Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Ever since I won two Young Author Awards (1994 and 1997), I knew that I wanted to be a writer. I love sharing stories and personal experiences with others. Perhaps, what I love most is connecting with the readers. I went on to earn my Associates in Arts degree at Southwestern Illinois College in 2005 and earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications: Print Journalism in 2007 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. While attending SIUE, I won the Outstanding Journalism Student Award in 2006.
I have written two books. My first book is a collection of poetry entitled “More Than Words.” In this book, I explore what I like to call the three stages of love: Love Granted, Love Denied and Love Relinquished. Each poem is based off of my personal experiences with love. I feel that using these experiences helps me to better connect with the reader.
I have just completed my first children’s book entitled “Priceless Penny.” This book chronicles the incredible adoption journey of my three-legged dog, Penny.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have just completed writing my first children’s book entitled “Priceless Penny.” This book was inspired by my amazing three-legged dog, Penny. She has a deformed front paw that looks like a short “stump” with two toes. Penny also has a severe overbite. Sadly, she was abandoned by her previous owners and was found as a stray on the streets of California.
2nd Chance Animal Rescue in Springfield, IL answered an e-mail from a friend about rescuing Penny and she was soon transported to Springfield where her journey to find a loving forever home began. I hope that Penny’s story will shed light on special needs dogs and empower those living with disabilities to reach for goals that they never thought were possible.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this would be considered “unusual” but, when I am suffering from a case of writer’s block, I simply stop writing. I then will grab my iPod and listen to one of my favorite songs. I find that music helps to clear my mind and puts me back in the writing mood.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would have to say that my top three writing influences are: Dr. Seuss, Brian Jacques and Judy Schachner. Dr. Seuss was able to make learning fun through rhyme. He also kept his illustrations simple, yet, I can still recall the characters from “Green Eggs and Ham” quite vividly. Plus, his writing style is timeless. I can recite many of his books by heart to this day.
Brian Jacques was such an amazing writer. He was able to pain such vivid scenes with only words. I remember as I was reading his famous Redwall series that I could close my eyes and actually picture the grand banquet hall and the quaint country charm of Redwall Abby. And the characters that he created were very memorable as well as unique. “Martin the Warrior” is still my favorite book of all time.
Judy Sachner is a more recent author. She is the creator of the Skippyjon Jones book series. I simply love these books! Perhaps, this is due to the fact that I own five Chihuahuas and a cat… The Skippyjon Jones books comes alive with beautiful pictures and catchy songs. And I love how Skippyjon always uses his imagination to explore the world around him.
What are you working on now?
I just wrapped up writing “Priceless Penny.” I am thinking about turning Penny’s book into a series. Each book will showcase how Penny is discovering the world around her. My next possible book may be “Penny Meets Miracle,” in which Penny learns how to accept Miracle, a kitten that my husband and I rescued from the middle of main street in Freeburg, IL.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love to use social media! I am on Facebook, twitter, Pintrest, Tumblr, Instagram, Blogspot, you name it! I also created my own website so that I can update the site as often as I like.
Penny’s official website is: www.pricelesspennyp.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up! My advice may sound corny, but, it is so true. If you feel in your heart that you have a story to tell and you are passionate about that story, pursue it! Do not let anyone else derail you from your dreams.
Also, network, network, network! LinkedIn is an amazing resource.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t be afraid to fail.” -Jillian Michaels
So many times, we give up on our dreams because we are afraid to fail. We care too much about what other people think. But, failure provides us with a chance to grow. We learn something valuable from each mistake that we make. Instead of fearing “what could be,” we need to keep our focus on our passions and pursue them at full speed.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “Arch Enemy” by Frank Beddor. This is the final book in the Looking Glass Wars series. I just can’t put it down! There is action and suspense at every turn. And I need to find out if Alyss can save Wonderland once and for all…
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would love to be able to write a series of children’s books about my other adopted dogs.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
What a tough decision to make! I would have to take: The Bible, “Martin the Warrior”, the Winnie-the-Pooh treasury and any book from the Clique series. Those books are amazing!
Author Websites and Profiles
Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf Website
Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf Amazon Profile
Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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