Laura DeNooyer-Moore

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

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. Always seeking story inspirations and learning something new, I stay with friends along the way.

When and why did you start writing books?

My interest in writing started in second grade. Mrs. Haan gets all the credit. Not a typical 1960s teacher, she had students writing original stories and making them into illustrated books. Uncertain what to write for my first book, I paraphrased one of my favorite stories, “The Gingerbread Man.” Instead of chastising me for my lack of originality, Mrs. Haan challenged me to create my own ending. I accepted the challenge. By the time I was done, I concluded that writing my own stories was the way to go. After completing twenty-plus original illustrated books in second grade, I aspired to be an author when I grew up. The Muse has followed me. I’ve been writing stories ever since.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

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.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

In All That Is Hidden, both ten-year-old Tina and her father Drew are my favorites. Tina’s the tomboy who’s unafraid to take risks and say what she thinks—everything I’m not. She adores her daddy though she’d never admit it. Drew is a man wrestling with his hidden past and how it’s coming back to haunt him and his family. He’s trying to do the right thing in situations he never saw coming.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

My biggest challenge of writing “All That Is Hidden” was capturing the story for adult readers while utilizing a child’s point of view. Tina writes as an adult reflecting on her childhood, so the narrative needed adult wisdom woven into the child’s perspective.

Who is your favourite author and book?

To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee) is my all-time favorite and encompasses everything I love about good fiction: multi-layered stories with depth, complex characters and family dynamics, and complicated relationships. Stories that address tough issues, but also embrace hope. I’d be hard-pressed to pick a favorite contemporary author. But since dual timeline novels are my new preferred genre, I’ll say authors Lisa Wingate, Susan Meisner, Kate Morton, and Heidi Chiavaroli are among my favorites.

What book are you reading right 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).

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I find inspiration everywhere—in settings I love, people I meet or read about, or a unique situation that could become a fascinating novel premise.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Road trips! When I’m not on the road, besides writing I love taking walks, meeting friends for tea, and reading.

Do you have any new books in the works?

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.