We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Kerstein recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lauren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Is there a historical figure you look up to? Who are they and what lessons or values have you learned from them?

In 2019, I learned about the Pack Horse Librarians who delivered books via horseback or mule to children and families in rural Kentucky during the Great Depression. Day in, day out, these fearless and determined women rode through snow, rain, sleet, and blistering heat to deliver books. Their tenacity offered hope and expanded the world for so many. In reading about them, interviewing experts, and then writing a picture about their work, I learned so much about their dedication, determination, and raw courage. Their work reinforced my belief that books not only open up new worlds, but enrich lives in ways that are unquantifiable. And the pack horse librarians fearlessness encouraged me to forge forward, even in tough times.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

From a young age, I wanted to be two things– a writer and a mental health clinician. Okay, I wanted to be a famous singer too, but singing into my “microphone” (hairbrush, baton, thumb) showed me that I had a potential career as a glass shatterer, not a stage singer. The amazing news is that I pursued my author dreams and psychotherapist dreams. I learned a few years ago that you can’t take the therapist out of the author, and that has helped my career in so many ways. In addition to adding a social-emotional layer to my books, it has helped me as a ghost writer and as a developmental editor/ creative coach. I have been told over and over again that I have a unique ability to truly see the potential in a creator’s work and identify the heart of their project. I enjoy coaching so much that a few years ago, I began a revision challenge with writing friends of mine called #ReVISIONweek. I enjoy helping creators polish their work until it shines and bring their visions to life. I continue to run a small private therapy practice, and enjoy writing board books, picture books, middle grade, young adult novels, and adult novels.. My writing partner, Stacia Deutsch and I recently dove headfirst into writing screenplays and it is SO much fun! Stacia and I also partnered with the amazing Karen Kilpatrick to create a writing course on Page360. Check it out! https://www.page360.co/our-mission . I have also enjoyed an enriching relationship with my agent, Deborah Warren with East West Literary Agency. You can visit my website: www.LaurenKerstein.net for more information about my books and services.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The goal that has driven both my creative journey and my work as a psychotherapist is to touch children and adults hearts. If I help one person feel seen that day who hadn’t felt seen before, or bring a smile to someone’s face at a time when smiling seems out of reach, I will have done what I set out to do– touch lives in a positive way.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe I have been able to build my reputation within the market through a combination of luck, fierce determination, and word-of-mouth. I am naturally a hard-worker and enthusiastic person. I think both of those characteristics have assisted me in establishing a positive reputation, growing my business, and most importantly, establishing lasting and rewarding relationships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.LaurenKerstein.net
• Instagram: @LaurenKerstein
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.kerstein and https://www.facebook.com/laurenkersteinauthor
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/lauren-kerstein-59398310b
• Twitter: @LaurenKerstein
• Youtube: @laurenkerstein2491
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/LaurenKerstein/

Image Credits

Lauri Exley for my headshot