Haunted by Stories: Laura Buchwald on Writing, Ghosts, and Grief

“Writing is a solitary endeavor, but creating community can transform the experience—it reminds us we're not alone in our stories.” — Laura Buchwald

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike pops the cork on Laura Buchwald, a New York City-based author, editor, and podcast co-host. Laura discusses her debut novel The Coat Check Girl, a ghostly yet heartwarming tale of loss, found family, and self-discovery set in 1999 New York and New Orleans. She opens up about her lifelong connection to writing, her experiences with grief and spiritual awareness, and her commitment to building community among writers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone drawn to the intersection of creativity and the human experience.

On Writing and Inspiration: Laura shares how The Coat Check Girl was inspired by the vibrant restaurant culture of New York and her own uncanny sensitivity to haunted spaces. The Role of Grief: Laura discusses how grief shaped her protagonist’s journey and how it deepened her empathy and understanding of others. The Path to Publishing: Hear Laura’s honest account of querying agents, facing rejections, and finding the right home for her novel in the competitive world of publishing. Writing as a Discipline: Laura reflects on the shift from writing for pleasure to writing on a deadline and the lessons learned in meeting those demands. The Power of Writing Communities: Learn why attending writing conferences and connecting with other authors has been vital to Laura’s growth as a writer. The Magic of Stories: Laura describes how characters sometimes “haunt” her, pushing her to bring their stories to life—a sentiment any storyteller can relate to. Advice for Aspiring Writers: Laura offers encouragement for those on their own writing journeys: “Start now, believe in your voice, and let your story evolve.”

Buy The Coat Check Girl