Lauren Wood
L.C. Spotlight 9/8/20
Welcome back to the L.C. Copywriter Spotlight where I feature professional writers and copywriters with literary pursuits. Today I interviewed Lauren Wood, a copywriter, independent book store proprietor, and regular contributor to Medium and The Fusion Press. She’s also looking to launch a new publication that aims to bridge literature, history, commerce and art. Let’s hear from Lauren!
Literary Copywriter: Tell me about your writing journey. When did you first realize that a.) you are a writer, and b.) you want to make a living off of your writing?
Lauren Wood: I realized I was a writer at a young age. I found that writing was a much easier way to communicate and started journaling in grade school. To this day I still have doubts that I can make a living entirely by writing alone but it’s a fun thought.
L.C. Please describe your copywriting career. How did you get started? Who are your ideal clients.? Do you freelance or work for an agency?, etc.
L.W. I got started creatively writing and self-publishing my own titles, I even formed an independent publishing company (Paradisiac Publishing) that focuses on comedy titles. From there I started doing guest blogs and columns for a number of websites and publications and moved into ghost writing. I currently freelance but would be open to working for an agency. I regularly contribute to Medium and write for The Fusion Press and will occasionally ghost write for private clients.
L.C.: I love supporting copywriters who are also hard at work on a creative, personal project. This could be a novel, memoir, poetry collection etc. Tell me more about what you’re working on and what you hope to gain from the experience (book deal, more publications, career change, personal growth, etc.). Feel free to share how you balance work, life, and writing. It’s okay, if you’re struggling with this. It’s all part of the process!
L. W: Currently I am the proprietor of The Secret Bookstore It is an online bookstore that gives six weekly book picks as well as weekly expert book reviews by several writer friends of mine (Ryan Buynak, Sarah Elgatian and Callahan Herrig). People can place a book order through Instagram for any title they choose. Additionally I am launching a new publication in downtown San Diego called The Gaslamp Quarterly which aims to bridge literature, history, commerce and art.
L.C. Writers are needed but often undermined or unappreciated. Especially those of us with literary goals in mind! If applicable, could you speak to how you’ve faced/overcome challenges in your career? It’s okay if these challenges are ongoing (they often are). Feel free to share any words of wisdom you may have from mentors, literary heroes, etc.
L. W. To-date the dumbest thing I have done was to write a nonsense graphic novel about a holiday lawn ornament and then nominate it for a Pulitzer Prize. Yes, it is true that I tell people I was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and that tends to garner initial attention, however if the conversation ever gets deeper the truth comes out and usually ends in laughter. It wasn’t that I was meaning to disrespect the most coveted literary honor on the planet, however, I do like to make light of things and I just hope I haven’t tarnished my name in the literary community for life.
L.C. Say someone much younger than you says, “I want to be a writer, but I’m afraid I won’t succeed.” What would you tell them?
L. W. Everyone who wants to be a writer can and will be successful if they simply commit to writing regularly. Make it a habit. Make it your passion. And define your version of success. If success means writing and publishing a book then take the necessary steps to accomplish that goal because if you put your mind and heart into it the sky is the limit.
Connect with Lauren!
More from The Literary Copywriter
L.C. Spotlight: An Interview with Jessica Leibe
A Guide to Publishing in Literary Magazines
L.C. Spotlight: An Interview with Shannon Fletcher
If you’d like to be featured on The Literary Copywriter, I’d love to hear from you
Your Friend in Craft,
Emily