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• A Native's Guide to Chicago's Western Suburbs



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Laura writes about her favorite Chicago area destinations and events in
Lake Magazine.

· Best of the Fests
A selection of don’t-miss art, music and theater events. (June 2006)

· Ghost of a Dance
Hudson Lake. A retro music venue finds new life. (Aug/Sept 2006)

· Play Ball
You’ll find major-league fun at minor-league ballparks. (Aug/Sept 2006)

        Laura is now offering editorial services for writers with completed manuscripts who are seeking in-depth analysis of their projects. She can provide line edits, developmental edits, and written page-by-page commentary of your project, including recommendations on how the work could be improved.

Here's what Laura's students have to say about her and her classes:

"She is very supportive of writers...I would like to see more writing classes, more often, particularly for people who work full time."

"This class stirred up my love of writing."

"She was organized and well-prepared, but more importantly, flexible and professional."

"Laura, thank you! I learned a lot and loved the assignments."

"Excellent coverage of topic...the class opens new dimensions of writing."

"She gives good feedback."

"The good exercises make you think."

"She listens attentively. She's a good editor. She's flexible and friendly."

"Laura really engaged the class; very informed and informative... This course was great. Laura does a terrific job."

"Toops is very well versed in her work and she gives out great ideas on improvement..The class was very fun!"

"A great course! Laura does a wonderful job with leading discussions and exercises."

"She is a motivating instructor who can help get people started on writing."

"The most valuable thing about this course was working with an experienced published writer."

        Laura hosted a February 2004 Winter Writing Intensive Weekend at Lakeside Inn in Michigan, which participants rated both productive and fun! Writers spent a lot of time talking about their projects – ranging from children's stories to murder mysteries – and getting ideas from each other. Along the way, we made time to socialize at area eateries and brainstorm around the fire at the cozy Inn (everyone was on the alert for the resident ghost!). The camaraderie really helped spark our creativity and kept the ideas flowing!


Dig Rob, the token male!

A Native's Guide to
Chicago's Western Suburbs
Laura Mazzuca Toops
& John Toops, Jr.
Lake Claremont Press
ISBN: 0-9642426-6-4
Softcover, $12.95

There's Life in the Suburbs!

        Whether you're a life-long resident, new in town, or just passing through, let A Native's Guide to Chicago's Western Suburbs be your personal tour guide of the best this region has to offer:

        Full of the fascinating sights, places, stories, and facts that sometimes even locals don't know about, A Native's Guide to Chicago's Western Suburbs equips you with everything you need to enjoy and navigate the suburbs like a true insider. From the American Movie Palace Museum to the Harley Davidson Mall, from Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces to the Sears Catalog homes, from Riverfest to Ribfest, the "Native's Guide" is your essential guide to Chicago's Western Suburbs.


Reviews:

"Quirky, humorous and well-researched...a neighborhood guide highlighting the unique, multidimensional character of each western suburb."

    — Pioneer Press, Oct. 6, 1999


"The area shines in the book...chronicles interesting facts, including history, entertainment and shopping guides, sightseeing possibilities."

    — Life Newspapers, Sept. 12, 1999


"They (the authors) say the western burbs are more exciting than you'd think, and to prove it they spent nine months exploring unusual shops, museums, and other points of interest."

    — Chicago Reader, Oct. 29, 1999


"With humor and reverence, the authors provide suburb-by-suburb overviews of about 40 neighborhoods, highlighting their unique features, histories, and quirks...This is a guide for everyone -lifers and visitors alike-filled with little-known facts and tips from true insiders. It's the source to turn to when you're looking for a Sunday afternoon day-trip, or when you're hankering for food from someplace other than a chain restaurant."

    — Clairmarie Szopa, About.com

        Laura has specialized in business reporting in 1986, when she began working at  Crain Communications'  Business Insurance  magazine.  Since then,  she has developed an expertise in writing about all facets of the insurance industry. Her published credentials include Best Review, Rough Notes, Independent Agent, and other trade magazines. Some of her freelance clients include  The Hartford,  Arthur J. Gallagher,  and Zurich-America. She has previously written for Independent Agent and Rough Notes.

Email Laura