Laurie wrote the poem UNDINE’S DANCE.
Gnome & UnGnome Facts About Laurie:
I am an active member of SCBWI and co-founder of the Whispering Pines Writers’ Retreat.
My publishing credits include a story in Turtle Magazine, and a stage adaptation of the YA novel, Tending to Grace by Kimberly Newton Fusco, which I co-directed for my local community theatre.
I taught elementary students for sixteen years, currently teach writing to fifth graders, and lead a monthly poetry group.
I was a winner in 2022’s #50PreciousWords with Vivian Kirkfield and had an honorable mention in Mindy Alyse Weiss’s #PBParty. I love stringing words together to make something magical.
Absol’s Q&A with Laurie:
Delighted to meet you, Laurie. Thanks for being our LEGEND of the WEEK!
If you could be any magical or legendary creature, who or what would you be?
I would be a mermaid because I love the ocean and my daughter and I spent hours watching The Little Mermaid together when she was little. I also adore fairies and look for them in tree hollows when I hike in the woods. Being a fairy would be right up there with being a mermaid.
Can you tell us a little about how you came to be a part of Gnomes & UnGnomes? How did you hear about the Loft and this project?
I’ve taken courses through The Writers’ Loft and have lots of friends who are involved. I heard about the anthology through the website. I also have the beautiful anthology, FRIENDS & ANEMONES OCEAN POEMS FOR CHILDREN, and thought it would be cool to have a poem in an anthology like this one day.
Noice, And why Undines? I mean besides your above answer. What made you want to write about my aquatic friends?
I’m intrigued by mermaids and always have been. When Kristin and Audrey asked if I could try something a little different to bring more diversity into the book, I jumped at the challenge. Undines are fascinating creatures and I had fun researching and writing my poem. I love hiking and I imagined what it would be like to hear an undine under a waterfall.
So, tell me something that’s great in your life right now?
I’m enjoying my 4-year-old granddaughter. We share a love of hiking in the woods and exploring the ocean. I’m currently working on a new middle-grade novel and that brings me joy.
Aww…sharing nature with the little humans is the best, and good luck with your MD book. Thank you for your time!
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