FROM LAUREN’S DESK
Stories, Writing
& the Worlds Between
Notes on storytelling, characters, romance, the writing life, and the worlds behind Lauren’s books.
THE LATEST
New from the Journal
5 Writing Rituals That Keep Me Inspired
READ THE STORY →: 5 Writing Rituals That Keep Me InspiredEvery writer has those moments when inspiration comes pouring in…and those moments when the words simply refuse to cooperate. Over the years, I’ve discovered a few rituals that…
RECENTLY PUBLISHED
Latest from the Journal
Writing notes, character conversations, book news, reader questions, and a closer look at the stories behind the stories.
Balancing Book Promotion with Actual Writing
READ →: Balancing Book Promotion with Actual WritingBalancing it all perfectly? That’s a myth. The goal isn’t flawless balance; it’s a rhythm you can actually sustain without burning out…
Royal Insights Interview: The Director of Security Speaks
READ →: Royal Insights Interview: The Director of Security SpeaksLast time, I had the opportunity to sit down with the Queen of Zurdonia and her ever-watchful Head of Security. This time,…
How Your Reader Feedback Changed a Pivotal Plot in My Story
READ →: How Your Reader Feedback Changed a Pivotal Plot in My StorySo, as you head into The Crowned Mystic: Hunted, I hope you carry this with you: your reactions matter. Your messages, comments,…
Why I Decided to Write No Spice in My Books
READ →: Why I Decided to Write No Spice in My BooksIf you’ve spent any time in bookstores, on BookTok, or scrolling reading recommendations online, you’ve probably noticed one thing: spice is everywhere.…
How I Turned a Single Scene Into a Full Novel
READ →: How I Turned a Single Scene Into a Full NovelHow I Turned a Single Scene Into a Full Novel (…And Somehow a Whole Series. Oops?) The Big Questions are always asked…
Which Crowned Mystic Character Are You?
READ →: Which Crowned Mystic Character Are You?So… I did a thing ???? If you’ve ever wondered which type of character you’d be in my new series, The Crowned Mystic,…
My Interview Exclusive: A Sit-Down with Princess Elena of Zurdonia (And Her “Very Broody Bodyguard)
READ →: My Interview Exclusive: A Sit-Down with Princess Elena of Zurdonia (And Her “Very Broody Bodyguard)My Interview Exclusive: A Sit-Down with Princess Elena of Zurdonia (And Her Very Broody Bodyguard) By: Lauren Kutney, Special Contributor/Author ????Location: Somewhere…
Book Premises – Overdone, Cliché, or a Continued Fan Favorite?
READ →: Book Premises – Overdone, Cliché, or a Continued Fan Favorite?We all know what a trope is—those familiar character quirks or story beats that show up again and again, especially within certain…
My Top Favorite and Hated Romance Tropes
READ →: My Top Favorite and Hated Romance TropesAh, the trope — the heartbeat of a story that tells you what the book is going to be about and the…
FROM THE ARCHIVES
A Little More from Lauren
Three conversations about stories, romance, and where the ideas begin.
ON ROMANCE
Why I Decided to Write No Spice in My Books
On emotional connection, anticipation, slow-building tension, and why the moments before the kiss matter.
ON STORYTELLING
Where Does an Author Get Their Ideas for a Story?
A look at the conversations, questions, experiences, dreams, and passing moments that can become fiction.
ON TROPES
My Top Favorite and Hated Romance Tropes
The romance tropes Lauren loves, the ones she struggles with, and what makes a familiar setup work.
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