Laura White
This week is all about Laura White, an author who shares her sense of humor and need for adventure in Naked in the Driveway. Part memoir and part travel journal, this book is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt stuck in their everyday lives.
In this interview with Laura, she answers questions that give readers a behind the scenes look at her personal writing journey.
Tell us about your journey to become a writer.
I have wanted to be an author since as far back as I have memories. I was an avid reader and writer from a very early age, writing in diaries, journals and in school. I used to write my prayers in poetry form in my diary every night before bed. From there I started writing homemade poetry books, short stories, essays, etc.
I went to college to become a writer, but life has a funny way of detouring your dreams in light of paying bills. Unable to secure a financially secure job in writing after college, I worked in investments and the missionary field, and then I got married and started a family.
Only after this was I able to go back to my dream and earn a Master’s Degree in Education so I could instill the love of reading and writing into future generations. While balancing this and being a parent, eventually a single parent, I always kept writing obsessively in journals. Some nights I still can’t even go to sleep without writing out all the things going through my head.
My first novel was birthed from yet another journal—this time a travel journal.
What was the main inspiration behind your book?
So many people in my world—young, old, male and female alike—struggle with a deep sense of unhappiness, whether they blatantly show it or not. Most people can relate to unfulfilled dreams, feelings of disappointment, etc. I wanted to transparently tackle this issue in a fun and real way to let others know they aren’t alone. I hope that my journey can give readers a laugh as well as inspiration to see their world from another, less disappointing perspective.
What kind of research did you have to do for it?
Well, as you read in my book, I did little to no research about hiking the Appalachian Trail, much to my detriment, even though it made for an excellent read! In terms of research about others struggling with life disappointments, I found that in the stories of my students, the tears of my friends, the stories in the media, and the depth of my own heart as well.
What was your writing routine?
Every day on my trip, I carried my journal with me at all times in my toddler-sized backpack. On still moments, I would write about my daily adventures in great detail.
Describe your book in one sentence.
An exposing adventure of the heart and foot.
Tell us about the best writing advice you’ve ever received.
Never critique your thoughts and interrupt your flow. Just write. Get it all out. Then edit after.
Do you have any upcoming events?
I have a few book signings ready to go, but we are waiting to set the date until quarantine is over. I also have a book reading coming up at a local winery, but the date is still TBD.
Tell us something about you that your fans may not know or something that you want to share.
I pretty much exposed it all in my book! As my uncle said, “you really spilled your beans in there!”
Why should people read your book?
Anyone who needs a laugh or a little inspiration should read my book, as well as anyone who loves a thrilling adventure story. Most importantly, if you or someone you know is struggling with life’s disappointments, this book is my hug to you. In my words I hope you find both comradery and strength.