L.R. Braden shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
L.R., really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Um, both?
I definitely have a path. I have a goal, a destination… but I like to look at the scenery when I walk. I’ve never been the kind of person who could do just one thing. There are too many awesome side quests to explore. Also, while well-worn paths may be fastest, I find that I have trouble staying on the trails others have marked, so I often end up winding my own way through the wilderness. I guess you could say I’m taking the scenic route through life. After all, “Not all who wander are lost.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been a published author since 2019, and I describe myself as a Daydreamer & Storyteller. Other personal descriptors include neurospicy, creative, socially awkward, perfectionist, open-minded, and introvert–all of which you’ll see depicted in the dark-yet-hopeful urban fantasy stories that I write. My published works include the Magicsmith series (8 books), the Rifter series (4 books), and several works of shorter fiction. Many of my books have won awards, including the Eric Hoffer Book Award for Sci-fi/Fantasy, the Next Generation Indie Book Award for Paranormal Fiction, and the Imadjinn Award for Best Urban Fantasy.
I started out as a traditionally published author (agents, editors, the whole nine yards), but this year I have taken the plunge into self-publishing by opening my own imprint, Magical Realms Press, under which I will continue to produce and publish my own works as well as assisting other writers to bring their dreams to life. Currently, I’m offering content editing and interior layout services, and I eventually hope to grow into a full-service publishing house. At the end of the day, I just want to share entertaining stories that bring a bit of magic into people’s lives.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was young, I believed that I would be able to skate through life on talent alone. That mentality probably came from being naturally decent at most things. I had good body awareness, and I was physically fit. I always got good grades without really trying. I excelled in art and other creative outlets. I very rarely came across anything that I considered challenging, and even then I was usually “good enough.” I realize this sounds like bragging, but stay with me, because this question has two parts.
The first time I truly failed at something was trying to play an Irish jig on the flute in middle school. I couldn’t do it. I’d managed every song up to that point, but I simply could not move my fingers fast enough to keep up with the music’s insanely fast tempo. That was a rude awakening. I’ve failed many times since then, in pretty much every aspect of my life, but I’ve also learned that failure isn’t fatal, and natural talent isn’t the limit of a person’s potential, it’s merely the starting point. It’s nice to have talent, but that alone can’t get me where I want to be. Now that I’m older and, hopefully, wiser, I can say that true success requires effort, and the things we put the most effort into are often the most rewarding.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I’m not sure it’s a “fear” exactly, but I have a great deal of anxiety about interacting with people that makes it very difficult for me to do, well, anything. I’ve never been comfortable around other people, and it grew worse as I got older and realized more and more that I was different, even if I couldn’t put my finger on exactly why or how. That anxiety affects every aspect of my life. I’ve had panic attacks doing something as simple as going to the grocery store or talking on the phone, so when I discovered that part of being an author was attending events, speaking to readers, getting interviewed, well… I try not to let my discomfort stop me from pursuing my dream of being a successful author, but I would say that it gets in the way more than any other singular thing.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I’d say the biggest lie that still persists in the publishing industry is that traditionally published books are always better than independently published books. While it’s true that a traditionally published book goes through very specific steps at every stage of the book’s development and production (content editing, copy editing, professional layouts, cover design, etc.), that doesn’t mean the story is always good or there are never any errors in the final product. Self-publishing authors can take all the same steps as traditionally published authors. The only question is whether they’re willing to do that, and that comes down to the individual.
Another, more recent lie, is that AI will never be able to generate a story as well as a human. AI is a very controversial topic in the world right now, and in the creative industries in particular. Some authors use AI to help generate or polish ideas, some have it write whole drafts, some use it in place of real editors, some have it create covers or ads, and some authors refuse to use it at all. No matter what camp a creative is in in regards to their personal use of AI, I think the technology will eventually develop to the point that it meets or exceeds the creative abilities of human beings, though it will likely not care about its creations the way we do.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
As an author, my stories are my legacy. I hope that the books I put into the world will continue to entertain and enlighten long after I’m gone. Those are the stories I want people to talk about. Stories of acceptance and bravery. Stories of magic and mystery hidden among the mundane. Stories that bring comfort, provoke thought, and provide an escape when reality becomes a burden. I hope, when I’m gone, people will say that I was a storyteller whose words brought a bit of magic into their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lrbraden.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenrbraden
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LRBraden
