With a passion for writing and creating stories since she was a child, New Canaan resident Laura Wiltse Prior always dreamed of becoming a published author. Prior’s first book, Emma Just Medium: The Beach Dilemma, touched on the dynamics that occur in a family of five and what it means to be a middle child. While Prior didn’t set out to create a story with a family so similar to her own, she and her husband also have three children and are no strangers to the inner workings of sibling relationships and birth order. Her second book in the series, The Friend Dilemma, released last month, focuses on how friendships can change and evolve over time. Both of Prior’s books use entertaining and realistic scenarios to illustrate challenges in relationships that both children and adults can relate to.
GETTING STARTED
Prior started her career working on the advertising side of publishing but, while she loved it, she always knew she wanted to be on the other side of the process. She credits her writer father and therapist mother for her interest in becoming a children’s book author, using her creative talents to write books with emotionally focused themes. “In a way, I sort of combined their careers,” says Prior. “I definitely got the writing itch from watching my dad and I always loved to read.”
Once her youngest child went to kindergarten, Prior felt it was time to shift her focus. “When I first started, I felt that I knew how to write a good short story, but I didn’t know much about writing children’s books,” says Prior. She attended classes about how to write and publish books at Westport Writers Workshop. Soon after, she started telling people she was writing a book. “Once I said it out loud, I had accountability,” she remembers. “That’s what got me moving along.”
FINDING INSPIRATION
While all authors struggle with creativity at times, Prior finds it’s easiest to just dive in. “I start with a character and see where that takes me,” she says. “Some authors create outlines as their first step, but for me, I just have to start writing.” Prior also finds inspiration through a local group of female writers who call themselves the Breakfast Cookie Club Fiction. She credits the feedback and insight she receives from the group as an integral component of her success.
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE
After finalizing her original manuscript, Prior hopefully submitted it to agents and publishers while also preparing herself for rejection because, as she says, it’s “just the name of the game in this industry.” Early agent interest didn’t pan out and the publisher Red Chair Press said they liked the book but didn’t have space at that time, which Prior took as a gentle no and put the project on hold. ”Three years later I heard back from them asking if I still had the book,” she recalls. “In the meantime, I had continued to write as opposed to obsessing over getting published and it really worked out for the best— it came out of nowhere and was so exciting.”
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
Living in a close-knit community like New Canaan has so many perks and, for Prior, the encouragement and interest in her work has been immeasurable. “New Canaan has been so incredible and supportive,” she says. “Elm Street Books has hosted signings and sold books at events for me.” She has also collaborated with the New Canaan Library and elementary schools.
When asked what’s next, Prior shared that she just finished a third Emma Just Medium book and may eventually branch out. “I want to try my hand at something adult, maybe a thriller or a book for older kids and be able to experience something different,” she says.
Prior resides in town with her family, their dog Cody, Casper the cool gray cat and Wally the pudgy kitten, who all happily keep her company while she’s writing.
Both of Prior’s books in the Emma Just Medium series can be purchased at Elm Street Books in New Canaan and online.
To learn more about Prior, visit her website at laurawiltseprior.com and follow her on Instagram @laurawiltseprior.