Laura Monagan

Laura Monagan is a writer, educator, and lifelong adventurer who believes in the power of story to illuminate courage, connection, and the surprising places we find home.

Her memoir, A Strange Place Called Home: My Walk Across America on the Great Peace March, chronicles her journey on foot across the United States—a transformative experience that set the tone for the rest of her writing life. She is also the author of two novels: The Unaccompanied Tour, a mother-daughter reunion story unfolding in the shadow of a nuclear holocaust, and Blues for the Unsung Queen, a richly imagined historical novel that brings Queen Dido of Carthage to life.

The spark for Blues for the Unsung Queen ignited while Laura was living in Tunisia, not far from the ancient ruins of Carthage. Her storytelling draws from her deep interest in history, a subject she taught for many years to 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. Her experience in the classroom continues to shape her voice, especially in her latest novel, which is written with young adolescent readers in mind.

Laura’s work is deeply influenced by stories of real-life adventure and resilience and by figures who exemplify courage and vision—heroes like Amelia Earhart and Václav Havel. Whether writing about the ancient world or working toward a better future, she is drawn to characters who dare to defy limits and explore the unknown.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys exploring art and music, interacting with the natural world, and encouraging others to share personal stories that inspire humor, bold thinking, and open hearts.