Young Adult novelist Kristin Rae explains the similarities between zombies and toddlers and their completely backed-up-by-neuroscientists impact on the mind of a writer. The agent of an author friend of hers once told her, “Life is hard enough, reading should be a joy.” And that’s why our guest, young adult novelist Kristin Rae writes. For the heart flutters and the tingles.

Photo credit: Kristin Rae (yup. we told you she was talented)

Suggested readings: 

• Zadie Smith’s “Dance Lessons for Writers"

• See Jane Write: A Girl's Guide to Writing Chick Lit by Sarah Mlynowski and Farrin Jacobs

• Sean Griswold’s Head by Lindsey Leavitt

• Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Follow Kristin on twitter @kristinrae and her design blog.