Book Birthday Blog with Laura Barens

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors and illustrators. 

 

Congratulations to Laura Barens on the release of Boats Can't Jump: The Story of The Soo Locks

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I came up with the idea for this book after attending a seminar on March 3, 2020, just 10 days before we were all introduced to the realities of a pandemic.  Heather L. Montgomery was one of the presenters, and she totally had me hooked on writing non-fiction.  She was so energetic and the most important words she said were “Don’t Do Boring!”. Up to that point my writing felt like I was regurgitating facts. 

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

I hope that readers take away the importance of The Soo Locks, but also enjoy seeing this marvel of Michigan.

What inspires you to write?

I am inspired to write because I must, or else where would all these words go that are inside my head?!

What are your marketing plans for the book?

My marketing plans for this book are promoting it on Facebook and my website. I am also going to do some school visits and getting it into some independent bookstores and gift shops in the Soo. It will also be available at Schuler Books in Grand Rapids and Okemos.

What's next for you?

I have already spoken to Don Lee, my illustrator, and we have plans on doing another book or two with the same theme. The next book is titled What's That Freighter Carrying? which I have begun researching. Follow That Freighter, coming after that. I better get to work!

A little bit about the book . . .

From rushing rapids to smooth sailing, Boats Can't Jump: The Story of The Soo Locks, brings to life an engineering marvel vital to the Great Lakes region, our nation, and the world.

A little bit about the author . . .

I was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan just minutes from The Soo Locks. The sights and sounds of the locks and the magnificent freighters are ingrained in my memory.  I loved reading and writing from a very young age. My writings were mostly poetry and short stories, which were shared with family only.  After working as a school secretary and elementary school librarian for 20+ years, I realized that writing for children was a wonderful retirement venture. So here I am, better late than never!

Website: https://laurabarensbooks.com/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/laura.c.barens

Email: laura.barens21@gmail.com