When I was a little girl, I wasn't born with the name Lauren, and only the closest of friends know of my true identity. When I was seven, I would often play with my dolls and imaginary friends, telling them that one day, when I grew up, I was going to become a famous writer, and my pen name would be Lauren McKenna...

How on earth I even knew what a pen name was, let alone where the desire to be a writer came from is beyond me. In the real world, I had no literary role models lurking nearby. I believe it was one of those truths that when one hears, one immediately recognizes...and never forgets. It's just taken me almost a lifetime to grow up...

When I first started to write the Lauren stories I was patterning them after a gift someone had given to me when I was ten years old. It was a bedtime storybook, and I was so insulted at such a childish gift, at first. Then, when I actually took the time to read the stories, well... they touched my heart so much that I just fell in love with them, and the feelings of those gentle stories are still with me today. I decided to call Lauren's first book, her diary, and give the stories a chance to be read by anyone ages six to ninety-six. After all, that little child who deserves to be known is still with-in us all, just waiting to share their great treasures of youth...As Lauren's Nona always said, "Words are magical!"...

Ms. McKenna writes a weekly column for the Westview Newspaper and lives a quiet, secluded life in the hills and hollows of middle Tennessee. She can oft be found gazing at the magnificent sunset or watching the nightly stars that wink at her and hint of some colossal, life-changing, awe-inspiring event that she's certain will visit her–in time...

“For The Love of Lauren; Diary of a Young Girl” is the first of a series of five books about Ms. McKenna's childhood.

Look for volume Two; “For The Love of Lauren; Journey To England” coming fall 2009.

And...Ms. McKenna is presently in search of: Lauren; the doll, as the perfect companion to her book...and having been born under a lucky star, Ms. McKenna is usually dauntless in her pursuits...

About The Illustrator...

Gabe Fuller is the talent behind Lauren's full-color illustrations. Gabe is from Three Rivers, Michigan. Having won numerous awards for his artistic endeavors, Gabe stays busy with his many interests which include acting as well as studying the world of art and fashion design. He possesses a rare talent to bring his projects to life-like expression. Gabe is updating his website but can be reached at : gabe@laurensdiary.com