Laura Petrisin is a retired teacher turned author/illustrator living in the mountains of North Carolina. She’s always had an interest in children’s books. Laura has illustrated numerous children’s books such as Poster Girl by Anne Emerick, published by Aboon Books, Pearl Girl by Stephen Rabley, published by Penguin, The Songbird and the Flower by Chip Brogden, There’s A Dog On My Head by Patricia Pollock, and more. In November 2022, Laura wrote, illustrated and self-published her first children’s book, Acorn and Button. It’s a chapter book about friendship and loyalty, aimed at ages 5 - 10+. Her picture book, Get Real, Lucille, will be published by Monarch Press and released in July of 2025.
1. If you could travel anywhere in the world to do your work, where would you go?
I would go to the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland. The peninsula is ringed by sandy beaches and craggy cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean. After writing in the morning, I'd go for a long walk by the sea and then have a late lunch of soup and bread at the local pub. Pubs in Ireland aren't like bars in America. They're homey spots where locals and families gather.
2. What inspires you the most? (For context: what is something that you look at that immediately puts your brain into creative mode?)
I’m most inspired by water. It could be a lake, a waterfall, a river, or the ocean. I’m fortunate to have a creek flowing through my backyard. It’s a good size and runs all year long. In the summer, I put a lawn chair in the middle of the creek and write and dream to my heart’s content.
3. If you could pick a single fruit to create a story/artwork/picture around, what would it be?
I would write a story about the mighty mango. The mango originated in India and was referred to as ‘king mango.’ King Mango would be the main character of the story and he would be a benevolent king to the other fruits. However, pride creeps into the king’s heart because of the beautiful color of his skin and the fact that his pit is bigger than Cherry’s, Plum’s, or even Apricot’s. This creates unforeseen problems that threaten to overthrow the kingdom.
4. Would you and your main character get along?
In my book, Acorn and Button, there are two main characters - an unassuming, loyal acorn and a self important but lionhearted button. I would definitely get along with Acorn. As far as Button goes, I would appreciate his courage, but his know-it-all tendency would get on my nerves.
5. Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?
I play instrumental music when I write. It could be anything from classical, to contemporary, to spiritual. I favor strings, and in particular, the cello.
6. Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?
Absolutely! Believe it or not, I often write on my floor. My french bulldog, Lola, would sit right in front of me and stare. If I didn’t acknowledge her, she would get in my face and paw me until I petted her. She’s also gotten in the way of my art by chewing some of my favorite paint brushes!
7. What are common traps for new authors?
Writing is subjective. That’s why it’s important to gain objectivity about your writing through other writers who read it, such as critique partners. The trap is to feel rejected or worse, offended when people point out where your work might be falling short. I think writers must be able to distance or detach themselves from their work in order to really listen to another's feedback. The feedback may be helpful or it may not. The trick is to consider it at the very least. I've revised a lot of my writing due to feedback and it improved. One thing that has helped me is to wait a space of time between first reading the feedback and then revising. It seems as though the second or third time I read the feedback, it makes a lot more sense and I have a better idea of how to proceed.
8. What are the essential characteristics of a hero you can root for?
My hero must have the qualities of courage, loyalty, humility, and kindness. He can have some flaws, such as forgetfulness or tardiness, as long as those other qualities are intact.
9. Would you share something about yourself that your readers don’t know (yet)?
I’m a songwriter and have recorded 2 CDs of original music.
10. If you had to describe yourself in just three words, what would those be?
I’m earnest, an over-thinker, and funny.
11. Do you write more than one thing at a time?
Yes, I'm working on two picture books at present. One is a book about two brothers who are complete opposites. They have many experiences where they butt heads, but they also realize they can't do without each other. The other book is a collection of poems with my granddaughter as the main character.
12. Do you ever stop writing and start something different?
Yes! I also illustrate my own books. I'm continually hopping back and forth between a writer's frame of mind and an illustrator's frame of mind. Like most writers, I have to think in terms of spreads and page turners. As an illustrator, I also have to develop illustrations that can tell the story without words. It's a lot of work! LOL!
We so appreciate you taking the time to chat about your creative process, Laura! Please follow Laura on her accounts and check out her fun chapter book, Acorn and Button, in our Bookshop! Keep shining!
Twitter/X: https://x.com/PetrisinLaura
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