Interview With Author Laura DeNooyer
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Midwestern gal, born and raised in Michigan, now in Wisconsin with my husband. But my spirit of adventure has taken me on some wild rides elsewhere: bicycling across the Golden Gate Bridge, white water rafting in Tennessee, hiking the Appalachian trail, and snorkeling with stingrays in Belize.
After decades of parenting, teaching, and tutoring, I now enjoy visiting my four adult children who are spread all over. Thus, I indulge in a road trip once or twice a year. Karaoke works best when driving alone and singing to an audience of one. Constantly seeking story inspirations and learning something new, I stay with friends along the way.
Writing stories has always been a passion of mine. It had to take a back burner during decades of teaching and raising a family. But now I’m going full steam ahead with various novel manuscripts that are ready to find a publishing home. “All That Is Hidden” is my first published novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
During college decades ago, my professor took a group of education majors to southern Appalachia, close to the Smokies. As we met people and explored the area, I was struck by the number of people who created meaningful lives by a route much different from those seeking the prosperity of “The American Dream” that I’d grown up with as the granddaughter of a self-made businessman. Even with humble surroundings, meager possessions, and simple goals, these people enjoyed rich lives, and missed out on nothing.
Moved by this experience, I wrote an award-winning story about it when I returned home. Then, over the next fifteen years of researching and revising (between working and parenting), I expanded it into a novel.
“All That Is Hidden” was born with the help of my writers critique group. I consider it my fifth child.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably nothing unusual, but I drink a lot of fruity tea with lemon while I write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
“To Kill A Mockingbird” (Harper Lee) is my all-time favorite and encompasses everything I love about good fiction: a multi-layered story with depth, complex characters and family dynamics, and complicated relationships. I love stories that address tough issues, but also embrace hope.
What are you working on now?
I usually have several projects happening all at once. That includes brainstorming new ideas by composing a rough draft, revising other drafts at various stages, working on new blog posts that feature authors and their novels, marketing, networking, and exploring publishing options.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website showcases my books, but my blog features novels from a variety of authors. Check it out here: https://lauradenooyer-author.com.
Sign up for my monthly newsletter for writing updates, freebies, giveaways, and more. I’ll send you a free prequel to my novel: www.StandoutStoriesNewsletter.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Join a writers group that will both stretch and encourage you. Improvement is in the revising, accountability, and teachability.
Attend writers conferences to learn and to meet other writers. Make connections. We need each other. And we have much to learn.
Read, read, read! Read books in your genre. Read like a writer, not just a reader. Dissect each novel. What makes it tick? What techniques does the author use? What works? What doesn’t?
If you’re drawn to writing like bees to nectar, then persevere. Even if your road to publication is long and rocky, keep writing. If God has given you that desire and some raw talent, cultivate the gift, for it pleases Him. He’s the ultimate Creator and Storyteller, and He made us in His image. He delights in our creativity.
The joy is in the journey. Perseverance and passion are everything, and will get you through the rough patches.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As far as writing advice goes, write according to your passion without comparing your success (or lack of it) to other writers. Every writer has her own journey. Comparisons and envy only weigh you down.
What are you reading now?
I usually have 2 or 3 books going at a time—a non-fiction plus 1 or 2 novels. I’m currently reading “The Body Keeps the Score” (non-fiction), “Pride and Prejudice” (an old classic), and “Whose Waves These Are” (historical fiction by Amanda Dykes).
What’s next for you as a writer?
Plenty! I have many irons in the fire, including finished manuscripts. Some have won awards. My time is split between writing, marketing, and seeking the right publisher. Sign up for my monthly newsletter for writing updates, freebies, giveaways, and more. I’ll send you a free prequel to my novel: www.StandoutStoriesNewsletter.com.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I’m only allowed a few books, I would pick really long ones! Besides the Bible, I’d take old classics, like Les Miserables, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Great Expectations.
Author Websites and Profiles
Laura DeNooyer’s Social Media Links