About Me

Yup, that me as a kid. Yes, I probably needed a haircut.

My name is John Laurel Nelson and I am, among other things, an author. In real life I go by John, but I’ve decided to use J Laurel Nelson for my fiction works. Laurel was my grandfather’s name and, as I kid, it embarrassed me. As an adult with the name John Nelson, I find some simple pleasure in having one uncommon name.

I grew up in the Philippines as a missionary kid, and loved almost every minute of it. Hermit crabs at the beach, Magnolia Mango Ice Cream, rambutan, sampalok candy, supper from street vendors, riding my bike to the sari sari store, playing basketball with the neighborhood kids, Kasadya Ning Taknaa… Since moving back to the USA, I’ve successfully blended into midwest culture, but it was an experience that deeply shaped my identity and probably shows up in ways I don’t recognize.

My kids love stories and their persistent requests have pushed me to imagine different worlds, better characters, and more interesting plots. My favorite stories usually have an unusual world or situation, at least one character that I can’t help rooting for, and some adventure along the way. I try to incorporate those elements in my stories. Thanks for visiting my page!