Laura M. Baird's Blog, page 7

Hello October ~ writing update

Heya, readers!
Yes, I've been slacking (here) again. As usual, life has kept me busy. The good news is - well, fantastic news! - I finished my military romance story for our Heroes, Holidays, and Hope anthology releasing in December. Now, I'm compiling all the stories and preparing to format the antho.
And, while wrapping up that story, 2 more story lines sprung to mind from secondary characters. I had already planned to write more in the series, especially since we plan to publish an anthology each year. But it's particularly sweet when a story springs to mind organically.
We're gearing up for the release, so be sure to watch for our project newsletters for first-looks, teasers, and probably another giveaway.
https://www.heroesholidaysandhope.com/#/

I'll be jotting down ideas for those future stories as well as working on others rattling around in my head.
And then guess what? Well, you know - the holidays are approaching! Yikes! Although we aren't planning a big ta-do, it is nice to simply spend time with family. My brother and his kiddos are visiting in a month, so looking forward to that.

And that about wraps it up for now.
If you aren't already subscribed to my newsletter and wish to do so, you'll get more news, promos, and exclusives.
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/new...

Be well and happy reading!

Benefit auction to aid a wonderful gal in the book world.

I'm sharing this virtual auction, which will happen on Facebook, Sept. 17-20.
A wonderful blogger/reviewer/PA, Laura Trujillo, aka, The Literary Vixen, is in need of help, and over 60 individuals, including myself, have come together to donate items and services for her benefit.
Join this FB group to read all about it, and get ready to bid on some super items!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nerdp...

You can learn more about Laura here:
https://linktr.ee/TheLiteraryVixen

Thanks in advance! xo

September Book Birthdays

Heya, readers!
How's the start of September treating you? Splendid here. Busy as ever, but that's not a bad thing... especially when it means I've been on a good writing streak. My military romance is shaping up, and I can't wait for readers to get more of Leesa and Antonio.
I've also had a chance to preview a few of the other stories featured in our military romance charity anthology, and I know readers will love them. Looking forward to them all!
Heroes, Holidays, and Hope

This month, 5 of my books are celebrating their birthdays. I've got a variety: from a second-chance college romance to cover models to shifters.
Changing the Game
In a Flash
Feral Kind of Love
Forever Feral
Destined Dragon

Have you read any? Let me know what you think. And if not, grab your copies and enjoy! ;)

Until next time, happy reading!

Hello September

The turn of the weather wasn't quite as pronounced as a switch flipping, but close. September brought cool, rainy/drizzly days, which we desperately needed here in the PNW. It had been a very dry spring and summer, and we're looking forward to fall. Hard to believe it's nearly upon us... and let's not even with the holidays! They'll be here before we know it!

In author news, I'm eagerly awaiting edits for my story in the Evernight Teen anthology.
In the meantime, I continue to work on my military romance for the charity anthology releasing in December, which is 3 months away!
Enjoy this wonderful trailer made by one of our participating authors, Lynn Spangler.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNBiS...

In promo news, there's a terrific book fair happening, introducing readers to free and discounted books with a chance to win fabulous prizes.
https://michelle-a-bailey.com/bookfair/

And here are more book promotions and sales:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/graffrid...
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https://books.bookfunnel.com/septstea...
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https://books.bookfunnel.com/romancer...

And now you're up to speed as life rolls on. ;)

My best!

When August comes to a close...

... you celebrate a book birthday!
Hi readers! Hope your days have been treating you well and for those in the US, you're looking forward to a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.
But let's get through these final days of August. For some, that signals the end of summer here in the Northern Hemisphere. And for those in the Southern Hemisphere, you're probably rejoicing the end of winter.
Whichever view you have, simply enjoy!
Today (8/29), To Love a Cougar celebrates its book birthday! So if you're looking for a short, steamy, satisfying romcom, grab your copy and get ready to laugh and sigh and possibly blush.
Those are the best books, right?
To Love a Cougar

Life was a bit crazy last week, and I neglected to post here about my new release. For those who missed the Rock My World anthology, my story, Jazzed Up, is now available as a single release at only 0.99 across digital platforms. It's an emotional, gripping, steamy romance I hope you'll devour.
Jazzed Up

We also ended the month with wonderful grandson time. Our older one turns 4 on the 30th, and we celebrated early by having a sleepover, a trip to the coast for a kite festival, then his party, which was Peter Pan themed. So. Much. Fun. My DIL is a terrific party planner/presenter.

In the writing arena, I'm still working on my military romance for the Heroes, Holidays, and Hope anthology releasing 12/6. It's beginning to flow more steadily, for which I'm thankful.
Heroes, Holidays, and Hope
Soon, I hope to receive edits for the Evernight Teen anthology story. Did I tell you I got a sneak peek at the cover? It's beautiful, and I'm anxious to give you more about all three anthologies!

Other stories are niggling in my brain, fighting to be heard... and they'll get their time. But first, there are two other anthologies set for release in 2024 that I'll start planning/plotting for soon. With the way time is flying by, the deadlines will be here before I know it!
Plus, I'm already looking ahead to an author event I hope to present at, in August 2024, on the Oregon Coast.
Whether you're an author or reader, and you want to plan for a fun summer event, check out the Books and Beaches FB page for more information. You can click the More tab and join the Attendees or Authors group.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

I think that's it for this post. See you in September. ;)

Baby, it's HOT outside!

In my prior blog post, when I said we were in the height of summer here in the PNW... well, summer said, hold my drink, because we're REALLY in the height of summer with about 3 days of 98+ degrees.
It usually never fails that we'll get a short spurt of ridiculously hot temps, and here they are. Thankfully, they came after the wonderful visit with my sister, otherwise, we may have spent much of our time hanging out in the AC. Instead, we had a marvelous time going to Crater Lake, Oregon then over to the coast to Long Beach, WA and down to Cannon Beach, OR. Two days after that, hubby took us back out to Cannon, and the 3 of us had the perfect day!
You can view posts and reels here:
https://www.facebook.com/LauraMBairda...

Monday we parted ways until our next visit, which I hope will be next year. So, now, it's time to return to my regularly scheduled programming, which means back to writing, reading, working dental hygiene, and contemplating the next remodel with hubby.

Progress will continue on my military romance for the Heroes, Holidays, and Hope anthology releasing December 6th.
Heroes, Holidays, and Hope

For sneak peeks at our WIPs, plus more news, sign up for our HHH newsletter here:
https://www.heroesholidaysandhope.com...

Only days remain to get your copy of the Rock My World anthology ~ then it'll be pulled from distribution.
Rock My World
It's an amazing collection of rock and roll romances by multiple authors for only 2.99!
The stories will revert back to each author and they'll choose what to do with their contribution. (So fear not ~ readers will see Jaz and Cheryl again from my story, Jazzed Up.) I'll get crackin' on a cover, then format and make it available soon(ish).

So, readers, stay cool, be well, and happy days to you!

Welcome to August

Hey, readers! Welcome to a new month. Here in the US, it's the height of summer and many are experiencing plenty of heat. For the most part, it's been decent in the PNW, (mid-70s to mid-80s) and I hope that continues. If I could choose the perfect temp, it'd remain at 70.
Stay cool out there!
I've made small strides in getting words down for my military romance. I know once a spark lights, it'll take off, so, here's hoping for that spark soon! ;)
I have plenty of other story ideas churning in my brain... I simply need the time and discipline to get them written!

On the home front, hubby and I finished a room remodel and are very proud of ourselves. We'll slowly update room by room, replacing flooring & trim, painting, and new outlets/switches. We've been in our home 16 years and it's time to update.

Leisurely reading continues to be (mostly) elusive. Believe me, I wish that were different! But, other duties beckon. I am enjoying listening to A Good Day For Chardonnay by Darynda Jones, when I commute to work.

Over the next two weeks, I'll be taking some down time to spend with family: my sister is visiting, and I want every moment together to count! It's been 4 years since we've seen each other, so whether we're going to the beach or just sitting around with a drink, talking, it's going to be wonderful!

Hope your summer days have been terrific! Again, stay cool, stay hydrated, and always - happy reading!

Monthly Wrap-up

Hiya, readers... seems my average lately is to post monthly, but if my discipline shapes up, I'll try to make it at least every other week.
It's been a busy few weeks, and they're getting busier. Hubby and I are working on home projects while also trying to incorporate some fun. Plus my writing time, which has sadly become sluggish. I'm bound to change that, as I have deadlines!
I'm limiting my social media presence to what I feel is pertinent. I know I'm not the only one (said Melissa Ethridge) ;) ...who spends way too much time online. Is it fun? Sure! Is it the ultimate time-suck? You betcha! Sometimes it's needed, sometimes, it's a drain. So, I'll be concentrating on my newsletter and this blog. *Fingers crossed*

One bit of fantastic news is my young adult bully romance was accepted by Evernight Teen Publishing for their upcoming anthology. As I stated before, it isn't a story or subject I thought I'd write, but with redemption comes an HFN - happy-for-now. It's definitely a relatable story with a feel-good ending. Excited for the anthologies to release. More details as they come.

I've always got great promos, giveaways, and a contest, which you can see at my website.
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/con...

And through July, all my Evernight titles are 25% off at Smashwords, so if you're looking to stock up on my sexy romance, no better time than now.
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...

Don't forget to get your copy of the limited-release Rock My World anthology. It'll only be available for another month!
Rock My World

Until next time, be well and happy reading!

Giveaway in progress...

Heya, readers! Hope your days are going well as we jump into Summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and Winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
Hubby and I are making a few plans for fun, like car shows, drag racing, and a road trip down to Crater Lake, OR in August. My sister is visiting as well, and we'll be spending time at the beach!

I've nearly completed a surprise WIP for another anthology call from Evernight Publishing. It's a story I hadn't intended to write, but it wouldn't leave me alone. So, I'm running with it. Will keep you posted.

Just wanted to tell you about a giveaway that's going on now with the Heroes, Holidays, and Hope project. The military romance charity anthology is available for preorder now at digital retailers.
https://books2read.com/HHHvol1
And if you're on Bookbub, we'd love for you to help us spread the word. See giveaway details here:
https://www.heroesholidaysandhope.com...

Keepin' it short and sweet for now!
Until next time, my best!

Writing, reading, and a FB party

Happy June, readers!
I know, we're nearly 2 weeks into the month! So how's it treating you? Terrific here.
I hit a happy writing streak on a project I didn't expect to write. But often, that's what happens... an idea enters my brain when I least suspect it, and it won't let go. So, here I am, running with it. I'll hope to complete it before the end of the month so I can not only concentrate on another writing project, but put some energy into house projects as well.

My leisurely reading has been hit and miss, but I hope to dive into some new and upcoming releases (I received an ARC for one) soon. Here's what's on my list:
The Full Frontier: Clean & Wholesome Sci-Fi Celebrity Romcom Romance
Everything's Better With You
The Billionaire's Shrubbery

Tuesday, June 13th, join me and authors on FB as we celebrate with Jade Marshall & Lila Fox, their new fated-mates release. "Meet" authors, find books, and have a chance at giveaways.
it's happening here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/samcr...

Remember to check out my website for my monthly contest and book promotions:
https://www.laurambairdauthor.com/con...

Until next time, hope your days are lovely and your books are spectacular!