Lauren Carter | Author, Coach & Teacher

Hello, I’m Lauren Carter

A writer and writing coach

My mission is to create deeply and help others deeply create. Sign up for my newsletter about writing process, new books, upcoming courses, and more!

WHAT’S NEW

My new baby is nearly here!

This Has Nothing to Do With You is a compulsively readable novel that follows a dynamic cast of characters, revealing the complexity of the bonds that are formed through trauma and grief—with siblings, lovers, friends, and dogs.

“I found it tender and devastating. A deep dive into the trauma created by family secrets — and secret-keeping.” – Sarah Selecky

Read more about THNTDWY!

“We work in the dark – we do what we can – we give what we have.”

– Joyce Carol Oates

Discover my work

Books

“Beautiful and emotional” (Publishers Weekly). “Somberly melodic” (Booklist). “Stunning” (the Canadian Book Review Annual). Check out the books that I write.

Coaching & Consulting

Do you long to write or strengthen your writing skills? I can help you improve your craft, negotiate your resistances, work more regularly, and build faith in your writer self.

“Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences.”

– Sylvia Plath

My Blog

Happy Book Birthday, THNTDWY!

Sep 7, 2019 | 10 Comments

Today is the first book birthday for This Has Nothing To Do With You. By which I mean: as of today, September 7th, my second novel is officially out in the world! You can walk into your favourite book store and (hopefully) find it on a shelf. If it isn’t there, you...

Nearly Autumn News

Aug 30, 2019 | 12 Comments

Well, it's nearly fall. Up here, outside of Winnipeg, the leaves are already transitioning to their autumn tones of amber and red, and the showy mountain ash tree we planted in the spring is full of birds building up their stores for the long flight south. In our...

Final Cover Reveal!

Jul 10, 2019 | 1 Comment

Well, here it is... I am beyond thrilled to share with you the final version of the cover for my new novel designed by the brilliant Natalie Olsen at Calgary's Kisscut Design. Isn't it pretty?! I even love the spine and the back... To get your hands on a copy, you can...

As a small child, I would scribble a pen on paper and ask my mother what words I’d made. Writing is in my blood. But that doesn't mean it's always been easy. Over the years, through practice and study, I've learned a lot about how to address and manage my creative anxiety, improve my craft, and become a more committed, patient, and courageous writer. I can help you do this too.

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TESTIMONIALS

Praise from clients

Tara Borin

Poet

Lauren is a wonderful coach! She was always supportive, insightful and ready with just the right readings and resources. These days, the fact that I’ve committed to keeping my writing time [when faced with childcare challenges], rather than just throwing up my hands and losing steam (as has happened in the past) says a lot about how far I’ve come in the two months I’ve been with her! I really *feel* like a writer who is actively engaged in her practice! I am so excited about what is to come, and I’m so grateful for all she’s done to help me along the way!

Angie Gallop

Freelance writer/editor

I’m writing regularly on my own stuff now. This is something I’ve been wanting to do for 20+ years, but I’ve always had reasons why I couldn’t keep it up: the year-end is due; I have freelance writing deadlines; I have a 10+ item list of admin tasks; I’m a Mom; I’m busy! Lauren, very patiently, supportively, and non-judgmentally, gave me resources that spoke to my situation, put up a mirror to my “crazies”, and encouraged me to kick them down one by one. It was quite a journey, and I’m eternally grateful!

E. B. Page

Writer

Lauren was incredibly insightful and helped me build confidence in my creative process. She provided me with the tools, knowledge and resources I need to restructure my novel. Lauren also helped me create a clear plan I can follow to accomplish my goals without feeling so overwhelmed.

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