Last week, I implored everyone to get busy. Personally, I screwed the pooch on just about every writing goal. Rather than force it, I took a break to catch up on great books. Restorative and instructive! Plus, it motivates me to get ‘er done.

If you find yourself in a similar state, check out these books before you tackle those query letters or dream a big dream of publishing millions.

• If you’re looking for some great contemporary writers, look no more! These writers are not to be missed.
• Writers under 40 get all the love and accolades, it seems. You’d be remiss to miss these debut novelists over 40. WE’VE SEEN THINGS.
• Inspiring, no? Bust out that manuscript and get cracking with your query letter. GalleyCat pulled together a compendium of successful query letters by genre that you can use to (maybe, possibly, dare to dream!) net your own publishing deal.

• Before you start dreaming of stacks of cash, take a look at the financial breakdown associated with those dreamy deals.

• Did that depress you? Awww. Here. Go look at these (mostly) cats who don’t care about your feelings. They want you to put down your book and pet them.