By Jennifer Retter
Laura Eckroat doesn't shy away from writing what's in her heart. The teacher-turned-author loves nature, children and her new dog, Muffin.
Why did you choose to write children's literature? I really like to connect with children. I was a kindergarten teacher, and I love children's books myself. I find them fascinating, and I think that it's very easy for me to tell kids" stories.
Which morals or lessons do you try to get across in your work? In my first book, The Life of Bud, it was about how we all change through our life. My second book, A Simpler Time, was about a mother and daughter just enjoying the outdoors and doing things that kids don't get to do anymore: collecting fireflies, looking up at the clouds. … My new book is about my rescue dog, Muffin, so I'm trying to get the word out about how important it is to look at rescue dogs as an option. We got her when she was really sick, and we brought her back to health.
Where is your favorite place to write in Fort Worth? I love sitting outside. At the Fort Worth Nature Center, I sit out at the marsh in the early morning. That's a great place to sit out and write.
