Lauren 'L' Hackney is an author, who like A.A. Milne, started The Lolly Shop by telling her children bedtime stories. When she asked the children what would happen next, the story was led through many twists and turns, all of them exciting and unpredictable. The children have even assisted in illustrating the book.

The author, like the story, is based in Australia by the sea. Her first book in the series is 'The Lolly Shop'. In book two Dex the Bilby continues to build the excitement. The third book is 'The Calm Before the Snow'.

Lauren and her boys Baxter and Ethan have for a long time told stories at bedtime. They would each add twists and turns using imagination and inventiveness to make the impossible happen.

They have worked together on this series, with the boys coming up with some of the plot ideas and doing some of the illustrations. Local schools regularly invite her to read the books and tell the stories.

The books are relevant and appropriate for children to read, but most importantly fun, well written and encourage reading.

Because the family cares about the environment the books are all print-to-order in the country in which they are sold with no pulping to reduce the carbon footprint.

L Hackney believes imagination and magic can save the day - no matter what age you are!

Lauren's website is http://lbehackney.com and is on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lbe.hackney.

You can find The Lolly Shop series on Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B098PQQ8NF) and where all good books are sold.

Lauren's short story 'Land Angels' is also on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Land-Angels-Lauren-Hackney-ebook/dp/B0BK4L5XRB.

Lesson Summary

Based in Brisbane, Australia, multi-genre author Lauren Hackney joined Morgen to discuss her writing projects, the first being 'The Lolly Shop' children's book series, created by her sons Baxter and Ethan, which started during the 2020 lockdown, and she helped publish.

Lauren has independently written a novel for adults which is currently out on submission. She also writes screenplays, initially the 'Lolly Shop' books, which have been very well received including winning two prestigious awards, and she has other projects in the works.

Lauren expresses her and her boys' love for writing and the creative process, one she is continuing herself and encouraging them to pursue.