Lauren Roberts: From BookTok Sensation to Bestselling Fantasy Author
You know that feeling when you discover a bookish gem before it blows up? Yeah, that was us with Lauren Roberts’ Powerless. This YA fantasy, initially self-published and now backed by the big leagues (Simon & Schuster, we see you!), totally captivated us with its fierce heroine and intricate world-building. But hold on, let’s rewind. Lauren Roberts isn’t just any author, she’s a bonafide BookTok queen. Remember when we all went kinda crazy for that “spicy” enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance? Yeah, that was Lauren, folks!
Fast forward to , and Lauren’s dropping a brand-new novella, Powerful, expanding the Powerless universe. This time, we’re diving deep into the story of Adena, a character we couldn’t help but love from the series. Trust us, this novella? It’s gonna be epic.
A Journey Through the Making of Powerless
From Teen Dream to Published Work
Okay, get this: Lauren started writing Powerless at eighteen. Eighteen! While most of us were debating what topping to get on pizza, she was busy crafting a whole fantasy world. Now, years later, the Powerless we know and love? It’s a far cry from that first draft. Remember that brooding prince character who was supposed to be in the trials? Totally scrapped! The girl’s got vision, and the series has morphed into something way bigger than she ever imagined. We’re here for it.
Evolving Plotlines and Expanding Universes
One thing’s for sure: Lauren Roberts isn’t afraid to shake things up. The current Powerless? Let’s just say it took some serious twists and turns to get there. From ditching major characters to completely overhauling plot points, Lauren wasn’t afraid to experiment until her story felt *chef’s kiss.* And that, my friends, is the mark of a true storyteller.
Powerful: Unveiling Adena’s Story
A Character Deserving of the Spotlight
Okay, confession time: we all have our favorite side characters, right? Those ones who steal every scene they’re in, leaving you wanting more? Well, for Lauren Roberts, Adena from Powerless was that character. So, when it came to writing a companion novella, she knew exactly who deserved the spotlight. Big shoutout to Yasmin Morrissey, an editor at Simon & Schuster UK, for planting that seed! Yasmin, you’re a rockstar.
Strength in Softness: Adena’s Journey
In a world of fierce warriors and magical showdowns, Adena brings something different to the table. This novella dives deep into her softer nature, exploring her dreams of becoming a seamstress. Yeah, you read that right! Sewing needles and silken threads in a world of battle axes? Who knew? But here’s the thing: Adena’s story reminds us that strength comes in all forms. It’s a powerful message, beautifully woven into the fabric of this captivating novella. (See what we did there? *wink*)
Lauren Roberts: From BookTok Sensation to Bestselling Fantasy Author
You know that feeling when you discover a bookish gem before it blows up? Yeah, that was us with Lauren Roberts’ Powerless. This YA fantasy, initially self-published and now backed by the big leagues (Simon & Schuster, we see you!), totally captivated us with its fierce heroine and intricate world-building. But hold on, let’s rewind. Lauren Roberts isn’t just any author, she’s a bonafide BookTok queen. Remember when we all went kinda crazy for that “spicy” enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance? Yeah, that was Lauren, folks!
Fast forward to , and Lauren’s dropping a brand-new novella, Powerful, expanding the Powerless universe. This time, we’re diving deep into the story of Adena, a character we couldn’t help but love from the series. Trust us, this novella? It’s gonna be epic.
A Journey Through the Making of Powerless
From Teen Dream to Published Work
Okay, get this: Lauren started writing Powerless at eighteen. Eighteen! While most of us were debating what topping to get on pizza, she was busy crafting a whole fantasy world. Now, years later, the Powerless we know and love? It’s a far cry from that first draft. Remember that brooding prince character who was supposed to be in the trials? Totally scrapped! The girl’s got vision, and the series has morphed into something way bigger than she ever imagined. We’re here for it.
Evolving Plotlines and Expanding Universes
One thing’s for sure: Lauren Roberts isn’t afraid to shake things up. The current Powerless? Let’s just say it took some serious twists and turns to get there. From ditching major characters to completely overhauling plot points, Lauren wasn’t afraid to experiment until her story felt *chef’s kiss.* And that, my friends, is the mark of a true storyteller.
Powerful: Unveiling Adena’s Story
A Character Deserving of the Spotlight
Okay, confession time: we all have our favorite side characters, right? Those ones who steal every scene they’re in, leaving you wanting more? Well, for Lauren Roberts, Adena from Powerless was that character. So, when it came to writing a companion novella, she knew exactly who deserved the spotlight. Big shoutout to Yasmin Morrissey, an editor at Simon & Schuster UK, for planting that seed! Yasmin, you’re a rockstar.
Strength in Softness: Adena’s Journey
In a world of fierce warriors and magical showdowns, Adena brings something different to the table. This novella dives deep into her softer nature, exploring her dreams of becoming a seamstress. Yeah, you read that right! Sewing needles and silken threads in a world of battle axes? Who knew? But here’s the thing: Adena’s story reminds us that strength comes in all forms. It’s a powerful message, beautifully woven into the fabric of this captivating novella. (See what we did there? *wink*)
Riding the BookTok Wave
From Bookish Content Creator to Published Author
Let’s be real, BookTok has become the ultimate hype machine for book lovers. And Lauren Roberts? She’s been slaying the game since she was sixteen. That’s right, sixteen! While some of us were still trying to figure out how to use Snapchat (don’t judge), Lauren was building a loyal following by sharing her passion for books. Little did she know, those early videos would pave the way for her own publishing journey.
Finding a Fanbase Before Publication
Here’s where things get interesting. Lauren didn’t just talk about other people’s books, she shared snippets of her own writing. And guess what? People went wild! The BookTok community fell head over heals for Paedyn’s story, and by the time Powerless was ready to launch, Lauren already had a dedicated fanbase eagerly waiting to devour it. Talk about a dream come true!
The Transition: Self-Publishing to Traditional Publishing
A New York Times Bestseller? No Big Deal.
Okay, let’s be real, hitting the New York Times bestseller list is basically the holy grail for authors. And Lauren Roberts? She did it with her debut novel. But here’s the kicker: she wasn’t even expecting it. “Powerless” was originally self-published, a decision Lauren made after seeing the incredible response to her work on social media. Talk about taking a leap of faith!
Learning the Ropes of Self-Publishing
Now, self-publishing isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a hustle, requiring authors to wear all the hats. Lauren spent three months diving deep into the world of editing, cover design, marketing, and distribution. She basically became a one-woman publishing powerhouse, learning everything from scratch. Talk about dedication!
Embracing the Support of a Traditional Publisher
After the runaway success of Powerless, Simon & Schuster swooped in to offer Lauren a traditional publishing deal. And let’s just say, it was a game-changer. Suddenly, Lauren had a team of experienced professionals by her side, handling all those behind-the-scenes tasks that come with publishing a book. This allowed her to finally focus on what she does best: writing incredible stories.
Weaving Worlds: Fantasy Influences and Future Projects
Inspiration from YA Fantasy Powerhouses
Every author has their literary heroes, those writers who light a fire in their soul and inspire them to create their own worlds. For Lauren Roberts, Victoria Aveyard’s “Red Queen” and Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” hold a special place in her heart. The intricate world-building and captivating power dynamics in “Red Queen” left a lasting impression, while “The Hunger Games” reignited her love for dystopian tales.
Adding a Dash of Romance
But wait, there’s more! Lauren also draws inspiration from Mary Pearson’s “Dance of Thieves,” a YA fantasy brimming with romance, intrigue, and yes, you guessed it, a healthy dose of enemies-to-lovers tension. Clearly, Lauren knows a good ship when she sees one, and her own writing reflects that knack for crafting swoon-worthy relationships amidst epic adventures.
A Glimpse into the Future
So, what’s next for this literary powerhouse? Well, buckle up, because Lauren Roberts is just getting started. She’s currently hard at work on the highly anticipated third book in the “Powerless” trilogy, promising an epic conclusion to Paedyn’s story. But that’s not all! A second novella set in the same world is also on the horizon, offering a deeper dive into the lives of characters we’ve come to know and love. And if that weren’t enough, Lauren is already brainstorming ideas for a brand-new duology. Yeah, you read that right! This author is a writing machine, and we can’t wait to see what magical worlds she conjures up next.
