Laura M. Baird's Blog, page 13
March 14, 2022
Fun times ahead!
Hey, readers!
For those who participate (even if it's unwillingly), are you recovering from Daylight Savings Time and losing an hour? Usually takes a day or two for me... but I'll get there. No choice, right? ;)
I'm excited to announce I've completed my vampire novella which will release sometime in April (Date TBD at the time of posting this.) I'm in a shared world with some fabulous authors, spearheaded by Kristal Dawn Harris, so if you love vampires, fated-mates, and all the emotions romance brings, you're going to love The Reincarnation Series. Watch for preorders and the release schedule happening every Tuesday in April.
If you like meet-cute stories and want to learn a bit more about me, I'll be joining Melonie Johnson on Instagram, Sunday, 3/20 at 12pm PST (2pm CST/3pm EST).
I'll talk about my meet-cute with my hubby, along with some favorites from movies/TV and books. Her interviews are always a blast!
Follow her on IG and look for the posting.
https://www.instagram.com/thewritingl...
And speaking of fun times, my grand child status is going to go from one to three, probably sometime next month. My DIL is due with twins at the beginning of May, but is expected to deliver early. Of course all we want are healthy mom and babies. I'll work hard to keep up my writing and posting schedule, but if the blogs are further apart, know family comes first.
My newsletter may drop from twice a month to once; it all depends on the news I have to share and the time I'll have to devote to it. If you aren't already subscribed, don't miss out.
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/con...
Guess that's it for this week! Hope it's a great one as we get ready to welcome spring here in the Northern hemisphere and autumn in the Southern hemisphere.
Be well!
Laura
For those who participate (even if it's unwillingly), are you recovering from Daylight Savings Time and losing an hour? Usually takes a day or two for me... but I'll get there. No choice, right? ;)
I'm excited to announce I've completed my vampire novella which will release sometime in April (Date TBD at the time of posting this.) I'm in a shared world with some fabulous authors, spearheaded by Kristal Dawn Harris, so if you love vampires, fated-mates, and all the emotions romance brings, you're going to love The Reincarnation Series. Watch for preorders and the release schedule happening every Tuesday in April.
If you like meet-cute stories and want to learn a bit more about me, I'll be joining Melonie Johnson on Instagram, Sunday, 3/20 at 12pm PST (2pm CST/3pm EST).
I'll talk about my meet-cute with my hubby, along with some favorites from movies/TV and books. Her interviews are always a blast!
Follow her on IG and look for the posting.
https://www.instagram.com/thewritingl...
And speaking of fun times, my grand child status is going to go from one to three, probably sometime next month. My DIL is due with twins at the beginning of May, but is expected to deliver early. Of course all we want are healthy mom and babies. I'll work hard to keep up my writing and posting schedule, but if the blogs are further apart, know family comes first.
My newsletter may drop from twice a month to once; it all depends on the news I have to share and the time I'll have to devote to it. If you aren't already subscribed, don't miss out.
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/con...
Guess that's it for this week! Hope it's a great one as we get ready to welcome spring here in the Northern hemisphere and autumn in the Southern hemisphere.
Be well!
Laura
March 7, 2022
Taking a breather to play catch-up
I finished my first vampire novella!!
Honestly, a sub-genre I didn't think I'd be writing. But I love it!
Thanks to the invite from two author friends, I'm diving into vampires in two different shared worlds. And thanks to my love of reading that sub-genre, along with advice and parameters from author friends, I think I'm doing pretty darn good. ;)
My focus is on the couple: the hero and heroine, and their connection. Sure, certain details are important, along with consistency within the world, and that's why I'm loving these collaborations. Insight and different voices from others only helps me, teaches me, and hopefully makes my writing better.
My first jump into a shared world was with my new adult romance, Changing the Game. So fun to write!
Changing the Game
And my second was my recent release in the Shifter Mail-Order Brides series, Securing His Mate.
Securing His Mate
I have three more collaborations set for release this year, and next year, I'll be working with authors to release a military romance anthology.
Plus, there are plenty of other projects I want to write and publish as well. So much to do!!
But downtime is crucial as well... a day or two to just breathe, let the story simmer, and clear the brain. So I indulged in reading and a few hours of mindless SM scrolling. Once I get feedback on my story, I'll make any necessary edits, then format, and get ready for preorder.
With the nicer weather coming (we've already had some beautiful days!) not to mention longer days, I'll try to make the most of being outside. Hope you will too!
No matter how hectic life can be or how busy you are working toward your goals, take time to focus on you.
Everyone needs a recharge in order to tackle the next project!
Honestly, a sub-genre I didn't think I'd be writing. But I love it!
Thanks to the invite from two author friends, I'm diving into vampires in two different shared worlds. And thanks to my love of reading that sub-genre, along with advice and parameters from author friends, I think I'm doing pretty darn good. ;)
My focus is on the couple: the hero and heroine, and their connection. Sure, certain details are important, along with consistency within the world, and that's why I'm loving these collaborations. Insight and different voices from others only helps me, teaches me, and hopefully makes my writing better.
My first jump into a shared world was with my new adult romance, Changing the Game. So fun to write!
Changing the Game
And my second was my recent release in the Shifter Mail-Order Brides series, Securing His Mate.
Securing His Mate
I have three more collaborations set for release this year, and next year, I'll be working with authors to release a military romance anthology.
Plus, there are plenty of other projects I want to write and publish as well. So much to do!!
But downtime is crucial as well... a day or two to just breathe, let the story simmer, and clear the brain. So I indulged in reading and a few hours of mindless SM scrolling. Once I get feedback on my story, I'll make any necessary edits, then format, and get ready for preorder.
With the nicer weather coming (we've already had some beautiful days!) not to mention longer days, I'll try to make the most of being outside. Hope you will too!
No matter how hectic life can be or how busy you are working toward your goals, take time to focus on you.
Everyone needs a recharge in order to tackle the next project!
February 28, 2022
Welcome, March!
I love March! Not only is spring right around the corner, but it's my birthday. No, I don't party all month long...although I feel like I should. ;)
This year will mark 2 milestones for me: celebrating 55 years of living and 5 years as a published author!
I'm so fortunate to have this journey, the support of family, friends, and readers, and the chance to pursue my passion... by writing passion.
Even when it's not always smooth, I focus on the positive.
Recently, other authors and I were involved in an unfortunate situation dealing with an anthology that released without our final approval or consent... and it was a mess. NOT how we want our work represented. Thanks to the tireless efforts of one of the authors, the antho was removed from Amazon. Now, we're able to offer our stories as we see fit.
Mine is a short story in a continuing military romance series, and I'm offering it for FREE to my readers! If you're signed up for my NL, you've no doubt read Love & Honor and Passion & Duty. (At least I hope you have.)
Desire and Sacrifice is the next installment. And no, they don't have to be read in any particular order. That being said, I do plan to expand on Passion and Duty, hopefully later this year!
So, here's the link to get your free read of Raquela and Mick's story:
https://BookHip.com/QFSRWDV
Here are a few promotions to discover other authors by getting more free or reduced reads:
https://books.bookfunnel.com/sexystea...
https://books.bookfunnel.com/99romanc...
Wishing you all the very best and happy reading!
Laura xo
This year will mark 2 milestones for me: celebrating 55 years of living and 5 years as a published author!
I'm so fortunate to have this journey, the support of family, friends, and readers, and the chance to pursue my passion... by writing passion.
Even when it's not always smooth, I focus on the positive.
Recently, other authors and I were involved in an unfortunate situation dealing with an anthology that released without our final approval or consent... and it was a mess. NOT how we want our work represented. Thanks to the tireless efforts of one of the authors, the antho was removed from Amazon. Now, we're able to offer our stories as we see fit.
Mine is a short story in a continuing military romance series, and I'm offering it for FREE to my readers! If you're signed up for my NL, you've no doubt read Love & Honor and Passion & Duty. (At least I hope you have.)
Desire and Sacrifice is the next installment. And no, they don't have to be read in any particular order. That being said, I do plan to expand on Passion and Duty, hopefully later this year!
So, here's the link to get your free read of Raquela and Mick's story:
https://BookHip.com/QFSRWDV
Here are a few promotions to discover other authors by getting more free or reduced reads:
https://books.bookfunnel.com/sexystea...
https://books.bookfunnel.com/99romanc...
Wishing you all the very best and happy reading!
Laura xo
February 14, 2022
Post-weekend haze... and giveaways!
Are you still recovering from a packed weekend...?
There was Galentine's, the Super Bowl, and Valentine's Day to kick off the start of the week.
I spent my time alternating between walks in our glorious sunshine and sitting at my computer working furiously on my vampire novella. (Two are in progress!) It's my first foray into vampires and I'm loving it. Of course, I've always enjoyed reading vampire stories. And each author has their own little twist on details to keep it fresh and intriguing.
I hope readers will find mine and the other authors' work I'm collaborating with, fang-tastic! Okay, I couldn't resist. ;)
Moving on...
I've got a terrific promotion and giveaway for you, to celebrate the upcoming release from Helen Walton. Authors from the bestselling Reluctant Bride Anthology from Evernight Publishing are awarding free eBooks and Evernight is generously giving away a gift card.
Reluctant Bride
Here is Helen's first book in The Billionaire's Reluctant Brides series...
Their Love Deal
And look for her new release, His Pleasure Contract, on 2/24!
Enter the giveaway here:
https://www.subscribepage.com/a1w7z1
Here are two more promotions to check out for free and 99cents romance reads!
https://books.bookfunnel.com/351z08y4...
https://books.bookfunnel.com/steamfor...
Until next time, take care! xo
There was Galentine's, the Super Bowl, and Valentine's Day to kick off the start of the week.
I spent my time alternating between walks in our glorious sunshine and sitting at my computer working furiously on my vampire novella. (Two are in progress!) It's my first foray into vampires and I'm loving it. Of course, I've always enjoyed reading vampire stories. And each author has their own little twist on details to keep it fresh and intriguing.
I hope readers will find mine and the other authors' work I'm collaborating with, fang-tastic! Okay, I couldn't resist. ;)
Moving on...
I've got a terrific promotion and giveaway for you, to celebrate the upcoming release from Helen Walton. Authors from the bestselling Reluctant Bride Anthology from Evernight Publishing are awarding free eBooks and Evernight is generously giving away a gift card.
Reluctant Bride
Here is Helen's first book in The Billionaire's Reluctant Brides series...
Their Love Deal
And look for her new release, His Pleasure Contract, on 2/24!
Enter the giveaway here:
https://www.subscribepage.com/a1w7z1
Here are two more promotions to check out for free and 99cents romance reads!
https://books.bookfunnel.com/351z08y4...
https://books.bookfunnel.com/steamfor...
Until next time, take care! xo
February 6, 2022
Hello February... is it really the month of love?
Hey, readers!
So it's February, which contains Valentine's and Galentine's Day. Maybe you celebrate, maybe you don't.
Personally, I love romance and romantic gestures, but we don't put stock in celebrating Valentine's just because commercialism says so. Hubby and I do little things for each other often, keeping the love going all year long. No doubt we'll do something over the weekend, but as for doing something specifically on Valentine's Day... I'll probably bring him home a sweet treat, otherwise it's another Monday in our household.
Galentine's Day is the 13th, a day to celebrate the female relationships in your life. And while I have girlfriends in the area, many of my strongest female relationships (especially my sister) live scattered across the country. Would I love it if we could get together in person for a fun-filled day (or weekend)? Absolutely! But until that happens, I'll settle for checking in with them via text/SM.
Hope you have a wonderful day with the special gals in your life.
If you're looking for a fun Galentine's event, check out the Romance Chicks "Be My Galentine Hop" on Facebook where authors are giving away goodies. Be sure to join the Romance Chicks Partypalooza group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/roman...
Readers will be directed to authors' FB pages to enter their personal giveaway, then head back to the Partypalooza page to enter for the grand prize!
Hope to see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/LauraMBairda...
Evernight Publisher is having two big giveaways!
You could win gift cards and eBooks from their "adult" site:
https://bit.ly/3B18f5V
As well as there teen site:
https://bit.ly/3goAC4v
And finally, if you missed it (since I failed to post last week here *eye roll*) my newest release is out in the world! Securing His Mate is a sexy, sassy, shifter/fated mates novella for only 99 cents at Amazon and in KU. In three months, I'll be taking it Wide to more digital retailers. Hope you'll grab your copy and enjoy!
Securing His Mate
So there you have it... plenty of love for the month... and we're just getting started.
Happy reading! xo
So it's February, which contains Valentine's and Galentine's Day. Maybe you celebrate, maybe you don't.
Personally, I love romance and romantic gestures, but we don't put stock in celebrating Valentine's just because commercialism says so. Hubby and I do little things for each other often, keeping the love going all year long. No doubt we'll do something over the weekend, but as for doing something specifically on Valentine's Day... I'll probably bring him home a sweet treat, otherwise it's another Monday in our household.
Galentine's Day is the 13th, a day to celebrate the female relationships in your life. And while I have girlfriends in the area, many of my strongest female relationships (especially my sister) live scattered across the country. Would I love it if we could get together in person for a fun-filled day (or weekend)? Absolutely! But until that happens, I'll settle for checking in with them via text/SM.
Hope you have a wonderful day with the special gals in your life.
If you're looking for a fun Galentine's event, check out the Romance Chicks "Be My Galentine Hop" on Facebook where authors are giving away goodies. Be sure to join the Romance Chicks Partypalooza group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/roman...
Readers will be directed to authors' FB pages to enter their personal giveaway, then head back to the Partypalooza page to enter for the grand prize!
Hope to see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/LauraMBairda...
Evernight Publisher is having two big giveaways!
You could win gift cards and eBooks from their "adult" site:
https://bit.ly/3B18f5V
As well as there teen site:
https://bit.ly/3goAC4v
And finally, if you missed it (since I failed to post last week here *eye roll*) my newest release is out in the world! Securing His Mate is a sexy, sassy, shifter/fated mates novella for only 99 cents at Amazon and in KU. In three months, I'll be taking it Wide to more digital retailers. Hope you'll grab your copy and enjoy!
Securing His Mate
So there you have it... plenty of love for the month... and we're just getting started.
Happy reading! xo
January 24, 2022
Happy Tuesday... and new releases!
Hey, readers!
I dumped plenty of info last week (and if you missed it, it's easy to go back to and catch up).
This is a quickie ;) to give a shout-out to authors and their new(er) releases. One in particular I had the pleasure of reading prior to release comes from Caterina Campbell. A new adult ~ sports romance that brings ALL the feels! I loved it.
Caterina Campbell
Rumor Has It
It's about the bond between twin sisters and the love of a lifetime found by one, which threatens to come between them. It's about love, trust, loyalty, and forgiveness. It's fantastic!
And the second book in the series releases in only three weeks!
Truth Be Told
Others who've had newer or recent releases are:
Hannah Morse
Dania Voss
Anna Durand
Stacey Espino
Sam Crescent
Jade Marshall
Here's an excellent thriller/MM romance by James Cox that I read:
Big Balls and Brass Knuckles
Okay, so more to add to your TBR!
Happy reading!
I dumped plenty of info last week (and if you missed it, it's easy to go back to and catch up).
This is a quickie ;) to give a shout-out to authors and their new(er) releases. One in particular I had the pleasure of reading prior to release comes from Caterina Campbell. A new adult ~ sports romance that brings ALL the feels! I loved it.
Caterina Campbell
Rumor Has It
It's about the bond between twin sisters and the love of a lifetime found by one, which threatens to come between them. It's about love, trust, loyalty, and forgiveness. It's fantastic!
And the second book in the series releases in only three weeks!
Truth Be Told
Others who've had newer or recent releases are:
Hannah Morse
Dania Voss
Anna Durand
Stacey Espino
Sam Crescent
Jade Marshall
Here's an excellent thriller/MM romance by James Cox that I read:
Big Balls and Brass Knuckles
Okay, so more to add to your TBR!
Happy reading!
January 17, 2022
So. Much. News!
Hey, readers!
I've got plenty of great news to share. Last week's post said to stay tuned for more on the paranormal romance coloring book... well, here ya go! A fun variety of coloring pages are being offered to you for FREE ~ for a limited time offer before it goes up on Amazon.
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/thz513okt0
I've already started on a few myself, and let me tell you, they take more patience than I remember... if you want a nice picture. ;)
I'm thrilled to announce two of my books received awards through Author Shout.
A Rose in Time - my time-travel romance.
A Rose in Time
Park Avenue Princess - my book in the Cocky Hero Club World.
Park Avenue Princess
You can see more on my FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/LauraMBairda...
Now for my upcoming release! Securing His Mate is ready for preorder at Amazon (and will be available in Kindle Unlimited) once it releases on 2/1.
Securing His Mate: Shifter Mail-Order Brides series book 5
Every publication is exciting, and I can't wait for readers to love this steamy, fated-mates novella! I hope you'll add it to your Want to Read list, and enjoy once it's published.
One of the contributing authors, Kristal Dawn Harris, made a marvelous video for the series. You can see it at YouTube.
https://youtu.be/OISLT1-zjwg
And finally, here's a sweet Valentine's giveaway where you can win eBooks, jewelry, and more. I'll be gifting a copy of Kiss Me at Sunset as well as an Amazon GC.
https://bit.ly/34UPiWM
That's all for this week.
If you'd like to receive more news, exclusive excerpts, free reads, and the inside scoop to giveaways, sign up for my newsletter... and don't hesitate to tell your readers friends! ;)
https://BookHip.com/KLQBMMB
Take care and happy reading!
I've got plenty of great news to share. Last week's post said to stay tuned for more on the paranormal romance coloring book... well, here ya go! A fun variety of coloring pages are being offered to you for FREE ~ for a limited time offer before it goes up on Amazon.
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/thz513okt0
I've already started on a few myself, and let me tell you, they take more patience than I remember... if you want a nice picture. ;)
I'm thrilled to announce two of my books received awards through Author Shout.
A Rose in Time - my time-travel romance.
A Rose in Time
Park Avenue Princess - my book in the Cocky Hero Club World.
Park Avenue Princess
You can see more on my FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/LauraMBairda...
Now for my upcoming release! Securing His Mate is ready for preorder at Amazon (and will be available in Kindle Unlimited) once it releases on 2/1.
Securing His Mate: Shifter Mail-Order Brides series book 5
Every publication is exciting, and I can't wait for readers to love this steamy, fated-mates novella! I hope you'll add it to your Want to Read list, and enjoy once it's published.
One of the contributing authors, Kristal Dawn Harris, made a marvelous video for the series. You can see it at YouTube.
https://youtu.be/OISLT1-zjwg
And finally, here's a sweet Valentine's giveaway where you can win eBooks, jewelry, and more. I'll be gifting a copy of Kiss Me at Sunset as well as an Amazon GC.
https://bit.ly/34UPiWM
That's all for this week.
If you'd like to receive more news, exclusive excerpts, free reads, and the inside scoop to giveaways, sign up for my newsletter... and don't hesitate to tell your readers friends! ;)
https://BookHip.com/KLQBMMB
Take care and happy reading!
January 10, 2022
Adult coloring book, anyone...?
Have you seen my news about the Romance Lovers Coloring Book & Reader Challenge?
Well, another author friend took the reins on a project and made a coloring book! Cover images from romance books or images representing a character in a book are featured in this cool collection. And this is the first of two I'm taking part in. (Look for more on the Paranormal Coloring Book soon.)
You can see more at the official website:
https://www.romancecoloringchallenge.com
And you can order directly from Amazon as well:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/177...
I've taken the time to color one page, but I've got the book and am looking forward to a few minutes here and there when I can simply chill and revert back to childhood. I even bought brand-spanking new colored pencils and markers! :)
If you're looking for something mindless and creative at the same time, go enjoy some coloring!
xo
Well, another author friend took the reins on a project and made a coloring book! Cover images from romance books or images representing a character in a book are featured in this cool collection. And this is the first of two I'm taking part in. (Look for more on the Paranormal Coloring Book soon.)
You can see more at the official website:
https://www.romancecoloringchallenge.com
And you can order directly from Amazon as well:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/177...
I've taken the time to color one page, but I've got the book and am looking forward to a few minutes here and there when I can simply chill and revert back to childhood. I even bought brand-spanking new colored pencils and markers! :)
If you're looking for something mindless and creative at the same time, go enjoy some coloring!
xo
Always learning...
I love learning! When I returned to college as an adult in my late 20s, I always thought, "I could be a professional student!" Or, I could teach. ;) Well, I didn't become a teacher, but I still love learning, as well as imparting knowledge to others.
Even though at times, learning can be daunting, it's a great feeling of accomplishment when a new skill can be tucked into my tool belt.
And thanks to the recommendation of a friend and wonderful author, I navigated a formatting program (Atticus), and successfully formatted my bear shifter novella! No more sending off my stories for someone else to tackle. Not that I minded someone doing that when they so lovingly offered... but now I can format my own stories and play around with themes and fonts and images. It's really kinda fun!
So now that my story, Securing His Mate: Shifter Mail-Order Brides (book 5) is ready, I'll be uploading to Amazon later this week! Cover reveal and preorder coming 1/15!
Watch Goodreads and FB for more.
https://www.facebook.com/LauraMBairda...
That's my news this week! The first of many publications to come for 2022.
Happy reading! xo
Even though at times, learning can be daunting, it's a great feeling of accomplishment when a new skill can be tucked into my tool belt.
And thanks to the recommendation of a friend and wonderful author, I navigated a formatting program (Atticus), and successfully formatted my bear shifter novella! No more sending off my stories for someone else to tackle. Not that I minded someone doing that when they so lovingly offered... but now I can format my own stories and play around with themes and fonts and images. It's really kinda fun!
So now that my story, Securing His Mate: Shifter Mail-Order Brides (book 5) is ready, I'll be uploading to Amazon later this week! Cover reveal and preorder coming 1/15!
Watch Goodreads and FB for more.
https://www.facebook.com/LauraMBairda...
That's my news this week! The first of many publications to come for 2022.
Happy reading! xo
January 3, 2022
To make resolutions or not...?
A few days into the new year, and I hope they've been marvelous.
Are you one to make resolutions? Goals? Aspirations you strive for?
I tell myself I don't typically make resolutions as many would, like "a new, healthier me"; or I'm going to do this or stop that... Not that there's anything wrong with that. If your goal is to eat healthier, trim down, even bulk up, quit this or start that, then all the very best!
But the truth is, I do make goals that I not only verbalize but put on my calendar, in writing, so I can see a physical reminder of what I want to accomplish.
Do I want to eat healthier? Sure. Everything in moderation.
Do I want to trim down? Again, sure. I want a healthy body that enables me to do the activities I enjoy: walking, hiking, and playing with my grandson.
Do I want to make demands on myself that will undermine my mental well-being? Absolutely not. I know my limitations, and while I'll always strive to push myself, there's only so much 'give' a person can undergo.
So, I'll make my goals but give myself permission to alter. After all, life happens, right?
My goal is to always be a positive, optimistic person. To support my family and friends and writing community. To put forth the best stories for reader enjoyment that I can.
With that being said, my goals this year not only include plenty of writing, but plenty of self-care as well, without the guilt. I'll bend but not break.
My wish for you is the same ~ strive for what makes you happy and healthy, but remember to give yourself leeway for changes.
Here's to a bright 2022 filled with unlimited possibilities!
xo
Are you one to make resolutions? Goals? Aspirations you strive for?
I tell myself I don't typically make resolutions as many would, like "a new, healthier me"; or I'm going to do this or stop that... Not that there's anything wrong with that. If your goal is to eat healthier, trim down, even bulk up, quit this or start that, then all the very best!
But the truth is, I do make goals that I not only verbalize but put on my calendar, in writing, so I can see a physical reminder of what I want to accomplish.
Do I want to eat healthier? Sure. Everything in moderation.
Do I want to trim down? Again, sure. I want a healthy body that enables me to do the activities I enjoy: walking, hiking, and playing with my grandson.
Do I want to make demands on myself that will undermine my mental well-being? Absolutely not. I know my limitations, and while I'll always strive to push myself, there's only so much 'give' a person can undergo.
So, I'll make my goals but give myself permission to alter. After all, life happens, right?
My goal is to always be a positive, optimistic person. To support my family and friends and writing community. To put forth the best stories for reader enjoyment that I can.
With that being said, my goals this year not only include plenty of writing, but plenty of self-care as well, without the guilt. I'll bend but not break.
My wish for you is the same ~ strive for what makes you happy and healthy, but remember to give yourself leeway for changes.
Here's to a bright 2022 filled with unlimited possibilities!
xo
