Lauren is a community organizer in Texas and New Mexico. She’s passionate about supporting authors, books, writing communities, and local bookstores. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her partner Orlando and their tuxedo cat Apollonia.
Contact Lauren at: hello@laurenoertel.com
I am now an Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) Affiliate, certified to lead workshops in the AWA method as described in Writing Alone and With Others by Pat Schneider, Oxford University Press.
I also offer help with submitting writing for publication.
Do you write poetry, short stories, or short nonfiction/essays? Are you daunted or frustrated by the submission process to get your writing published? I can help! Here’s a testimonial from my first client:
"It has been great working with Lauren to get my poems submitted. We received the first acceptance within two months, and I'm now up to 13 poems accepted/published. I recommend this service if you are intimidated or overwhelmed by the literary journal submissions process." -Rip U.
Lauren O. Reads & Writes
This free monthly newsletter for readers and writers includes a local bookstore feature, book recommendations, book giveaways, and more.
PUBLICATIONS AND AWARDS
The poem
“What the Mind Creates” in The Ravens Perch
The poem
“I Don’t Think About Them” won first prize in the 2021 MONO. poetry contest
Readers Write short nonfiction pieces
April 2022 “Concerts”
January 2021 “Distance”
October 2020 “My Country”
The short story
“The Neighbor” was named one of the winners of the 2021 Writer’s Digest Short Story Competition.
The short story
"Bread and Roses" in the Evening Street Review, issue #36
2022 MCWC contest win: 3rd place in poetry
2023 MCWC contest win: 2nd place in poetry
The poem
“Balancing Act” in the Noyo Review
The poem
“Remember Me” in The Bluebird Word
The poem
“How to Confront Noisy Neighbors“ in Steam Ticket, volume #26 (p. 106)
Freedom House Interview with KB Brookins in Bridge Eight Press
The short story
“The Neighbor” was named a finalist for the 2023 Prime Number Magazine Awards for Poetry & Short Fiction.
The short story
“The Neighbor” was named an honorable mention in the Gemini Magazine 2023 Short Story Contest and is now published.
The poem
“Long Sentence” in Last Stanza Poetry Journal, issue #14
The short story
“A Beautiful Venue” in the 2023 Halloween issue of Mystic Owl Magazine
In the Works
My second novel
Poetry collections/chapbooks (including collaborations)
Short stories, possibly a collection
