I grew up in Gaborone, Botswana. Africa is my home. It's where I learned that this world is a paradox. It is at once beautiful and alarming. Having spent my youth tracking animals and bird watching in the bush I know just how giving and yet harsh Africa can be. Through this guise, I feel compelled to understand Africa more, and decipher, by studying some of its most frightening truths, its rhythm. Nkosi's Little Warriors is my first novel... I have a sequel in the works as well as a story about poaching that's unfolding. If you like emotive writing that's not afraid to look away from Africa's truths, then my stories may be for you. I'm an avid researcher and there is greater intent with each story I tell. Nkosi's Little Warriors, although based in a fictitious republic, can educate a younger audience who doesn't fully understand the implications Colonialism and the Cold War had on Africa. I like characters too... lots of them, feeling that they have the ability to feed off one another. In doing so, they reveal themselves to me. I'm not designing their journeys.  They are. I hope you can feel that in my Little Warriors' spirits as you read about these wonderful little bad asses. I've loved meeting and growing with them. I hope you love them too. Although they've been through a lot, they persevere. And I'm floored by their prowess. In gratitude - Lauren