Teaching certificates in Music Theatre ESL Special Education Generalist Studies
Laura Roodenburg,
Best-Selling Author
I’m a native Texan who grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. When I was younger, I was pretty active in the performing arts, so much of what I wrote then were plays, songs, and sketches. My professional background is in Music Education, and though I taught for sixteen years, that passion for writing was never far from my heart.
My husband, Ryan, pushed for my return to storytelling. We have a blended family that includes two sons and a Yorkie. They, along with the support of my friends and colleagues, have been essential to bringing my dreams of transitioning from “indie author” to just “author” to fruition.
Outside of writing, she enjoys baking, attending classic rock concerts, and performing within the vibrant DFW theatre community.
Behind the Pages
Inspiration in Every Word Discovering the Book's Orgin
About 'A Better Man'...
At first glance, you see a Western or Historical Fiction, but at its core, A Better Man is about redemption, identity, and the struggle to make moral choices in a world that often blurs the lines between right and wrong. This book may be set in the late 1800s, but I believe those are all themes anyone can relate to in current times. And it’s a love story, too. Not just romantic love but brotherly love and self-love, which the world needs now more than anything.
What inspires you to write?
I’m most drawn to epic stories rich in detail and lore, so history is a great place to find such inspiration. Since we can’t time travel, I try to paint readers a picture with each story, almost cinematically, no matter the setting. I want readers to immerse themselves in these worlds so that they might invest in the characters and what’s at stake. Video games like Red Dead Redemption II, The Last of Us, and Fallout do this well, which keeps players coming back for more. That’s what I want for my stories. Beyond the entertainment value, my ultimate goal is to relate a positive message in my writing, so that’s where I’ll draw from my faith, relationships, and personal experiences.
What future projects do you currently have in the works?
There are several, haha! I believe the best writers can do a little bit of everything, so I’m challenging myself to explore alternate genres and writing styles.
- The audiobook for A Better Man is still underway. Yes, it’s part of a trilogy, and readers will soon get the second installment, A Family Man.
- There’s a short story, The Honeypot, a cautionary tale about a guy who goes on a date with the Devil.
- I’m most excited about Feels Like the First Time. This novel differs from anything I’ve written, focusing on a Gen Z and Boomer who are transported back to the 1970s Laurel Canyon music scene. That’s my favorite genre of music, so I’m having a lot of fun with this project.
One day I will find the words, and they will be simple.
June 25th, 2024
E. 1000 - Ezekiel 10-15 "Wake Up In The Word" #OnlineBibleStudy
“1000th episode “CELEBRATION SHOW” with Gens Johnson, Brad Keeling, Pastor Alan Wallace, Coach Paul Ybarra, Laura Roodnenburg, Diane Cassel and Jamie Bartley as they discuss Ezekiel chapters 10-15.
September 23rd, 2023
Laura Merchant, Author of A Better Man | The Jeff Crilley Show
“I really admire people who are writing about other people’s lives and creating characters. Our next guest, Laura Merchant, did just that and is the author of A Better Man.”
September 10th, 2023
Author Laura Merchant on the MichaelD.Tv Show on Her Book
“Author Laura Merchant on the MichaelD.Tv Show on Her New Book A BETTER MAN Novel Beyond Publishing, you are going to love meeting her she is from North Texas, she has an amazing story.”
June 25th, 2024
E. 1000 - Ezekiel 10-15 "Wake Up In The Word" #OnlineBibleStudy
“1000th episode “CELEBRATION SHOW” with Gens Johnson, Brad Keeling, Pastor Alan Wallace, Coach Paul Ybarra, Laura Roodnenburg, Diane Cassel and Jamie Bartley as they discuss Ezekiel.”
September 23rd, 2023
Laura Merchant, Author of A Better Man | The Jeff Crilley Show
“I really admire people who are writing about other people’s lives and creating characters. Our next guest, Laura Merchant, did just that and is the author of A Better Man.”
September 10th, 2023
Author Laura Merchant on the MichaelD.Tv Show on Her Book
“Author Laura Merchant on the MichaelD.Tv Show on Her New Book A BETTER MAN Novel Beyond Publishing, you are going to love meeting her she is from North Texas, she has an amazing story.”
Laura Roodenburg
For inquiries regarding podcast appearances, or for any other matters please contact Laura at [email protected]
One day I will find the words, and they will be simple.
© 2024 Laura Roodenburg | All rights reserved