New Client Alert — Laura Resau

  • By: Kim Lionetti | Date: Jun 06 2022
Name:

Laura Resau


What you Write:

Women’s Fiction


Agent:

Kim Lionetti


Why BookEnds?

I was really impressed with Kim and felt a strong creative connection—and of course, BookEnds has a stellar reputation.

 

Tell us a bit about your writing process. Where do you write, and how often? 

I write in a little plant-filled studio on the second floor of my home with a view century-old spruces and entertaining squirrels. When the weather’s warm, I write in the 1950s vintage trailer (named Peachy) in my backyard for a change of scenery. I write every morning, first thing, before letting in the distractions of the day. I aim to touch base with my story-in-progress daily, even if it’s just ten minutes, but ideally, I get in a couple good hours every morning.

 

Where can readers find you on the web and social media?

https://www.LauraResau.com

https://www.instagram.com/lauraresau/

 

Do you have any writing rituals? 

I fix myself a cup of tea, light a homemade beeswax candle, mist some rosemary-pine spray that I also make, and put on some mellow music. I often have a vase of fresh flowers in my studio to invite in creative vibes as I write. After a couple hours of writing, I go on a walk by the river near my house no matter what the weather. I often find myself still immersed in the story on my walk, so I count that as writing time, too!

 

What do you love about writing women’s fiction? 

I love exploring topics I care about while weaving in elements of magic and mystery. When I write, I feel transported to far-away lands . . . in the case of my debut novel for adults, to the South of France. I hope to give readers an immersive, world-opening experience that still feels relatable to their own lives.

 

Why did you choose the genre you’ve chosen?

After writing (and co-writing) eleven books for children and teens, I find myself drawn to women’s fiction as a way to dive into issues that resonate with my life as an adult (infertility, in the case of this debut novel.)

 

What is the hardest part about writing women’s fiction?

As a longtime MG and YA author, I had to allow myself to switch from writing in a younger voice to a more mature one. My writing group helped guide me, and once I figured it out, it felt liberating and exciting to move in this new direction.

 

Do you get inspiration from any TV shows or movies?  If so, which ones?

I recently re-watched LOST and realized I’ve always been fascinated by contained, mysterious places that have elements of paradise yet with something darker beneath the surface. (My debut novel is set in magical yet ominous walled gardens.) 

 

If money were no object, what would be your dream writing location?

After writing a novel set in castle gardens in Provence, I’d love to actually be there, right now, writing happily away. . . (minus the spooky, dangerous stuff!)

 

Do you belong to any writing organizations?

I joined SCBWI as a children’s/YA author, but I’m planning to join an organization with a focus on writing for adults, maybe the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.

 

What was the most important question you asked when interviewing agents?

I found it especially helpful to hear their visions about which direction I should take my manuscript in a revision. I appreciated clear ideas that resonated with me and that I felt excited about implementing.

 

How did you know your book was ready to submit?

Over the course of two years, I did two big rounds of revision with my writers’ group (as well as revisions with other writer friends and on my own). After the second major revision for my writers’ group, we all agreed it felt nearly ready. I implemented their suggestions, polished it up, and decided that it was solid enough to submit.