Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree, she taught second grade for two years then accepted an invitation to travel internationally for a year with a singing ensemble. In1975, she returned to teaching and married her childhood sweetheart. They’ve raised two lovely daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying their own families. Retired since 2003 after 31 years of teaching, “Shar” loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family, in particular her wonderful, adorable grandchildren.sharlenecaclaren.com

Sharlene's Readings:

· Dear Mr. Griffin – 9:30

· Calm Down! – 25:10

· Vandalism at the Church – 39:56

Michael’s Beer Pairings:

· Sapporo Black Beer, Sapporo Breweries Ltd. (paired to Dear Mr. Griffin) – 6:49

· Hitachino Nest White Ale, Kiuchi Brewery (paired to Calm Down!) – 22:20

· Graffiti IPA, Dry County Brewing Company (paired to Vandalism at the Church) – 38:18

Interview Highlights:

· Can secrets ever really be kept? – 15:46

· The decision never to write historical fiction--how did it go! – 17:40

· From passing stories in high school to writing professionally. – 19:27

· Differing experiences with anti-Japanese prejudice after WWII – 30:39

· International singing tour! – 36:22

· Do we step down for all our mistakes? – 44:30

COMING NEXT MONTH: Margaret J. Anderson author of children's novels, the time travel that inspired Laura's own books, and non-fiction about bugs

UPCOMING EVENTS:

· Gabriel's Horn is accepting submissions for its anthology NEW THEME: MUSIC

· Laura will be selling her books AND chicken eggs (some so big the cartons can't shut) at Hoops Brewing for the first four Saturdays of April.

· Laura will be giving a Pub Talk at the Kitchi-Gammi Club in Duluth

Our theme music is from www.bensound.com.