L.M. White Author

 I can't write without music in the background. Whether it's a Youtube writing playlist, Pandora, or Spotify, I have to have something playing while I type. That's why I created Spotify playlists inspired by three key characters in my novel: Barin Johnson, Masia Halloway, and Kristy Johnson. Each song was chosen based on the character's experiences, personality, and challenges in the book.  Note: I tried to find radio edits for songs as much as possible, but these playlists do contain occasional strong language that may not be suitable for all audiences. Access the Spotify playlists here:  Barin's Playlist Masia's Playlist Kristy's Playlist Barin's playlist highlights his journey in the novel. Panic at the Disco's "High Hopes" is reminiscent of Barin's dreams of future success despite his circumstances. Songs of wealth and glamor, such as Wheezer's "Beverly Hills," Lorde's "Royals," and Ayo & Teo's ...

  The launch date of my debut novel is eighteen days away! It's happening!! This book is dedicated to my mom. Without her, it wouldn't exist--and I don't mean that only in a 'she-gave-me-life' sort of way. You see, when I was fourteen I was going through a really hard time. I was struggling with crippling social anxiety, was being bullied, and lacked any sort of self-esteem. One night, I told my mom that I sucked and that I wasn't good for anything. She responded with words that stuck with me for the next sixteen years: "You're a great writer. I want to read your stories one day." Up until that moment, I hadn't actually considered becoming an author. Though I wrote on any paper I could get my hands on, it was a hobby, not something that I could actually do for others. But my mom expanded my vision and helped me see my value. Sunday is Mother's Day, and I cannot be more grateful for mine. I won't have my author copies for a few more week...

  The ATLAS Project  was never meant to be a post-apocalyptic commentary on inequality and classism. At its onset, it was just three unique storylines: a boy that gets jumped in an alley, a teenage mother, and a utopian society.  I was definitely a pantser over a plotter then. I wrote the first pages of The ATLAS Project on my phone while sitting in a car waiting for a family member to get out of the bathroom at Taco Bell (No, seriously!). I had time to kill, so I began Barin's story.  I had no plan beyond a boy and his bullies. I was reading The Outsiders with my eighth-grade students at the time, and I was as inspired by Ponyboy then as I had been in my youth.  A few months later, I considered writing about a teenage mother's hardships and difficult circumstances.  So I wrote Kristy's story.  I read  The Giver with my seventh-grade students, and we delved into the importance of originality, differences, and choices. The Giver Quartet still tops...

In May 2023, my debut novel The ATLAS Project  will be published by Future House Publishing.  If this is a dream, don't pinch me. I never want to wake up.  So what is The ATLAS Project and who should read it? This novel is young adult science fiction, but I like to call it "accessible" science fiction--it's science fiction for those who don't like science fiction. And unlike other YA books on the shelves that contain content that may not be suitable for all readers, this novel is very family-friendly.  But that doesn't mean this book is boring or vanilla. There's no compromise on realistic characters, page-turning plot, or seemingly impossible odds.  In the coming months, I will be posting the full summary, cover art, and other information about the book.  For now, enjoy this teaser:  A utopian city in the Texas desert promises a life of luxury and ease. Far more concerning is what happens to those left outside its walls.