Hi, my name is Laurie!
A writer, artist, and entrepreneur. I write to understand, to escape our everyday lives, and capture the beauty of nature.
Have you ever had the desire to publish your own stories, to have your voice heard, or show off your artistic talent? How is that done? What does it mean to be an author and an illustrator?
I’ve explored a variety of art media, like painting, drawing, digital illustrating…this list goes on into many different forms of crafting.
I wonder what it would be like to have my artwork on stationary products, book jackets, or that drink you just cracked open.
I’ve learned from other authors and artists, traveled to writing conferences, and listened in on readings and Q&A’s.
I’ve submitted and published my own works to literary magazines and anthologies, but what does it take to write your own book?
Learn with Me
I graduated with a master’s in writing, and I continue to research and learn ways to get my work out in the world.
I’ve met many people who have said they’d love to write a children’s book, but they don’t know the steps to take to achieve that goal.
Book In My Bag is a place for creative writers and artists who want to get published, write and/or illustrate their own books.
It’s a space to explore artist creativity, and learn tips and tricks on different art materials, different forms of publication, and ways to get your story on the page.
I’ll share and review my favorite sources as a writer and artist, so you too can reach your writing and artistic goals.
As a creative, the possibilities are endless. Let’s see what we can do with that passion for writing and art.
Publications
New Pages–Pry into a New Experience (book review); Atlanta Review (magazine review)
Z Publishing House–Window to the Soul (fiction); No Route is a Dead End (nonfiction)
Gandy Dancer–Webbed (nonfiction)
Great Lake Review–Dancing in the Rain (artwork); Take a Bite (artwork); Free to Be Me (flash fiction); Snow Day (poetry); Dancing Phalanges (poetry)
The Oswegonian–Beloved’s Nightlight (flash fiction); When You Can’t, You Must (poetry)
Conferences to Attend
Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP)–a writing conference that takes place in different cities once a year in the U.S. You’ll meet a variety of writers and teachers as they discuss writing opportunities, news, and ideas to get you thinking as a writer.
- This is a paid conference, which you can attend in-person or virtually.
- There are special registration rates, presenter rates, and early-bird registration rates.
- College students should see if their school will help refund costs from the conference and travel.
I went to AWP 2015 and 2016 in-person with some students and professors in my graduate program. AWP taught me to look at other avenues for a creative career, outside of teaching.
Free Webinars–there are a lot of free virtual panel discussions that are offered in exchange for signing up for the host’s email list. They provide a great opportunity to listen in and learn from other perspectives.
Usually a webinar ends with a sales pitch, and an incentive to purchase sooner rather than later–that’s the art of persuasion. Marketing is about knowing your audience, and then persuasively pitching towards that audience.
- You don’t have to purchase anything.
- Be selective in what you can do on your own, and what you need help with.
- Do your own research on the course or product being offered.
Some people get frustrated with the final sales pitch at the end of a webinar, but I look at it with the eyes of an editor–or even through the lens of a story workshop. You take what works for you and discard the rest. It’s what you make of it!
Free webinars still hold great information that you can take notes on, and it can spark something you hadn’t thought about before. You can always unsubscribe later if you aren’t interested in their newsletter.
Favorite Books
To be added soon…
Thank you for joining on my creative journey. I hope these tips and tricks will help you with your future works!