Rising Stars: Meet Laura Taylor Namey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Taylor Namey.

Hi Laura, 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.
Thanks so much! About eight years ago, when my youngest child was in fifth grade, I noticed so many students at her school reading everything in young adult literature (this was the Twilight and Hunger Games era.) I had always loved reading from many genres and age groups, and I decided to try writing a young adult novel of my own. By then, my children had become more independent, and I had more time to devote to doing what I essentially did: teaching myself to write a young adult novel by doing nothing else but writing one. I didn’t have an MFA and had only taken a few poetry and creative writing classes in college. But I had no formal training. I loved writing that first book, and then rewriting and rewriting it over and over. Once I had a completed draft, I began reading craft books, attending writing seminars and retreats, and I joined a vast online community of published and pre-published authors. My skill level grew, and I received such wonderful encouragement from agents and editors on my YA draft, even though that book never became agented. I decided to start again, and by the next year, I had a new story that won a spot in a coveted mentorship program and landed me an amazing literary agent. That book, The Library of Lost Things, went on to sell in three months to HarperCollins. The next year, my sophomore novel, A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, was chosen by Reese Witherspoon for her monthly book club. It debuted on the New York Times bestseller list and has been adapted for film.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While definitely not always smooth, my particular journey has always felt right. I believe that the success and gains I’ve earned are due to the fact that it was simply my place and time to become an author. Every step forward, and even every detour, was leading me toward something that I was meant to do. That being said, I struggle a lot with imposter syndrome, have faced a multitude of “Nos” and reaction, and always find the delicate balance of self-care, writing time, and promotion a little hard to manage during some seasons. Putting out something that truly comes from your heart and soul, something that’s so much a reflection of your worldview and maybe even your own life can be difficult and daunting at times.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m currently writing young adult contemporary fiction. My fourth title, A British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak recently published in September of 2023, and my next title, WITH LOVE, ECHO PARK, publishes August 27, 2024. My books have won awards, been translated into many languages, and have landed me on the New York Times bestseller list. ACE Entertainment recently adapted my book, A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow for film. It shot last year in England and stars Maia Reficco and Kit Connor as the leads.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Early on, I became involved in the large online writing community across various social media platforms. I listened and asked questions and made friends that are still in my writing and personal life today. These people and the knowledge and advice I learned were and are a key attribute of my success and the fact that I’m able to write full-time today. For emerging professionals, my advice is to find the places where the people you emulate are hanging out. I promise they’re out there. Most of the time, online communities are accepting of people who want to share and learn, and network.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.laurataylornamey.com
• Instagram: @laura_namey
• Twitter: @LauraTNamey
• Other: TikTok: @Laurataylornamey

Image Credits
J.Chang-Tablada Photography