Laura M. Baird's Blog, page 6

January 15, 2024

A new release Wednesday

A new release is nearly here!
I'm excited to have a story included in the charity anthology, Second Time's a Charm, releasing Wed., 1/17.
Filled with second chance romances, these stories will warm your heart and give you tingles in all the right places. ;)
My story, Twice Upon a Love, features Wes and Veronica; both divorced, content with life.
But is contentment enough?
Find out how they meet and where life takes them.
Second Time's a Charm
Wes was first introduced in my story, Passion and Duty Forever which is part of the Heroes, Holidays, and Hope (vol 1) anthology.
Heroes, Holidays, and Hope
Enjoy! And watch for more to come!
I'm working on three more military romances with new and reoccurring characters.

Wherever you are, hope you're safe and cozy, and enjoying great books!

Until next time, be well! xo
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Published on January 15, 2024 20:56

January 8, 2024

Off to a good start...

A week into the year and I feel I'm headed in a good direction.
My "welcome" newsletter to my subscribers with my new provider went well, with a decent open rate. I switched over to Flodesk, a recommendation from my author friend, Dania Voss. I love the ease with which I can compose and duplicate. I also love the control of sending whatever I want whenever I want. If anyone is thinking of starting a NL or switching platforms, Flodesk is a flat fee with no increases as you grow your list. And you can start a free trial. Yes, I'm plugging them ;) And yes, here's another incentive. Use my link and get 50% off your first year! It's already affordable, but this makes it even more so. And when you start, you can send referrals too and earn a bit. Because every little bit adds up.
Start here: https://flodesk.com/c/8VN6MD

I spent some time cleaning up my socials; unfollowing accounts that were inactive, passive for over a year, or simply no longer relevant. Felt good to do that bit of housekeeping.

Are you setting reading goals this year? Honestly, I don't set goals, as I read what I want when I can. Which has been lean lately as I concentrate on my own writing. I made good progress on a loose outline for my first WIP - the next military romance for an anthology releasing later this year. I've got three anthologies I've committed stories to, all related to my military romance series. Once the stories revert back to me, sometime in 2025 I'll be bundling them into another collection like my Military Romance Boxset.
These stories and characters hold a special place in my heart and they're only going to grow stronger.

Finally, let me introduce you to January's Book Promotions. Freebies, sales, and Kindle Unlimited reads you'll want to explore.

https://books.bookfunnel.com/bookspry...

https://books.bookfunnel.com/collecti...

https://books.bookfunnel.com/jankurom...

Until next time, happy reading! xo
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Published on January 08, 2024 16:12

January 1, 2024

Happy New Year

Hello, all!
Hope you had a wonderful holiday season and you're raring to go into 2024 with positivity and determination.
Do you choose a word for the year? A goal? I'm reluctant to say resolutions... because we all know how many of those turn out. ;)
All I can say is give it your best.
I like to choose a word and make it my mission to adhere to it. Last year was PERSEVERANCE, and boy did I (like many) persevere!
This year is PROSPERITY. I'm going to focus on not just succeeding, but thriving!
I had a terrific end to 2023 with family time, the spectacular release of the Heroes, Holidays, and Hope (vol 1) charity anthology, and planning for the year ahead.

In just over two weeks, I'll help celebrate the release of the Second Time's a Charm charity anthology published by The New Romance Cafe. It'll include my story, Twice Upon a Love. ALL sales will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, so I hope you'll grab your copy of these short, sweet-steamy, second chance romances.
Second Time's a Charm

I've got at least 3 stories planned for the year with the hope of 1-2 more, so we'll see how the creativity flows.

Edits are complete on my YA romance for the Evernight Teen anthology, and we have a release date of March 8th. It's ready for preorder now at Amazon, with other retailers to follow. SO if you enjoy heartwrenching romance with beautiful redemption, don't miss out.
https://amzn.to/48ymD5k

I'm in the process of switching over to a different newsletter provider, so watch for that in the next week... and if you haven't signed up and would like to, head to my website.
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com

Wishing you all the best! xo
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Published on January 01, 2024 21:00

December 16, 2023

Sales, parties, and promos...

Hiya readers!
Apologies for being MIA the past few weeks. If you've been following on SM, you'll know previous plans hadn't gone accordingly. Meaning, the trip hubby and I were looking forward to, didn't turn out due to the weather. But, we still had a nice, relaxing anniversary weekend, celebrating 33 years.
AND, the release of Heroes, Holidays, and Hope (vol 1) was fantastic with the anthology reaching #32 in the romance collections category at Amazon. Get your copy in digital or print... or both! This limited-release collection of military romances is benefiting the military/veteran charity, Fisher House. I had the pleasure of visiting our local Fisher House for a tour. What a gorgeous facility that is both hospitable and welcoming.
https://bit.ly/FHvisit
Heroes, Holidays, and Hope

Now, for year-end sales:
Take advantage of the sale happening at Smashwords. I have 2 profiles to peruse (because they haven't completed the merging of profiles yet. But it's coming!)
https://bit.ly/SelfPubSW
https://bit.ly/EPSW

If you've been considering attending an author event next year, plan for the Books and Beaches event in Lincoln City, OR, August 2024. I'm planning to be there, selling books and meeting fabulous readers and more. Right now, take 40% off attendee tickets thru 12/24. Use code SantaBBY if discount doesn't automatically apply.
https://bit.ly/BooksBeachesEvent

A few weeks remain to check out this month's book sales and promotions:
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/con...

And make a date to join me and other authors on FB for a party on Friday, 12/22, in A. R. Rose's Reader group. Like other parties in which I participate, it's a chance for me to meet new readers, and a chance for readers to meet new authors. Plus, prizes!
http://www.facebook.com/groups/author...

That's it for now. In case I'm delinquent in my postings here...
Wishing everyone an early Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Here's to ending 2023 on a high note and beginning 2024 with spectacular promise.
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Published on December 16, 2023 21:04 Tags: author, blog, books, contests, holidays, promotions, sales

November 27, 2023

Saying goodbye to another month...

December is just around the corner, and I'm looking forward to ending this year on a high note. But I'll enjoy the final month as much as I can.
It starts with a weekend trip for me and hubby to celebrate our 33rd anniversary! Our plan is to head to Boise, a city we love and an area in which we used to live. And where our older son currently lives. We're finally going to an Idaho Steelheads hockey game. We enjoy the sport along with college football; and yes, we've loved attending a few Boise State games too.
I'm hoping to drop plenty of author swag, so if you're hanging around Downtown, Boise Centre, and the Idaho Central Arena, maybe I'll see ya!
I've got a fun and steamy romcom series I centered around Boise (mostly), featuring the Boise Balloon Classic and the Steelheads, and I've got custom bookmarks and pens that'll be distributed.
Love on the Line
Love on the Catwalk
Love on the Plaza

On to new releases...
I, along with participating authors in the Heroes, Holidays, and Hope (vol 1) anthology are gearing up for release! The ebook is on preorder now and the print edition will be available on release day, 12/6!
Heroes, Holidays, and Hope
There are giveaways-galore happening, so don't miss out.
Learn more in my newsletter:
https://bit.ly/3PvOytC
And see book promos and giveaways here:
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/con...

Don't forget this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1st & 2nd, the Secret Santa Days on FB. Over 350 authors giving away fabulous gifts to you, readers.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/18560...

Until next time, be well and enjoy every day!
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Published on November 27, 2023 18:49 Tags: author, author-swag, books-blog, new-release, road-trip, romcom-series, secret-santa-days

November 20, 2023

Happy (upcoming) Thanksgiving

Hiya, readers!
Wishing all who celebrate an early Happy Thanksgiving. I'll be cooking for me, hubby, and my mom. We'll hope to have a visit with the younger son and family, but that may happen on another day. Either way, we'll look forward to time with them and the precious grands. In less than two weeks we'll be heading to Boise to see the older son and grand dog, and finally get to watch an Idaho Steelheads hockey game!

I love cooking a Thanksgiving feast, and of course it pairs well with football throughout the day. No doubt there will be a nap among those hours...

I have no plans for Black Friday shopping, but if you do, more power to you. If you like shopping from the comfort of your home, there's plenty to find out there.
I'll have a sale on my author merch ~ 30% off one day only ~ 11/24! Gear up with colorful, fun, and functional items.
https://bit.ly/LMBmerch

Then there's Small Business Saturday, so get out and support those... or again, shop from home. ;) Many authors are their own small business, so stock up on books and enjoy! (We thank you!)
You can find all my titles here, of course, or click this handy link:
https://books2read.com/laurambaird

There's a new complex opening in our area with local vendors and craftsmen, so I'm thinking of checking that out and passing out my author swag.

Have you entered the special giveaway in which I'm participating? Find details plus many book promotions here:
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/con...

Have you marked your calendar for the Secret Santa Days in Abbie's Dangerously Dark Darlings FB group? December 1st & 2nd ~ authors are eager to meet readers and award prizes.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/18560...

And with that, I'll leave you to contemplate your week ahead. Make it fantastic!
xo
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November 6, 2023

Welcome new readers

Hiya, readers!
Welcome to my journey as romance author, Laura M. Baird.
I thought I'd do a quick intro for those who don't know me - yet!
Let's start at the beginning, shall we? I grew up an avid reader, always looking forward to the school book fairs. Some of my first collections were The Little House on the Prairie series along with Nancy Drew. Eventually I was introduced - via mom - to romance in my late teens, and like many, Nora Roberts quickly became my go-to.
After HS, I tried college but knew it wasn't my time. So, I joined the US Army. It gave me a direction as well as my hubby of 33 years!
After my service of 5 1/2 years, we settled in Idaho where hubby is from. I became a dental assistant then went on to become a dental hygienist; and I continue to work PT after 23+ years. We raised two sons and now have three grand children.
I became interested in writing at a young age as well, writing short stories and poetry for family and friends.
I've written poetry and prose that's featured at SpillWords.
https://spillwords.com/author/lauramb...

I made a naive attempt at a novel, but set it aside when I returned to college for hygiene. It wasn't until 2016 while attending my first writer's conference that I knew I would make the decision to become serious about my writing and publishing.
My first contract for my debut novel was signed on my 50th birthday in 2017! And six years later, I finally gave a secondary character her story. Grab these sweet yet sexy and emotional stories now.
Keyed Up
Jazzed Up

Since then, I've had the pleasure and the honor to work with Indie publishers and connect with amazing individuals! I'm diving more into self-publishing, and I can boast over 30 publications combined.
It's been both a delight and a challenge to navigate this author life, but I certainly won't stop.
Soon, I'll be celebrating with collective authors on the upcoming release of our military romance charity anthology - a project that is extremely special for us.
If you haven't already downloaded my permafree Military Romance Boxset - get a jump start before diving into a continuing story in the anthology.
Military Romance Boxset: SEALs in San Diego, Volume 1
Heroes, Holidays, and Hope

As for my writing, I enjoy it all! Well, nearly. I've written romcom, suspense, PNR, holiday, military, FF... I simply enjoy an engaging story and giving my characters their HEA or HFN. There's much more I want to write, plan to write, and will eventually write.
I invite you to peruse my website for all my books and more about me.
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com

And I suppose that wraps up my 'quick' intro. ;)
I love hearing from readers and writers, so don't be shy about contacting and/or following me.

As always, happy reading!
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Published on November 06, 2023 17:51 Tags: author, blog, books, publishing, romance, writing

October 30, 2023

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween and Happy (almost) November!
This year has been a whirlwind! And two more months to accomplish plenty still.
How's it been for you? Gearing up for the holidays? Plans for this Halloween evening?
Why not treat yourself by heading over to FB for the Book Bash in the Romance Reveal Book Box Party Spot. Yeah, that's a mouthful! ;)
Authors are having fun and awarding prizes, beginning around 3:40 pm EST and running til 10 pm.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RRBBP...

In writing news, I haven't gotten anything new to brag about, but more military romances will be on the way. Authors and I are gearing up for the release of the Heroes, Holidays, and Hope anthology, which will be in digital and print, 12/6.
Heroes, Holidays, and Hope

In personal news, I'm looking forward to family visiting from Florida this week! So, you know that means little to no writing. Okay, no writing! Family first.

In reading news, I'm slowly working through a fabulous book in a series by Beth Linton. This PNR/fantasy series is amazing, with its world-building and unforgettable characters.
T.J.

And I suppose that will do it for this week. I've got my NL coming out next Wednesday with great stuff, so if you haven't already signed up, would love to have you with me.
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/con...

And starting November 1st, I'll have new promos and giveaways up at my website.
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/con...

Until next time, be well!
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Published on October 30, 2023 20:59 Tags: author, blog, books, contests, giveaways, reading, releases, writing

October 9, 2023

Author chat

Hey, readers!
I'm jumping right in with this announcement:
I'm joining romance authors Anna Durand, Kimberly Keyes, and Sandra Sigfusson for an author chat, this Thursday, 10/12, on Instagram. Tune in to Anna's profile at 3pm EST ~ 12pm PST.
https://www.instagram.com/annadurandr...
Anna is a favorite of mine with her fun and sexy stories... and I have so much catching up to do!
I'm looking forward to knowing more about Kimberly and Sandra as well as exploring their romance reads.
Anna Durand
Kimberly Keyes
Sandra A. Sigfusson

And in other news, the formatting is complete for the Heroes, Holidays, and Hope military romance anthology. It's up for preorder in digital format, and we'll have it up for print version soon. It's going to be beautiful, and I cannot wait to hold one in my hands.
Heroes, Holidays, and Hope

I think I'll keep the military romance flow going, since two more story ideas came to mind, and I have two more MR stories planned for release next year! Amazing how that works. ;) Seriously though, more than two will be coming in the future, along with others I hope to get out into the world.

What's piling up in your TBR? Share!
Happy reading!
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Published on October 09, 2023 17:35 Tags: author-chat, authors, blog, books, holiday-romances, instagram, military-romances, romance, romance-authors

October 2, 2023

October Promotions

Here are book promotions for October.
~
https://books.bookfunnel.com/graffrid...
~
https://books.bookfunnel.com/99centsf...
~
https://books.bookfunnel.com/graffrid...
~
https://michelle-a-bailey.com/bookfair/
~
And if you're in SW WA, make plans to come see me in Longview, WA at the Fall Market, Sat. Oct. 14th. I'll have books and goodies and a giveaway.
Details here:
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/eve...
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Published on October 02, 2023 14:00 Tags: author, author-appearance, books, promotions