LAUREL JEAN BECKER
Following a widely varied life path that included, at different times, being a full-time homemaker, working as an office manager, starting a new business from scratch with record sales in its first year, serving on a Mission Board for International Needs, and mentoring at-risk school children, Laurel is also an author. She studied English literature at the University of Arizona, and creative writing at Metro State College of Denver, and has been a guest lecturer at Metro State.
Some highlights of her published works include: author, In the Heart of a Quiet Garden, Finishing Line Press, Kentucky; contributing author, Anthing Prose…and Poetry too!, Anassa Publications LLC, Denver,CO; contributing author, Poetry on Track, Columbie Poets of Colorado, Green Fuse Poetic Arts, Loveland, CO; contributing author, Women’s Voices of the 21st Century: Experiences that Shape Women, NLAPW, Argian Press, New York; contributing author, Believing in the Impossible (published by the Colorado Author’s League); articles in publications for the Arthritis Foundation, Hermando Medic (Florida Medical Society), M.S. Society, and Lutheran publications; essays in Authorship Magazine (National Writer’s Association); poetry in multiple literary magazines, children’s magazines, inspirational and professional writers’ magazines; short stories in New England Writer’s Network; and an 18-chapter children’s book for Weaver Pond Stories.
Among Laurel’s many accomplishments are numerous awards: the Storyteller People’s Choice Award; Society of Southwest Authors– Short Story and 1st Place Poetry; Poetry Society of Colorado– 1st Place and Sweepstakes Award; National Writer’s Association– 4th Place Nationally and 1st Place Colorado.
Laurel is a member of the Denver Women’s Press Club; President of the Poetry Society of Colorado (2012-2014); member of the Colorado Authors’ League; and former member and Treasurer (2004-2005) of the Denver Chapter, National Writers Association. Her other interests include reading, crafts, swimming, cooking, and travel.