Lauren Baratz-Logsted has to be one of the hardest-working women in chick-lit. Not only does she have three books of her own out this autumn, but she's the editor of much-talked about anthology This is Chick Lit. And she somehow found time to talk to us, lovely author that she is...
Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer: Not fair! I have four books coming out this fall! How Nancy Drew Saved My Life: a contemporary Jane Eyre-ish comic gothic set in Manhattan and Iceland. This Is Chick-Lit: an anthology, the title of which says it all. Vertigo: literary fiction set in the Victorian era with erotic/suspense undertones. Angel's Choice: serious YA about a pregnant high-school senior on track for Yale.
Continue over the cut for more...
Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?
My windowless basement. [Ah- no distractions!]
Your favourite chick-lit book?
Nick Hornby's About A Boy :) [Aha!- although it's not really a romance book...]
Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?
Elizabeth Bennet from Pride & Prejudice, because she's smart and she gets Mr. Darcy.
What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?
Read, read widely, and always remember: the only person who can ever take you out of the game is you.
What are you reading at the moment?
Old Filth, by Jane Gardam.
What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!) I'm in limbo. I've handed in revisions for all three books I have coming out in 2007, so now I'm just working on promoting the four 2006 titles. But never fear. I'll write again soon... :)
Thanks Lauren- that's great advice. Good luck with ALL your books!
