Laura Stegman of Los Angeles on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Laura Stegman and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Laura, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m very proud that I’ve been able to build a wide network of fellow middle-grade authors with whom I communicate on a variety of levels, from critique partners to promotional partners to friendships and more. It’s made a big difference in my writing career.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the author of Summer of L.U.C.K., Ready or Not, and The Chambered Nautilus, a middle-grade trilogy from Young Dragons Press, all with Readers’ Favorite Five Star reviews. I’ve been a presenter/panelist at such literary events as NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English), Orange County Children’s Book Festival, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ (SCBWI) SoCal Harvest Day, San Diego Writers Festival, and LitFest in the Dena. I share my author journey with students at virtual and in-person school visits, participate in such events as the STEM Teacher Summit, and serve as a judge for writing competitions sponsored by Society of Young Inklings, SCBWI, and others. As a long-time publicity consultant, I created PR Tips for Authors, a step-by-step guide to building a digital author media kit, which has been presented by The Writing Barn, SCBWI, and elsewhere. My non-fiction writing credits include collaboration on the travel book Only in New York as well as feature stories and guest posts that have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, SCBWI’s Official Blog, and School Library Journal’s Teen Librarian Toolbox, among others. There’s lots more at www.LauraStegman.com

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents, who were writers and public relations consultants, as I am, were instrumental in teaching me about both fields. They also encouraged me to be a reader from an early age.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You can believe that you’re a precious girl, a beloved child.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Michelle Obama

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
Hopefully, I will regret nothing. I’m lucky to have such a rewarding personal and professional life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laurastegman.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura_stegman/
• Twitter: https://x.com/LauraStegman
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraSegalStegmanAuthor/