Lauren is a perinatal psychologist, writer and mother who lives on Dharawal and Gundungarra country in the Wollondilly Shire, NSW. She has worked extensively in perinatal and infant mental health and is an editor at Perspectives in Infant Mental Health, a publication of the World Association for Infant Mental Health. She has also written for The Guardian.

Lauren has two young girls and drinks more tea than is sensible.

What's inside this episode?

• Lauren shares her long journey to publication, revealing that "All the Bees in the Hollows" is her tenth manuscript and the first to be published after years of persistence and growth.
• Discover how a chance encounter with a children’s podcast about Lithuanian beekeeping and folklore sparked the unique vision for her debut novel.
• Lauren gets real about balancing writing with motherhood, work, and life’s unpredictability—emphasising the need for flexibility, creativity, and self-compassion.
• The power of mentorship and feedback: Lauren explains how working with a mentor and seeking critique at every stage helped her deepen her craft and stay accountable.
• Signing a publishing deal is just the beginning—Lauren opens up about the emotional rollercoaster, the demands of publicity, and the importance of a supportive debut author community.

Listen now if you need...

… the motivation to persist through rejection. The more feedback you receive, the closer you’re getting to publication!

My favourite quote:

“I had to be creative about time. There was a lot of guilt around taking time away from my family to write. But even if I wasn’t physically away, I was still thinking about it and trying to find that balance of being present but also following up on something that really filled up my cup. And there was a transition time of me just accepting that, actually, this is something I need. I’m a better parent and a better therapist when I do have that space to write.”

📖 What is the last book that Lauren read and loved? Bear Woman by Karolina Ramqvist

All the Bees in the Hollows by Lauren Keegan is available to purchase wherever you buy your books. Alternatively, check in with your local library. If they don’t have a copy yet, put in a request!

Extra (important) information!

✨ You can find Lauren Keegan (she/ her) at laurenkeeganwriter.com

✨ Download 'The ultimate checklist to prepare, write and pitch your book' for FREE!

✨ Buy The Little Black Book of Publishing!

👋🏼 Until next time friend!