Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Barger.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In July, I’ll begin my 30th year of teaching primary grades at the Glenview New Church School in Chicago’s northwest suburbs. I’m also a published author of two children’s books, co-created with my teaching partner, Sarah Berto. I’ve wanted to be a fiction writer for as long as I can remember. Teaching young children turned out to be a good career to combine with that particular aspiration. My college degree was the result of a double major in Religion and English, followed by my Master’s degree in Written Communication. Both my schooling and my daily work with 5-to-8-year-olds are rich sources of inspiration for my writing.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Finding time to write while holding down a full-time job has been challenging. People never hesitate to point out that teachers have three months over the summer to do whatever they please. Depending on the needs of one’s school, that’s not always the case. I work hard to carve out the month of July for myself – for writing or traveling (hopefully a bit of both). During the school year, I write, like many other authors, in spare, carefully-guarded moments.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I have a robust sense of perseverance and a love of polishing my work in order for it to present its absolute best face to the world. Sometimes, I get a little obsessive about that last quality!
What’s your favorite memory from childhood?
I have warm memories of being read aloud to, both by my mother and my uncle. Long summer afternoons on our screen porch and cozy evenings on my parents’ big bed saw us through many a volume of children’s literature.
Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so – who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
My college creative writing teacher, Vera Glenn, taught me to appreciate the inspiration provided by simple activities and small delights of nature – the peace of mind to ponder a story, or even the storyline itself, can be found in a cup of tea and a patch of violets. Another mentor is my longtime writing companion Yvonne. Together she and I used to lead an after-school writers’ club for high school girls. Yvonne helped all of us (me included) discover the joy of turning off our inner editors so we could be free to play with words. Both ladies deserve a big thank-you for guiding my feet along the writing path.
Pricing:
- The Christmas Tree Garden, a children’s book written by Laura Barger and illustrated by Sarah Berto, is available on Amazon for $10.18
- The Wind Party, a children’s book written by Laura Barger and illustrated by Sarah Berto, is available on Amazon for $10.00
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