We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Davidson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
I was 20 years old in 2019. I went to my mum and told her I wanted to write a book. A children’s book about talking pets. I wasn’t sure how to start, all I knew is that I wanted to write a book, just like my step-dad. I saw him at book events, talking to and signing books for people and I thought, I want to do that. I love children and reading is one of my favourite hobbies.
I needed help to get started, that’s for sure. I have special needs and while I’m independent in many things, I need assistance to learn the process. It’s the same for every single entrepreneur on the planet. You need others with expertise to get advice or to do some things to help move you forward. Soon, my vision, Lucy and Her Talkative Pets was born.
Since 2019, when my first book was published, I have written a total of six children’s stories.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
In October 2019, I published my first children’s book. I was born in 1999 and with Down syndrome. The doctors told my family to get ready to choose an institution. That I would never learn or live a meaningful life.
My family brought me home and with their help I thrived. As well, many organizations, and individuals provided multi-disciplinary therapy for countless years. I’ve always been a reader and had an idea for a story. So I began to write my book; a story that I thought young people would enjoy. I already had the title in my head, Lucy and her Talkative Pets and wanted it to be a series about the adventures they’d enjoy together.
With much support and encouragement from my family and friends, my dream of writing and publishing is real!
I have always been independent and voiced that I wanted to have a home of my own. I went through lots and lots of daily living skills training with the help of local organizations and my family and am happy to say that I now have an awesome one-bedroom apartment that I share with my loving 8 year old rescue kitty, Ginger.
I want my stories to bring joy to children everywhere.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I love it when schools and libraries reach out to me to ask me to come and read to young children. I love asking them questions about their favourite pets and other animals. I also enjoy my book signing events because I learn so much from them. I talk to people about my books and have learned to use the technology to support my small business.
I have also supported local charities that helped my journey by donating a portion of the proceeds of my books.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal has always been to strive for as much independence as I can and to live in a place of my own. I have reached that goal. I also need a way to try to support my daily living expenses and my book sales play a small part in that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurendawndavidson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren.dawn.davidson.author
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurendawndavidson/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-dawn-davidson-284bb2195/
