An author in our midst.
11/07/12
Bromford's very own bestselling author Lauren Langford, has
self-published her first book 'Getting Over It'.
The superstar helps train colleagues to understand our
customers more and to continue to provide our market leading
support service, changing lives for people across Central England.
Putting her creativity to use at Bromford, we thought it was time
to catch up with the wordsmith about her book, and how Bromford has
helped shape her writing…
Hello Lauren! Thanks for taking
the time to chat with us today.
It's a pleasure, really excited about having my first 'media
interview'. Takes my mind off this weather as well.
It certainly has been dark
today! Hopefully it'll clear up soon, and then everyone can start
using your book as a good beach read.
(Laughs) Hopefully there will be a bit more sunshine.
So Lauren, you've launched your
career as an author. Can you set the scene for me, where did this
all start?
Well, I've been writing for as long as I can remember, from
school right through to University. I used to send short stories by
letter to friends and they loved getting them, this was of course
before email.
Even in my spare time I'd write short stories, the beginning
of novels, but I never quite felt it was my best work.
Then I came to Bromford five years ago, starting my life here
as a Support Worker, this helped me learn about life more, and when
I took up a position as a trainer at Friars Gate, I found I could
flex my creativity with training scripts and case studies.
This all helped build my confidence to dive into creating my
first fully fledged novel.
So tell me more about this best
selling novel…
It's about a young girl dealing with grief of losing her
father. So to remedy that, her mom sends her to Spain for a change
of scene to live with her Auntie and Uncle.
She learns about friendship and love, developing relationships
with those around her. It's about getting over that feeling of loss
and coming to terms with the grief.
Where did the inspiration come
from?
From my point of view, as a Support Worker working with
vulnerable young people who have suffered the worst in life. These
people have experienced harsh blows and so I always found their
ability to develop coping mechanisms truly inspirational. I saw how
they handled their trials first hand, taking themes from their
stories and adapting them for my books.
Also, as a trainer in Colleague Development, I deliver many
courses; from substance misuse, to hoarding, mental health and self
harm. I been able to use stories of customers to shape my training,
helping others understand the strength and worth of those we
support.
Then from personal experience, the grief I went through after
losing my own Dad and the process I went through to get through it,
the restructuring of my life, all helped me with the book. I saw it
as therapeutic. Two years on, and I can see the powerful journey
I've been on.
Bromford's impact has been on me personally, helping me build
confidence, helping me to engage with my own life experiences and
move them into fiction. Hearing the stories of customers has
probably been the most invaluable.
Is it your personality we see
in the main character?
Yes I'd say to some extent. It isn't me specifically, but
there are definitely similarities between me and Emily (the main
character). I've used my own experiences and creativity so
there will always be a connection.
You've mentioned Bromford's
impact on the book, has your contact with customers changed your
style?
They've had a huge impact, 100%. I felt silly penning my
thoughts before Bromford, now I have the confidence to write a
whole book.
Being a Support Worker I met customers in vulnerable
positions. Working with them to achieve goals, whether it be paying
the bills or getting a job, had a massive impact my self esteem and
theirs.
So with all these creative
juices, are you letting them flow into your work at
Bromford?
Yes, I try to be creative with my case studies and training
scripts. For example, with my hoarding course I try and use
evocative terminology to connect with colleagues, helping them
understand customers aren't hoarding rubbish, they're hoarding
valuable treasures.
It's about using language to connect with people, and each
person uses a different language. A good writer finds the middle
ground so that everyone can understand and engage. This job has
given me the ability to flex my inner writer.
Big question, how's the book
doing?
Well, with over 400,000 books available in my section on
Amazon, my bestseller rank has been as high as 7000.
We work that out as within the
top 2% of authors... WOW!
(Laughs)I wouldn't say that. I've just been promoting it a lot
on social networks and I've had a lot of support from
Bromford.
So colleagues have taken an
interest? What support have you been given?
Colleagues have brought the book for one, so that's been
fantastic to know. Even in my 1-2-1, my manager has supported me,
using my skills for my professional development and helped to raise
my self-esteem.
Vicky from advance has been really supportive as well,
tweeting about me and posting on yammer.. When people approach me
to say they've read it, I'm really proud, it's so exciting.
You're becoming a bestselling
author with quite a following! What's your next steps? A
movie?
(Laughs)No, I've half written my next book which I hope to
release by Christmas.
I'm living a dream… slightly. It's just fantastic to get it
out there and get the feedback. Even constructive criticism, I run
with it and take the advice. I've had some lovely things said, I
love having people engage with me and share their thoughts so
hopefully there will be lots more to come.
Final question and we'll let
you get back to your work, what advice have you got for others in a
similar position to yourself?
If you want to be a writer, then write.
Somebody else said that, I think they were famous, should
probably Google it(laughs).
It's the same with motivation, if you want something, don't
talk about it, do it! Go for it, try your best. It's always nice to
do something you enjoy, because it's not about pleasing everyone
else, yes that's a bonus, but I do this because it makes me
happy.
Well, I think that's all for
now Lauren, thanks for taking the time to chat.
My pleasure! My first interview, I feel like I've made
it.(Laughs)
Lauren's fist book, 'Getting Over It', is available now for
Kindle and Kindle app (iPhone, iPad and Android) on
Amazon.