Host Ky Garvey interviews author Lauren Keegan about her new historical novel, The Woman In The Seal Skin, set in 1690s Scotland. They explore selkie folklore and research, the novel’s themes of motherhood, domestic violence and the pull to the sea, and Keegan’s path to publication including mentorship, craft work and practical tips for aspiring writers. The conversation also covers balancing creative life with parenting and clinical work, Keegan’s podcast 'Trust the Process', and a light-hearted behind-the-scenes anecdote from her past. About the Author: Lauren Keegan is a perinatal psychologist, writer and author of All The Bees In The Hollows (Affirm Press) which was voted Best Debut Fiction in the 2025 Indie Book Awards and longlisted in the ARA Historical Novel Prize 2025. Her second novel The Woman in the Seal Skin will be published in April 2026 with Affirm Press. Lauren has worked extensively in perinatal and infant mental health and is an editor at Perspectives in Infant Mental Health, a publication of WAIMH (World Association for Infant Mental Health). Her infant mental health training programs are consistently in high demand. Lauren lives with her husband, two daughters and their pet Beagle on Dharawal and Gundungarra country (Wollondilly, NSW). Mint slices are her guilty pleasure and she drinks more tea than is sensible. About the Book: Based on the selkie myths of the time, this is the story of Malie, a young woman struggling with grief, oppression, her relationship with nature and her own inherent wildness within during Europe's 'little ice age'. Malie grew up hearing tales of selkies: shape-shifting women who shed their seal skins to seduce fishermen on the Orkney shores. That's the story of how her parents met, and it must be true because one day her mother slipped into the sea and was never seen again. Raised by her father, Malie has always done what she's been told, and now she's married and expecting her first baby. Life on land is predictable and safe, and her future is all mapped out for her. But, just like the seals in the sea, there's a wildness in Malie's soul – one that cannot be tamed and deeply yearns for the sea. Dealing with themes of motherhood, grief, violence and female oppression, The Woman in the Seal Skin is a wonderfully haunting and atmospheric tale of a woman living in a cloistered community on a wild Scottish island, who one day meets her wildness within. The Woman in the Seal Skin — Lauren Keegan New Book Releases, Bestsellers, Author Info and more at Simon & Schuster | Simon & Schuster Host: Ky Garvey Theme Song: Claire Houghton Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com.au/ Production: Aud Pitch - https://www.virtualcreatrix.com/ Totally Lit is an independent podcast. You can help support us to continue to chat with wonderful Australian creatives by leaving a review on Itunes or sharing our socials with your friends.  You can also make a contribution at: www.buymeacoffee.com/Totallylit For those of you who know me I am kind of a caffeine addict! So you can keep me fueled with caffeine and this will also help with equipment & podcasting platform fees etc.  I love to interact with our listeners so feel free to say hello either by email or social media: [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/totallylitpodcast