Meet Lauryn Pena | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauryn Pena and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauryn, how do you think about risk?
I’m not afraid of risks. Whenever I am pitched a new opportunity, I see it as an adventure. I certainly do my due diligence before I take on anything new. I want it to be worth the time and effort for everyone involved. But when it comes to taking risks, it doesn’t scare me. I’m a very curious person, I am also a big picture thinker. I know how it feels when you are at the beginning of a new opportunity that seems like it will overtake the rest of your life. There have been many things I have encountered that at the starting line seemed like it would over take my life. But at the finish line felt fabulous, easy, and I came out of it with so much growth. At the beginning of covid when I decided to write my novel, Love and Mardi Gras, it was just a bucket list item. By the fall of 2020 I was connected to my publisher, at the starting line of the book publishing 10–12-month process. I experienced the excitement and anxiety all authors feel about getting your work in the public space. I applaud anyone who has the strength to show your hand and ideas to the world. Whether it be as an author on bookshelves, or just sharing your creativity or business ideas on Instagram, it takes immense courage to accept that risk and go for it. Since publishing my novel it has opened doors that I never knew existed. I have been to Europe twice for book signing events. I created an NFT for the book which allows fans to become involved, and take a small ownership in the Love and Mardi Gras brand. But most importantly, it has allowed me to inspire others to not fear their goals and just go for it. In the grand scheme of things this will all pass. I’d rather dedicate 2-5 years of my life to this bucket list item, then look back in 60 years and wish I had taken the risk and published Love and Mardi Gras.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an author it is hard to stand out, especially in the rom-com genre. What sets Love and Mardi Gras apart is that the setting is also a character in the story. I want readers to fall in love with New Orleans along with the main character. I also wanted the book to be a fun, whimsical, easy read for people to escape. I wanted readers to bond with the characters, and enjoy the ride. Writing Love and Mardi Gras was not easy. I spent years slowly researching the little idiosyncrasies about New Orleans to make sure that I got everything accurate. Also, the publishing process is arduous and takes nearly a year. The author life is not an easy one, but it sure is fulfilling. At the center of Love and Mardi Gras it’s a story about an outsider that is welcomed into a new community. I love it when a reader messages me about going to a bar mentioned in the book, or enjoying a beignet, or bloody mary that they read about in the book. It’s a book and story that is meant to be lived and enjoyed.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Even though my book is primarily set in New Orleans, it is also a love letter to travel. I do love living in California. When friends come to visit me in the LA/ OC area my lists of places include: Corona del Mar Beach, rent a duffy boat out of Newport Harbor, paddle boarding, Mozambique, live music at Skyloft. Live music at the Culver Hotel, Griffith Observatory, wine at Wallys, coffee at coffe dose, the LACMA, and any of the hundreds of hiking trails.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Juicy Scoop with Heather Mconald. Without her and some of the authors she has featured on her podcast I never would’ve been inspired to write my book and get it onto bookshelves.

Website: loveandmardigras.com

Instagram: @Laurynep, @loveandmardigras

Other: Tik tok: @laurynauthor email: Inquiry@loveandmardigras.com

Image Credits
Photography Credit: @marviizee & @nessagordon30 Makeup: @hollywoodeyelashes Styling: @espinozapineapple