Writing, Nostalgia, and Transience with Lauren Muñoz
Join us as we explore the multifaceted world of Lauren Muñoz, a writer, lawyer, and former teacher hailing from Southern California. Balancing her passions for storytelling, legal advocacy, and introspective musings, Muñoz offers a candid glimpse into her daily routine, the gratification of connecting with her readers, and the profound insights that shape her outlook on life.
What's a typical day in your life look like?:
I do something for work most days, but that's not always writing. Sometimes it's researching, answering emails, or even daydreaming scenes. It can be strange doing a job without much structure. I know some authors respond to that with strict schedules, but I'm terrible about sticking to routines, so my days all look different.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?:
The most rewarding part is hearing from teenagers who love my work. I still remember so much about the stories I loved when I was young, and it's a privilege to think some of my readers will carry my books in their memories through adulthood.
What would you say is a common question or concern you get from your clients/followers?:
A common question I get is: How did you come up with the idea for your book? In the case of SUDDENLY A MURDER, I was inspired by Golden Age detective fiction from the 1920s & 30s. Agatha Christie is the most famous author of the period, but while my investigator is inspired by Hercule Poirot, Christie wasn't alone in creating amusing detectives with big personalities (my favorite is Lord Peter Wimsey). For my book, I lovingly included certain Golden Age tropes, respectfully twisted others, and then put them all in a contemporary setting with teens.
What is the phrase, sentence, or conversation that stopped you in your tracks and changed your outlook in life?:
I find it helpful to remember that everyone alive right now will soon be dead. When I feel pressured to live differently than I want——by an individual or by society——I ask myself why I should care about the opinion of a person who won't outlive a Galapagos tortoise.
If you had the choice to go back to your past or fast forward to your future, which one would you choose? Why?:
If I could retain all of my knowledge, I'd definitely go back to my past because there are experiences I'd like to have before they become impossible. I certainly wouldn't go into my future——no reason to rush the ravages of time.
What is something you’re willing to start all over again?:
My mind immediately goes to books and tv shows. Ones I'm always willing to start all over again: Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad series, The X-Files, Veronica Mars, anything and everything written by Ted Chiang, David Tennant's Doctor Who run, the Lord Wimsey books, A Night in Lonesome October, The Vampire Diaries, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (I could go on; I love a re-read/watch).
When are you the happiest?:
I'm happiest somewhere quiet, with a good friend or a good book, and a view of something beautiful.
What is stopping you?:
Structural inequality. Climate change. A government that responds to a pandemic by sacrificing citizens at the altar of an unsustainable form of capitalism. I don't think any of us should feel bad about not being able to produce art or anything else in a society that's intent on making us sick and miserable. I do my best, but if external factors make one of my goals intolerable, I drop it; responding rationally to limitations isn't failure.
Drink 🫖
What is Lauren’s go-to drink?
Rooibos tea with cream and honey. I haven't been able to drink caffeine since college, but rooibos is the plant that reminds me most of black tea.
Listening To 🎧
What is Lauren listening to at the moment?
I've been listening to a lot of music from the 90s recently. R.E.M., Cake, Blur, Weezer, Blues Travelers, Sublime. Bands and songs I liked in high school. Maybe it's not surprising that writing about teens has made me nostalgic for my own youth.
Your Truth 🗣️
What is a Lauren’s truth?
I'm inspired by authors who wrote mysteries a hundred years ago but are nameless and unremembered today. I find something so romantic about transience, and in my more Victorian-lady-wasting-away-from-consumption moments, I like to imagine that my books and my body will one day feed the same trees and flowers. Stardust to stardust, wood pulp to loam.
Your Plug 🔌
What is Lauren plugging today?
My second young adult mystery, VERY DANGEROUS THINGS, is coming in summer 2025! The book follows Dulce Castillo, a student at a magnet school for criminology that stages a murder mystery game, which turns into a real investigation when the student playing the victim winds up dead. The book was super fun to write, and I'm happy to be adding another Latina detective to the young adult world.
More about Lauren Muñoz
Lauren Muñoz is a writer, lawyer, and former teacher living in Southern California. She received her J.D. from Northwestern University in Chicago, where she frequently skipped class to commune with her sun lamp. When she's not reading, she can be found knitting, crocheting, and collecting recipes for things she'll never bake. Suddenly a Murder is her debut novel.