Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren H. Brandenburg
Hi Lauren H., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I think I’ve always loved to tell stories, but it wasn’t until about twenty years ago that I decided to take it a bit more seriously. I signed up for an online writing course, which gave me the basics I needed to get started. In 2008, when the financial world was going upside down (and I needed a distraction from our own financial upheaval) I drafted my first novel for middle-graders, thinking it would stand alone as a single novel for all those eager readers. I made lots of mistakes in my early attempts in the indie publishing world—I mean LOTS—but the ideas kept pouring in and one book turned into an idea for a ten-book series. Young readers love a good series… so do I! So now, I have eight books of the ten for middle-grade readers published with my own company (with the ninth on the way this December) and two very unexpected quirky, comfy books for grown-ups traditionally published in England. I do believe I have exceeded my own expectations. It’s been a long journey, but looking back, I’m not sure I would change any of it. Without all the rejections and mishaps, I wouldn’t have taken the steps I needed to become the writer I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh gracious no! I homeschooled for ten years and while I was actually able to get most of my writing done during those years–as my kiddos were learning, I was writing alongside them. But being a mom and a wife have always been my top priority and I will happily interrupt the rhythm of my writing life to do what I need to do for them. I’ve written through the loss of a lifestyle (thank you 2008–no really, I’m so thankful), the unexpected death of my father, a child with a brain tumor, and several moves–including the move to Nashville twelve years ago. Add on top of that the rejections from publishers, learning to manage my own publishing company (I’m still not great at it), meeting the deadlines of my UK publisher, spending countless weekends signing books at homeschool conferences (I love those!), and finding time for my family. Smooth… nope, but blessed in so, so many ways. The bumps in the road just bounce me right onto the next step in my journey, without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m probably most known for my middle-grade fiction series The Books of the Gardener, especially the first book in the series Boone: The Ordinary. I wanted to write something cringe-free, be a name that parents can trust, nothing shady. My books are faith-based, action-filled, and all set in underground cities with glowing waters, boats that sail on underground rivers, and destructive enemies called wolves. I’m proud that I set out to write a ten-book series… and I’m doing it! Book nine releases this December! I’m also pretty proud of my books for grown-ups, especially The Death of Mungo Blackwell–it’s our story, sort of–the tale of a husband and wife who go through a massive financial loss and wind up in this quirky town called Coraloo where they meet a family who have their funerals before they die. I just love that book! It makes me smile just to think about it.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Oh, I love Nashville! As a creative, I feel right at home! There are so many like-minded people here. No matter what your art form, you can find it here. And to be more specific, as a writer of faith, I’m totally surrounded by my people–people that encourage and support. I never feel like I am in competition with the other writers. The local shops and businesses make it so easy to support each other! Nashville is quite magical, actually. There is always something extraordinary happening on any given day. For all of its greatness, and as much as I would love to share it with the world, I also want to be a bit selfish and keep it to myself. We’re really growing! I truly hope Nashville can keep its magic and that all of our lovely newcomers don’t unintentionally take away the charm that made a big city feel small.
Pricing:
- Boone: The Ordinary – 12.99
- Orlo: The Created – 12.99
- Lewis: The Wounded – 12.99
- The Death of Mungo Blackwell – 12.99
- The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson – 12.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LaurenHBrandenburg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lhbrandenburg
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LHBrandenburg/
