Laura M. Baird's Blog, page 14

Working toward a Happy New Year!

I simply want to wish you all the very best in the coming days as this year rolls into the next.
Here's to accomplishing all you set out to do!
Be well and find joy!
xo

Merry Christmas!

Simply wishing you all a very merry Christmas!
I hope you're able to surround yourself with family and friends, and celebrate joyful moments.
While I hope to get a little writing completed here and there, I'm going to take some deep breaths, enjoy family, and indulge in making a dent in my never-ending TBR pile.
xo

Authors supporting authors

My holiday romance is ready!
Only You for the Holidays is up for preorder at digital retailers!
https://books2read.com/OnlyYoufth
I'm excited for readers to enjoy this heartwarming story.

It all started with seeds planted by match-making mothers, and when life-altering events bring Piper back home, Logan will give her a reason to remain.

Only You for the Holidays: A Christmas Romance

Many thanks to my support team, not only for their encouragement, but for the work they also put in. Such as my beautiful cover by Lynn Spangler and the fantastic formatting skills of Hannah Morse! Who, BTW, is also a superb, 1-click author for me. ;)
Hannah Morse
Then there's Dania and Marlo who are wonderful cheerleaders, offering their feedback.
Dania Voss
Marlo Lanz

I don't think I'd get as far as I do without them and the many other amazing peeps in the writing community!

Hope you'll grab your copy and give me your feedback! ;)

Happy reading! xo

Hello (almost) December!

Can you believe we're nearing the end of 2021? Where has the time gone? Like, really?
As I look back on my accomplishments for the year, I'm still pleasantly surprised with what took place. It was another trying year for many different reasons (I won't bore you with them, as a lot are still struggling, and what we need are uplifting moments!)
I had four releases, and I'm getting ready for my fifth and final one... but the rush is on. This holiday story I'm completing demanded to be written, constantly niggling in my brain, so I wrote, and wrote...and wrote.
In two weeks it was nearly finished at 26K words. But then the plot niggled some more, and after a bit of reworking, I now just need to wrap up the ending, proofread, format and upload. By December 6th if I want it out by the holiday! Look for the release announcement soon! And watch FB for my cover reveal, along with a teaser.
https://www.facebook.com/LauraMBairda...
What better way to celebrate my 31st wedding anniversary (which is 12/2) than with the release of my holiday romance? ;)
In the meantime, here's a recap of my releases, in case you haven't read yet. But I hope you do and I hope you enjoy!
Park Avenue Princess
Reluctant Bride
Changing the Game
Kiss Me at Sunset
(Kiss Me at Sunset was originally featured in the limited run of the Summer Heat Anthology which I then self-published.)
And if you're looking for holiday romances while you await my newest, here are three of mine:
Rory's Christmas Angel
Forever Feral
A Rose in Time
And one final recommendation to add to your TBR - a collection of holiday romances that are sure to delight.
Secret Santa: A Limited Edition Christmas Romance Collection
Did I give you enough to contemplate? Good! :)
Until next time, be well and happy reading! xo

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to wish all who celebrate, a Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm working furiously on the holiday story, hoping to wrap it up by the end of the month. It's flowing THAT well!
Once I'm sure it's ready, I'll be posting a cover reveal on my social media sites, so look for that.
Hubby's been home relaxing, watching plenty of YouTube and eagerly anticipating football.
We aren't doing a huge production this year; I'm not even cooking a turkey! I know! Blaspheme! ;)
We simply decided to keep it easy and low-key. There's always plenty of food around, just not the traditional dishes this year, and I"m okay with that.
As we head into the final days of November, if you're eagerly awaiting to decorate for Christmas, enjoy!
So keeping this short and sweet, have a marvelous weekend, eat responsibly, and find time to chill with a good book!
xo

What to do when a story won't leave you alone...?

When a story calls, you write it!
Around this time last year, I had inspiration for a holiday story. I had no idea when I'd write or publish, I just had to be sure to get the notes down. But then other opportunities and stories presented themselves, so I concentrated on those and set aside the holiday story.
A few weeks ago I got on a decent roll writing my vampire novella that's due 1/15/22... until once again, the holiday story started niggling in brain and I couldn't let it go!
Is it because the holidays are upon us and I'm in the spirit? Is it because I see other authors releasing holiday stories and I feel the need to get in on that too?
Whatever the reason, I had no choice but to dig out my notes and revitalize the story. So now I've been writing almost non-stop for a few days (when I'm not walking or shopping or doing food prep or spending time with family), reaching nearly 9,000 words. I have some semblance of structure and I think I know where the story line is going, and I'm hopeful if all goes well and I love it, I'll publish by the end of the year.
Oh, and I still have to write that vampire novella too! ;)
Even if I'm happy with this story, it's a tight deadline to finish, edit, format, make a cover, possibly get ARCs out, promote, and publish!
Whew, right?
I'm not going to deny my muse, and I hope the passion spurs me on to write a fabulous story readers will enjoy.
Stay tuned for updates, and if you'd like an exclusive sneak peek at my holiday romance, I'm including an excerpt in my upcoming newsletter.
If you desire, sign up here (and receive a free read with a hint of holiday in it) ;)
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/shwyhqbtco
Until next time, any and all encouragement is welcomed!
Be well! xo

In Honor of Veterans Day

Having been a member of the U S Army, along with my husband, we're proud of our service, and have a great interest in supporting our military and our veterans.
Once upon a time, we thought we'd serve our twenty years (or more) but life had other plans.
I have immense respect and gratitude for those who have served, and especially for those who've paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.
When seeking out ways to give back, not only do we contribute to local veterans' needs, but also to the organization, Soldiers' Angels. I found them through the website Charity Navigator. It's a terrific site that discloses what you need to know about charities: their cause, their finances, their accountability and transparency. Soldiers' Angels has one of the highest ratings, and their services are everything I'd hoped to find.
https://soldiersangels.org
https://www.charitynavigator.org/
My military romance, The Soldier's Final Mission, is a salute to service members, with all sales benefiting Soldiers' Angels. It's a gritty, emotional, steamy romance available at Evernight Publishing and digital retailers.
The Soldier's Final Mission
I'm running a special giveaway on my author Facebook page. Readers can win a cinch sack from Soldiers' Angels filled with my swag... which will include print books! I invite you to head over and read my pinned post, make a comment, and I'll contact winners on Wednesday, 11/10, through FB messenger.
https://www.facebook.com/LauraMBairda...
Do you have a charity you donate to or offer your services for? I'd love to hear about it!
Until next time, take care! xo

Rounding out October with parties.

Hey, readers!
How's life treating you? Or... tricking you? ;) Hopefully it's all about the treats!
Are you one to celebrate Halloween? Dressing up? Taking kiddos to parties?
If yes to some or all the above, enjoy, be safe, and don't eat all the candy in one sitting!
If not, then how about some adult fun times? And by that, of course I mean author parties.
There's a fantastic Halloween Mash happening with Writerspace, where readers can win a Kindle Fire. Engage with authors on Facebook, learn about their work, and simply enjoy.
https://www.writerspace.com/big-event/

Friday, I'll be joining Jade Marshall and many others as we help Jade celebrate a new release. I always love engaging with readers and other authors, so hope you'll stop in.
Jade Marshall
https://www.facebook.com/events/59099...

A quick update on my writing ~ my Bear shifter novella, Securing His Mate is complete! Now I'm fully invested in my next novella about a vampire, his mate, and a Mardi Gras Masked Ball in New Orleans. It's going to hot, hot, hot!

Enjoy the final week of October!
Be well and happy reading!

Another book baby!

Kiss Me at Sunset is live, and not only available at most major retailers, but also at library distributors. So if you like to borrow ebooks from your local branch, request it and enjoy!
Kiss Me at Sunset

In other author news, my bear shifter novella is completed (for now) and off to readers for feedback. Now it's time to concentrate on my next novella ~ vampires!
I've committed to three paranormal novellas which will release between Feb-May 2022 and I'm having so much fun with my stories and ideas. I hadn't set out to write this much paranormal, but it's a fantastic way to explore other sub-genres and stretch my author muscles. ;)
My series, Shifter Clans, is labeled paranormal even though it's what I consider pretty light in that aspect. I absolutely loved writing the stories, the characters, and the suspense. And I wouldn't say no to possibly continuing the series in the future. We authors always leave the door open for more!
Check out the series here: https://amzn.to/36ho0Y1

Military romance will always have a special place in my writing stable, and in Feb you can get what I consider the third installment in a series that started with a short story in the 1001 Dark Nights Short Story Anthology 2020. If you aren't already signed up for my newsletter, I offer that and another free story in the series. Watch for the Backbone anthology in Feb 2022 which will include my story, Desire and Sacrifice. Preorder is available now.
Backbone, Single Parents Finding Love Anthology

And if you want to sign up for my newsletter and receive the first free read, hit the link:
https://BookHip.com/WFSRQA

Be well and happy reading! xo

Hello, October!

Well, SM isn't the only one experiencing glitches lately! :)
As productive as I've been with writing, promotions, newsletters, etc... I think I'm in serious need of a break. A cleanse. A reset.
I've been going non-stop to the point of neglecting my self-care. I mentioned before about taking time for that, but the truth is, there's been very little time for "me" other than a chapter or two here and there for indulgent reads.
Now this isn't a self-pity post where I'm pouting, saying boo hoo, when will I give myself the time I deserve. This is a post to remind not only myself but you too, a bit of "you time" is essential.
You've probably heard, you need to take care of yourself if you're expected to take care of others. It's so true! And don't feel guilty about it either.
Whether it's an hour a day to exercise, meditate, or simple tune out the world around you and get lost in a book... find something that will give you a respite and recharge.
I got out of my routine of morning exercise followed by home chores then down to business with my with author life, and I miss it! My body misses it! So what do I need to do? Get back my discipline and take care of me.
This time of year can be especially challenging due to the holidays, but it's not impossible. Often times team work is a huge help. Find a friend to keep you accountable, whether it's in person or someone who can text/message you to keep at it!
Don't be intimidated - start small and work your way up. And if there's a set-back, remember we're only human and we'll do better next time. But remember to do better next time!
With all that being said, it's time for me to take my own advice and start making adjustments that'll help with my energy and time management.
If you need a boost, let me know and I'll be happy to give it! We can cheer one another on!
We're entering the 4th quarter of the year, so let's make it count!
Be well! xo