Author: lauraalary

Going in circles is not generally considered a good thing. It suggests aimlessness—a kind of frantic spinning that goes nowhere. But some circles are purposeful. My dad and I made this wooden puzzle ages ago. For years I used it to tell children the story of the liturgical year. We would take out the pieces,… Continue reading Going in Circles

Original artwork by Roger Hutchison Today my thoughts are a colourful jumble. I have spent some time reading over drafts of stories, editing those that have promise, sifting through books of handwritten notes, researching potential publishers, crafting cover letters, and contemplating how to promote books old and new. My upcoming publications include a picture book… Continue reading What Kind of Stories?

Over the summer I was interviewed by Pieta Woolley, who was researching the history and development of children's bibles for Broadview Magazine. She wanted to talk about Read, Wonder, Listen: Stories from the Bible for Young Readers, the collection of bible stories I wrote for Wood Lake Books. We had a fairly lengthy conversation about… Continue reading Read, Wonder, Listen: A History of Children’s Bibles in Broadview Magazine

“On their way home, the magi talked about the star. How it caught them by surprise, roaming freely around the world. How it scattered the gift of light far and wide. How it broke open a story about one people, and made it a story for all people.” “The Magi Come Seeking” from Read, Wonder,… Continue reading Thoughts on Epiphany and Stories

I’ve always had a bit of a thing for spirals. Spheres and circles too, but spirals in particular. They figure in a lot of my jewelry and doodling. One of my earliest school memories is being reprimanded by a teacher for decorating all my S’s with spirals to make them pretty for Christmas. She made… Continue reading Spirals

Back in April when What Grew in Larry's Garden was first published, my excitement about the book was tempered with disappointment that I could not celebrate its launch as planned with family and friends. But there was consolation in knowing that I was by no means alone in this experience. I am part of a… Continue reading Food and Faith Podcast

When I cross a threshold, especially when entering an unfamiliar place, I have habit of pausing. The pause may be too short to be perceptible to anyone else, but it is there. In that fraction of a second (or longer) I can take a breath and get ready to face whatever it is that waits… Continue reading The Knot in the Cord