Writers Like Us - Elizabeth LaBan

Whenever I read author interviews, I'm always looking for that one thing that tells me whatever it is I'm going through--rejection or acknowledgment or insecurity or excitement--is totally normal and just a part of the process. I want to know what makes that author like me.

Elizabeth LaBan's The Tragedy Paper is out TODAY! If you haven't heard of Elizabeth yet, you're in for a treat. Not only is she one of the nicest authors I've ever had the pleasure to meet, but her book is getting a lot of buzz! The Tragedy Paper is said to be "perfect for fans of Thirteen Reasons Why and Looking for Alaska." Not only did Elizabeth want to participate in Writers Like Us–she gave a SIGNED book to give away (Rafflecopter below)!

Elizabeth on Writing

• I've written nine books, and two – one fiction and one nonfiction – have seen the light of day.
• My favorite type of scene to write is a situation when two people probably shouldn’t like each other but they clearly do.
• No matter how long I've been writing, I still have issues with outlining the story.
• A typical comment from my critique partner is “stop saying and then,” as in and then he turned around or and then she left the room.
• The book I wished I wrote is I Don’t Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson.

Elizabeth on Getting Published

• If my agent really knew how crazy I was, he would find out that I usually drive the long way to avoid highways.
• When I was querying, I felt hopeful.
• The biggest mistake I ever made querying was taking rejections personally, and thinking each rejection was the end of my career.
• The craziest thought I've ever had while writing was to set my first (not-yet-published) novel – which is called The Restaurant Critic’s Wife – inside of the world my friend Jennifer Weiner created in her amazing best-selling book Good In Bed. After all, there was already a restaurant critic and his wife. I didn’t do it, of course!
• When I got "The Call," my first thought was finally!
• When I saw the advance copies of my book for the first time I wanted to stop people on the street to show them.

Elizabeth on Life Outside Writing

• If I weren't a writer, I'd probably be a teacher.
• Secretly, I'm terrified of elevators or any really small spaces you can get stuck in.
• Sometimes, when no one is around, I sing show tunes really loud.

Elizabeth LaBan worked at NBC News, taught at a community college, and has written for several magazines and newspapers. The Tragedy Paper is her first young adult novel. She lives in Philadelphia with her family.

~*PLUS A GIVEAWAY!*~

Sorry guys--must be U.S.

a Rafflecopter giveaway