Young adult author shares career ups and downs with English students

LYNN – Author Laurie Faria Stolarz shared her secret to becoming a writer – that perseverance is key – with about 200 Lynn English High School students when she stopped by recently to talk about her life as a writer.Stolarz, the author of 14 young adult novels, told students that although she always enjoyed telling stories as a young person, she wasn’t an avid reader. That twist of irony gave her the a goal in graduate school, however, to write books that would have appealed to herself at that age – namely those that have a blending of mystery, suspense, romance, dark humor and secrets.Despite her success, Stolarz shared the downside of writing, as well, when she showed students her rejection letter folder.”If I had given up after 10, 15, or even 50 of these (letters), I would never have enjoyed the success of my career,” she said. “You have to be open to learning and to getting better in your craft or pursuit. You also need to keep moving forward. While I was trying to sell my first novel, ?Blue is for Nightmares,’ I was also writing my second novel, ?Bleed.'”Students hit Stolarz with a myriad of questions about things such as her deadline schedule, her current work in progress, which is a new series, “Welcome to the Dark House,” and will be out in July, her translated works and her recent series option with ABC Family. The bestselling “Blue is for Nightmares” series has been optioned by Ashley Tisdale’s production company and reportedly sold to ABC Family.School Librarian Linda Barefield said the students seem to be huge fans of the author.”We can’t keep her books on the shelves,” she said. “I have to keep extra copies tucked away. It’s great to see when students are so excited about reading.”Barefield said the half-day visit was capped off with a special luncheon in the library for the author and students. Locals can get a chance to meet Stolarz in person when she signs copies of her new book, “Welcome to the Dark House,” at the Spirit of 76 Bookstore, Marblehead, on July 23 from 6-8 p.m.