Here at Olympia we love hearing from our authors, getting an insight into their lives in writing and asking them what their advice would be to future authors. This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Lauren Foreman about her book.
Hold old were you when you first wrote something substantial?
I actually wasn’t much older than I am now. It was when my sister was pregnant with my gorgeous little nephew and I wrote her a little poem, and honestly it just kind of started from there really. Then Polly was born.
Did you ever have aspirations to become a writer?
Of course, that was always one dream I had in the back of mind, I thought to escape in words all day what could be better, but I never believed I could do. I never thought this could become possible and that I would have my first book published and in bookstores. Honestly, I am still having to pinch myself.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
When I first showed my manuscript of Polly Learns to Share to my partner, I told him not sure what I am going to do with this, it will never be published. His response was why not? Someone’s book needs to be published why not yours? Then that was when I sent it to Olympia and never looked back since. Guess I owe him a massive thank you!
What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
Do it. Believe in yourself, your ideas and your ability. It may seem like an impossible road, but if you have faith in yourself and that you will succeed, you are halfway there. Trust me, if I can do this, so can you.
What did you find easiest and hardest about writing?
Ah, that’s a tough question. The easiest thing about writing, and probably the most exciting thing is exploring a character, and watching the character grow. But I would say the hardest thing is finding that first flow of your words when you are sitting with a blank piece of paper in front of you and ideas in your mind, but getting that started with the first few sentences can be challenging. But once you have found that flow it is really enjoyable.
Was it faster to write your book or to have it published?
As my book is for young children, I would say it was quicker to write the book, however, before I had a pen on paper I sat for weeks thinking of ways to start the book. Ways to make Polly relatable to children and adults, but I enjoyed every single minute of it.
What was your favourite part of your book to write?
My favourite part was when I saw Polly come to life in illustrations, and how can I not say when I found out my work was getting published. I was driving in the car with my partner and actually screamed, I can still remember his face, and he didn’t know what was wrong. That was hilarious!
Do you have any plans to publish more work?
Without giving away too much away, I have plans for Polly. I would love for the audience to grow as Polly grows. And I would also love is to write adult fiction as well. But who knows where this journey will take me.
If you could review Olympia Publishers in just a few words, what would they be?
I am so grateful to everyone at Olympia Publishers, each and every one of them have guided me through this process which at the beginning was so alien to me. They have made publishing my first book enjoyable and I hope to work with them again in the near future.
Get yourself a copy of Lauren's book, here!
