Laura Laing reached out and introduced herself to me in a friendly and professional manner. She mentioned the name of a well-respected mutual friend and asked if she could participate in the giveaway. Once I assessed that her book fit the specs of the giveaway, I was happy to include her. She is a total pro and I am always happy to give a total pro a leg up. I hope Laura does become known as “The Math Writer.” Let’s all help her fulfill that wish. Please welcome Laura!
About Laura Laing
When people learn that Laura Laing has a degree in mathematics, it’s always the same reaction: Widening eyes change to a puzzled look and then, “But aren’t you a writer?” Laura contends that writing great non-fiction is not much different from proving a(b + c) = ab + ac, except she gets to use words that are a whole lot more fun.
Specializing in complex ideas and controversial stories, she’s written about the oldest gay bar in Baltimore, the very unique management structure of W.L Gore & Associates (home of GoreTex), and sustainability programs on Army bases. Her byline has appeared in Parade, Pregnancy, Parents and Southwest Airline’s Spirit. Her corporate and non-profit clients have included Kennedy Krieger Institute, Association of University Centers for Disabilities and Busch Gardens. Laura also writes test items and lessons for a variety of educational resources companies.
About Math For Grownups
Ever wish you’d paid more attention in math class? From third grade to senior year of high school, it went in one ear and out the other, didn’t it?
But now you’re staring at the new washer and dryer, trying to figure out the percentage of sales tax on the purchase price. You multiply something by something, right? Or you’re scratching your head, wondering how to compute the odds that your football team will take next Sunday’s game. You’re pretty sure that involved ratios. The problem is, you can’t quite remember.
Here you get an adult refresher and real-life context–with examples ranging from how to figure out how many shingles it takes to re-roof the garage to the formula for resizing Mom’s tomato sauce recipe for your entire family.
Forget higher calculus–you just need an open mind. And with this practical guide, math can stop being scary and start being useful.
The Very Short Interview
When did you know for sure that you were a writer and that writing would be a major energy focus in your life?
Most folks had a math teacher who discouraged them; I had an English teacher. My senior year of high school, Mrs. Moore told me that I would never be a writer. But after getting a degree in math and teaching high school, I finally circled back around to writing, starting with marketing and public relations and then moving to journalism and copywriting. It’s only been in the last 10 years that I’ve really embraced writing as a way of life for me.
Who has always been behind your writing career and who helped pull you up the ladder of success?
My circle of freelance writer friends are so important to me. They push me to do more and be more, and they let me know when my expectations are way too high. They’ve taught me how to make money, stay focused and keep my passion.
What is the most frequent comment you hear about your book (or books) from readers? Tell us a little story about the response to your work.
“Oh, I need that book! I can’t do math at all!” My job is to convince them that indeed they can — and have to. (I always say that math doesn’t have to be your BFF, but you can get along in public.) Mostly, people are confused. They don’t understand why a writer would be interested in math, because most folks believe in the false dichotomy of math and language. But I’ve managed to chip away at some of this. At the American Society for Journalists and Authors conference last month, I spoke on two panels and mentioned my book whenever I possibly could. And at least three times a day, someone would stop me and say, “You’re the Math Lady!” Maybe one day, I’ll be known as the Math Writer.
And Now, Your Turn
Now it’s your turn. You remember how this works right?
I ask you a question. You answer in the comments for your chance to win a book each day.
Please just respond once, even if you make a typo. 
Answer in the comments in 50-200 words (no less and no more to qualify to win one of today’s books). Please read the complete rules at least once!
Thanks for participating in the Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway! I hope to see you here every day this month. Bring your friends!
Here’s some good math for grownup writers: at what point in your writing career will you begin to be profitable from your writing? At what point in your writing career do you hope to make significant money?
Ready, set, comment!
