Lauren Roberts: From BookTok to Bestseller
They say the publishing world is tough to crack. Try telling that to Lauren Roberts, the young adult fantasy author who’s taken the bookish side of TikTok by storm. From self-published hopeful to bonafide bestselling novelist signed with Simon & Schuster, Roberts’ journey is what author dreams are made of (and, let’s be honest, what we all secretly hope our FYP will bless us with). Her debut series, “Powerless,” has captivated readers with its magic, intrigue, and characters who are as relatable as they are powerful. But the story doesn’t end there. Get ready for “Powerful,” an upcoming companion novella that dives deep into the world Roberts has so meticulously crafted, this time through the eyes of a fan-favorite character.
The Making of “Powerless”: A Story Years in the Making
“Powerless,” like any good story, had a life before its time in the spotlight. Roberts first put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, let’s be real) at the tender age of eighteen. Yeah, eighteen. While many of us were trying to figure out how to do laundry without turning our whites pink, Roberts was already building fantastical worlds and breathing life into complex characters. But the “Powerless” we know and love today? It’s a far cry from that first draft. Over the years, the story underwent a metamorphosis, evolving from a single book idea into a sprawling saga begging to be told.
One of the most significant changes? The handsome prince charming originally slated for the story got the boot. You go, Lauren! Out with the cliché, in with the fresh and unexpected. This bold move gave Roberts the space to expand her world-building, diving deeper into the magic system, political intrigue, and the intricate relationships that make “Powerless” so captivating.
A New Perspective: The Rise of “Powerful”
Remember that feeling when you finish a book you absolutely love, but you’re just not ready to say goodbye to the characters yet? Well, Lauren Roberts gets it. And thankfully, so does her editor at Simon & Schuster, Yasmin Morrissey. They’re the dream team that brought us “Powerful,” a companion novella that shines a light on Adena, a character whose quiet strength and loyalty stole readers’ hearts in “Powerless.” What started as a simple ‘what if’ brainstorming session between author and editor blossomed into a story that promises to add new layers of depth and emotion to the “Powerless” universe.
Adena, unlike the fiery protagonist of “Powerless,” isn’t driven by ambition or a thirst for power (no pun intended). She’s not here to save the world or topple empires. And you know what? That’s what makes her so remarkable. Adena’s strength lies in her compassion, her unwavering loyalty, and her ability to find purpose in the ordinary. In a world obsessed with the extraordinary, Adena reminds us that true power comes from within, from the choices we make and the lives we touch, no matter how big or small.
The Allure of Bite-Sized Stories: Why Novellas Work
In a world of endless scrolling and instant gratification, it’s no surprise that readers have fallen head over heels for novellas. These bite-sized stories offer a satisfying escape without the commitment of a doorstop-sized epic. And let’s be real, sometimes our attention spans just need a break from conquering those literary mountains. For Roberts, the novella format presented a unique opportunity to explore Adena’s story in a way that felt both intimate and impactful. “A novella allows you to really focus on character development and emotional nuance,” Roberts explains. “With Adena, I wanted to delve into her inner world, her fears and motivations, in a way that wouldn’t get lost in a larger narrative.”
BookTok and Beyond: Finding Your Audience Online
Let’s face it, the publishing world can feel like a labyrinth guarded by mythical creatures (we’re looking at you, querying process). But Roberts found her way through the maze thanks in part to a little app called TikTok. It all started innocently enough. A few snippets of her writing here, some relatable author memes there. But it wasn’t long before readers flocked to her page, drawn in by her genuine personality and the captivating world she’d created. “BookTok has completely changed the game for authors,” Roberts shares. “It’s like having a direct line to your readers, a place to connect, share your work, and build a community.”
And build a community she did. Roberts’ BookTok following is no joke, with thousands of avid readers eagerly devouring her content, from sneak peeks of upcoming chapters to hilarious rants about writer’s block. Her videos have racked up millions of views, proving that authenticity and a dash of humor go a long way in the digital age.
The Self-Publishing Odyssey: A Trial by Fire
Before “Powerless” landed its coveted spot on bookstore shelves, it took a leap of faith. Roberts, armed with a finished manuscript and a whole lot of determination, decided to self-publish. It was a crash course in everything from cover design and formatting to marketing and distribution. “Self-publishing is definitely not for the faint of heart,” Roberts admits. “It’s a ton of work, but it also gives you complete control over your book, which is incredibly empowering.”
And that hard work paid off. “Powerless” quickly gained traction, garnering rave reviews from early readers and climbing the online bestseller charts. It was a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a killer story that resonated with readers. But even with the success of her self-published debut, Roberts knew that partnering with a traditional publisher could take her work to new heights. Enter Simon & Schuster, the publishing powerhouse that recognized the magic in Roberts’ writing and offered her a deal that would change her life.
