Meet Laurel McHargue | Author, challenge seeker, vivid dreamer, optimist, dark Muse conduit, fantasy lover, podcast host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laurel McHargue and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Laurel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Ever since I was old enough to remember my wild and colorful dreams, I’ve told stories. I love the thrill of that smile, that raised eyebrow, that tilt of head telling me my tale is engaging.
After pursuing three semesters of literature and art at Smith College in Massachusetts (my home state), I desired bigger, broader challenges. The United States Military Academy at West Point offered more experiences than I could have imagined. Upon graduation, my thirteen years as an Army Officer continued to provide story fodder, as did my years of teaching in the public school system after my children were older.
“When are you going to write a book about it?” My friend since kindergarten pestered me constantly about writing any number of books. Finally, when my mother handed me a shoebox filled with letters my father wrote to his family while deployed with the Army during WWII, I knew the time had come.
Although I haven’t yet finished the book inspired by Dad’s letters, once I stopped working for pay, I committed myself to writing stories about life, real and imagined.
As my list of published works continues to grow, I’m excited about the stories I have yet to write. Each genre presents unique challenges for an author. Challenges are fun. I’m an author who thrives on fun challenges, so I’ll be writing in as many different genres as I’m inspired to for the rest of my life.
And as long as I can make one person smile, laugh, cry, or cringe while reading my work, I’ll know I should keep writing.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I say “Bah, humbug” to the people who tell me I have to fit my writing into a consistent brand. I suppose I could say my consistent brand is change. While some find change to be scary and a thing to avoid, I find change to be the spark that inspires knowledge, awareness, and growth.
My first novel–“Miss?”–is based on my first year as a 7th grade language arts teacher in a school that was shut down at the end of that year (I didn’t break it). It took me seven years to pull out my notebook of daily bullet points from that stressful year, and another year to create the novel based on my notes, but it was a labor of love that helped me believe I could do more.
Since that first (loosely fictionalized) novel, I’ve written several more, all inspired by people and dreams and the magical atmosphere surrounding me in Colorado. I’ve learned that although people say I write well, I know I can always improve. Writing communities, workshops, contests, conferences, and critique groups have helped me improve my craft.
I’ve also learned that creatives must have tough skins. Once a work is published, it belongs to consumers, and some consumers will never be completely satisfied. One negative review can invalidate twenty glowing ones if an artist/author allows it to, so don’t.
My story (and stories) will continue to evolve as I experience new things and challenge myself. There are worlds and genres I’ve yet to explore!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Colorado abounds with exciting places to explore! For a week-long visit, my friends would have a hard time deciding how to fit in all the best places. Here’s a little itinerary I’d suggest:
Day 1: Walk around the artistic town of Salida and find gifts for upcoming birthdays and holidays. For lunch, eat at Amica’s or Moonlight Pizza, and then walk along the crystal clear Arkansas River which runs through town. That night, count the stars while soaking in the Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Sleep well.
Day 2: Drive to Bishop Castle and explore the wonder created by one man. Dare yourself to venture onto the catwalk off the highest tower. Then continue down the road to Great Sand Dunes National Park. See if you can climb the highest one, nearly 700 feet high. Eat ice cream for dinner, lots of it, and sleep well.
Day 3: Go to Buena Vista and check out the shops there after walking along the river trails. If you’re up for it, hike the Midland Trail to the top and gasp at the surrounding mountain views. Have another soak in Cottonwood Hot Springs to prepare for another good night’s sleep.
Day 4: Drive to Saint Elmo and feed the chipmunks, who will expect you to have bags of seeds for them! Take lots of selfies in front of ancient town buildings and the waterfalls you’ll pass on the way there. Maybe work on a puzzle back at the house before sleeping well.
Day 5: Drive to Leadville and visit the Fish Hatchery. There’s a lovely mile-long nature trail there with running water and lakes and wildlife. Have lunch at the Silver Llama and dinner at Treeline. Maybe rent a bike and cycle the 11’ish miles around the Mineral Belt. Visit the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. If you still can breathe (Leadville sits at over 10,ooo’ elevation), drive out to Turquoise Lake to watch the sun set. Sleep well.
Day 6: Go back to Buena Vista and test yourself on the High Ropes Course. Follow your success with a rafting trip down the Arkansas. By this point, you should be thoroughly exhausted, unless you decide to fit in a 90-minute horseback ride at Mount Princeton stables on the way back to Salida. Sleep like the dead.
Day 7: Tell Laurel, “Please! No More!” when she suggests you’re ready to climb a 14’er. Decide, instead, to play with her dog and do your laundry before packing up to go home tomorrow. Well, maybe do the Zip line . . .
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
How do I credit thee? Let me count the ways!
My parents and sisters, who endured being my first audience whenever I woke from a technicolor dream I had to share.
Marilyn Hintsa, my friends since kindergarten, who pestered me for years to write my stories.
COL (Ret) Pat C. Hoy, my mentor at West Point, who believed in my writing.
And, of course, my husband of over 40 years, Mike, who encourages me to keep writing despite the fact that I’m not famous . . . yet!
Website: https://leadvillelaurel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurelmchargueauthor/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-mchargue-6085a730/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadvilleLaurel/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurelMcHargue/videos
Image Credits
All images taken with my personal phone