Local author Lauren Thoman has published two mysteries with a speculative bent: her debut, “I’ll Stop the World,” and her most recent novel, “You Shouldn’t Be Here.” I devoured “You Shouldn’t Be Here” in two days, and promptly gave the book to my mom. It’s an edge-of-your-seat murder mystery about a first-year teacher, Madelyn, moving from Tennessee to Pennsylvania after her cousin disappears. Her cousin was working for a rich megalomaniac who owns most of the town. Once there, Madelyn discovers more missing women and girls, all with links to the same man.
While the novel doesn’t take place in Nashville, the main character’s backstory is shaped by her Tennessee childhood, and as I learned from chatting with Thoman, living in Nashville has shaped who she is as a writer. Thoman is heavily involved in our local literary community, so I asked her for tips on how you can get involved with your fellow Music City writers.
How does living in Nashville affect your writing?
“I can't even quantify how much Nashville has affected my writing; I truly think it has touched every aspect of what I do. I started plugging into the Nashville writing community over a decade ago, long before I ever got an agent or sold a book. My very best writing friends are all here in Nashville; we meet up to write together, brainstorm together, read each other's work and attend each other's events, offer advice and commiseration, and generally just support one another in every way we can. My books may not be set in Nashville, but they are very informed by the connections I've made here, and I would absolutely not be the writer I am today without my Nashville writing family.”
What are your favorite local literary spots?
“We are so fortunate here in Nashville to have such a vibrant literary community! Obviously Parnassus Books is an amazing indie bookstore that has been around for a long time now, but we've also had several lovely new indies pop up over the last few years, like The Bookshop in East Nashville and Bound Booksellers down in Westhaven, both of which have been so kind to me as a new author. We also have The Porch, which is just an absolutely fabulous resource for writers of all stripes. The people who run it are so smart and passionate and generous. I can't recommend it enough. And it may not be a literary spot per se, but I LOVE the Southern Festival of Books, which takes place here in Nashville every fall. Such an awesome way for readers and authors to connect, and totally free! It's one of the highlights of my year.”
I read Thoman’s second book in just two days. (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville)
What advice do you have for new local writers?
“As I mentioned, it took me a long time to publish a book after I started writing, so I had a lot of time to think about what was really important to me as a writer here in Nashville. I think the main thing is to get plugged into the Nashville writing scene — attend local bookish events (all of the spots I mentioned above host frequent events), classes, and writing conferences; read local authors; get to know your local booksellers; volunteer for literary events; and just absorb all of the writing wisdom you have access to just by living in such an amazing literary city.
“Nashville is home to such a supportive and vibrant creative community, including some of the best and most celebrated writers working today. I would urge other writers to remember why they started writing in the first place — probably because they love stories in general, and books specifically! — and try to forge connections with other creatives, not because of what they can do for you, but because you both share a passion for storytelling. I think the quid pro quo mindset can be a stumbling block for a lot of creatives, but if you make relationships your priority instead of professional advancement, there is so much to be gained even if it takes a while to publish your work. No words you write, and none of the hours you invest, are ever wasted as long as you're willing to learn.”
