Interview: Lauren Simmons
- Little Thoughts Press
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
Lauren N. Simmons is a writer who lives in the Kansas City area with her husband and daughter. Her work has appeared in various publications, including Cadet Quest, Deaf Devo, Focus on the Family (as a Hacks & Facts contributor), Keys for Kids/ Unlocked, Kosmeo, Pure in Heart Stories, and The Old Schoolhouse.
Little Thoughts Press: Your story “Newsgirl” is based on a real historical event. What is it about history that sparks your creativity as a storyteller? What advice do you have for new writers who are interested in writing historical narratives?
Lauren Simmons: My favorite thing as a storyteller is taking a real historical event and imagining it from the perspective of someone who lived through it. How might they have thought or felt? Often, I choose a fictional character because it allows me to fully explore and truly “walk in their shoes.” While imagining the inner world of a real historical figure is fascinating, it can feel limiting.
What matters most to me is the emotional resonance. That is what connects with a reader and lingers long after they finish the story—far more than memorizing a date. It’s the human experience of history, and how events shaped the people who lived through them, that stays with us.
Little Thoughts Press: When crafting a story that is about a real-life event, how do you balance having enough detail and factual information to accurately portray the event, but not so much that it ends up reading more like a report than a story? What advice can you offer for incorporating historical details in a way that will be engaging for readers?
Lauren Simmons: Of course, start with research. Learn everything you can about the time period in which you’re setting your story. What did people eat? What did they wear? How did they speak? If the era truly interests you, you’ll naturally want to absorb as much about it as possible.
Then, find the twist that makes the story uniquely yours. In this case, the focus is the Newsboys’ Strike of 1899. But how might a newsgirl have experienced those events—especially since there were female newspaper hawkers at the time? Shifting the perspective can open up an entirely new emotional landscape.
One of the most helpful tools for striking that balance between historical accuracy and emotional depth came from advice by Laurie Calkhoven in an interview for KidLit Summer Camp 2024. She spoke about using meditation for character development. Paraphrasing her guidance: picture your character walking toward you. What are they wearing? Notice how they swing their arms. Are they carrying anything? What’s in their pockets? Study their facial expression. Let them come closer—ten feet away, then five. As they approach, you may begin to sense their memories, their fears, even a secret they’ve been holding.
When I imagined the protagonist of "Newsgirl," I could clearly see a young girl raising her voice with a newspaper in hand, standing proudly beside her carefully organized stand—something she takes great pride in. In that moment, she became real to me.
Little Thoughts Press: Our Better Together issue is all about community and people working together to make the world a better place. What are some actions, big or small, that you take to help make the world better? Are there any organizations that are doing good, important work that you want to shout out?
Lauren Simmons: My church helps package meals for a local food pantry, and I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with that effort. It’s a reminder that it truly takes all of us to make the world a better place—and no role is too small. Every contribution matters.
Little Thoughts Press: How did you get started writing kid-lit and what do you find most challenging and rewarding about writing for kids?
Lauren Simmons: I’ve always wanted to be a writer—especially for the 8–12 age group. That was the time in my life when books truly came alive for me, and characters felt as real as any friend.
The work I did as a young adult was demanding, and I wasn’t able to pursue writing the way I wanted to. But when I had my daughter, that long-dormant dream was awakened as I read her so many wonderful stories. Since then, I’ve immersed myself in learning the craft—reading articles, attending webinars, and continually working to grow.
Writing for children is a challenge because every word counts in a way it simply doesn’t in adult writing. But that’s also what makes it so rewarding and fun. There’s something deeply satisfying about finding the “just right” word.
Little Thoughts Press: Which kid-lit authors and books were your favorites growing up?
Lauren Simmons: Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman left a profound and lasting imprint on my life and sparked my enduring love for historical fiction.
Little Thoughts Press: And what about today? Any kid-lit writers you love and want to shout out?
Lauren Simmons: I recently read A Christmas Wish for Little Dala Horse by Sonja Anderson (published September 2025), and it is exceptional in every way. The story beautifully echoes The Velveteen Rabbit through the perspective of the toy dala horse, creating a touching and meaningful parallel. The gentle integration of learning about Saint Lucia celebrations adds depth, and the illustrations are absolutely stunning. Together, these elements create a truly memorable reading experience.
Little Thoughts Press: What advice would you give to young writers?
Lauren Simmons: Don’t ever give up. Rejection is part of the journey—we all experience it—and you’re in very good company.
If you’re tired, allow yourself to rest. Read. Refill the well. Then come back when you’re ready.
Writing will always be there for you.