Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Cipollo
Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I lived in Philadelphia for most of my life and attended the University of the Arts. I received a BFA in animation and while I did pursue a career in animation and graphic design for a few years, it was difficult to find a permanent job in the visual arts field. I had been volunteering in animal care and actually ended up taking quite the left turn into a career of zoo keeping where I worked for over fifteen years. I missed writing and illustration however, and in 2019 I started writing again. Inspired by a universe I was collaborating to create with my writing partner Matt Conant, I wrote a novella that eventually became our debut trilogy, the Parallax series, released in April 2024. I’ve written several short stories – one that won a Writers of the Future Honorable Mention – and several TV pilot scripts, and I’m currently working on a feature length screenplay.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It wasn’t a bumpy road, but it was a long and winding one. I had taken a long break from writing and had to shake off some cobwebs, but when the spark ignited, there was nothing to stop the flames from burning brightly. The publishing industry isn’t known for instant gratification- all told it took about five years from the first word written until the release date for my debut novel, and there were plenty of rejections to navigate along the way. The TV and film industry isn’t any better if you’re not prepared to hustle. But I wouldn’t give up one day of it. Sharing my stories with the world is my dream and I’m finally bringing it into reality.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an author and screenwriter. I specialize in science fiction, fantasy, and comedy. I would be best known for the Parallax trilogy, published by Aethon Books, that debuted in April of this year. I am proud of all my works, but there’s a special place in my heart for Parallax. I wrote the plot line for one particular character, someone that might not be the most obvious choice for a science fiction protagonist, but I felt strongly his story was worth telling. I couldn’t believe how many people resonated with his personal conflicts. The whole journey has been amazing, from seeing the cover art to listening to audiobook narration bring my characters to life. I’m the most proud of writing a science fiction series that appeals to a wide audience and has been praised for being character-driven. Science fiction and fantasy novels tend to be world-heavy and sometimes lack characters with depth, so I try to ensure my stories focus just as heavily on the internal struggles of the characters as the conflicts of the outside world.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Character is first and foremost my biggest concern when writing. If you don’t love (or love to hate!) a character, you won’t be interested in what happens to them. I love figuring out what makes a character tick and building each as an individual so readers won’t question the decisions they make, even when they’re not the best ones.
I love the projects I work on with my whole heart. I’m excited about them. I think about them all the time, and anyone who speaks with me about them would be able to sense that. Believe it or not, you need to sell yourself as much as you need to sell your writing in this industry. Agents, publishers and film executives want to hear the passion in your voice when you’re pitching your ideas.
My passion and dedication are what drive my success. It’s not a career for the weak-hearted. It’s constant networking, hustle, and putting words on paper.
Pricing:
- Origin (ebook) – $.99
- Writing Consultation – $100 hr
- Line and Dev Editing – $0.012/word
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurencipollo.com
- Instagram: @laurencipollo
- Twitter: @laurencipollo
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauren.writes.stuff
