Lauren Olesh
Fiction | Kent State University | Class of 2022
Lauren's terrific multi-voiced novel-in-progress, reminiscent of the work of Daniel Woodrell and Bonnie Jo Campbell, is simultaneously both a pitch-dark country noir and a warm-hearted gritty coming of age story, as much Breaking Sad as it is Breaking Bad. Two teenage sisters navigate a hazy summer where, left to their own devices, they weave their way through parties with friends and charmingly menacing or menacingly charming strangers, first and/or new loves, the family weed dealing business, backyard deals that lead to backyard betrayals and a few twisted love triangles. Lauren's keen grasp of character and pacing guides us through this tangle of mayhem with empathy, clarity, and wit. —Imad Rahman
About Lauren
Lauren Olesh is a fiction writer, graphic memoirist, screenwriter, and published poet. Lo is currently working on her novel, Growing, and a graphic narrative about her uncle’s untimely death. She works retail during the day at Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, loves walks in nature, and all things witchy.
LAUREN'S FAST FACTS
What’s on your nightstand right now?
What It Is by Lynda Barry. If you haven’t gotten into graphic narratives, please do so! There is a lot of great stuff out… and more and more come out every day! There really is something for everyone.
Do you have any eccentric habits/strategies to get you started writing?
I make writing dates with my best friend, most of the time it’s virtual. Having an accountability partner really helps me, and I know it helps him. I also get myself some dank food and sometimes put on a good horror movie that I know well, so it isn’t distracting but good background noise.
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English Department
Cleveland State University
2121 Euclid Ave., RT 1815
Cleveland, Ohio 44115