Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I’m Lauren. I’m a self-published author of dystopian romance novels. I have two published at the moment on Amazon, and the third installment is coming soon. I’m a mum of three and I love to cook and bake. I find it soothing after a long day to just make a meal from scratch with some trashy TV or crime documentary on in the background. I think most writers love to read, and I’m no different. I read around three books a week and just love getting lost for a little while.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Sanctuary’ book?
The key challenges for me were to balance the world building and the character development. I wanted people to feel like they were there, that they could smell and hear every word but also, I wanted them to love the characters as much as I do.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
For being a young child books were a part of our life. My mum actively encouraged us to read. My own personal tastes are quite varied, I love historical romance when it’s done well. I don’t write erotic romance myself but these are some of my favourite authors. Jaine Diamond is an amazing author who just manages to write perfect character matches every time. I love Karen Lynch too. She’s written an awesome series called Relentless and I just couldn’t put it down.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Well, I live in the UK. I have a few. Wales is very nostalgic for me as it reminds me of fun summers in a caravan as a child. I have a huge connection to the Lake District too which is breathtakingly beautiful, but also holds very fond memories for me.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Not for me. I jump right in! Once I am inspired, I pretty much write as much as I can and then edit. Sometimes the story develops and changes, but I just dive in head first.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘New Haven’ book?
New Haven took a little longer than The Sanctuary. I wrote my draft and thought it was done…it wasn’t. All in all, New Haven took around seven months to complete.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?
My books are available on Amazon and a few online book stores in various countries, Barnes & Noble, Dymocks (Australia) and a few others.
The Sanctuary
The First Book in the New Beginnings Series
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sanctuary-Lauren-Rigby-ebook/dp/B08L9RD3H7
US: https://www.amazon.com/Sanctuary-Lauren-Rigby-ebook/dp/B08L9RD3H7
New Haven
The Second Book in the New Beginnings Series
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Haven-Beginnings-Book-ebook/dp/B08QH8JJWM
US: https://www.amazon.com/New-Haven-Beginnings-Book-ebook/dp/B08QH8JJWM
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title of your books?
The covers were a challenge. I started with a very basic plain cover that I did myself. I then decided to hire a designer and was so lucky to find betibup33 designs. They did all the covers for my books and I love them!
The first title was originally ‘The Gathering’. It then developed into what it is now, ‘The Sanctuary.’ New Haven was easy enough to figure out and just came with the second book.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I try to make sure that even though the stories are set in the similar places, with a lot of the same characters groups, I write in first person for the two protagonists. This helps develop the characters and also gives two perspectives of the same journey. I do bring in different, new faces along the way and just keep writing the journey.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but I can tell you that this isn’t your typical dystopian that focusses on mainly Young Adults. This is grown up, real problems, emotional drama and soul deep romance. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!
Books Are Available On Amazon
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