Lara Zielin

Do you ever wonder what writers talk about when they talk to each other? Do you ever think, “I wish I could just pick that author’s brain for a little bit?”

Enter Ink Stains, a new ebook that features interviews with nine authors with more than 25 published books between them. These honest accounts feature authors overcoming self doubt, waging war against writer’s block, coming to terms with the editing process, and learning to trust their literary instincts. Their raw authenticity will inspire and encourage other writers. If they can do it, so can you.

I compiled and edited these wonderful interviews. You can click here to buy from Amazon (Kindle), or here from B&N (Nook). I hope these literary insights will help your writing leave its ink stain!

FAVE LINKEY-POO RIGHT THIS SECOND: The Very Mary Kate series by comedian Elaine Carroll is to die. How did I not know about this before? Start with “Moving Day” and work your way through to “Ashleyguard.” If you can, I mean — without totally passing out from laughing so hard.

With a draft of my new novel due November 1, (*bites fist to keep from screaming*), I am hunting hard for pockets of time to make the most of the days, hours, and minutes I have left. On my sister site, Help4Writers.com, author Margaret Yang offered five time management tips, which I have revisited a lot in these past couple days. You know what I’m bad at? Giving stuff up (#2 on the list). You mean I can’t do it all? Waaaaah!!!

I have also scheduled a week-long retreat for myself — alone — to finish those pesky pages that won’t write themselves. Stoopid non-magic pages. Bah.

Okay, but after I turn in my manuscript, will you all puh-leeze mark your calendars for Saturday, November 20 from 6:00 to 8:00? Especially if you live in or around New York city! I’ll be doing a book signing at Books of Wonder in Manhattan! And I won’t be alone! Authors Michelle Zink, Rhonda Stapleton, Jon Skovron, and Megan Crewe will be there. Uh, hello, awesome event anyone?

Hope to see you guys! Yay!

Okay, today’s not really that dramatic. I just really wanted a post that began with “People of Earth…”

But I do have some news.  And even though it’s not world-changing, I think it’s pretty cool.

I started a new business. Don’t worry, I’m still writing YA books and working full-time at my great job. But on the side (and by side I mean from the hours of midnight until 4:00 a.m., approximately), I will be working on Help for Writers, my new company that helps authors polish their manuscripts and query letters to better aid representation and publication.

Can I just say? I’m super excited about this.

The new website is up, and you can also follow @help4writers on Twitter.

Need help with a manuscript or query letter? I’d love to chat with you. The prices are reasonable and the turnaround times are fast. If you’re interested, you can email me at lara [at] help4writers [dot] com.

And in the meantime, if you have general publication questions, feel free to submit them as I’d like to answer publishing FAQ’s on the Help for Writers blog.

Thanks!