Hi friends. How are ya? How's ya mom n' em? I have announced it on my other social media platforms, but I haven't mentioned it here, so I figured now would be the best time.
I started a podcast! It's called Lauren's Library. I'm excited about it. Also, nervous. But mostly excited.
Moment of transparency: Ever since I started this journey into book reviewing and bookstagram/booktoks I had wanted to start a podcast. Kept telling myself that I would do it when I hit a certain follow count, or I would do it when (insert whatever excuse you can think of here) happened. When I hit that number or accomplished that goal (read: excuse), I still didn't go for it.
Fear is what kept it a dream instead of a reality. That deep rooted fear of pouring my heart and soul into something and then some random stranger on the internet telling me it was horrible and to not quit my day job. So, I put the idea on the back burner and focused on other things. Then, a person that I had been friends with at the time was like "hey! let's do it!" And then a podcast called Fiction & Friction was born.
It was pretty fun at first, lots of laughs and good feedback. I imagined us being able to accomplish some pretty big things if we could just come up with an actual routine that worked. In the end, I guess we couldn't.
It turned out to be a lot more stress than I had bargained for, meeting every night to record for like three weeks straight and only having one episode to show for it was a lot. There is a lot that goes into having a social platform and trying to juggle the demands of that PLUS still accomplish the big goals I had set out to do (debut novel, publishing company) in the first place proved to be quite difficult to manage. I was feeling it and my cohost was feeling it too.
As a result, that podcast didn't work out. I was sad to see it go, but in the end, it was the best thing for everybody. Not all things are meant to last forever! But we don't dwell. We process, we regroup, and we keep it pushing.
So nowwww I introduce to you, my ACTUAL podcast: Lauren's Library. It took a lot to get here. A lot of insecurity and self-doubt, a lot of wondering if my voice even deserved to be heard, but I'm here. I'm proud of what I've created and even though I don't have a big audience just yet, having my own space to offer my own opinions and ideas without worrying about things being cut out or misconstrued, has been awesome. And freeing.
I want this podcast to be something different. I talk about interesting things I've discovered about the book community as a reader and as a writer, I offer my perspective on books I've read, and (my favorite part) I read some of my short stories that I've written. There's music. There are black culture references. There are sound effects and more. Don't click on this podcast expecting to hear the same thing that you'd hear on the other 100+ Book(ish) Podcasts that exist today.
My goal is to be able to include short stories from other people as well in order to increase their platform and give them a chance to put their work out there to be consumed by others who wouldn't normally know where to look for it. Giving a voice (or helping them find their voice) to those who don't have one of their own. Eventually, I want to be able to interview some of your favorite authors.
I'm still doing The Booky Babe stuff, my brand has just expanded. You can find Lauren's Library Podcast on Spotify, Amazon (Audible), Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and more! Video will be added soon. Since I am currently a one-woman machine, it will take some time. You can follow the podcast page on Instagram
I do have some other things in the works for The Booky Babe. Still working on stuff that I am sure you'll like. In due time, I will announce.
In the meantime, Lauren's Library drops every other Friday (ya girl ain't trying to get bogged down) at 12:00am on the dot. So, no matter the time zone, you should be able to get to it on Friday. Wherever you listen make sure you rate and subscribe. Nothing less than 5 stars. Don't be a turd. 😉
I have so many things in store for Lauren's Library. I do hope you'll join me.
Happy Reading Babes! ❤