Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauren Roach. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

After spending about a year deeply involved in the bookish community, I couldn’t help but notice a troubling pattern: Black and brown creatives were consistently overlooked, their stories passed over in favor of others. The lack of representation and recognition for their work was glaring. When I decided to chase my dream of becoming an author, I worried that my stories might meet the same fate.

That’s when Sunflower Rose Publishing was born—a vision rooted in my desire to share my stories on my terms, without waiting for someone else’s approval. As I progressed in my journey as an author, the idea evolved. I realized I didn’t just want to tell my own stories; I wanted to empower other authors like me to bring their art into the world and have their voices heard.

Lauren, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

At my core, I am a storyteller. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of my mother reading me bedtime stories, sparking my love for the written word. Trips to the library and Barnes & Noble were adventures where I could lose myself in endless worlds and visions contained within the pages of a book. Growing up, I was never without a notebook, filling its pages with fan fiction or poetry, even if I rarely had the courage to share it. Writing brought me peace—it was where I felt most at home, breathing life into the characters and universes I envisioned. And no matter where life took me, a book was always by my side.

For a time, life’s chaos put my passion for writing on hold. It wasn’t until I was let go from an emotionally taxing job that I found the space to slow down and reconnect with my love of storytelling. Rediscovering books and writing during that time felt like coming home.

That journey led to the creation of Sunflower Rose Publishing—a space where I could freely tell my stories on my own terms. Seeing my first book in print was an indescribable moment, a dream brought to life. I knew instantly this was what I was meant to do. But it wasn’t just about my own stories. I wanted to help others bring their voices to life and see their dreams realized.

At Sunflower Rose Publishing, I offer a range of services: ghostwriting, editing, book formatting, and story coaching. So many people have stories they want to tell but don’t know where to begin or how to navigate the complexities of publishing. That’s where I come in—as your book tour guide, guiding you through the process and helping you avoid common pitfalls. While I run a business, my true passion lies in the heart of storytelling. I’m here to ensure your voice is heard, your story is told, and you experience the joy of holding your book in your hands for the first time.

I’m incredibly proud to say I turned my dream into a reality. I am a published author. I started my own publishing company. The girl who read all the books became the woman writing them. And with my help, you can do it too! Let’s bring your story to life.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of creating is seeing someone connect with your work. It’s impossible to please everyone—no matter how skilled you are, there will always be people who don’t resonate with what you’ve made, and that’s perfectly okay. What truly matters is finding the people your art speaks to. When that connection happens, you discover your community.

For me, seeing readers relate to the characters I’ve brought to life or find meaning in a plot I’ve crafted reaffirms that I’m on the right path. It’s a reminder that there’s an audience for every story. Finding yours can elevate you in ways you never imagined, creating a bond that goes far beyond the pages of a book.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I first entered the bookish community as a reviewer, sharing my honest opinions on the books I read. I started a blog where I posted in-depth reviews and short stories, and, over time, people began to gravitate toward my writing style. By the time I was ready to tackle a full-length novel, I had built a small but supportive audience eager to hear what I had to say.

From there, I worked to connect with others in the bookish world. Along the way, I met some incredible people and a few who weren’t the best fit, but each encounter shaped my journey in one way or another.

My advice? Start with something manageable. Social media can be overwhelming, and without careful planning, it’s easy to burn out. Find a rhythm that works for you, and build from there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sunflowerrosepublishing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookybabe_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebookybabe
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/LaurenRWrites

Image Credits

DRMR Creative photos 1-4 and 6
Gabe Rawlinson for image 5