Finding Her Authentic Self Through Storytelling with Lucy Wilson-Tagoe | S5 EP228: Book Banter Podcast
- Dianne Burckhardt
- 47 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Bestselling Author Lucy Wilson-Tagoe Discusses Identity, Reinvention, Storytelling, and the Journey from Dylan Allen to Her Authentic Voic
Hello My Happy People,
What happens when a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author chooses to step away from an established brand in order to write as her most authentic self?
That was the question at the heart of my conversation with author Lucy Wilson-Tagoe.
Many readers already know her by another name: USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Dylan Allen. Under that name, she built a successful writing career, earned bestseller status, and developed a loyal readership. Most authors spend years trying to build that kind of recognition and would be reluctant to step away from it.
Lucy chose a different path.
Rather than continuing to write solely under an established bestselling brand, she made the decision to begin writing as Lucy Wilson-Tagoe, a name that feels more authentic to who she is as a person. Readers recognize Dylan Allen. Booksellers recognize Dylan Allen. The publishing industry recognizes Dylan Allen. Yet Lucy was willing to take the risk of building something new because being true to herself mattered more than staying inside a successful brand.
That was one of the things I found most fascinating about our conversation. Lucy wasn't chasing a new identity. She was embracing her real one.
That idea of authenticity became one of the central themes of our discussion. We talked about identity, family expectations, storytelling, and the challenge many people face when trying to balance who the world expects them to be with who they truly are. It was a fascinating conversation because the topic extends far beyond writing. Whether you're an author, artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to figure out your next chapter in life, there is something relatable about wanting your work and your life to reflect your authentic self.
Of course, we also discussed her debut novel as Lucy, To Catch a Sinner, the first book in The Blurred Lines Duet. The story follows a journalist navigating danger, secrets, and unexpected romance, making it a perfect fit for readers who enjoy romantic suspense with strong emotional depth.
One of my favorite parts of the interview, however, had nothing to do with publishing at all.
Lucy and I spent quite a bit of time talking about her Ghanaian heritage and the role food plays in preserving culture, family traditions, and personal identity. It was one of those conversations that reminded me how much food can connect us to our roots and to the people who came before us. The dishes, flavors, and recipes we grow up with often become part of our personal story.
What made that discussion especially meaningful was what happened later that same evening.
After the interview, my husband Pedro took me to a street food festival here in Düsseldorf for dinner. Completely by chance, we discovered a food truck serving authentic Ghanaian cuisine. After spending so much time talking with Lucy about her culture and the foods she loves, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try it for myself.
The timing felt almost too perfect.
The food was absolutely incredible. The flavors were rich, vibrant, and it was all so fresh and satisfying. In fact, I made the mistake of letting Pedro try some of mine. One bite later, he was eyeing my plate and clearly wishing he had ordered what I was having. Fortunately for me, I had no intention of sharing any more than that first taste.
As I sat there enjoying the meal, I found myself thinking back to my conversation with Lucy. Only a few hours earlier, we had been discussing the connection between culture, heritage, and food. Now I was getting the opportunity to experience a small piece of what she had been describing. It felt like a wonderful continuation of the conversation.
I ended up taking a picture of the food and sending it to Lucy because the moment was simply too perfect not to share. It was one of those unexpected connections that reminds us how conversations, stories, and cultural traditions can bring people together across continents.
Needless to say, we will be adding a few Ghanaian recipes to our menu at home. The food was healthy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. More importantly, it gave me a deeper appreciation for what Lucy had been talking about throughout our interview. Food is more than something we eat. It carries traditions, memories, family connections, and cultural identity from one generation to the next.
If you'd like to hear the full conversation with Lucy Wilson-Tagoe, including our discussion about authenticity, identity, storytelling, culture, family expectations, publishing, and food, be sure to listen to today's episode of Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt—Book Talk Podcast.
I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did. Click the purple microphone below to listen now.
Enjoy,
Dianne
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