Laura was born at a very early age and never looked back. She overcame childhood deficiencies of having been born without teeth and unable to walk, and in time she became a behavior analyst, an internationally-recognized animal trainer, a costumer/cosplayer, a chocolate addict, and of course a writer. Now she is an award-winning author of speculative fiction and non-fiction.
Her works have earned numerous accolades, including 3-star (the highest possible) ratings on Tangent‘s “Recommended Reading” list and several Realm Awards for both long and short form fiction, as well as a Pushcart Prize nomination (twice) and a SPFBO semi-finalist spot. She admits a mental turning point in her career when she realized she could buy that sexy red Tesla with book royalties!
Laura owns Canines In Action, Inc. where she particularly enjoys working with crazy, over-the-top dogs and arousal/aggression cases. She is also a faculty member of the highly-regarded Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior and is certified in TAGteach for human behavior. She blogs about behavior, too. Laura speaks professionally on a variety of topics throughout the year, sessions often filling months in advance.
As a fan costumer, Laura is a member of “…And Sewing Is Half the Battle!”, a popular cosplay group active primarily in the Midwest. Laura not only plays characters from sources as varied as video games, Takarazuka productions (Japanese all-female Broadway-style stage shows), Hollywood film, and popular novels, she also teaches workshops on costuming techniques and related topics such as literary influence and history.
Laura has been writing for fun and profit since elementary school, and she credits this hobby with keeping her off the streets and out of worse trouble.
Where to Find Laura
Facebook (Laura VanArendonk Baugh, author)
Facebook (Canines In Action, for training & behavior)
Twitter: @Laura_VAB (personal & fiction)
Instagram: LauraVanArendonkBaugh
Tumblr: Laura VanArendonk Baugh, author
Fun Fact
Laura has a two-inch scar from a fencing duel.
