Author Bio:
I began writing at an early age. While in grade school, I was the recipient of two Young Author Awards (1994, 1997). In high school, I became the only freshman member of the yearbook staff where I took my own photographs and wrote stories about the happenings at Freeburg High.
I went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications-Print Journalism from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. While there, I earned the Outstanding Student in Journalism award in 2006. I am the former Editor of The Fairview Heights Tribune as well as the Clinton County News in Mascoutah, IL.
I have written numerous articles and feature stories that have been included in the above mentioned papers as well as The Freeburg Tribune and the Mass Communicator magazine for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Priceless Penny is the second book that I have written. The first book is a collection of poetry entitled More Than Words that was published in 2010. In 2015, I created my own publishing company called Theuerkauf’s Tails, LLC. I am also an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA).
What inspires you to write?
My rescue animals inspire me to write! Each animal has such an amazing story of rescue, redemption and love. I hope that my writing sheds light on the adoption option as well as the importance of adopting differently-abled animals.
Tell us about your writing process.
I am a huge fan of outlining. I love to organize my thoughts on paper. This helps me to visualize where the story and characters are going. I am a bit old school and like to use paper and pencil to outline. In this way, I can easily change my thought/idea pattern without having to worry about my software malfunctioning or my computer battery dying.
After I complete the outlining, I jump right into writing. Since I have a clear picture of how I want the story to go, I simply write from the heart. If I get stuck, I will take a quick break or a short walk around the block to clear my head and begin again.
Who are your favorite authors?
The author that has most influenced me is Brian Jacques. He was the author of the amazing Redwall series. My favorite book of all time is Martin the Warrior. Jacques was able to create complex worlds that you could actually visualize in your mind as you read his books. His characters were always unique and Jacques went into great depth so that his heroes and heroines were not one dimensional.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I decided to self-publish my book because I knew that Penny’s story was meant to be told. I also feel that self-publishing allows the author to have more control over his/her work as well as allows for the greatest return. I love being personally involved in the publishing process as it makes me feel more connected to my work and my readers.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I believe that more authors will go the route of self-publishing. There are so many options out there that allow authors to truly have a voice and create the book (s) that they actually want to make instead of being told what to write by agents or traditional publishers.
What genres do you write?
Children’s, Poetry
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf Home Page Link
Link To Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf Page On Amazon
