Author Interview: Lauren Jackson

Each Sunday, I'll be interviewing a different author about their writing journey. If you are an author and would like to be interviewed for this series, please complete this application form. If you have any questions, or if you want to recommend an author, please get in touch by emailing me at bryony@bryonyleah.com.

About Lauren Jackson

Lauren Jackson is a twenty-one-year-old Australian author who writes under the pen name LaurenJ22 on Wattpad.

Lauren predominantly writes Young Adult fiction based around romance, drama and suspense. Since joining Wattpad in 2012, Lauren has accumulated over 68,000 followers and her first ever novel on the website has received over 24 million views. She is well-known for her viral Wattpad titles including Downright Delinquents, Childhood Sweethearts, Coach's Number One, and Bad Liar.

Alongside being an active writer on the site, Lauren is an avid reader of both online and traditionally published books, mainly reading in the genre she writes—Young Adult and New Adult fiction.

Click here to read Bad Liar by Lauren Jackson

Where and when did you first know that you wanted to become a writer?

I used to write random stories here and there, but it wasn't until I wrote my first ever story on Wattpad in 2012 that I discovered that writing is something I love.

How long did it take you to write your first novel?

Considering I was just doing it for fun, I was writing and posting up to 5 chapters a day. I finished the novel from start to finish (the novel having 60+ chapters) in 2 to 3 months.

Do you plan out your novels or just start writing?

I always take some time to figure out characters, the setting, and a slight background to who these people are, and then I just start to write—letting the story take over and come to life.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

100%. I've never spoken to a writer who hasn't experienced this.

Which software or platform do you use to write your books?

Wattpad!

What’s your favourite self-editing technique?

Reading a sentence out loud in the tone I have applied to the character. If I can say it seriously, then I keep it. If I laugh, I don't.

Click here to read Coach's Number One by Lauren Jackson

Are you working on a novel right now? If yes, can you tell us a little about it?

I'm currently writing a Teen romance titled Darker Than Sin, which revolves around my favourite theme: forbidden love. Darker Than Sin follows 17-year-old Ellie and 18-year-old Haze in their all-consuming and passionate love, despite the opinions of everyone they care about around them.

Of all the books you've written, do you have a personal favourite? If yes, which book, and why?

I love my book Downright Delinquents. It's a dark, edgy Young Adult, filled with action, drama, and teen angst. I wrote the book at sixteen and it was my second attempt at writing a story. I loved it because I fell in love with writing strong, beautiful characters, who are more than meets the eye, have a damaged past and a kick-ass attitude you don't want to mess with. I felt I really discovered myself and my writing through that story and it will always be one of my favourites.

Click here to read Downright Delinquents by Lauren Jackson

What is the coolest experience you've ever had as a writer?

Dealing with amazing, positive people who only want to uplift you and see you succeed.

What time of day do you prefer to write?

Probably mid-morning. That's when I'm fresh and alert.

Do you need to feel emotions strongly to become a good writer?

I think the stronger you feel emotions, the easier it is to write about them. I never cry at movies or books, but when I'm writing my own scenes that involve emotion, I find myself crying, feeling hurt, and getting just as frustrated as the character in the book. I think it's definitely beneficial to connect with your story and feel what the characters feel.

Click here to read Darker Than Sin by Lauren Jackson

Do you prefer to write series or standalone novels?

Standalone novels.

Do you weave personal experience into your writing?

Definitely. A lot of emotions I've felt, conversations I've had, or moments I've experienced end up in my books. Sometimes without me even realising it.

What is your best piece of advice for aspiring writers?

Write because you love to, not because you want popularity from it. Write as much as you can, because the more you do it, the better you'll get. Experiment with language, with characters, with emotion. Be brave, be bold, and don't ever stop doing what you love. Take aboard criticism, use it to better yourself, and keep going.

Enjoyed the interview? Connect with Lauren Jackson!

You can follow along with Lauren's writing journey on the following platforms...

Wattpad: @LaurenJ22

Instagram: @laurenj_22

Snapchat: @laurenj_22

If you are an author and would like to be interviewed for this weekly blog series, please complete this application form. If you have any questions, or if you want to recommend an author, please get in touch by emailing me at bryony@bryonyleah.com.