An Interview with Lauren Daugherty

A seasoned accounting professional with over twelve years of experience in government and corporate sectors, specializing in financial management, administrative operations, and strategic planning. My expert navigation of complex financial landscapes ensures accuracy, compliance, and process optimization.

Beyond accounting, I passionately advocate for children’s literacy and early childhood education. As an Educational Service representative with PaperPie (formerly Usborne Books & More), I combine organizational expertise with a commitment to literacy, offering personalized book recommendations based on children’s unique interests and developmental needs.

Balancing professional success with raising four children, I bring a distinctive blend of business acumen and personal dedication to every endeavor. Whether streamlining financial operations or nurturing young readers, I strive to make meaningful impacts in all areas of life.

When I am not working or promoting literacy, I enjoy reading, swimming, hiking, and snow tubing. Thus, I bring a well-rounded perspective to my professional and personal pursuits.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

I wrote Literacy Roots because of my journey as a parent. I saw how early literacy experiences can change lives. I noticed a big difference between kids with good literacy support and those without it. The first group thrived, while the second struggled. This achievement gap wasn’t about natural abilities but access to resources and support. In my Author’s Note, I share my goal: to create a resource I needed as a young parent. This guide covers everything from early language development to advanced literacy skills. I aimed to help all parents, no matter their education level. I want to give them practical tools to support their kids’ reading journey from birth to brilliance. Every family can give their children the gift of literacy with some effort. This gift opens doors to opportunity and joy in life.

Describe your dream book cover.

The one I created! While I don’t consider myself particularly artistic, this design came together in a way that exceeded my expectations. I’m genuinely pleased with how it captures the book’s message and aesthetic essence.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

If Literacy Roots had a soundtrack, I’d include songs that capture the essence of the literacy journey. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” shows the magical worlds that books offer kids. In contrast, “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley captures the determination parents need. We never give up on our children, even when they face reading challenges. “Count On Me” shows the strong bond between parents and children created by reading together. “Unwritten” represents the open possibilities that come with literacy skills. “What a Wonderful World” would round out the collection, reflecting how literacy helps children better understand and appreciate the world around them.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

After finishing Literacy Roots, my reading has changed. Now, I read for professional growth and personal enjoyment. I often revisit key books like Carol Dweck’s Mindset and Maryanne Wolf’s Reader Come Home. These works helped me understand learning mindsets and reading in today’s digital world. Rachael Gabriel’s The Science of Reading Instruction is valuable. It offers an evidence-based approach to literacy. This helps me base my recommendations on current research. The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie inspires us. It shows how shared reading builds strong family bonds, not just literacy skills.

Gloria Ladson-Billings’ The Dreamkeepers and Ofelia García’s work on translanguaging are key to understanding different literacy experiences. Now that I’ve finished writing, I’ve started reading more children’s books—classics and new stories. This reminds me of the joy and wonder that good literacy practices can bring to families. I hope Literacy Roots will inspire that in homes everywhere.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I have a professional background in accounting!

Many readers may not realize that my unique professional background shaped my views on literacy education. Like accounting, literacy development builds on basic principles. This step-by-step learning helps us grasp more complex ideas. My dual professional background allows me to present literacy strategies with the heart of an educator and the systematic clarity of an accountant, making complex educational concepts accessible to all parents, regardless of their academic backgrounds.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

What made me want to write was thinking about my younger self—the one who spent hours thumbing through different parenting books and feeling overwhelmed by all the research on the internet. I wanted to create something that would help that version of me and other parents facing the same struggles.

Where is your favorite place to write?

At my desk, I use notebooks to capture initial concepts and ideas. However, I also use my computer keyboard for formal composition and documentation to achieve optimal efficiency and clarity. I prefer typing because my handwriting becomes almost illegible when I write too quickly!

Do you have any writing rituals?

I have four kids. Two of them go to school, but I care for the twins at home. I mostly write during nap time!

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope my book reaches parents who are drowning in contradictory advice. You know who you are—intelligent, thoughtful, but probably running on too little sleep and definitely short on time! What I want most is for you to close my book feeling confident about making decisions for your family without having to read a dozen different sources.

My goal is to simplify your parenting journey by cutting through the noise and focusing on what actually matters. I picture readers who want guidance but don’t need to be talked down to—I’m just another parent sharing what I’ve seen work over the years. You’re looking for straightforward, practical information you can use with your kids in real life.

I wrote this for parents seeking the sweet spot between staying informed and trusting their instincts. Honestly, you already have what it takes.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.