In this episode of Tricity Arts Exchange, I sit down with Michigan indie author Lauren Anderson for a deep and engaging conversation about storytelling, creativity, and the realities of the writing life. Lauren shares the inspiration behind her book The Unknown Tales, a unique collection that explores the untold origin stories of beloved and mysterious fairy tale characters—answering the question: where did they come from, and how did they become who they are?

We dive into her creative process, from building complex backstories for figures like the Fairy Godmother, the Three Fairies, and the witches woven throughout classic lore, to balancing tradition with bold reimaginings. Lauren opens up about the emotional and imaginative challenges of writing these stories, as well as the themes of identity, transformation, and moral complexity that run throughout her work.

Beyond the page, we explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of being an indie author—what it really takes to carve out a creative path, the obstacles she’s faced, and the victories that make it all worthwhile. Lauren also reflects on what it means to be an artist in Michigan, the importance of community, and her advice for aspiring writers finding their voice.

This episode is a thoughtful, honest, and inspiring look at the art of storytelling—and the courage it takes to tell the stories no one else has told before.