Read Laura’s newest release, The Orphan Beach!
What was your first encounter with the writing world?
I was definitely a late bloomer into the world of writing… I didn’t begin pursuing it until I was in my mid-thirties. After keeping my writing dream a secret for 25 years (yes, TWENTY-FIVE), I spilled the beans to my husband over coffee one evening, and he encouraged me to make time and just start writing. Initially, I longed to be a children’s author and took correspondence courses from The Institute of Children’s Literature. This led to having stories and articles being published in magazines for kids—and so began my writing journey. Since then I have written books for children, teens, and adults, as well as stories, articles, and devotionals in magazines and online. The Orphan Beach is book number eight. It’s never too late to start!
Tell us why we’ll love your book.
The Orphan Beach includes some of my favorite things: books, romance, and palm trees—but it also includes some heavy topics like grief, abandonment, and forgiveness. All that to say, if you enjoy being taken on a suspenseful journey of hope from brooding gray skies to a tropical beach with unexpected twists and turns in the search of freedom—this is the book for you!
Is anything in your book based on real life experiences?
You’ll be pleased to know that I have never been the perfect victim of a maniac “troubled soul”— but I did have the privilege of experiencing two mission trips to Mexico years ago, which impacted me in so many ways. One of the children in The Orphan Beach reminds me of a darling baby boy who stole my heart while I was visiting one particular Mexican orphanage, and I love that I was able to write about him even in fiction.
What does your writing process look like?
My writing process varies somewhat, depending on the project. I dreamed of being a super early dawn-writer or maybe a “burning the midnight oil” twilight writer, but sadly, I am neither! Generally, I allocate my weekday afternoons to book writing. I find that when I am in the process of penning a novel, I need a decent chunk of time to get into the story and immerse myself without distractions. The mornings are spent doing normal life things such as working out, running errands, marketing, and writing shorter pieces such as devotions and articles. I homeschooled my kids for 13 years, so I don’t have much trouble staying focused writing at home… my problem is not having enough hours in a day, even now that the nest is empty!
Are you working on anything at the present?
Oh yes, I’m always working on something! I currently have an agent for my picture book and middle grade novel manuscripts, I am tweaking a book proposal for a devotional on hospitality, and I’ve started the planning process for my next Christian romantic suspense novel.
Provide us with a two-sentence description of your book.
Will Juliet find freedom from the ache of abandonment before a troubled soul finds his perfect victim? A manuscript, a maniac, and a mother’s love…
Where can readers find you online?
My website has all my books, my full bio, and my blog: http://www.laurathomasauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Laura-Thomas
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Laura_Thomas_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauracthomas/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lauracthomas/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5837074.Laura_Thomas
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura-thomas-940a1659-e26c-4ece-a1ab-20f0428e2ad1
Books by Laura Thomas:
Anaiah Press 