She Turned a TikTok Idea Into a NYT Bestseller At 18: Overcome Self Doubt with Lauren Roberts

Most people wait for permission to chase their dreams. Lauren Roberts didn’t, and it changed her life.

At just 18, she self-published her debut fantasy novel Powerless, which went on to become a New York Times bestseller and a global phenomenon. Now at 23, Lauren has built a loyal online community of millions, navigated both self-publishing and traditional publishing, and continues to inspire a generation of young writers to chase their dreams without waiting for “the right time.” This week, Lauren joins Mercedes and Anastasia for a raw and inspiring conversation on discipline, self-doubt, creativity, and resilience. From writing late at night while balancing school, to handling online hate with grace, and to the behind-the-scenes story of what it really felt like to hit the NYT list, Lauren shares the real story behind her rise to the spotlight.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, chasing a dream, or someone who struggles with imposter syndrome, this episode will remind you that it’s never too early, or too late, to believe in yourself and start.

In this episode:

• How Lauren went from self-publishing in her bedroom to a New York Times bestseller.

• Hacks to being self-disciplined.

• Handling criticism/hate while choosing positivity.

• The role of BookTok in building a career as an author.

• Lauren’s advice for overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

• Behind-the-scenes: the moment she saw her name on the NYT list.

• Practical tips for writing, creating, and staying inspired.

• Advice for managing internal & external pressure.

  
  

Whether you dream of being a writer, creator, or simply want the motivation to keep pushing toward your goals, Lauren’s story proves that age is no barrier to making an impact.

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Shop Lauren's NEW BOOK - Fearful (out now!)

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with author of The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot. In this episode, Meg shares her hacks to managing criticism, how anyone can find inspiration, and gives us the insider scoop on her best-selling series: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4sV3ZAnQf5UlnoSQBAmVGu?si=ZXkDzkPhROOomyHdUP2Uyg

(00:00) Intro

(01:30) What Shaped Lauren?

(04:37) Lauren Wants YOU To Gain This Takeaway

(04:59) How Did Lauren Publish A NYT Bestseller At 18?

(07:47) Publishing vs Self Publishing

(10:08) How Can I Be More Self-Disciplined?

(13:53) What Influences Lauren's Storytelling? Personal Experiences, Real People, etc...

(19:03) How Can I Reduce Self Doubt?

(27:04) Inside Lauren's Mind When She Hit The NYT Bestsellers List!

(30:14) Lauren's Hacks For Managing Pressure

(33:57) TEASER FOR LAUREN'S NEW BOOK, FEARFUL!

(38:35) How Does BookTok Impact Lauren's Life & Her Writing?

(42:13) Hacks For Higher Focus & Creativity

(47:16) The Moment That Lauren Asked "Wow, Is This Real?"

(50:01) How Can I Focus On The Positive? (Through Hate & Negativity)

(56:23) Want To Become An Author? Here's Your FIRST Step!

(59:04) If Lauren Could Read Only ONE Genre, She'd Read This One

(1:00:15) Lauren To Her Teenage Self

(1:01:17) What Brings Lauren A Small Bit of Happiness?

(1:02:23) Lauren's Motivational Quote

(1:03:38) Find Lauren Here

(1:04:26) Key Takeaways