Lauren Simone Blogs

In a world brimming with stories waiting to be discovered, Sherona Campbell stands out as a beacon for readers seeking authentic Black narratives. Born and raised in Connecticut to parents of Jamaican heritage, Sherona’s literary journey began long before she donned her Pace University cap and gown. Today, she’s not only a devoted bibliophile but also the visionary founder of The Narrative, a subscription box service dedicated exclusively to books by Black authors. Early Roots and Academic JourneyGrowing up in a household where Jamaican folklore mingled with classic literature, Sherona developed an insatiable appetite for stories that celebrated culture, resilience, and...

Block Island offers a bustling beach escape just 12 miles off Rhode Island’s coast. From a rocky ferry ride to soft sand, international staff, and powerful waves, the experience blends cultural richness with natural beauty. 

Olivia Lauren and her friend, Jenna, travel to NY to see Keshi in concert!

For summer 2025, I embarked on an unforgettable journey across Europe and Asia, exploring seven countries in just ten days—each offering a unique mix of history, culture, and contrast. Having already visited much of Western Europe, I focused this time on Central and Eastern Europe, plus a brief adventure into Asia. From the artistic elegance of Vienna to the natural wonder of Albania’s Blue Eye, every stop had its own story.

Budapest, Hungary was vibrant but marred by the strong scent of urine, visible homelessness, and graffiti. Vienna, Austria, by contrast, was immaculate, walkable, and full of delightful dining. Croatia proved to be a favorite—clean, beautiful, and safe—with stays in Cavtat and Dubrovnik, the latter preferred for its walkable access to historic city walls and Adriatic views. In Albania, I stayed at the MK Hotel and took a day tour to Ksamil, Sarandë, and the Blue Eye, a scenic but slightly overrated natural spring. Still, the “Hand of Ksamil” installation was a fun photo op.

This whirlwind tour not only expanded my country count to 35, but also deepened my appreciation for the contrasts in infrastructure, cleanliness, and culture across regions. Whether reflecting on the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik or the serene beaches of Ksamil, each destination left a distinct impression—making this Euro-Asia trip one for the books.

As the days grow longer and the sunshine beckons us outdoors, we’re thrilled to share some exciting milestones, inspiring news, and opportunities to keep young minds active this summer. Here's what’s happening in our vibrant literary community! 🎓 Graduation Celebrations! Please join us in joyous congratulations to two of our phenomenal Lauren Simone Publishing House authors. Yvette Phillips, author of “The Tale of Princess Alicia”, has graduated from college, pursuing a degree to further her career in Childhood Education! We are beyond proud of her academic success and continued creative journey. Her story, inspired by reading stories to her son at...