Getting to Know you Thursday with Laura Thomas

Please welcome Laura Thomas to my blog today. Laura has a Christian Teen book out which looks interesting.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am married to my high school sweetheart, have three wonderful children aged 20, 16 and 13, and a mischievous English bulldog named Ginger Lily. I was born and raised in England and Wales, and then immigrated to Canada in my mid-twenties, and now live in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia, where my authoring dreams have become a reality.

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

I always had my head in a book as a child, but my favorite was definitely “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. As one of four daughters myself, I think I could identify… although I never dreamed I would be the “Jo” in real life, complete with published book!

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?

My favorite genre to read is Christian fiction- especially a meaty one with some mystery and romance thrown in. In saying that, I’ve read anything from Wuthering Heights to The Hobbit this past year, plus I try to read the genres I write in, to stay current.

I always pictured myself as writing Beatrix Potter-esque adorable bunny stories for young children, but my first published book is a Christian teen fiction novel! I am passionate about writing for teen girls- it’s fun to go back and visit my teen years with the knowledge and experience I have gained in life! I also thoroughly enjoy writing for young children, and would still love to have a picture book published one day.

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

In my early years, the timeless quality of writing by authors such as Beatrix Potter and Louisa May Alcott certainly impacted my love of reading. As an adult, I have been challenged by Christian fiction authors like Francine Rivers, Elizabeth Musser, and Colleen Coble, who weave vital truths through beautifully written stories which keep you coming back for more!

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

It was a “pie in the sky” dream when I was a child, but then I got sidetracked with other things like marriage, emigrating and raising a family, so I’m really quite a late bloomer! About six years ago, my husband took me out for coffee and asked me what my current dreams were. At that time, my writing aspirations were distant memories, and I was busy homeschooling my kids and volunteering at church with little time to spare. But he dug deeper, and we soon realized this was still a dream I wanted to pursue. He encouraged me to MAKE time if I really wanted it to happen… so I did! As soon as I started writing, I knew I had tapped into a huge passion.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I always wanted to write for children, but honestly didn’t know where to start, so I took a couple of correspondence courses through the Institute of Children’s Literature in the U.S. I was able to work at my own pace and it gave me a great foundation, starting with short stories and articles, which were published in children’s magazines and online. Eventually, I wrote my Christian teen fiction novel TEARS TO DANCING, and was beyond thrilled to have it published. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to learn you don’t have to pick one age group to write for- the old “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” saying certainly rings true with writing!

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

Oh my, that’s a tricky one, after all- writing is my dream! I love to travel, sing, and dance… maybe I could be a travelling singing dancer? And secretly write about it all from my villa on a tropical beach? J

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I love going to Zumba fitness classes 3 times a week, ballroom dancing with my husband, leading worship at my church, walking, shopping, traveling, relaxing on the beach, hanging out with my family, and eating chocolate whenever possible!

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

I do have a soft spot for the Hawaiian island of Maui, but in truth I am a sucker for anywhere I can find turquoise ocean, white sand, a great book, and a sun lounger with my name on it! (Jenny here I have a soft spot for Hawaii too. only had one day one Maui but love way of life there).

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

Tough decision. After considering the countless possibilities of authors, celebrities and world leaders, I think the perfect meal would be with my daughter (who is away at University in Montreal), my mum, and my grandmother (who both live in England). The last time we were all together was in 2007. That would make 4 generations of women, 4 different life experiences, memories, and opinions, yet bound together by love, family, and faith. That would be a priceless experience to treasure- and maybe even write about!

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will

be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

TEARS TO DANCING is a Christian teen fiction novel, published by Dancing With Bear Publishing In April 2012.

“After a magical night at The Nutcracker Ballet, Bethany’s picture-perfect life is changed forever. At the tender age of fourteen, everything this young ballerina treasures is tragically torn from her, and she is forced to live with a broken heart and shattered dreams. Only One is able to turn her tears to joy, and transform her life of mourning into one of dancing again….”

I am currently finishing the sequel and hope to have it published later this year- readers can keep up to date with my writing, as well as check out my Blog and Bible Devos on my website:

http://www.laurathomasauthor.com