Welcome to my bio!
What’s that you say? You’re on the prowl for a MG mentee with a wee bit of sass and whole lot determination? Well, isn’t that just the loveliest coincidence? You can also find me @LaurieLascos on Twitter.
About Me
Not only do I write MG fantasy, it’s primarily what I read in my spare time. I’m a high school English teacher and mom of two. By the time summer rolls around, I’m done reading and analysing cannon classics so I consume copious amounts of middle grade and YA, and gloat about how good they are to everyone who’ll listen. I have an…eclectic sense of humour and I’m a blunt, honest person. This has often served me well in the classroom, though on occasion it doesn’t.
Once upon a time, when I finished Teachers’ College, it was clear that I wasn’t ready to Adult just yet, so I set about making that avoidance of Adulting happen. I did a stint at Carleton University in Ottawa (Ontario, Canada) to earn a Master’s degree in English with a specialization in Children’s Literature. My Master’s thesis was on the first five books of the HARRY POTTER series (age reference—that’s all that was published at the time) and galvanized my love of all things MG. I wanted to read and write ALL THE THINGS middle grade fantasy.
But then I got a job. Which sounds great, and truly is, but as a person simultaneously discovering their teaching and writing identity, one of those personas swallowed the other out of pure survival and self-preservation.
Now I’m back, baby. Let’s get fierce.
Pitch Wars Journey
My Pitch Wars journey started last year where I happened across the lovely Brenda Drake’s website. I don’t remember what random search drew me to this wonderful world, to be honest, but I decided to jump right in. Unfortunately, I jumped right in with a mess of an MS that I literally hadn’t touched in years and have since shelved, though not permanently.
The experience, however, was catalytic. Though I wasn’t selected by a mentor, I did get a request for more pages. I was unsurprisingly not chosen (in hindsight, my MS was nowhere near ready), but Pitch Wars was an irreplaceable growing experience. I got excellent feedback and learned so much through the articles and tips that other mentors/agents posted all throughout July and August last year. NONE of which I had been able to apply to my 2016 entry, let’s remember.
Well, that was to change. I found myself a fantastic CP, took a course, lined up beta readers, and set to work. I was also fortunate enough to win some critiques from The Winged Pen’s Four on 400 contest (amazing community of writers–check them out) and Pitch Wars’ own query workshop.
I’m bringing it this year.
What I’m Reading
I love working with teenagers every day. Allow me to let you in on a little secret: teenagers are awesome. They’re funny, sweet, (mostly) appreciative, and once they peg you as a safe audience, will tell you all manner of things—though sometimes I really wish they didn’t. Teenagers also let me know what books I should be reading if I’m hunting for good YA.
Favourite Middle Grade Series (in no particular order):
The Ascendance Trilogy by Jennifer Nielsen
Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (obviously)
Currently or Just Finished Reading:
MG:
Mark of the Plague by Kevin Sands
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
YA:
The Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
The Shadows We Know by Heart by Jennifer Park
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
Manners & Mutiny by Gail Carriger
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Where Futures End by Parker Peevyhouse
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Adult:
The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
Tales from the Perilous Realm by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill (I have literally been meaning to read this book for 6 years. This year is the year!)
My Birthday (in 3 weeks!) List:
Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder
Thief of Lies by Brenda Drake
George by Alex Gino
Karma Khullar’s Moustache by Kristi Wientge (Avail. August 15th)
Remember, summer has only just started. If you need me, I’ll be busy revising THE AMBASSADOR OF ATTALON (working title) and reading, reading, reading.
You got this, Pitch Wars hopefuls!
Worlds & Words 