Laurie began writing at a young age - mostly recording her life in a journal. Then a couple years later she would write poetry and quotes. Not truly realizing where that would take her, at first she didn’t share her writing until her senior year in high school. She was surprised how well her poetry was received.
Writing was always a secret passion - never thinking she’d be taken seriously, she kept it to herself until college. After failed majors she settled on English, a cover up to what she really wanted to do - write professionally.
As she was a community writer on both Wattpad and Inkitt, she didn’t give much thought of getting published traditionally until she noticed she was trending and began to see her fictional characters come to life.
The publishing process has been relatively painless with the constant support from the writer’s community on Instagram and continues on Wattpad and Inkitt. Not to mention love and support from her family.
She wishes to continue her writing full time and continues to publish her young adult romance books professionally.
Thank you Laurie, for sharing with our audience, lets get started...
RPR: Where are you from?
LO: Originally, I am from Long Island, NY. In 2001, we moved to South Florida and in 2019, my husband and I relocated our small family to Tennessee.
RPR: When did you first start writing?
LO: I have been writing since I could remember being able to write. First in journals. I used to have over forty. It was my escapism. Poetry and short prose were my first attempts at writing fiction. I would write my poems like short stories. Then my very first book was written when I was around 19/20 years old. But nothing ever came of it. It needs too much TLC to be anything worthy of publishing.
RPR: Where did your passion for becoming an Author come from?
LO: I don’t know to be honest. It’s just something I always did. It was something I always loved to do. I basically write my dreams (nighttime or daydreams) down. I can’t explain my process, I just do it. It’s devastating when I feel blocked.
Photo Credit: Isabella & Zsa Fischer
RPR: Wow, that’s interesting! How many books have you written? What are the Genres and where can they be found?
LO: I have written around 8, published one. But, I am beginning to edit another, writing a sequel to one along with writing a fantasy romance with shape shifters. The conflicting voices in my head (my characters) are currently fighting over who I am liking most.
RPR: (Laughs) That’s funny, but I can relate. Wow, you’re pretty busy! What inspired your latest book?
LO: (Laughs) Yes, Well, currently I am writing the sequel to the book that woke me up at 2 AM. I just didn’t want it to end, so now the sequel to Dreaming of Wilder is titled, SOS: Send Over Someone and focused on the two siblings of Delores and Dran – Romy and Dorian, who are not only trying to end up together, but to solve the murder of Romy’s father. This is exciting.
RPR: Sounds exciting! Describe your writing style, mood, favorite place, your best time to write, etc...
LO: I’m what people call a pantser. I write off the cuff and with no outlines. I have tried it the other way where I plan, but it never worked for me. I find structure doesn’t allow me to be creative and the ideas to flow. Because my mind is focused on the spreadsheet and idea boards, rather than my story. I used to write books out by hand then type them, but I found with Dreaming of Wilder that changed. I now write it directly onto MS Word. And I tend to write at night, after my child goes to sleep. That might change once he starts school.
Photo Credit: Nick Morrison
RPR: I get it, because that is also my writing style, I can’t work from an outline. What is your favorite Genre? Why?
LO: I don’t know why but romance is my magnet. I am pulled to it. But I find myself writing contemporary pieces with relatable characters that I tend to know very well and in need of a little repair.
RPR: Oooooowee, I love a good romance novel! I'm definitely going to have to check out some of your work! Okay, Share a "Fun Fact" about yourself.
LO: I like to re-read my books and I like to relive the sad moments. And I tend to love the monsters.
Photo Credit: Dex Ezekiel
RPR: Monsters? Now, that’s interesting! (Laughs) Anything else you'd like the audience to know?
LO: Once you get past the hesitation of publishing and if your book is good enough – if you’re good enough, then the process is a piece of cake.
RPR: Any words of encouragement for an aspiring Author?
LO: If you have something to say – a story to tell, then write it down. And practice, practice, practice.
Photo Credit: Thought Catalog
RPR: Laurie, it has been truly a pleasure, thank you for taking the time to share with our Rare PR Fam.
LO: My pleasure, thank you.
You can find Laurie's published book on Amazon, "Class of 95"
About the Book
What would you do if you got a second chance at true love? When Eunice Rysner meets the sexy Jake Castellano, she already knows he’s going to be trouble. Though she tries to push him away to spare them both a lot of heartache, Jake is persistent. But his vindictive girlfriend and Eu’s nemesis since eighth grade, Geri Thompson, is determined to keep him all to herself-by whatever means necessary.
Even twenty years later, when the three meet up again in Long Island at their high school reunion, Eunice-now a successful novelist-can’t deny the feelings she still has for Jake. As she reacquaints herself with the now-divorced love of her life, she can’t help but wonder if this is finally the time to stand up for herself and give in to true love. But if she does, Geri may just steal everything she’s ever wanted from her yet again.
Follow Laurie's journey...
IG: laurie_writes_stories
Website: www.laurieoknowsky.com
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