Before you get stuck into the recipe, test your skills in this supa quick 10-step assessment below. Then, try again at the end to see your improvement.
Click below to begin the assessment.
Question 1 of 10
What made Lauren realize that she wanted to become a storyteller?
She found out you can get paid to make stories.
She saw what JK Rowling did with Harry Potter and realised how mad-famous you could become as a writer.
The clouds parted one day while walking on Sea Point Promenade. Suddenly, three angels that sounded like the Dixie Chicks sang to her that she must write, write, write.
Question 2 of 10
Why does Lauren describe the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves, as the fundamentals of who we are?
Stories allow us to become real life Lukes and Leias.
Stories are how we experience the world; our outlook on our surroundings.
Stories allow you to lie for a living.
Question 3 of 10
What was one method Lauren used to help her get-cracking with work?
Having people to be accountable to.
Setting a reminder on her phone.
Working on her mobile phone while on the loo.
Question 4 of 10
Why was doing research while writing so much fun for Lauren?
It was a way to get out of actual writing.
It forced her to learn the truth - then shout at random people, "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!"
It allowed her to go on adventures, talk to people and use all her journalism skills.
Question 5 of 10
How did The Shining Girls originate?
In a tweet.
In conversation with an imaginary friend.
While visiting Madame Tussauds.
Question 6 of 10
What did Lauren find so interesting about the noir genre?
She could drink Pinot while writing and it all kinda makes sense.
It's about the cracks in society, and it will always incorporate the high life and the fabulously wealthy, right down to the people living homeless on the streets.
It's better than Finnish anime derivatives.
Question 7 of 10
What is The Shining Girls fundamentally about?
A forensic technician specializing in bloodstain pattern analysis for the Miami Metro Police Department.
Violence against women.
A Kpop band that wears reflective clothing on stage.
Question 8 of 10
What does Lauren do to turn a great idea into a great story?
She waits until she has a perfect idea, then the story writes itself.
She listens to Twitter and Reddit recommendations.
She has to sit and do it, creating a story through applying herself to a problem.
Question 9 of 10
Why is storytelling such a valuable asset for businesses trying to reach their customers?
Stories cause customers to feel tired and spend more money.
It engages people in a human way.
It makes the business seem 'legit'.
Question 10 of 10
What is the formula for success, according to Lauren?
10% talent, 80% bloody-minded determination and 10% sheer absolute luck.
Having the right combination of talent and good looks.
10% luck, 20% Instagram, 15% TikTok 5% LinkedIn, and 50% Pinterest.