By way of introduction, here is Lauren Wagner’s bio.
Lauren Wagner’s love for reading started as a young adult after discovering her town’s public library. After carrying out piles of books at a time, and re-reading them over and over again, she discovered her love for writing. She writes fantasy and science fiction as well as post-it notes about her future stories.
She grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago where she presently resides with her husband and two children. She currently teaches upper elementary students to love and obsess over written works of art.
Hello, Lauren , welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HAVING ME.
When did the writing bug ensnare you?
I started writing fourteen years ago, during my pregnancy with my first child. There’s something about those months—maybe the hormones, maybe the anticipation—but my dreams were wild, vivid, and relentless.
I needed a way to capture them before they vanished, so I started writing them down when I woke up. And once I began, I couldn’t stop.
Is writing your full-time profession?
Writing isn’t my full-time career—it’s my passion, the quiet joy I turn to after a full day in the classroom. By day, I teach elementary students, helping them discover the magic of reading and the power of their own words.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching young minds light up as they find their voice on the page. And when the school day ends and the classroom quiets, I return to my own stories, inspired by the very love of language I strive to pass on.
How many published books have you written?
Misguided Trust is the second book I have published. My first, Awaken, came out in 2022.
It tells the story of Natalia, a girl chosen by her people to die as a human sacrifice. But she is kidnapped and placed into an eternal sleep instead.
Centuries later, Natalia awakens in a strange new world when an archaeological team searching for the lost city of gold discovers her.
As she guides them through the dangerous jungles of Argentina, Natalia uncovers a prophecy connected to her past and must make a heart-wrenching choice: fulfill her destiny to restore balance or fight for her own survival.
Awaken also has dragons. And I absolutely love dragons.
What are you working on now?
The students at my school have been asking me to write something more suited to a younger age group—I’m working hard to create a story without blood sacrifices, love triangles, or surprise murders.
And honestly? I’m loving it.
The story follows a group of kids who live in a place inspired by the sky caves of Nepal. Their mountainous city in the sky is being shaken by a series of powerful earthquakes, and when the kids get separated into a network of tunnels, they discover an outside world beyond their wildest dreams.
What is a favorite quote from one of your own books?
There is a quote in Misguided Trust that says, “Isolating yourself from the world doesn’t change your past. It just prevents you from making a future.”
Can you share a random interesting fact about yourself?
I don’t like the smell of ketchup.
What spark started one of your stories?
I came upon a documentary about Incan child sacrifices in the Andes Mountains. I was deeply struck by the story of “The Maiden,” one of three children found perfectly preserved over 500 years ago.
These children were said to have gone willingly, and their sacrifice was seen as a great honor in their culture. Yet, I couldn’t help but wonder about the perspectives of their families and communities—fathers, farmers, or even rulers who believed the sacrifice was necessary for survival or prosperity.
Scientific studies revealed that the Maiden’s diet shifted dramatically before her death, indicating her sacrifice was planned well in advance. The frequency and reverence of such sacrifices became more evident the deeper I researched—some remains were so well preserved that scientists whispered around them, as if not to disturb a sacred sleep.
These haunting discoveries inspired me to write. I created Natalia of Estancia, a fictional character meant to honor the Maidens and the countless other children offered to the gods of her time. Through her story, I hoped to better understand their lives, world, and the complex beliefs that shaped their fate.
What is one of your favorite scenes that you’ve written? Why?
In Awaken, there’s a scene where Natalia is trapped in a cave and suddenly finds herself face-to-face with a giant dragon. The creature is both magical and terrifying, its presence overwhelming.
But Natalia straightens her shoulders, takes a deep breath, and—even though terrified—she stands her ground, ready to face whatever comes next.
Who is your favorite character that you’ve created? Why?
My favorite character died before the story of Misguided Trust unfolded. My husband was joking around about me writing him into one of my books, and that is how Tommy came to be.
He is a bright, mischievous kid who grows into a devoted best friend. He always wants the best for those around him and always argues with the ways of the world he doesn’t understand.
But in the story, he died before the first scene. He was the memory that kept pushing the main character forward. He was the memory that unvulgarly turned the villain villainous. Without Tommy, there wouldn’t have been a story.
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
My favorite experience after publishing came from a student I had this year. I brought in a copy of Misguided Trust to show them.
One student’s eyes popped, and his jaw dropped. He said, “That is the most beautiful cover I have ever seen.” The look on his face absolutely melted my heart.
What advice would you give to authors just starting out?
I think it’s easy to get lost in your writing, in the best way. You fall into the world you’re creating, and suddenly, hours pass like minutes. But with that immersion comes the risk of losing your thread, especially when you’re deep into a story.
The best advice I have? Always reread what you wrote yesterday before you begin writing today. It helps you reconnect with your tone, characters, and momentum.
If you hit a wall—and believe me, we all do—don’t panic. Step away for a few days. Let your mind breathe. Then, when you’re ready, start reading it again from the beginning.
Often, the pieces that felt stuck will shift into place naturally. Writing isn’t just about pushing forward—it’s about listening to your story, even in the quiet moments when it doesn’t want to speak.
What are your favorite books?
Whenever anyone mentions a book to me, my first response is always, “I LOVE that book.”
There are so many favorites I have, it’s hard to choose just one. I get swept up in different stories for different reasons—sometimes it’s the characters, sometimes the plot, and other times just the way the author writes.
But my utmost favorite? Probably The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen. That book had everything I love: a clever and rebellious protagonist, twists I didn’t see coming, and a plot that kept me hooked from the first page.
I also love anything written by Sarah J Mass and Andy Weir. Their books pull me into completely different worlds—whether it’s fantasy kingdoms full of magic or outer space missions that feel scarily real.
Who has influenced your writing the most?
I have an older sister gifted with so many natural talents, especially when it comes to writing. She was the first person I turned to whenever I needed help, whether with a resume, a school assignment, or even a simple email.
There’s something about the way she effortlessly crafts words—clear, direct, and meaningful—that I’ve always admired. I’ve wanted to capture even a fraction of that grace in my own writing.
When you’re not writing, where can we find you?
If I’m not writing, there’s a good chance I have a book in my hand. I even keep a secret stash of books in my car—just in case.
Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?
I can be found at www.laurenwagner.org
Where can we find your books?
You can find my books here:
Misguided Trust – Lauren Wagner – Cinnabar Moth Publishing
Thank you, Lauren, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck!
For information about Lauren’s featured book and giveaway, click the link.
