Today we’d like to introduce you to LaDaryn Lockett.
Hi LaDaryn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and the natural world. Growing up in rural then suburban Oklahoma, I developed a deep appreciation for wildlife science and the environment, which later blossomed into my current career path in conservation, leading me to move to San Diego. While earning my degree I also found my passion for fantasy storytelling after being introduced to Dungeons & Dragons. I started writing my first self-published book in college and published it five years later. I’ve worked in various roles before finding wildlife conservation: veterinary medicine assistance, high school science education, and software sales, which have given me a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of discovering one’s self. My journey hasn’t been linear and I’m learning to be okay with that.
Now that I’ve been in San Diego for almost a year, I’ve started allowing myself to pursue my creative ventures, such as republishing my fantasy novel, The Ballad of the Realm Trotters; along with learning to produce its audiobook and starting its sequel. Ask anyone who has known me long and they will tell you that creativity has always been a core part of who I am, and I’m now building a platform where I combine my love of fiction, conservation, and education. I’m anxiously starting a blog and podcast called Words on Wildlife which will have me explore and discuss various animal species and the broader conservation field. The platform will also feature future short stories as I aim to become a serious writer alongside becoming a conservationist.
Today, While establishing myself in San Diego’s unique scientific community, I’m focused on bridging the gap between storytelling and science communication. I aim to inspire others to care for the natural world and to share my stories with lovers of both fictional and real scientific study.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting over in a new state meant redefining my goals and reconnecting with what truly matters to me. I am undoubtedly a perfectionist and my anxiety has run my life for a good part of a decade. This has been a motivation to get things done while also sewing procrastination when I’d rather do something productive with my goals.
My partner, Victoria, has been an incredible support system throughout this journey, and her encouragement has been instrumental in helping me push forward, even when things felt uncertain. She has even helped me redefine my self-talk and has often stated that not every day needs to be a productive day. I’m often my greatest critic and lately, I’ve learned to become kinder to myself so that I don’t let my ambition cause me to lose sight of what I’ve already gained.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I’m working part-time with both the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Guest Relations and Part-time with The Earth Discovery Institute as an Ecological Field Instructor for elementary students in the El Cajon area. I also use my teaching experience to tutor in the evenings when I can, and soon I’d like to specialize in Wild Animal or Ecological Research in one form or another while also pursuing entrepreneurial routes in Public Speaking and Writing. I’m best known for being personable and for being an extrovert. I’ve had a few friends and couples thank me for giving speeches and starting up the dance floor at their weddings because I genuinely enjoy seeing people happy and if I had a motto it would be: Never met a stranger.
I am proud of my adaptability. I’ve never been able to settle for something, whether it’s in my art or my work. Whenever I’ve hit a wall or achieved a goal, I find ways to broaden my horizons or find something else that needs improving. I’m a lifelong learner and like a shark, I keep moving and am satisfied.
I believe my empathy sets me apart from most. I’m someone who gets personal fast and that can understandably rub some people the wrong way, but I’ve also seen it make great connections with others. I often find common ground with almost anyone I meet which I feel is a great skill to have; especially when it comes to communicating topics of environmental science to a fourth grader or veterinary medicine to a grieving pet owner.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Coming from middle America, I’ve grown to love San Diego’s rolling hills and mountains. The landscape, both urban and somewhat rural has given me a mix of new and familiar all at once. I’ve settled in well and have yet to be homesick. It did not occur to me until I started networking within the conservation community here, that San Diego has one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in this part of the western hemisphere. Incredible. It’s a shame that I didn’t move to San Diego sooner. Not to mention that the world’s best zoo and one of the largest conservation organizations are here which I am lucky to be a part of. I hope to contribute greatly to the Wildlife Alliance’s cause soon.
So far I have noticed that folks on the West Coast move more quickly than in Oklahoma. I remember pumping gas at my local station back in Oklahoma City and making polite conversation with the older gentleman across from me. By the time my tank was full, I had heard his whole life’s story with a sprinkle of advice from him before carrying on with my day. That’s an extreme example, but I can’t say something like that could happen here in San Diego. I have a neighbor I see regularly coming home from work who does everything he can to avoid conversation with me, which I understand because we all have busy lives, but making friends seems like more of a challenge here.
Pricing:
- $19.99 The Ballad of the Realm Trotters (softcover)
- $24.99 The Ballad of the Realm Trotters (Hardcover)
Contact Info:
- Website: ladarynlockett.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladarynlockett/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladarynlockett/
- Twitter: https://x.com/LadarynLockett
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ladarynlockett
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Ballad-Realm-Trotters-Daryn-Lockett/dp/B0C1236SN3
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Image Credits
N/A.
