Laura Munson

A writer for over 20 years, Laura Munson is the author of The New York Times and international best-selling memoir This Is Not the Story You Think It Is: A Season of Unlikely Happiness. Passionate about "finding the intersection of heart and mind and craft on the page," Munson shares a story that explores marital crisis and imparts a message of empowerment, the importance of living in the present, and the necessity of claiming responsibility for one's own happiness—no matter what is going on in life.

It all began when Munson penned an essay, "Those Aren't Fighting Words, Dear," for the "Modern Love" column of The New York Times in 2009. Stunned by the firestorm reaction she received—inclusive of crashing The New York Times website comments section—Munson emerged as the face behind an essay that ignited dinner talk, office chat, and book groups around the globe. A short version of a memoir she had written during a rough time in her marriage, the essay touched people with its powerful honesty. And they wanted more. After having written for two decades, having completed 14 novels, and having endured countless rejections, Munson had a book deal within 48 hours.

Her book has been published in nine countries and her message is so universal it can be tailor made to fit the context of your group. She has spoken at women's conferences, author series, universities and schools, writing conferences and workshops, hospital benefits, YMCAs, JCCs, libraries, and social clubs. Munson's work has appeared in The New York Times “Modern Love” column, The New York Times Magazine "Lives" column, O, The Oprah Magazine, Woman’s Day, The Sun, and Big Sky Journal, as well as many other media outlets. She has been on two national book tours with appearances on Good Morning America, The Early Show, WGN Chicago, Australia’s Sunrise, and London’s This Morning, as well as hundreds of national and international radio appearances including multiple NPR interviews and Dr. Christiane Northrup's "Hayhouse Radio" program.

Laura Munson's central goal is in helping people see how their life isn't working and getting it to work. She delivers her passion for empowerment and transformation, especially in times of crisis, in a raw and real way that transcends age, gender, social groups, religions, and cultures. Her message is clear: we do not need to be emotional victims. Happiness is a choice. In her speaking engagements, she discusses in its practical application how to get outside of "victim thinking" and move into emotional freedom.