Laurie Williams Sowby has been writing since second grade and getting paid for it since high school. Her byline ("all three names, please") has appeared on more than 6,000 freelance articles published in newspapers, magazines, and online.

A graduate of BYU and a writing instructor at Utah Valley University for many years, she embraces all, having had her five children and their spouses all graduate from universities of various colors. The oldest of 18 grandchildren (so far) begins the cycle again this fall.

She and husband, Steve, have served three full-time missions together, beginning in 2005 as proselyting missionaries in Chile at the same time their youngest son was serving in Germany. The last two times, they've served in Washington, D.C. (South and North missions) as young adult Institute teachers. In D.C., they found it much easier to teach in English and enjoyed having heat in the winter.

During her years of missionary service, Laurie continued to write about significant Church events, including the rededication of the Santiago Temple by President Hinckley and the groundbreaking for the Philadelphia Temple by President Eyring. She also was a Church Service Missionary, working as a news editor at Church Magazines, between full-time missions.

Laurie has traveled to all 50 states and at least 45 countries (so far). Home is American Fork, Utah. She serves on the board of the Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra and loves good music, good books, and good chocolate.

Laurie currently hops between her ward Relief Society and the Primary, serving as pianist wherever she is needed.