Laura M. Baird's Blog, page 10

Winding down November

Are you in a post-Thanksgiving haze? That period where you wish you could take the next month off to simply unwind as you hopefully spend more holidays with family and friends? Me, too! ;)
For those who celebrated, I hope your Thanksgiving was all you wished it to be. I had a relaxing weekend with some family; hoping to spend time with family who couldn't make it.
As for author duties, I've been planing promo, cleaning up loose ends on small projects, and hoping a good writing flow finds its way to me.
Hope - it's a well-used word in my world, and I imagine in many others' as well.
So as November winds down and we embrace the final month of this year, here's hoping for wonderful days with little to no stress. *fingers crossed*
Be sure to take care of yourself by not feeling guilty for an extra moment of indulging in what makes you happy!
All my best!

Giving Thanks

Hey, readers!
As we approach Thanksgiving, it's a time most reflect on life and what we're thankful for... at least it is for me. I honestly make an effort to be thankful throughout the entire year, because if life has taught me anything, it's that it is a roller coaster. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.
Last month (personally) was a challenge, but it's gotten better and better, and I'm hopeful it'll continue.
I'm most thankful for my family, as we stick together no matter where the ride takes us.
I'm thankful for you - the readers - and my author community; those who encourage, motivate, and express their enjoyment of my work. What more could an author ask for? ;)
My writing lately hasn't come easy, so I'm trying to celebrate every little bit of progress I'm able to make. I won't force a story just to put out a story... so if my predictions for releases get pushed, know it's because I want to give readers (and myself) the best version!
That being said, I have managed to get a good flow going on a story that'll be featured in the Rock My World anthology, set for release in April 2023. Now you may say, wow, that's five months away! Yes, that's true, but the completed story is due mid-February, which means I have three months to write, edit, refine, and submit. And by d*mned, I aim to do it! :)
The antho is already up for preorder and listed here:
Rock My World
My story features Cheryl, a lounge singer introduced in my debut romance, Keyed Up. I now offer that as a free read, so if you've not read it, download it here:
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/shwyhqbtco

There are a few new book promotions, so if interested, see them all at my website:
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/con...

And finally, author Abbie Roads is hosting her annual Secret Santa Day event on Facebook, 12/2 & 3. Join her group and don't miss out on meeting authors as well as having a chance to win so many fabulous prizes!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Dange...

That's all for now. Wishing you all well!

Hello November!

Hi readers!
And so begins another month in this year that has simply flown by! The holidays are fast approaching and many feel it's the busiest time of the year. Certainly feels like it on my end. Plans were in place for writing deadlines, but those were blown out of the water due to 'life' issues.
Here's hoping I get back on track and life settles.

Not much new to report in the writing/releasing arena. Still awaiting edits and release dates for two novellas with Evernight Publishing. They're coming...
Progress has been steadily slow for a holiday romance, which I'm still hoping will be completed in time! Keep your fingers crossed for me. ;)

I'll share ALL the November book promotions, as there are many. Here's hoping you find great reads!

NNLight is hosting their Snuggle Up event
https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/sn...

Here's the direct link to the rafflecopter: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/dis...

Nov is for steamy lovers
https://books.bookfunnel.com/november...

Hot & Steamy reads
https://books.bookfunnel.com/hotandst...

New Releases
https://books.bookfunnel.com/november...

Romance Sale
https://books.bookfunnel.com/romance-...

Is it still summer sale
https://books.bookfunnel.com/isitstil...

Another Romance Sale promo
https://books.bookfunnel.com/romance-...

Fated Mates sales
https://books.bookfunnel.com/fated-ma...

And that'll do it for now.
Blessed Samhain and Happy November.

Happy *almost* Halloween!

Yes, I know Halloween is a week away, and if you're celebrating, hope it's tons of fun with plenty of treats!
I always enjoyed dressing up right along with my boys, taking then trick-or-treating or to parties. Only two or three times in my adult life have I donned a costume for a party. Might need to get back into that, as my oldest grandson is reaching that age of dressing up and enjoying the fun of the season.

This week there is fun to be had with two author parties on Facebook.
Thursday, 10/27 is the Halloween Mash with Writerspace. Be sure to register here:
https://www.writerspace.com/big-event...
You'll have the opportunity to win prizes! Then join us on FB for author engagement here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/52013...

The next party is Saturday, 10/29, in the Worth the Wait Seasoned Romance Readers group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/worth...
Over a dozen authors who write seasoned romances - those with characters in their 30s and beyond - will be giving readers the chance to win their books, swag, and more. Hope to "see" you there!

My writing has been sluggish, but I'm working through it. All I can say, is, life. We all deal with our issues, and sometimes we need to take a step back. While I won't abandon my story, it may take longer than anticipated.

Hopefully I'll have more news soon on the edits and release dates for my next two novellas with Evernight Publishing.
Their Alpha Male anthologies are up for preorder and the early reviews are fantastic! I'm anxious to read the stories myself.
Alpha Male
Alpha Male: Manlove Edition

Two previous anthologies I was honored to be a part of went on to become international best sellers!
Fun, sexy, snarky stories! ;)
Billion Dollar Love
Reluctant Bride

Until November, happy reading!

Quick update

Hi readers!
Just dropping a quick update... about my writing, reading, and another promotion.

A few weeks ago, I started a holiday romance I thought was on a good path. But the story line wasn't clicking. So I started again... and again. I'm on my third attempt and I think it's finally developing in a way that pleases me.
Even when we authors think we've got it mapped out, the course changes. Hopefully this one stays on track and I'll have a fun little witchy holiday romance out to you by (or before) year's end.

I've managed to get some leisurely reading in, and there's PLENTY to get to, but I want to make my writing a priority. Two newer releases I'm excited about are the Holiday Heart-On romance anthology along with a spicy monster romance, Sinister Desires.
Holiday Heart-On: A Steamy Romantic Comedy Anthology
Sinister Desires

Here's another book promotion for you to check out, where you have the chance to win a $400- Amazon gift card. Woo hoo!
https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/a...

For more book promotions, see my previous blog post or head to the contests and more page at my website.
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/con...

Happy reading!

Hello October

Just a quick THANK YOU to all who grabbed their copy of Destined Dragon! And wrote reviews! It makes my heart happy to see readers enjoying my stories.

And if haven't yet got your copy - what's stopping you? ;)
You'll love and laugh with this snarky, sexy, fated mates romance set in Vegas.
Destined Dragon

BIG NEWS ~ Evernight Publishing is celebrating their 12 year anniversary and readers have a chance to win a $100- Amazon GC!
Enter between now and 10/15 - good luck!
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/dis...

Happy reading!
xo

Book Promotions

Hi lovely readers!
Hope the start of October is treating you well.
If you're looking for books to add to your TBR, here are this month's promotions.
Enjoy!

Shades of Love
https://books.bookfunnel.com/shadesof...
*
Age gap romance
https://books.bookfunnel.com/agegaplo...
*
Christmas reads anytime
https://books.bookfunnel.com/christma...
*
Shades of seduction
https://books.bookfunnel.com/shadesof...
*
Romance sale promo
https://books.bookfunnel.com/romance-...

Writing updates... and a preorder!

Heya, readers!
Hope your final weekend of summer in the Northern hemisphere was terrific before we transition into autumn. And those in the Southern hemisphere must be celebrating the coming of spring. No matter where you're at, make the most of your days.
I finally spent time with my grand babies and of course thoroughly enjoyed! They grow so quickly, but I love seeing their awareness of the world develop.

In author news, Destined Dragon is less then two weeks away from release, and it's ready for pre-order at digital retailers. I can't wait for readers to love the spark between dragon shifter, Raibert, and game designer, Layla. Hope you'll check it out. And if you do, of course I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Destined Dragon

I'm also anticipating edits and release dates for two more upcoming releases with Evernight Publishing. Love on the Catwalk and Love on the Plaza are fun and sexy novellas featuring secondary characters, Kayli and Jen, from Love on the Line. So much fun was had writing these!
Love on the Line

What am I working on next? Well, I've got ideas for a holiday romance I hope to have out by the end of the year. It features Sapphire, the witch and painter extraordinaire I introduced in Vintage.
Vintage
I'll also be working on a story for the Rock My World anthology releasing next year.
Rock My World
This will feature Cheryl, the lounge singer from Keyed Up, which I now offer as a free story to my readers.
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/shwyhqbtco

As you can see, plenty in the works!
Until next time, I'm going to enjoy the start of autumn here in the US as the days cool down while the sun still graces us with its presence.
My best!

Have you been to a Writers' Conference?

This past weekend I attended my first writers' conference in four years! It was wonderful to not only attend classes to gain more knowledge and listen to a marvelous speaker by the name of Jeff Wheeler (a fantasy writer whose topics applied to ANY writer), but the best part was simply being in the company of others. It was great to meet-up with an author friend as well as meet new people.

After the restrictions due to The Virus That Shall Not Be Named - simply because I'm tired of talking about it ;) it's a tremendous boost to my spirit to go to events.
Often, these conferences also welcome readers because authors love meeting you - the reader! It's a time to engage, and - I won't lie - a time for us authors to get our work/books in front of you.

There are several events I'd love to attend, such as Book Lovers Con, and especially Book Bonanza, put on by Colleen Hoover. Hopefully my budget and credibility will allow that in the coming years. ;)
As a reader, seek out local signings, Indie Bookstores, or a full-on conference. It's a wonderful experience! Usually the way to do that is by following your favorite authors, checking with bookstores you're willing/able to travel to, and searching for events on Facebook.
Good luck and enjoy!

Until next time, happy reading and author sighting! ;)

Happy Read a Book Day!

It's National Read a Book Day!
(Again, every day for us bookworms!) ;)

Here are plenty of promos to grab more books for your TBR.

My Kindle is starving-romance: https://books.bookfunnel.com/351z05y6...
*
Extra steamy romance:
https://books.bookfunnel.com/351z08y4...
*
Christmas reads anytime:
https://books.bookfunnel.com/christma...
*
September is for lovers:
https://books.bookfunnel.com/septembe...
*
Tickets to free books:
https://books.bookfunnel.com/freetick...

Happy reading! xo