Writer Turns Job Working for Rock Star Arlo Guthrie into Novel

“Here’s something for you to do. Can you answer this stack of fan mail?”

This was the initial spark of inspiration for Rochester author Laura Lee’s second novel Identity Theft. At the time, Lee was working in the offices of Woodstock star Arlo Guthrie.

As she sat beneath the framed gold LP of Alice’s Restaurant with a dead spider caught under the glass, she replied to fans:

“Mr. Guthrie is unable to reply personally but he appreciates ...”

Her new book is based on a daydream she had about what would happen if someone who worked in such a position decided to take on the identity of the rock star online and seduce a fan.

Lee is the author of more than a dozen traditionally published books with such publishers as Harper Collins, Reader’s Digest, Lyons Press and Running Press. She is best known for humorous references such as “The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation,: which sold 85,000 copies for Black Dog and Leventhal. Her first novel was “Angel,” published in 2011 by Itineris Press and is soon to be released in audio format.

The San Francisco Chronicle has said of her work: “Lee’s dry, humorous tone makes her a charming companion… She has a penchant for wordplay that is irresistible.”

After reading in Publisher’s Weekly that self-published authors are now finding it easier to make a living than their traditionally published counterparts, she decided to independently publish her second novel and has turned to the literary crowdfunding site Publslush. “Identity Theft” is already 21 percent funded.

“The distinction between traditionally published and self-published books is starting to break down,” Lee said. “Publishing is going the way of the music industry. For years established artists have been

finding that it is more profitable for them to release music on their own labels. Authors are starting to realize this is true for them as well.”

» Read more about Laura Lee here.

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Photo: The Power of the Narrative blog by Laura Lee