Lauren Louise Hazel's Journey
from Cyber Security to YA Fantasy Realms

Exploring Myths, Inspirations, and the Literary Fantasies
that Fuel a Dual Life of Security and Sorcery

PHOTO: Lauren Louise Hazel: Crafting Fantasies by Night,
Securing Realms by Day – Bridging Worlds with Words and Imagination.

Lauren Louise Hazel is a Cyber Security Manager by day and writes YA fantasy by night. She has one annoying brother and younger sister. As she was growing up, the only item her dad would buy her without demanding her pocket money was books. He’s hoping the writing is successful so he can get a Ferrari!

Some of Lauren’s favourite books and influences include the classics – like Lord of the Rings and The Hunger Games – and anything by Haruki Murakami and GRR Martin.

You’re organizing a party. Which two authors, dead or alive, do you invite?

I would invite Stephen Fry, because I feel like he’d throw a brilliant party! I love his books on retellings of mythology like Mythos and Troy. Both informative and easy to read. I would also invite GRR Martin to see if I can get him to tell me the real end of The Song of Ice and Fire (I’m still mad on how Game of Thrones ended).

What genres do you especially enjoy reading? 

I read a lot of different genres depending on my mood. Sometimes I enjoy something light and upbeat. Sophia Kinsella is my favourite author for romcom books.

I also read classics like Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. Wuthering Heights is much more intense than it looks at first glance.

All my works so far have been young adult fantasy books, so I read a lot of that. I made my dad queue at midday to get a First Edition of Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire as a kid.

The only genre I don’t read is horror because I’m a coward.

Which writer would you want to write your life story?

I would get my sister to do it. She is an accountant and not a writer, so it would be two bullet points long and illustrated with stick figures!

What moves you most in a work of literature?

What moves me the most in literature is connecting to individual characters and feeling invested in their journey. There’s no better feeling than starting a book and knowing you are going to love it. I want readers to experience that when they read my novels – I want people to want more!

What book are you planning to read next?

Next on my very long list is Book of Night by Holly Black. I’m hoping to get lots of reading done over the holidays.

What is your favourite writing snack?

Chocolate.

What is your writing routine?

I have a writing desk set up at home. I always have coffee and snacks next to me. I always listen to music as I’m writing, and I’m surrounded by notepads with all my ideas and lists on.

Who is your favourite character?

Princess Leia from Star Wars.

What books have you released?

My first novel, The Reign of the Occult was released last year. It’s a thrilling and shuddering urban fantasy. It is the first book in The Occult series, which will be a trilogy, and has received great reviews.

I also recently released The Burning Bandit, which is a spawling and original fantasy adventure. It was inspired by my studies of different aspects of Asia, including architecture and warriors. It was a lot of fun to write and develop.

What is up next for you?

I have already finished the manuscript for the sequel of The Reign of the Occult, which is called The Queen of the Underworld. It’s due for release in July 2024 and is now open for pre-order!

Excerpt of The Reign of the Occult:

“Prue!” Everett gasped, unable to disguise the desperation in his voice. His legs were aching, his lungs burning, and his heart was pounding erratically in his chest—a reminder that, despite everything, he was still alive.

Maybe not for much longer.

He wheezed, attempting to inhale more air, but from the weakness in his legs, he knew he wouldn’t last much longer.

“Prue! Which way?” he cried, casting a panicked glance at his sister. He imagined he could hear them, the cocking of their guns, drawing near. Every flicker of movement in the streetlight, every sound, felt magnified, as though even the shadows were poised and ready to pounce.

“Both ways are blocked,” Prue replied at last, her feet pounding the pavement beside Everett, faltering only as they approached the junction. She frowned, eyelashes fluttering, and clenched her fists, her nails leaving angry red indentations in the palms of her hands. She was very pale.

Praise 

"A breakout start to a riveting new series... Whether fleeing Demons after a cage match in hell or avoiding deadly betrayals from within their merry band, this tenacious crew of heroes are entertaining from the start, in this dark and creative new work of YA fantasy."
-Self-Publishing Review

"This high urban fantasy will take you on a fantastic journey, will leave you panting as if you've fought battles for the characters, and will send your emotions spinning as each character plays out their given story arc. Artisan Book Reviews highly recommends The Reign of the Occult by Lauren Louise Hazel."
- Artisan Book Review

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