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Interview with Laurie Jackson

Published 2014-04-30.
What is your writing process?
I first decide on the topic that I want to write about. I then decide on the number of characters. Once I have the topic and characters worked out I then write an outline. At this point I start to develop the story.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first story I ever read was Black Beauty. The impact it had on me was how Black Beauty was able to use his strength and survive anything. That message came to me at a time when I was struggling with my own self worth and identity. I came away from the story knowing that I too could find strength within myself and survive anything.
Describe your desk
My desk is a small wooden desk that I have had for 25 years. It has 3 drawers on either side and a middle draw. You might look at it an think it is a child's desk. On top of the desk is my computer and a lamp.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up on a small farm in rural Missouri. It has had a great influence on my writing. Being a middle child I would express myself by writing. I love the country and love to write about it. My first published short story takes place in an old farmhouse.
When did you first start writing?
I first started writing in sixth grade at the age of twelve. It was at this time that we found out that my youngest sister had retinoblastoma (a type of eye cancer). She was only two years old. I turned to writing as an outlet for how I was feeling about the whole situation.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I would have to say it is being able to get my thoughts and feelings out on paper. I would also have to say that it is knowing that I have a part in entertaining children. My greatest joy has been watching the look on my children and grandchild's face as they hear or read their favorite story over and over again.
What are you working on next?
My biggest project right now is my youngest sister's story. I want to share her amazing story with other children and families that are battling cancer.
Who are your favorite authors?
Mary Higgins Clark, Judy Blume, James Patterson are at the top of my list.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I do a lot of cross stitch in my spare time. I love the challenge of counted cross stitch. I also love to quilt, and have made quilts for my sons. I find great beauty in the patterns of quilts.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes I do, it was in fourth grade and it was about a duck. It was a children's story and I had to also do the illustrations.
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Books by This Author

Keeping It Short: An Anthology of Flash Fiction by
You set the price! Words: 4,730. Language: English. Published: May 15, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Anthologies » Flash fiction
An anthology of six flash fiction stories. Seth and Addie; The Ruin; Love Lost, Love Found; The Car; UFO; The Sister-in-Law. The stories are about the chance meeting of two strangers, greed and attacking machines, finding love in tragedy, boyhood curiosity and murder, a UFO on the ocean's bottom, two sister-in-laws perspective of running into each other while out for lunch.
Matt and Mark: The Farmhouse Adventure by
Price: Free! Words: 2,910. Language: English. Published: April 30, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » General, Fiction » Children’s books » Short Stories
(3.50 from 2 reviews)
This is the first short story in a short story adventures series about two bothers named Matt and Mark. In this story they decide to check out an old farmhouse that they have been told to stay away from. This is one adventure they soon won't forget.