Creative spark. Unique ideas. Rich imagination. Born to write. These are a few of the words people use to describe Laurie Crookell.
Laurie has encountered many unique life experiences that have inspired her with deep insights into the power of the human spirit. A writer, speaker, and international published author, she holds a BA in Economics, and works as a math and literacy specialist for children with learning differences.
Laurie also owns a freelance writing business, Where Words Are Art, for copywriting, articles and blogs. Passionate about writing and the emotive power of words, she has had her writing recognized in several writing competitions. Her essay, “Learning, Upside Down” won the 2010 Human Potential Nonfiction Writing Contest through InHouse Press, and was published along with a second essay entitled, “Different Shades of Perfect”.
Laurie was recently awarded 1st Place in the 2014 Surrey International Writers' Conference Writing Contest, Writing For Young People category for her story, "The Final Goal"; along with a short-list in the Storyteller's category for "Borders in the Sand". She's been a finalist in the Writers’ Union of Canada Writing for Children Competition with her picture books, “Aaron’s Salmon” and “Frieda’s Frogs”. Two of her children’s stories, “Saving the Seahorses” and “Jennifer’s Got Pizzazz” were also short-listed in the 2013 Surrey International Writing Contest, Writing for Young People Category.
She also contributes to The Londoner on behalf of Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.