Lauren Cerand is an independent public relations representative specializing in innovative campaigns, dynamic events and strategic consultation, whose projects include Barnes & Noble’s “Upstairs at the Square” series, which has featured Patti Smith, Regina Spektor, Tom Wolfe, Nick Cave, David Lynch, Au Revoir Simone, Duncan Sheik and members of the cast of Spring Awakening and many more; Japanther’s new album, Rock ‘n’ Roll Ice Cream; ex-TV writer (90210, Arrested Development) Maria Semple’s This One is Mine, and Diana Balmori’s A Landscape Manifesto. Lauren has been described as one of the “cultural gatekeepers in the literary world” by Time Out New York and as the “Best of New York” by The Village Voice. She is often asked to share her perspective with audiences, such as at Book Expo America in New York (watch online) and Penguin Books in London (watch online), and will appear this year at New York University’s Psychology Department (January), Columbia Book Seminar (March), Rider University (March), University of the Pacific (California, April), Center for Fiction Writers’ Conference (New York, May), Nebraska Summer Writers Conference (June) and Squam Art Workshops Readers Retreat (New Hampshire, September). Her recent talk, “Innovative Publicity Now,” is now available for download. Lauren writes about art, politics and style at LuxLotus.com. She serves on the board of directors of both Girls Write Now and The Writers Room, and as an advisor to Fictionaut and SheWrites. Lauren is a graduate of Cornell University.