Laurie’s Younger Self
Laurie, A Model of Re-invention
Laurie left home as a young teen without completing high school, but then zoomed to her GED and later to a notable PhD. She has reinvented herself more than once during her lifetime. To date, she has authored four books, and counting . . .
I met Laurie as an early supporter of my blog in the days when she was writing self-help books while blogging. Back then, she described herself as a holistic health practitioner and transformational life coach.
Laurie’ s Writing Space: Minimal and Cheerful
More Juice about Laurie:
Growing up she wanted to be a magician, international spy, and mad scientist. “There’s still time!” she exudes.
As a photographer and avid reader, she carries a laptop, book, and camera with her wherever she goes. And she adores red licorice!
She loves to travel and take walks—long walks. She walked across Scotland, a 211-mile journey from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean and climbed Ben Nevis, the highest point in the British Isles.
Now she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her pilot-husband, Len, and enjoys yoga, bicycling, and camping. Chef Len contributes mouth-watering menus to her scripts.
My review of her first book: Note to Self
My review of her second book: The Business of Being
These days she uses her skills as an active listener, observer of details, and payer of attention to pen crime fiction. Currently into book 3 of the Sean McPherson murder mystery series, Laurie is an enthusiastic writer of suspense thrillers.
In this series, set in the Pacific Northwest in the woodsy locale of the Quill & Pen Writers’ Retreat, authors do produce manuscripts, but they also witness malice, mayhem, even murder. Following the fast-moving plot-line, readers are treated to delicious menus at the retreat while witnessing the winsome antics of Hemingway, himself a canine sleuth.
My Review and Link
Super Sleuth Laurie Buchanan reveals evidence as deliberately as Hansel and Gretel drop bread crumbs in the Grimm’s fairy tale. In her debut thriller, Indelible, the author strews hints as the story’s plot-line unfolds, ensuring that her readers turn the pages at ever increasing speed. Along the way, I was treated to a fully-drawn cast of characters whose knowledge of aromatherapy, divine wines, and forensic pathology is mind-boggling. Immersed in the flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest, I used all five senses to savor the story, and I eagerly look forward to Books 2 and 3 of her Sean McPherson series. As a bonus, writerly tips appear in epigraphs heading each chapter. For me, this story with its unforgettable characters, including an Irish Wolfhound, soars to five stars.
My Review and Link
Laurie Buchanan’s Iconoclast opens with a bang and ends with a blast. The action in this suspense thriller, second in the Sean McPherson novel series, sets in motion more murder and mayhem. With knitting needles pulling in fresh yarn, the author weaves together strands of a twisty plot at the Pines & Quill writers’ retreat. As in book I, Indelible, the author treats her readers to writerly tips which appear in epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter. The line from one writer, Mickey Spillne, especially resonated with me: “The first chapter sells the book. The last chapter sells the next book.” I eagerly look forward to Book 3, Impervious, knowing Laurie will create a dazzling conclusion with a cast of captivating characters that includes a beloved canine buddy, Hemingway.
In the queue to be published soon is Impervious, Book 3. Readers ask, “Will this book conclude the Sean McPherson series? Or is there a book 4 in the works?” Maybe Laurie will decide to begin a new series?
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One thing is for sure, Laurie’s not done. Not by a long shot. She’s an enthusiastic author, especially of mysteries, thrillers of all types, which include the pursuit of justice.
Self-described as a cross between Dr. Doolittle and Nanny McPhee, Laurie is reveling n the most productive period of her life ever.
I have read and reviewed all of Laurie’s books, and I am happy to feature the accomplished author Laurie Buchanan on this, my 600th blog post, folks!
Laurie says to her younger self, “I wish I would have known how much I enjoy writing books and started earlier.” seen on her Facebook page, March 2021
Do you read crime dramas or thrillers? Watch mystery films? Have you read any of Laurie’s books?
What would you tell your younger self?
Good morning, Marian! Thanks for sharing your review of Laurie’s books. And congratulations on your 600th blog post!
You’re welcome, Merril. WordPress does the counting for me; otherwise, I wouldn’t know how many posts I’ve written. I’m guessing your number may come close to 6000, blogging almost every day. Thanks too for your bright-and-early reply. 😀
You’re very welcome, Marian. 😀
Laurie’s mysteries sound like a lot of fun, particulalry the writing retreat setting. Congratulations on your 600th post milestone!
Yes, Liz, the Quill & Pen Retreat invites writers to embrace mystery, even if that’s not their go-to genre. It worked for me! 😀
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What a lovely post Marian thank you. What a treat about the writerly tips in the epigraphs! All congratulations to Laurie for her clearly excellent books, and to you for your 600th post. Your reviews are excellent. No I haven’t read her books, I would love to, they sound just up my street. I love mystery, crime dramas, anything really …
Laurie has written a lot of books in the short while she’s been an author. I think you’d like all the details in the characterizations–and the plot twists of course. I’m glad the reviews piqued your interest, Susan! 😀
Marian — I’m OVER THE MOON that you chose to feature my books for your 600th post. THANK YOU so much!
My pleasure, Laurie. And I’m so glad there is such an enthusiastic response here too. Cheers to you and your writerly pen! 😀
Congratulations to Laurie. What a wonderful post about your life and your fabulous books. And congrats to you, Marian on this your 600th post! Woo!!! 🎈🎈🎈
I sometimes read murder mysteries. The last one I read was an Agatha Christie book—SLEEPING MURDER.
As for what I would tell my younger self: Keep writing. Don’t let the negativity of others depress you. Keep going.
Agatha Christie is the Queen of murder mysteries in my opinion.
I agree with your message to your “younger self.” Just this week I got a rejection from a writers’ club I submitted a piece to about a month ago. It was disappointing, but, like you, I’ll keep going. I have another essay in the hopper I hope they’ll like better. It’s good to have some positives going for us, if only a positive attitude.
I hope you are having a frabjus week, L. Marie! 😀
Lovely to know more about Laurie. I’ve seen her around the blogosphere, but I don’t think we’ve connected. The Sean McPherson novel series sounds delightful. Adding it to my TBR list.
You won’t be disappointed, Ally. In spite of murder and mayhem, the tales supply writerly touches–and stylish menus. Thanks! (Hope your renovation is proceeding well today!)
Congrats to both Laurie and you for your continuing writing projects!!
You and I go back quite a ways in friendship and writing.. You’ve probably seen Laurie commenting here and other places in the blogosphere. Thanks for the good wishes, Joan. 😀
I am so glad to find Laurie in one of your posts! I used to look forward to the hugely inspirational blog posts on Tuesdays With Laurie and I often shared her pearls of wisdom with my family and friends, such as “If you are not changing it, you are choosing it”. I read two of her self-help books and found them very useful and look forward to reading her fictional eork soon.
Fatima, you may have noticed I made it a point to include her famous saying “Whatever you are not changing you’re choosing” when I photographed her two self-help books. The maxim is so true, but she states the obvious so simply.
Laurie proves that we can re-invent ourselves at any age. I notice how your interests have evolved since I’ve met you here and on your blog. Thanks for checking in; I know you will enjoy her fiction. 😀
I love the quote by Mickey Spillne: “The first chapter sells the book. The last chapter sells the next book.” Good for Laurie, getting her PhD later in life and becoming a successful author! And good for all of us, writers and would be writers, for your constant encouragement and support, Marian!
You are brimming with positivity, Elfrieda. It’s hard to stay inspired in the writing life as a lone ranger. That’s why it’s so wonderful that we have the encouragement of writer friends here, on your blog, and elsewhere in the blogosphere. Thanks, heaps! 😀
I’m a Laurie fan, too, and I find her output astonishing. I have both the Kindle and paperback versions waiting for me when I return from Ireland. I ordinarily don’t read mysteries, but Laurie’s are so much fun for writers, and Laurie is such a great literary citizen (as are you, Marian), that I made an exception and really enjoyed book one. Looking forward to the rest also.
Like you, I’m a non-fiction champ, but I too made an exception for Laurie. Her mystery book #1 was the very first thriller I have read and all because I know the author in a different context.
You are probably aware that Laurie’s and your books debuted the same day, May 3. I’ve noticed too that both of you have taken subsequently vacations: It’s so sensible to recharge after the herculean effort of the writing/publishing/marketing process. I’m reliving our literary tour of Ireland vicariously again through your travels. Thanks for checking in! 😀
What a fabulous portrait of Laurie. She is one accomplished and successful author! Your reviews are encouraging, raving, and well written, Marian! If only I had time to read. And, what a coincidence that you are writing about Laurie while I am staying in her city at the moment. 🙂
You are in a different season now, Liesbet, and you’ll probably have more time to read soon. Thanks for the nod here and the compliments. If you push farther west you’d experience the locale of the Quill & Pen Writers’ Retreat. Safe travels! 😀
Hi Marian, thank you for this introduction to Laurie and her books. The photographs of her younger self and her current self are both lovely. I am not much of a thriller reader, but my mom loves thrillers so I will investigate on her behalf.
Laurie’s mysteries are what you’d expect, but there’s more. Your mum would be treated to a thriller with feminine flair: Laurie’s characters wear distinct fashions and the retreat leaders have an eye for pairing food and wine just perfectly. Highly recommended, Robbie! 😀
Congratulations on 600 blog posts!! That is amazing. Laurie is a great writer and an amazing person. So wonderful to see her featured here. I wish her all the best with her exciting series.
Since we have met years ago, Darlene, I believe you have commented on every single blog post. And you always do it with such enthusiasm. Thanks for your congratulations, and I can congratulate you on your steadiness as a writer and blog supporter as well. 😀
I’m sure I’ve missed the odd post but I try to read and comment on as many as I can. I’ve enjoyed your posts from the very start.
Wonderful introduction to Laurie and her books, Marian! Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you could meet Laurie here. She is always positive and very prolific. Thanks for chiming in today Bette! 😀
Lovely review and long connections for you with this writer! I’m not much of a mystery buff but maybe I would tell my younger self: there is no boogie man under your bed, so don’t be scared of mysteries! 🙂 I have enjoyed some John Grisham books. Used to read Nancy Drew: they felt safe.
Nancy Drew felt safe to me too. I believe it helped that she was about my age, and the cover looked intriguing.
About adult mysteries: I probably would not have picked up mystery/thrillers at all except for friends who transitioned to that genre. It boggles my mind how a writer can move from non-fiction to fiction. My brain is simply not set up that way. So, I’ll enjoy the brain-children of others. Maybe you think the same way. Thanks for weighing in, Melodie! 😀
Hi Marian – great to read more about Laurie. I didn’t know she also wrote suspense thrillers. Congratulations, Laurie, on having so many interests and talents!
Yes, Laurie’s off on a whole new genre. And it looks as though she has a bunch more thrillers planned after Iconoclast. She tells readers the titles all begin with the letter I and all are 4 syllables long. One sinful title I remember is “Iniquity”!
Thanks for keeping up with Laurie. She’s fun and a fast read. As Mom used to say, “No grass is growing under her shoes!” 😀
Congrats Marian and Laurie on your accomplishments! You both deserve a cup of tea and a rest (a short one) before forging on! lol
Gosh, I do need a rest, Jenn. I just ate a chocolate bar to keep my strength up, but what I need now is a nice cuppa tea and (another) nap. Huge thanks! 😀
Glad to have found your blog site Marian ! Laurie sounds like an author to follow. Enjoy this weekend.
Joy
Thank you for reading and commenting. Did you know I follow your blog? Blogging is a good way to find traction for longer pieces. Yes, enjoy your weekend too, Joy! 😀
Congrats to Laurie on all her accomplishments. I will definitely be checking out her books. And happy 600th Marian. 🙂
You’re kind to comment and remember my 600th. We keep chugging ’em out. Right?
Laurie’s mystery thrillers are fierce, but with a feminine touch. You’d like her unique style, Debby! 😀
Laurie is so lucky to be a recipient of your wonderful review and detail of her life in writing and living on your 600th post. WOWEE. But yes, Laurie deserves this. I’ve read every one of her books and have reviewed them all as well on Amazon and Goodreads. She’s an inspiration and a great example of living your passion and believing in your talents and yourSELF. I was surprised when Laurie changed from self-help books to suspense (what I call romantic suspense, because I love writing and reading by in this genre). She does it all with great care and success.
Congratulations to Laurie–and I’ve noticed the wide range of topics she tackles and how much fun she seems to have writing.. You write an enticing review, Marian. Thank you.
I have seen Laurie morph from therapist, to author of self-help books. . . and now mystery books. I can’t hop, skip, and jump across genres as she does, but I am entertained reading of her thrilling writing life. Thanks for reading this and for the compliment about my reviews, Elaine. You are so kind. 😀