About

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been reading. If you’ve landed on this page, you might be a little like me: passionate about books. To this day, I’m usually reading about three books at a time. But it took a while for me to translate my love of reading into a belief that I could write a novel. I had a whole, wonderful career in counseling undergrads on what they wanted to be when they grew up. It was inspiring to talk with students about their passions and plans and fulfilling to feel that I was helping them achieve their goals. Eventually, I realized that while coaching students to follow their dreams, I hadn’t been listening to my own advice. When I finally started writing, there was no turning back. I found an absolute love of writing novels geared toward teens. This passion led to a MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When I'm not writing, counseling or drinking impossibly strong coffee, you can find me running miles around my home in Philadelphia, walking my dog or ingesting pop culture (along with great take-out) with my family. I am represented by Brianne Johnson of Writers House. My debut young adult novel, The Art of Breaking Things came out in 2019 and my second young adult novel, Edie In Between will come out in the summer of 2021.

Short Bio

After a career in undergraduate counseling, Laura Sibson pursued an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When she’s not writing in a local coffee shop, you can find her running the neighborhood streets or hiking with her dog. She lives in Philadelphia with family. Laura is available for school visits, book clubs, workshops and conferences. She can speak on the process of writing and publishing to audiences from middle school into adulthood. With her background in one-on-one counseling, giving presentations and facilitating both panels and writing groups, Laura brings both warmth and professionalism to all of her endeavors.

Q & A

What first sparked your interest in writing—and in writing specifically for teens?
In my junior year of high school, we wrote short stories. Working on a story about an obedient rule-follower who shoplifts was the moment that I realized that I could craft stories myself. I’d been a certified bookworm since I was a young child, but it hadn’t occurred to me that maybe I could write. Fast forward to 2008 and I’d been working on a story that my critique partner observed had flashbacks upon flashbacks. I read Twilight (because let’s be honest, who didn’t read Twilight in 2008?) and it hit me: I could make my main character a teen?! From then, I’ve never looked back. I love writing for teens and exploring that particular adolescent tension of beginning to understand yourself as separate from your family, but not yet possessing the real power of an adult in the world.

What are your must-haves when you sit down to write?
I’ve conditioned myself to require a hot cup of coffee – or a latte -- when I sit down to write. For reasons I cannot explain, earbuds help me focus. So, when I’m drafting a new project, I’ll get my coffee, put my earbuds in (even if there’s great music playing at the coffee shop) and sink into the writing. I’ve found that it can also help me to set a timer. (A tip I learned from Sarah Aronson). I can get a lot of scenes written in back-to-back 25-minute increments! But when I’m revising, all I need is time, my laptop and a big space lay out the plot points and emotional beats of my novel.

Can you share a good piece of writing advice you’ve received?
Neil Gaiman once said, “Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.” What I like about this quote is the reminder that readers are invaluable in helping us understand how our writing is landing, but that we are the best source of solutions for issues that come up. Of course, it’s helpful to brainstorm with trusted people and consider different angles for your story. But when it’s time to dive in deep with revision, it’s you, the writer, who needs to figure out the best way to implement changes to your novel.

What would you say to someone who is considering an MFA to further their writing career? 
If you are considering whether or not to pursue an MFA, I would tell you what Lauren Myracle said to me when I asked her about attending Vermont College of Fine Arts: The MFA will not guarantee that you will get an agent and a book deal, but it is the most efficient way to improve your writing. And you’ll build a writing community along the way.

VCFA changed my life. I met people there who are still my first readers today and they are also good friends. I learned how accept criticism and how to revise. I learned how to produce a lot of words in a short period of time. But you don’t need the MFA to further your writing career. If you want to complete a novel, you need to write on as regular a basis as your life allows. The muse shows up because you show up. The more you write, the easier it is to keep the font open. Also, read widely and a lot. Build a writing community that includes beta readers who will be kind, but honest. And do not give up.

Praise