BookBalloon is pleased to announce: author Lauren Baratz-Logsted is going to be our first guest speaker in a new Q&A feature on the Forum.

Before becoming a published novelist, Lauren was an independent bookseller for 11 years, a Publishers Weekly reviewer (292 titles), a freelance editor (nearly 100 titles), and a book-discussion facilitator. By the end of 2008, Lauren will have had 12 books published in five years from a variety of publishers in a variety of genres. Her publishers include Random House, Simon & Schuster, Houghton Mifflin, Red Dress Ink and BenBella. The genres she has sold in include literary/historical fiction, contemporary comedic fiction, Young Adult, tween and books for young readers. She has also edited an anthology of fiction and contributed stories and essays to other anthologies.

Lauren maintains four distinct blogs where she posts anywhere from once a week to once a month. Currently on her sixth (and, she says, last!) agent, Lauren has been referred to as "the Elizabeth Taylor of publishing." You can read more about Lauren's life and work at www.laurenbaratzlogsted.com.

Lauren will be here, May 13 - 15, answering any questions that writers and readers might have about the craft of writing and the business of publishing. Don't miss this chance to get to know this successful -- and always entertaining -- writer.

Registration is required to participate on the Forum. But it's painless, free, and guaranteed no spam. Click here to sign up!