Laura is an avid reader and shares her love for literature on her blog, ” The Start of a Good Life“, with monthly book reviews and updates on her writing journey.

 Laura has been published in small poetry collections and has self- published her debut novel early in 2025.

What inspired you to become a writer? – I’ve always been scribbling something down, far back as I can remember. When life took a few unexpected turns, chronic illness being one of them, I decided that this was the perfect opportunity to go for my dream! 

How did you get the idea for this book? – It actually started out in first person – a girl writing in her diary about who she is versus who she dreams of being.  

What does your typical writing day look like? – With a cup of coffee, cozy background music playing and hopefully as minimal distractions from the dogs until lunchtime. And then back again, but with tea, before taking the dogs for a walk. Ideally another couple hours of work after that with more classical music. 

About the Book 

What inspired the story behind Amelia? – I always love a good coming of age story and thought it would be wonderful to write one of a girl desperately wanting to be a journalist when very few women were. 

What message do you hope readers take away from your book? – To persevere in their dreams; to be confident in themselves and to lead lives that help others 

How did you approach researching or writing Amelia? –I’ve always been fascinated by the Gilded Age, so I already have a foundational knowledge of the era, and then I found some wonderful websites and books to learn specifics from. 

Fun/Personal Questions 

Do you have a favorite character in the book? – Angela Barrington for sure. I adore her loving  guidance and wisdom. 

What do you like to read when you’re not writing? – Tolkien, Lewis and Dickens for classic. Louis L’amour for western. J.J. Fischer and Brandon Sanderson for fantasy. Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie for murder mystery. Michelle Griep and Julie Klassen for historical fiction.

Behind-the-Scenes 

What was the most challenging part of writing this book? – Cutting out the side plot scenes. There were so many with Grace, Cedric and Harrison that were lovely but that pulled away from the main story. 

Were there any scenes or characters that surprised you during the writing process? – Ian Hayworth. I hadn’t planned on him, but then one day, he showed up and I’m so glad he did. Also, Harrison ended up being a completely different person than I had originally planned.

What’s next for you as an author? – I have the next installment in the City of Roses Collection coming in 2026. I do have another installment in the works, as well as a no-spice fantasy series ongoing.

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If you’d like to reach out with questions or comments or requests, please send Laura a message: