I am an author with a penchant for quirky characters, creepy settings, and lots of humor. I've dabbled in playwriting and screenwriting, but my true passion is for middle-grade fiction. My debut novel, Peril at Price Manor, released in August 2023 with HarperCollins.

It all began…

In third grade I got my first writing prompt: "Trace your hand and write a story about The Adventures on Five Finger Island." My imagination went wild. I created a world of treasure hunts, booby traps, pirate ghosts, and a bunch of hilarious friends. My author journey had begun.

That same year, I spotted my first typo in a published book. How could this have happened? I diligently brought it to the attention of my teacher. Alas, there was nothing she could do! Typos have been haunting me ever since!

My journey continued when I received my BA in creative writing and literature from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Shortly thereafter, I got a job in medical publishing. Nowadays I continue my quest to slay typos throughout the universe as a freelance fiction copyeditor. You can learn more about my editing services here.

My first published short story, “Mrs. Claiborne’s Ghost,” appeared in the Halloween 2020 issue of Parhelion Literary Magazine. I am a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, and I serve as Co-Regional Advisor for the Eastern Pennsylvania region of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. 

Here’s a short Bio for professional purposes:

Laura Parnum is the author of the middle grade novel Peril at Price Manor. She writes stories that blend humor and heart with a touch of horror. When she’s not writing, she’s editing other people’s stories and helping out at the local elementary school library. She currently serves as Co-Regional Advisor for the Eastern Pennsylvania region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Laura lives with her family in Philadelphia. They have a turtle that bites and a snake that doesn’t.