Author Interview with Laura DeNooyer & a Giveaway
I’m delighted that my first interview of 2025 is with my friend, Laura DeNooyer. Her incredible Biographical Literary Novel, A Hundred Magical Reasons, released on January 7. If you enjoy classic literature, split-time fiction, fairy tales, or you’re a Frank L. Baum fan, you’re going to love it. (You can find a link to my review below)
Enjoy reading Laura’s interview and then leave a comment below by January 14 for a chance to win a copy of her book. (Paperback for a US winner OR an ebook for international winner)
Welcome, Laura. I’m so glad you’re here! Let’s jump right in with talking about your novel. Is A Hundred Magical Reasons inspired by true events or personal history?
This novel is biographical historical fiction about L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Therefore, many story events are based on his life, family, and career ups and downs.
Baum was a larger-than-life guy with an unstoppable imagination. He was also a family man with a keen understanding of children and a high regard for women. (His mother-in-law was a suffragist!) His humor and creativity gave him the capacity to bounce back from failure many times.
From 1898 to 1910, Baum, his wife Maud, and their 4 sons spent summers at Macatawa Resort—between Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa—near Holland. This just happens to be the same lake where my family vacations annually! Learning that sparked additional interest in his life.
Furthermore, I grew up in southwest Michigan not far from this setting. I’ve integrated certain family situations (based on my ancestors) into the story.
That’s so cool! Tell us about the premise of A Hundred Magical Reasons.
Imagination plays a huge role in the story. My main character Janie is at odds with her very religious, rigid parents who have no use for fiction, fantasy, or fairy tales. She is only allowed to read The New England Primer, The Pilgrim’s Progress, and the Bible. Then . . . 8-year-old Janie meets L. Frank Baum who stretches her imagination in every way possible. This is a major tension throughout the story.
This ties to 1980, where my protagonist Carrie wants to run a literary-themed café against her parents’ wishes. They have their own goals for her. As grown-up Janie (now 88-year-old Mrs. Gordon) unveils her childhood troubles to Carrie, they both make some startling discoveries.
This is such a unique and compelling storyline. I’m sure there was much research involved. How did you tackle that?
With so many conflicting “facts” about Baum, I needed help. Baum’s great-granddaughter, Gita Dorothy Morena, directed me to Michael Patrick Hearn, the renown Oz/Baum scholar. Both he (through emails) and his book The Annotated Wizard of Oz were of great value to me. I’m grateful for his help in sorting out fact from fiction.
I also had to research things about sailing, Nellie Bly, how to start a restaurant, how to operate an old-fashioned printing press, and poisons.
I can only imagine the hours you spent getting all the details just right. What do you hope your readers take away from A Hundred Magical Reasons?
Baum’s stories are all about stirring the child’s imagination, and that’s a key element of my novel. I firmly believe that since we’re all made in the Creator’s image, everybody is creative in their own way. I hope this story inspires readers to use their own imaginations.
Other themes are woven in too. A Hundred Magical Reasons would make a great book club book. I hope the story raises questions and produces some pondering.
I love to see my grandchildren using their imaginations, which seems rarer these days for kids than in times past. Which character in A Hundred Magical Reasons was easiest for you to write and why? Which character presented the biggest challenge?
Carrie is 22 in 1980 and just happened to attend the same college I did, have the same major, and finish the same year! We even had some of the same insecurities. So writing her seemed natural at times. Even so, we’re also quite different from each other. She’s a great cook and spurned a career in teaching, while I pursued one.
Baum was my biggest challenge. My purpose went beyond just getting the facts straight about his life. I wanted to create his essence on the page so that readers would experience what it was like to be with him.
Since I’ve read your book already, I can say you succeeded! What is one of your favorite quotes from A Hundred Magical Reasons?
“Are you going to live by your passions or your fears?” One of those fears is being yourself vs. wearing a mask.
Another favorite is: “Sugar sweetens everything it touches. Like books and stories. They flavor your whole life. They sweeten every day.”
I highlighted the “sugar” quote on my Kindle while reading your book. It’s a good one, among many other wonderful quotes. How many unpublished and unfinished manuscripts do you have? Any plans to pursue publication for any of them?
Many! While I was busy raising a family, I did some writing on the side (and published one book), but now with an empty nest, I want to do something with all those manuscripts. Of my novels, I have 3 stories that are contemporary women’s fiction, 1 Biblical fiction, 1 historical fiction, and a fantasy series! I’m all over the board. But the one I plan on publishing next (I hope), is another split-time novel set in a small Wisconsin town, with a contemporary and 1950s timeline.
I really enjoy split-time stories, but I’m sure it’s a challenge to write one well. Maybe I’ll tackle it one day. LOL What advice would you give an aspiring author?
Same answer as above! “Are you going to live by your passions or your fears?”
There’s much to fear in the writing world: hard work, criticism, and rejection, for starters. But if you love writing stories, then stick to it, no matter what! Surround yourself with knowledgeable people on the same road.
Also, join a quality writers group that will give you honest feedback with tact. You need to be challenged and pushed, but always with encouragement and kindness.
I couldn’t agree more! Thanks so much for sharing on my blog this week, Laura. And I wish you God’s best and great success on the launch of this book and the many that will follow.
Visit the #HopeFilledFiction blog and leave a comment on Laura DeNooyer’s author interview by 1/14 for a chance to win a copy of her novel, A Hundred Magical Reasons. #giveaway #WizardOfOz
TweetJoin the conversation. Have you read any books by L. Frank Baum? Are you a Wizard of Oz fan? Does Laura’s novel pique your curiosity?
Be sure to comment below by January 14 for a chance to win a copy of A Hundred Magical Reasons. (Paperback for a US winner OR ebook for international)
A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer
Click the book cover for purchase link
Most fairy tales have happy endings, but is it too late for this one? After all, Mrs. Charlotte Rose Gordon is eighty-eight.
This disgruntled town recluse has grown weary of fighting the dragons of her past—including the desire to clear her husband’s name of a 1918 crime.
Dragons of a different kind pursue Carrie Kruisselbrink.
In 1980, during the summer of her private rebellion, Carrie defies parental expectations and pursues her café dream. While waiting for funding, she takes a job with Mrs. Gordon.
As Mrs. Gordon unfolds the story of her oppressive childhood and delightful friendship with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum, Carrie never expects to encounter her own fears and soul-searching.
In this modern-day fairy tale that weaves between 1980 and the early 1900s, Mr. Baum’s influence impacts each woman’s personal quests on a hero’s journey neither anticipates. Can Carrie and Mrs. Gordon find common ground in battling their respective dragons?
Laura DeNooyer thrives on creativity and encouraging it in others. A Calvin College graduate, she is a teacher, wife, parent of four adult children, and an award-winning author of heart-warming historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels are perfect for fans of Patti Callahan Henry, Erin Bartels, or Heidi Chiavaroli. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip.
Connect with Laura: Website / BookBub / Goodreads / Facebook / Amazon
Please share Laura’s interview on social media to help spread the word about her book!
If you missed my special New Year’s video message last week, find it HERE.
Deena Adams
As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and is a multi-award-winning writer, an active ACFW member, and ACFW Virginia president. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
29 Comments
Deena Adams
Congratulations to Lorraine Groom-Ashmore, the winner of Laura’s book! Thanks to all who read the interview and joined the conversation. I hope you’ll purchase Laura’s book, love it, then leave a wonderful review on Amazon, BookBub, and Goodreads, along with any other platforms you choose.
Perrianne Askew
I do love the positive buzz that I’m hearing about this book and it gets brownie points for a dual timeline. I love dual timelines and this one has ties to the author of The Wizard of Oz, which I loved as a kid. I’d defimitely love to read it!
Laura DeNooyer
Sounds like this is a winning combination for you, Perrianne! Dual timeline and Wizard of Oz connection. I have loved The Wizard of Oz since I was a kid too!
Deena Adams
Thanks for your comment, Perrianne! As kids, my nextdoor neighbor and I watched The Wizard of Oz every year when it came on, and we loved it! Great memories!
Lynn Moore
Girls…. you had me at “split-time!” Can’t wait to read A Hundred Magical Reasons! 📘
Laura DeNooyer
That’s a magical word for me too, Lynn!
Deena Adams
I really love the split-time stories, too, Lynn! They’ve become a favorite of mine. Thanks for engaging on the blog!
Cherie J
I have read the Wizard of Oz and have watched the movie. I would consider myself a fan. This book does sound intriguing as well.
Laura DeNooyer
How nice that you’ve read The Wizard of Oz! I think more people nowadays have seen the movie than have read the book.
Cindy Hogan
I can’t wait to read this book! I’m a huge Wizard of Oz fan and I love split time novels!
Laura DeNooyer
Sounds like the right combination for you then, Cindy!
Deena Adams
Cindy, you’re going to love it then!
SARAH TAYLOR
Thanks for sharing Deena this book sounds like a great book that I know I would enjoying reading Sounds great Have a Blessed Day!
Deena Adams
Thanks for stopping by, Sarah. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Laura
Thanks for your interest, Sarah! I hope you get a chance to read it!
Winnie Thomas
This book sounds delightful and intriguing! Thanks so much for the author interview, Deena and Laura! I enjoy discovering new-to-me authors. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Deena Adams
You’re welcome, Winnie. Thanks so much for reading Laura’s interview and commenting. I hope you get to read her book and that you’ll love it!
Laura DeNooyer
Thanks for dropping by, Winnie!
Vickie
I love the premise of this book! It sounds fascinating.
My son and family live in Michigan and we’ve taken a day trip to Holland, Michigan. How exciting that Holland is mentioned in this book.
Laura Denooyer is a new author to me. I would love to read this book!
Laura DeNooyer
How fun that you’re familiar with Holland, Michigan! Part of the setting is actually Holland (early 1900s) and the surrounding area, such as Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan.
Deena Adams
How cool that you have a personal connection to Holland, Michigan, Vickie! I hope you get to read Laura’s book soon. I’m sure you’ll love it!
Anita Klumpers
What a great book premise! What an intriguing interview! I ordered a print copy and it will show up on my doorstep tomorrow. I can’t wait!
Truthfully I am more a movie Oz fan than the books but I’ve read quite a bit about Baum and admire and like him.
Deena Adams
Hi, Anita. Sounds like Laura’s book will be right up your alley! Enjoy!
Laura DeNooyer
Thanks for ordering a book, Anita! I have to confess I’m more of a movie fan too, since I grew up watching it, but I’m a huge fan of Baum himself!
Laura DeNooyer
Thank you so much for hosting me today, Deena!
Deena Adams
It’s my pleasure, Laura! Congratulations again on your book launch!
Lorraine Groom-Ashmore
Thank you for introducing me to this author. Boy does this book sound good.
Laura DeNooyer
Thanks, Lorraine. I hope you get a chance to read it!
Deena Adams
My pleasure, Lorraine! I hope you enjoy Laura’s book when you read it. Thanks for stopping by!