Laura M. Baird's Blog, page 20

Welcoming in a new year, a new decade, new possibilities!

On this New Year's Eve, I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!
Hope it finds you in good health, full of optimism and determination.
I'm not one for the resolutions, because honestly, I don't want to set myself up for failure. I mentally tell myself I'm going to be a better me, whether that means moving more, eating healthier, and so on. And while I feel I already do pretty darn good at being good ;) there's always room for improvement.
But I won't berate myself. We all have slip ups, and how we bounce back is key.
I've told myself I'm going to be more focused and disciplined, and yes, maybe a bit more selfish in doing what's best for me.
So I'll start my new year with a positive mindset, knowing anything is possible! Hoping you do the same!
Happy New Year and many blessings!
Laura xo

Happy Holidays! Sales, Contests, Awards, Book Fairies, and more...

I hope this finds everyone enjoying the season, no matter if or what you celebrate. It's a time to reflect on the year and give thanks for your blessings. A time to hopefully spend memorable moments with family and friends. Or maybe just a time to relax... if that's possible. ;) There's always stress, but how we deal with it is key.
With Hanukkah beginning tonight and Christmas only a few days away, remember to take a breath and simply be. Make it a joyous time.

Plenty going on with me. I finished final edits for the Billionaire Love anthology with Evernight, and am anxious to learn the release date. I'll be sure to give you updates because you won't want to miss this collection of what will no doubt be fantastic stories by amazing authors.

For those who want a deal on E-Books, all my titles with Evernight will be on sale from 12/25-1/1/2020 at Smashwords. Take advantage and stock up!
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...

I'm also participating in a giveaway with Booksweeps where readers can win a new E-Reader filled with holiday romances. The contest starts tomorrow, 12/23, here:
https://www.booksweeps.com/giveaway/d...

Speaking of Evernight, their Readers' Choice Awards have begun and it's up to you, the readers, to determine best author and books. I've got three eligible titles (listed below) and I'd be honored if you thought them worthy to be nominated.
Rory's Christmas Angel
In His Sights
Sights on Her
Follow the link to make your nominations. And if you do so, thank you!
https://forms.gle/Ppy7sN5ksCWDTYoz9

Have you heard of Book Fairies? It's a worldwide initiative where individuals 'hide' books, allowing random people to discover them and enjoy a free book to read. Then it's their choice to keep or pass on to someone else by hiding it in another spot. It's been a pleasure to participate, and this year it's been special, as Emma Watson has teamed up the the Book Fairies. She and others around the world are hiding copies of Little Women, in honor of the movie starring Emma, releasing on Christmas. And when I say hiding, I simply mean these books are placed in random spots for people to discover, such as at the base of a prominent statue in a city. Or maybe on a bench in a park. Or maybe on a table in a mall. The possibilities are endless. Not only will I be hiding a copy of Little Women, but along with it, a copy of the Happy Holidays anthology in which I'm a part. My story happens to mention Little Women when a young girl reads a portion of the story to a lovely resident of a senior living facility.
The stories are heartwarming and meant to bring a smile to your face. All sales from the anthology benefit The World Literacy Foundation.
Happy Holidays Anthology
You can follow this initiative on Instagram and Twitter!
https://www.instagram.com/bookfairies...
https://twitter.com/the_bookfairies

And finally, I close out this post with my best wishes for a wonderful holiday season! I have the next 10 days off work to enjoy with family and get started on my New Year's writing.
Until next time...
Laura xo

Did you survice the full moon AND Friday the 13th?

A full moon AND Friday the 13th? To some, it's just another day; to others, it really plays on the psyche.
But, yes, I did survive... just barely. After restless nights of sleep, busy work days, and sickness spreading around, I'm looking forward to more extended time off around Christmas. It'll mean family time and chilling, plus writing for me, since I'm back in the groove.
Speaking of, first edits are complete for my story "Brewing Up Love With the Billionaire" for the Billionaire Love anthology with Evernight Publishing. Can I get a happy scream?! YAY!!! (release date TBD)
I'm so looking forward to this collection of stories from amazing authors, and so honored to have had my story chosen. PLUS, these anthologies usually come out in print as well, so, bonus! A book to offer at appearances (as all my others are in digital).
With me feeling the good writing mojo, I'm hoping to complete Shifter Clans Book 3 and submit by the end of January. (Fingers crossed!)
You can check out Books 1 (an editors pick!) & 2 to get you caught up in the world of sexy shifters and their fierce women.
In His Sights
Sights on Her

Per my routine, here's a new release to tell you about by the talented Lea Bronsen. If you like MM romance, check out this book, as well as her other works.
Lea Bronsen
Dirty Brilliance

Until next time, hope you're getting caught up in the holiday spirit with plenty of joy!
Happy reading! XO

Hello December

As the final month of the year begins, hubby and I will celebrate our 29th anniversary tomorrow. We continue to love and laugh, and practice patience with one another. He is a true blessing for me!
For those who celebrated, I hope your Thanksgiving was joyful with family, friends, and great food!
Maybe you watched football (like us), or holiday movies, or braved the Black Friday madness (NOT me), or engaged in Small Business Saturday (like me) ;) However you spent your days, hope they were great.
Mine was cozy with family, staying home dog-sitting for our son (who will turn 27 on out anniversary!), then meeting potential readers and lovely shoppers on Saturday for the #shopsmall movement. I had a fine time at a specialty chocolate shop and book store. Engaging with people is fun and personable!
Now coming up is Cyber Monday, so you can shop online from the comfort of your home and let the delivery people bring it to your door. Easy Peazy!
I've been enjoying some lazy weeks as far as author life goes. A smidge of promo, no new writing (will begin to get back to it soon), and plenty of reading.
I'm working my way through a delightful anthology of holiday romances, all sales benefiting St. Jude Hospital.
Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge: New Holiday Romances to Benefit St. Jude Hospital

A few authors I'd like to introduce:
Terri Jones
Give Terri a follow, find her on Bookbub and Twitter, and if you sign up for her newsletter, you'll get a free holiday read.
https://www.terrijonesauthor.com/
Also check out Harley Wylde. If you like MC romance, she's got a sale starting tomorrow!
Jackal

And speaking of newsletters, if you haven't signed up for mine, you could also win my holiday romance!
Rory's Christmas Angel
Check out my latest news and recommendations here:
https://preview.mailerlite.com/g4o5z5...

Until next time, find joy every day, and relax with great reads!
Laura
XO

Happy (upcoming) Thanksgiving, USA

As much as I'll confess this year has been a crazy, wild ride, with more lows than highs, I will always have something in which to be thankful!
For my family ~ the joy in my life.
For my health ~ 'nuff said!
For my friends ~ who bring support and laughter just when I need it.
For my writing ~ which is on an up-swing; especially after receiving terrific news about my short story submission to Evernight Publishing being accepted into their Billionaire Love anthology!! Release date to be announced, so stay tuned.
While I didn't commit to participating in NaNoWriMo this year, I'll definitely be getting back to my writing; staying focused, driven, and hopefully plenty inspired.
After concentrating on promotion and appearances - experimenting to see what works and what doesn't - along with indulging in plenty of reading, it's time to concentrate on me and my writing.
If you want to see more beyond Goodreads, follow me at other social media sites, and be sure to sign up for my newsletter... you'll receive the latest about contests and recommendations; and you just might win a free book! ;)
Here's my latest:
https://preview.mailerlite.com/e2j8v7...

Until next time, take a moment to breathe and give thanks. Because there's always something to be thankful for. XO

Hello November... which means NaNoWriMo, holidays, and more.

Hello November!
We're definitely working our way into winter as the trees shed their glorious colors and the days are colder, barely getting above the mid-50s in the Pacific Northwest.
November brings thoughts of year-end preparation, new year anticipation, and (possibly) NaNoWriMo participation. For those who may not know what that is, it's National Novel Writing Month, where writers attempt to pen 50K words (or more) during the month of November. It's a challenge to anyone to simply write; and there's a website where you can register to gain online support, encouragement, and 'rewards' for your progress. It's a great motivator to boost your spirits, connect with others in the writing community, and keep you on track if you lack certain discipline. ;) Plus, it's free!
https://nanowrimo.org
I've attempted twice - succeeded once. But any writing is better than none. I have yet to decide if I'm officially participating, or just going to get as much writing completed as I can on my own.

With only two months remaining in the year, I look forward to holidays with my family and friends, appearances to promote myself and my writing, and hope like heck the coming new year is prosperous!

And of course when not working, I'm enjoying some great reads! A recent one I devoured and thoroughly enjoyed (may even end of reading again) is by Tasha L. Driver. I paranormal-romantic-comedy with laughs, suspense, emotion, and sexiness. Check it out!
Tasha L. Driver
Kiss Me, I'm Undead

Here's a recommendation for the newest release by Peri Elizabeth Scott. A second-chance romance.
Peri Elizabeth Scott
Lesson Learned

One final mention of a holiday giveaway by N. N. Light. A chance to discover authors, snuggle up with their books, and win gift cards!
https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/sn...

As always, my best and happy reading! xo

Having fun at appearances!

Author appearances are a fun and genuine way to meet and talk with readers, and simply have a good time. Of course I'd love for the attendees to become fans and readers of my books, but my work may not be for everyone - and that's okay. Writing the spectrum of romance - from sweet to erotic - gives me a higher chance of having my books enjoyed. ;)

I was invited to speak and present at the annual conference of the Beta Sigma Phi Organization where I met many lovely ladies, along with another local author P.J. Howell. It was an honor to share a bit about my journey and my writing, and a pleasure to make a connection with PJ. I'm very much looking forward to more time with her!
I also had the opportunity to combine my 'day job' of dental hygiene while also promoting my writing while at a hygiene symposium. Not only did I attend classes to earn required continuing education credits for my license, but I was able to offer free author swag to potential readers.
Just the simple act of engaging and talking with them thrills me, because I could talk all day about reading and writing!
If you'd like to learn more about the wonderful BSP Organization, head to their website:
https://bspinternational.org/Prospect...
And to learn more about PJ and her writing, give her a follow here on Goodreads, and check out her mystery series. You'll be hooked!
P.J. Howell
No Mother of Mine: A Jorja Matthews Mystery

I'll be preparing for a few more appearances before the end of the year, attending holiday bazaars and hoping to peak their interest in reading romance.
If you're interested in entering giveaways for your chance to win books and prizes, I've always got suggestions:

bit.ly/readathon-lmbaird

https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/4...

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/li...

Until next time... Happy Readings! XO

Who's ready for the holidays? ...and new reading recommendations!

The holidays are fast-approaching, but do you think I'm ready? Nope. ;) I can't even think about them. As time has passed and our sons are now grown, the holidays have changed. However, now that we have a grandson, more changes will occur and no doubt we'll get back into celebrating as we once did.
My October is booked with a few appearances and promotions.
For those who are eagerly preparing for the first holiday to arrive - Halloween - enjoy! I do love seeing the creativeness of decorations and costumes.
If you want to get in the spirit with the appropriate reading, take a look at these recommendations.

I recently finished reading Touch of Smoke by Karissa Laurel, and wow! A sensual, evocative read for me about budding romance, having faith, and trusting your heart.
Karissa Laurel
Touch of Smoke

How about a crime thriller by Lea Bronsen?
Lea Bronsen
Carnivora

Here are a few authors from Evernight Publishing to check out:
Piper Rhodes
L.J. Longo
D.A. Maddox
Check out all the new releases and featured books.
https://www.evernightpublishing.com/

With a short story submitted, it's time to move on to my next WIP - finishing book 3 in my Shifter Clans series!

Enjoy your week, and happy reading!
XO

Welcoming Autumn, with new reads and gaining traction with my writing.

After taking some time off to enjoy family, I'm back at it, working on my Billionaire Love short story as well as catching up on reading.
I'm especially looking forward to diving into a few by a new-to-me author, Tinsley Sellers. I've got a few in queue from the Beckley's Daughters Romance Series. Give her a follow:
Tinsley Sellers
And if you like romantic suspense, Beth D. Carter has a new book out in her World of Danger series! These are definitely going in my TBR, because I KNOW what a fantastic author she is!
Beth D. Carter

Autumn/Fall is right around the corner, but we've already been feeling and seeing its effects in our corner of the world. The Pacific Northwest has been rainy and cool with beautiful foliage beginning to grace us. I love the rich array of colors... orange and cranberry being my favorite. And the perfect way to start the day is with a cup of peppermint tea.
Shocked that it isn't coffee of the pumpkin spice variety? I may eventually indulge in an iced vanilla mocha with pumpkin added. ;)
So while you're enjoying the change of seasons, your next romance read, and your drink of choice, here's my plea for your vote! My shifter romance, Sights on Her is up for favorite romance with The Kindle Book Reviews. I'd be honored if you cast your vote, and even more if you chose to read my sexy, snarky romance, and leave a review.
https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/v...
Sights on Her

As always, happy reading! XO

Happy Grandparents Day!

Hope your weekend has been lovely, filled with fun and happy times. Ours certainly has, as hubby and I have been spending time with family, especially loving on our new grandson! Plus, more family is visiting this coming week and it's going to be wonderful.
That means not much writing could get done, but family comes first.
Making small progress on my Billionaire Love short story for an anthology call, and with a deadline of September 30th, I feel pretty confident. *fingers crossed*
In the meantime, if you need a reading recommendation, be sure to check out the newest release from L. M. Spangler.
Love by Accident
L.M. Spangler
So, keeping it short and sweet, because you have busy lives!
Have a fantastic Sunday!
Until next time, hugs, and happy reading. xo