Lauren Baratz-Logsted
After first being published with The Thin Pink Line in 2003, Lauren Baratz-Logsted has gone on to be an established author writing over 19 novels for adults, teens, and kids. She recently published Petal's Problems, the sixth book in The Sister's 8 series. Lauren spoke with TheCelebrityCafe.com's April Chieffo about pursuing dreams and her newest work in progress.
TheCelebrityCafe.com: How old were you when you started writing professionally?
Lauren Baratz-Logsted: I left my day job in 1994, I was 32
TCC: What inspired you to become a writer?
LBL: Since I was 12 I had the idea in my head…[I thought] if I stayed at my job of 11 years I wouldn't be able to write.
TCC: Who encouraged you the most?
LBL: When I was twelve I had an assignment to take three unconnected items, a nurse, a priest and a camel…my 8th grade teacher shared it.
TCC: Where do you get inspiration for your books?
LBL: From the world, my eyes and ears wide open…[with] Thin Pink Line in 1999, I never thought I would get pregnant, then I was…the thought occurred to me [while pregnant] what would happen if someone were to fake an entire pregnancy?
TCC: Do you enjoy writing adult, young adult or kids novels more?
LBL: 1 love them all for entirely different reasons…Adult brings a bigger canvas, kids, I love writing with my husband and daughter, Young Adult brings a good market [and] excitement.
TCC: Which one of your books are you most proud of?
LBL: [Out of ]my adult novels: Vertigo. Young Adult: The Twin's Daughter. Kids: The Sisters Eight.
TCC: What character in any one of your stories can you relate to most?
LBL: [laughs] well I'm not as crazy or smart as my characters…probably Lucy from The Twin's Daughter.
TCC: Are you currently writing any new books?
LBL: Yes, I'm working on Little Women & Me about a contemporary teen who has an unusual relation to Little Women.
TCC: What advice would you give aspiring writers?
LBL: Two things, one, READ READ READ everything you can get your hands on…two the only one to take you out of the game is YOU.
TCC: Is there anything else you would like people to know about yourself?
LBL: For writers: Don't give up! It took eight years and seven books before I was published, I've written 19 books since 2003.
Visit Lauren at www.laurenbaratzlogsted.com.