Picture Book Author & Journalist Lauren Evasic

This week’s Writer Wednesday features picture author and journalist Lauren Evasic from Northville, Michigan! Lauren just published her first book in September called “Palmer and the Super Pups.” It’s a children’s book, which she worked with DWR children’s book coach Amy Nielander to write!

The story was inspired by her own dog Palmer, who Lauren adopted and sadly lost to a brain tumor at just 10 months old. Palmer touched many lives and will continue to do so, as a portion of proceeds will be donated to animal research and rescue organizations in her honor. Learn more about Lauren and her writing endeavors below!

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

My favorite part of the process takes place early on in the brainstorming phase. I’ll often have an idea I’ve been thinking about for a while, and I’ll be doing something monotonous like going for a walk, and the details come flooding in. I think when we let our minds relax, it allows them to open up and let creativity in.

What does your writing workspace look like?

I enjoy writing in public places like coffee shops or even a quiet bar or restaurant. I drown out any noise with instrumental music, but there’s something about the energy of others that drives me to write.

What was the hardest part of writing your children’s book? 

For me, the most challenging part was cutting content. As a creative writer, I’ve always written with a lot of detail. However, picture books are typically around 500 words. My Detroit Writing Room coach, Amy Nielander, reminded me that illustrations can often take the place of descriptive content. Picturing my idea for each page’s illustration helped me cut my book by two-thirds.

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?

I love yoga. It clears my mind, and it’s a great workout when you push yourself. I can go into a class with a lot on my mind and leave feeling completely calm and recentered.

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

My journalism professor once told my class writing gives a voice to the voiceless. Whether that means journalists can help tell others’ stories or that some people communicate better through writing than verbal conversation, I think this is so true. This advice has always encouraged me.

Via @by_laurenevasic

What writing projects are you currently working on?

I just published my first book, which is a children’s book. Before writing “Palmer and the Super Pups,” I wrote adult fiction, and I plan to revisit that genre. I’m also working on an editorial feature on my family heritage.

Check out “Palmer and the Super Pups” on Amazon, and follow Lauren on Twitter and Instagram.