Meet Lauren DiTullio | Author & Writer Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren DiTullio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been passionate about two things: writing and helping others in any way I can. I pursued a creative career because in the fourth grade I set a goal for myself, to use my passion for writing to help others. It’s been a goal that has ultimately driven my career since I was young. I want to continue to use my words to tell stories that people can relate to. People often feel alone when they go through hardships, and my writing attempts to explain those feelings and demonstrate that we are not alone, no matter how isolating our emotions make us feel.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I pour my entire soul into my art. Growing up, I didn’t think my writing was special. It was really something I used as a way to express myself when I couldn’t communicate how I was feeling out loud. I left my heart on the page and it wasn’t until I began sharing my work that I realized other people could relate too.

Since I was young, I knew I wanted to be a writer. There was always something pulling me towards that dream, and although I was never confident in my writing, I was lucky enough to have people around me who showed me how special my gift was. When I was little it almost felt like a superpower, being able to describe emotions and experiences through my writing so clearly that people not only related, but were moved to tears. Moments like that have stuck with me for years, and are a huge reason why I continue to chase my dreams. Because even if one person feels heard through my stories, or feels like they’re not walking their journey alone, then that is more than enough for me.

I’ve never admitted to being proud of my writing until I completed my debut fiction novel, When a Soul Walks. The last few pages are the most proud I’ve ever been of my work. I cry almost every time I re-read it. It took everything in me to complete that book, especially considering I was working on it throughout my senior year of college. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way because it taught me that I can manage my time, that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, and that burnout is real and breaks are essential.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t always an easy road. I had to learn to take harsh criticism from others at a young age, while simultaneously teaching myself to not be so hard on myself. My perfectionism kept me from many opportunities growing up because I didn’t think my writing was good enough to make it. I got to where I am today thanks to people like my mum, teachers, friends and family who encouraged me to take risks no matter what the outcome may be. I overcame challenges by ultimately believing in myself, and learning to be okay with disappointment. I found joy in the process of writing and submitting my work. I took every challenge as a learning experience and it’s allowed me to not only keep a positive mindset, but also led to a lot of my success.

I want the world to know that as soon as my book or writing is in their hands or on their screens, it is theirs now. It’s their turn to interpret it in their own way, to see it from a new perspective. My favorite thing in the world is hearing how people interpreted my stories, because oftentimes they are unique to each individual. One story becomes many. I love feedback, both positive and negative, because it helps me make my next piece a better experience for more readers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love being by the water. I went to college in the city and found myself hopping on the train and escaping to the parts where nature was given the space to flourish. If my best friend was visiting the area, I would take them to the water. We’d sit on the shore, eating local pizza with a side of cake and lemonade, watching the sun dip below the horizon. I’ve never taken warm weather for granted. I grew up in Massachusetts, so I look at summer as a gift. A time when everyone glows again. Before the sunset, I’d be sure to go for a swim, to remind my friend what the Atlantic Ocean feels like on your skin, as you plunge beneath the surface and ride the waves using your stomach as a surfboard. I turn into a fish when I enter the water, and I’m lucky enough to have friends who do the same. Hours will pass, stories will be shared, salt water will be swallowed, and laughs will overpower the sounds of seagulls and bubbling sea foam. I have the most fun when I’m surrounded by people who love me for who I am. If you’re ever in the area, and by area I mean Massachusetts, get off the train at Charles MGH and find the water. If you want to wave dive into swimmable water, then head south to Cape Cod. I grew up on those beaches, and I collected many rocks from their shores. One day I’ll be sure to bring them back. I often dread winter, and the coldness that accompanies it, but summer in Massachusetts is an absolute blessing, and I don’t think I would feel so passionately about that if it was more than a temporary season.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am dedicating my shoutout to my high-school English teacher, Tara Iacobucci. In high-school, Mrs. Iacobucci believed in me and my writing long before I ever did. She showed me that my writing was a gift, and gave me a place to express myself in poetry club. She created a space where our vulnerable voices could be heard, appreciated, and related to. I am eternally grateful to have been apart of such a special community during such transformative years in my life. Her honesty, passion, and encouragement set me up to follow the dream I had been chasing since I was in the fourth grade.

Website: https://www.laurenditullio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laur.ditullio/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-ditullio-38768220/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurenditullio9798

Other: goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62356025-when-a-soul-walks?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=N2Tcb6fs7L&rank=1