences and observations. Her latest work, “The Stories We Cannot Tell,” explores the poignant and timely issue of reproductive rights, blending hope and humor with the stark realities faced by women today.
Beyond her literary achievements, Rasmussen’s commitment to empowering women extends to her active participation in organizations like The Writers Guild of America, Women In Film, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Her advocacy for open discussions on topics often considered taboo — infertility, menopause, and the myriad challenges of aging — resonates with a wide audience, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
In her personal life, Rasmussen balances her writing career with a passion for reading, exercise, and spending time with friends and family in Southern California. As she works on her next novel, her trajectory remains an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, reinvention, and the enduring appeal of stories that speak to the heart of the human experience.
Leslie Rasmussen’s journey from sitcom writer to celebrated author underscores her multifaceted talent and deep understanding of the complexities of life and relationships. Her works not only entertain but also offer solace and understanding to readers grappling with their own stories, making her a vital voice in contemporary women’s fiction.
Yitzi: Leslie, it’s an honor to meet you. Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story.
Hi Yitzi, it is so nice to meet you, too. Well, I was born and raised in Los Angeles and never left. I’m one of those rare natives. I attended UCLA, where I graduated with a degree in communications, and after graduation, I got a job working at MTM Productions, founded by Mary Tyler Moore, as an assistant on “Hill Street Blues.” While I was there, I tried to learn everything about production, thinking I’d go into line producing. At the same time I would often hang out on the “Newhart” set, where I fell in love with the writing aspect. It just seemed like so much fun. So, instead I put my energy into writing.
While I was educating myself on how to write a sitcom, I was working as a writers’ assistant on shows like “ALF” and the second “Carol Burnett Show.” This provided a great education, as I was able to learn a great deal from all the writers I worked with. I also concentrated on writing as many sitcom spec scripts as I could until one day, a woman from the tv show “Major Dad,” who I knew from “Newhart,” took me under her wing. She loved my writing, and helped me land my first script assignment, and got me to her agent who took me on. Once I started selling scripts, I knew I was done being a writers’ assistant. During my career II wrote for a variety of shows, including “Roseanne,” “Evening Shade” with Burt Reynolds, The Norm McDonald show, “Sweet Valley High,” among others, and I also worked on a lot of pilots.
During this time, I got married and eventually had my two sons. When my second son was about two, the tv business and the hours became too much, especially since my husband was also in the business. So, I took a break from writing, to raise my sons. When my youngest went to kindergarten, I felt the need to do something else but wasn’t sure what and by this time the business had changed and it was difficult to get back in. I decided to go back to school and earn a master’s degree in nutrition. I spent the next ten years as a nutritionist, during which I continued writing, contributing essays to the Huffington Post among other sites. I found that I enjoyed writing more than nutrition and working with clients.
I closed my nutrition business and decided to focus on writing full-time. I published my first book, “After Happily Ever After,” in 2021, and my second book, “The Stories We Cannot Tell,” came out in 2023. Currently, I’m working on my third novel.
Yitzi: So, you’ve had quite a fascinating career. Can you share with our readers one or two of the most interesting or humorous stories from your career?
Most of the memorable moments come from my time working in television. During my time on “Hill Street Blues,” I worked with David Milch, who had a penchant for betting on horse races. He would stride down the hallway, yelling for anyone interested in placing bets. As an assistant, I didn’t have much money, but I’d join in. Interestingly, David would always return and hand out money to us, regardless of the outcome of the bets. He even took us to Vegas for a day, handing us each $50 and telling us to enjoy ourselves until it was time to meet back at the plane. It was an incredibly fun experience.
While working on “Roseanne,” I was in the company of women who went on to create great shows. DeAnn Heline and Eileen Heisler, created “The Middle,” and Amy Sherman Palladino, created “Gilmore Girls” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” A lot of people in that sitcom room became very successful writers and producers. Norm MacDonald was also on the show at the time. Roseanne had this unique way of not learning any of the writer’s names; instead, she gave out numbered t-shirts to all of them. Norm, who was such a wonderful man, refused to wear his, which led Roseanne to threaten to fire a writer unless he complied. Eventually, he put it on, but it was a bizarre situation.
Another time, my husband and I were planning to meet Norm for dinner in Vegas. An hour before our dinner, his assistant called to inform us that Norm was on a plane back home after losing $100,000 gambling. Norm had a notorious love for gambling, which led to this unexpected turn of events.
Yitzi: That’s fascinating. It’s been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake that you made when you were first starting, either in writing books or in TV writing, and the lesson that you learned from it?
Oh, good question. My biggest mistake happened when I transitioned from writing sitcoms, which were 22 minutes long, to writing books. Sitcoms, having a clear beginning, middle, and end, were pretty straightforward for me. However, when I decided to write a book, aiming for around 300 pages, I realized I was in over my head. I began writing without any outline, a strategy I had always relied on before. Midway through the book, while I knew how it started and had a rough idea of how it would end, I found myself completely lost in the middle, unsure of where the story was headed.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson. I now outline everything before I start writing. I remember hitting a point where my husband advised me to stop and start outlining. So, I took a large piece of cardboard and a bunch of Post-its, writing down scenes and chapters on them, rearranging them until the path from the middle to the end became clear. Through this process, I also learned that sometimes your characters lead the story in directions you hadn’t planned. The journey of following where your characters want to go rather than sticking rigidly to a plan was enlightening.
These lessons were crucial when I wrote my next books. I made sure to outline each one thoroughly. This whole experience introduced me to the concepts of “pantsing” versus “plotting.” Pantsing is when you write without a plan, and plotting is when you outline ahead of time. I attempted pantsing and quickly realized it wasn’t for me, given my background in scriptwriting where outlines are essential.
Yitzi: That’s great. Is there a person who made a profound impact on your professional life? And if there is, could you share a story about that person?
There are actually two. One is Miriam Trogdon, a woman I mentioned earlier. When I was first starting out, comedy wasn’t as welcoming to women, there weren’t many women in comedy at that time. As far as I remember, Miriam was the only woman on staff at Newhart. She took me under her wing, helped me start my career, and introduced me to an agent. I can never repay her for what she did for me. We’ve remained friends to this day. Her support was crucial at a time when many doubted that women could be funny. The industry has changed a lot since then, but in those days, it was a challenge for me to get an agent.
The second person that has impacted my career is my husband. I met him at MTM studios when we were both interns and then we ended up in a class together at UCLA. He was always writing, and the most talented writer I know. Watching him work, seeing how he outlined and breaks down scripts, and how he arcs a story, taught me a great deal. He’s been a significant influence on me as well.
Yitzi: Beautiful. Let’s now move to the main part of our interview. Leslie, you have an impressive body of work. Can you share with our readers some of the exciting projects you’re releasing now? Tell us about Stories We Cannot Tell and where you think you’ll be heading after that?
The Stories We Cannot Tell was released last July. When I wrote the book during COVID, I had no idea Roe vs. Wade would be overturned. It’s about two very different women: Rachel is married and Jewish, and has been suffering through infertility and miscarriages. Katie is Catholic, unmarried and trying to find a dependable partner. The story follows both women individually as they both finally get pregnant. Rachel happily, Katie, not so much. The two women meet in a support group during their fifth month of pregnancy after discovering their babies have severe health issues. The story explores their bond, the laughter and tears shared, and the tough decisions they face and how it affects their relationships. The book also delves into Rachel’s marriage and how it’s affected by their grief, and introduces a love story for Katie. The book’s release became particularly timely with the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, making it even more significant. I’m incredibly proud of this work.
As for my next project, I’m three-quarters of the way through the first draft of a book about three sisters who are very close with their single mother. Their mother seems to be happy and doing well, then one day the sisters find out that their mother killed herself, and they don’t understand why. They move into her house to uncover the mystery of her life, discovering secrets that challenge their understanding of themselves and their mother. This book explores their relationships and promises to be an intriguing blend of mystery and family drama.
Both books have caught the attention of a few production companies, so there’s potential for adaptation. Having been in Hollywood for a long time, I know these things can go either way and may take years, but I’m hopeful. It’s an exciting time.
Yitzi: If you had your way, who would play Rachel and who would play Katie?
I have thought about this a little, and I could see Rachel Brosnahan playing Katie and Hailee Steinfeld playing Rachel. I’m also a huge fan of Zendaya, but she’s probably too young. For my first book, I had Julia Louis-Dreyfus in mind from the start, although by the time I finished the book, she was no longer the age of the protagonist.
Yitzi: Okay, beautiful. So, I know you didn’t initially set out to make a social impact with your book, but now, considering where things stand, what would be the dream or ideal impact you’d like your book to have?
I’m hoping The Stories We Cannot Tell reaches as many people as possible, especially women. It’s not political in the slightest. It’s really about fostering emotional understanding and compassion for all involved. So, regardless of your stance or decision, it’s about extending compassion to everyone. Understanding that someone else’s decision might differ from yours, and you can’t truly understand their situation unless you’re in their shoes. My hope is that as many people as possible read it and can see both sides of the issue of choice without seeing it as an issue, essentially. I’ve heard from many readers who either knew someone that had gone through what my characters experienced, or they themselves had experienced similar issues. These readers and friends have told me how much it meant to have someone understand what they went through. I want women to feel supported and able to discuss these topics openly. That’s why it’s titled “The Stories We Cannot Tell,” because many women feel they can’t talk about these issues.
My first book also tackled women’s issues, but from a different angle. It was about a 45-year-old woman who put her career on hold to raise her daughter, who is about to go to college, and she’s been dealing with some things in her relationship with her husband. Maggie, the protagonist, is also part of the sandwich generation, dealing with an aging father as well. She wants to rediscover herself in the middle of her life. Maggie is 45, while Rachel and Katie from my second book are in their thirties, so both books present different aspects of various women’s issues. Writing about women’s issues is something I’m passionate about.
Yitzi: That’s great. Do all three books exist in the same cinematic universe?
Well, they’re all part of different stories, set in various ages, with entirely different characters and plots. The one thread that connects them is the presence of Jewish characters, reflecting my own background. I was raised in a Jewish family, so naturally, my writing includes Jewish families and themes. My first book centers around a Jewish family, the second involves one Jewish family member, and the third also focuses on Jewish familial dynamics.
Yitzi: So, do you see parts of yourself in these Jewish characters?
I always incorporate a piece of myself into my writing. Although none of the books are autobiographical, I weave elements from my own life into the stories. For example, Maggie, in After Happily Ever After shares a wonderful bond with her father, mirroring the strong relationship I had with mine before he passed away seven years ago. That book also deals with the ups and downs of marriage, which I know a lot about since I’ve been married for almost 35 years. The theme of rediscovery in this book reflects a period in my life when my children started school, and I had to consider what was next for me. I had to reinvent myself, a process I’ve undergone several times in my life.
As for how I differ from my characters, let’s take Rachel from The Stories We Cannot Tell as an example. She tends to react more impulsively than I do; I’m generally calmer. However, we share some life challenges, such as issues with pregnancy and infertility. Another character is Catholic, which mirrors my husband’s upbringing. He was raised Catholic, and though he doesn’t practice any religion now, we used to attend church with his parents every Christmas. The priest in my second book, Father George, is based on a priest I greatly admired, who has since passed away.
My stories always include tidbits from my childhood, but none of the characters are based on real people. They are all people I made up or composites of various people I’ve known.
Yitzi: Is there a self-contained story you could share with us from The Stories We Can’t Tell? Is there a story from the book you could share with us?
Well, I don’t want to give away too much, but I can say that Rachel and her husband handle their pregnancy issues differently. This is true for many men. If their wife or partner is grieving over an issue in pregnancy, even though he is grieving as well, he may want to make her feel better, therefore he may not be dealing with his emotions as well as he should. She may also be in so much pain, she doesn’t even recognize that he’s in pain too. This can happen a lot in situations involving pregnancies because the women carry the babies and go through everything physically, they might be so locked in their own pain, that they don’t come to terms with the way their husband is also going through it. So, it’s really important to address relationships in these situations. It’s a profound point, and I I think a lot of men and women can relate to it.
Yitzi: What was your research process for the medical and legal aspects in The Stories We Can’t Tell?
For The Stories We Cannot Tell, I did a lot of research online. I also drew upon my own experiences from 28 years ago. Back then, the internet wasn’t as established, but I got in touch with an organization at the time called ‘Resolve’ and they put me together with a woman who had gone through what I had and we started emailing. I kept all those emails in a notebook, so I went back through that to reconnect with all my feelings from when I was pregnant, to remember what it was like. I also talked to many people and, before I had kids, I also volunteered at Planned Parenthood, first in the clinics and then in the corporation. I learned a lot from other women, and their experiences are all in the book.
Yitzi: Beautiful. Who are some of your literary influences and how do you think those influences made it into your book?
I’m particularly drawn to Jodi Picoult, Kristin Hannah, and Jojo Moyes, and Taylor Jenkins Reid. These authors craft contemporary stories that delve into relevant issues. I’ve been reading their works for years and have always admired how they address various topics, many of which concern women, but not exclusively. Their books manage to be informative without being didactic, akin to learning through experience rather than reading a textbook. They have a way of validating your feelings by sharing experiences that resonate deeply. So, I’d say those four have significantly influenced my writing.
Yitzi: Are there other social themes that you’re eager to explore in future works?
It’s so funny because when I finish writing a book, I’m completely out of ideas. I’m not someone who has a backlog of concepts waiting to be written. However, inspiration strikes in the most unexpected moments. For my third book, I was at a loss until one day, while watching the news, I encountered a story about teenagers who seemed to be thriving in college, yet their parents were blindsided by their suicides. This sparked my interest. It’s intriguing to delve into why someone would take such a drastic step when from the outside everything appears to be fine. That’s the central theme of my current project.
In my first book, I explored dementia. We had a family friend, whom we affectionately called an aunt, who began showing signs of dementia. During one visit back east, we started noticing changes, and by our next visit, she didn’t recognize anyone, mistaking us for her best friends rather than family. The type of dementia I chose to write about was Lewy body dementia, especially after Robin Williams’ diagnosis. I researched extensively, attending webinars led by Robin’s wife that discussed brain function, and I also consulted with a neuropsychologist to understand the disease better. I joined Facebook groups and read about the experiences of caregivers, aiming to represent the challenges they face accurately. This research also led me to address the issue of the sandwich generation, those caring for aging parents while supporting their own children.
I’m drawn to real issues that people navigate in their lives. These are the themes that resonate with me the most.
Yitzi: Have you had any interesting or memorable interactions with your readers? How has your writing impacted them? Could you share a story about that?
Sure, I’ve had so many meaningful interactions with different people who have approached me, whether it was at my book launches or after they read the book. The reviews, especially for both books, have been overwhelmingly positive, and both books have won numerous awards. For my latest book, “The Stories We Cannot Tell,” the feedback has been truly touching. People have been expressing their gratitude, saying things like, “Oh my gosh, thank you for writing this. It means so much.” I’m particularly glad that I didn’t write a political book and instead focused on the story itself.
The book is set in Los Angeles where abortion is legal, and my editor made a singular request. She asked me to include just one line about the Supreme Court, especially since the book was coming out after Roe vs. Wade was overturned. So, there’s just this one line where one of the characters, a doctor, says to Rachel, “Even with the Supreme Court decision, living in California, you still have the option of terminating the pregnancy.” That was an interesting addition she wanted me to make, but it’s the only political comment in the book.
Yitzi: This is our signature question that we ask in all of our interviews. So, Leslie, you’ve been blessed with a lot of success, and you’re a very talented and prolific writer. Can you share with our readers the five things you need to be a highly successful writer or author?
First, most authors tell other people who want to write, to just sit down and put anything down, even if it’s a stream of consciousness, this may sound obvious, but it’s good advice. There are times I’ve written a whole chapter, and I was sure it wasn’t good, then when I edited it, it turned out to be something I was very proud of.
The second thing is it’s important to read a lot of books in the genre you enjoy writing. You’d be surprised at how much you learn from what a talented writer does. I have found that even subconsciously I’m analyzing their style and how they set up a story.
The third thing I’d suggest is to follow authors you respect on social media and find a community of supportive people. When I started writing books, I didn’t know any authors personally. I went on Facebook and Instagram and began asking questions and the authors I’ve met have been so generous with their time and advice. There are many people out there willing to help you, I have made some great friends that I’ve spent time with in real life. It’s also important to me now that I’m published to give back. I talk to authors all the time on the phone and through zoom and give them advice. I especially want them to learn from my mistakes.
The fourth thing I’ve learned is that writing an outline can be a life saver, especially if you’re not sure what you’re doing. Many people say they’re going to write a book but get overwhelmed and never do it. So, sitting down and figuring out what the story might be, even if you doubt you’ll finish it, is crucial.
Lastly, I’d say working with a good editor for me has been vital. I’ve been working with Annie Tucker, my talented and wonderful developmental editor for my second and third book. She reads a set of chapters as I write them, then gives me notes and suggestions. Some authors wait until they’re completely done to give their work to an editor, which also works, but for me, brainstorming with my editor has been invaluable. She’s also taught me so much along the way. I didn’t work with a developmental editor on my first book because I wasn’t aware of the option. I’ve learned so much from writing the second book with her that I can now hear her voice in my head, which is very helpful.
Yitzi: OK, we’re almost done. This is our aspirational question. So, Leslie, because of the platform you’ve created and your great work, you’re a person of enormous influence. If you could spread an idea or inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I think the movement I’d love to inspire is for women and men to not be afraid to discuss subjects that may seem uncomfortable. For example, women are often embarrassed to talk about issues like infertility or miscarriages, they often feel ashamed that their body isn’t working the way they expected it to, especially when it seems like everyone else is getting pregnant effortlessly. I want other women to realize they aren’t alone and should feel comfortable turning to others. I remember feeling like I couldn’t talk to anyone when I was going through my issues, which made me feel isolated. It wasn’t until much later that I realized how widespread these issues are.
Recently, I joined my mom’s book club. She’s 87 and lives in Northern California near a close-knit group of women. During the book club, some of the women, who had been friends for years, hadn’t known about each other’s struggles. It was a blessing when they opened up about their personal experiences with pregnancy. Some shared stories of losing babies at seven months pregnant, while others discussed their battles to get pregnant. It was a revelation to hear these stories, many of which had happened over 60 years.
This is the movement I want to inspire: a world where women feel comfortable sharing their experiences about everything without shame or embarrassment.
Yitzi: Beautiful. How can the readers purchase your book? How can they continue to follow your work online? How could they support you in any way?
Well, both of my books are available everywhere books are sold, and if your local store doesn’t have one of them, they can be ordered. The audiobook for After Happily Ever After is available now and the audiobook for The Stories We Cannot Tell will be out March 26th. Anyone can follow me on Instagram or on Facebook . My website is https://lesliearasmussen.com, where you can sign up for my substack newsletter. I love participating in book clubs. If anyone’s book club chooses my book, I’d love to join in. If it’s in Los Angeles, I’ll come in person. If it’s not, I usually join via Zoom. The best way to support me is by purchasing my novels, reading them, and leaving a review. Reviews are incredibly important for authors. People might not realize how significant they are, but Amazon uses a strange algorithm that relies heavily on reviews. The more reviews you get, the more visible your book becomes. So, reviewing really makes a difference.
Yitzi: Amazing. Well, Leslie, this has been an amazing conversation. I wish you continued success and blessings and hope we can do this again for your next book.
I would love that. Thank you so much for having me.
Yitzi: It’s really my pleasure.
Social Impact Authors: How & Why Author Leslie A. Rasmussen Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.