Laura's Books and Blogs

Heroes and Villains: Crafting Compelling Characters by Dante

Laura - Nov 15, 2024 0

How to write about villains who are very successful from a financial standpoint without glorifying them or resorting to tired stereotypes and creating heroes with great earned achievements that are

Writing and Reading

What I Would Have Done Differently Before Self-Publishing My First Novel

Laura - Nov 11, 2024 1

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to write children’s books. By that, I mean chapter books for children, otherwise known as middle grade. I wanted to write

Guest Posts Writing and Reading

Has Anyone Else Had Their Characters Dictate Their Story? by Elaine Franklin

Laura - Sep 13, 2024 2

The inciting event A few years ago, I was at a writing class at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) in the middle of writing a serious book when I

Guest Posts Writing and Reading

3 iPad Apps to Plan Your Next Novel by Tristan Stocker

Laura - Aug 19, 2024 1

There’s plenty of software out there to help you write a full manuscript, from purpose-built platforms like Scrivener and the Reedsy Editor, to simple word processors like Microsoft Word and

Lists Writing and Reading

Ranking The Best Places to Read

Laura - Aug 5, 2024 2

Readers are known for taking books with them wherever they go. Whether it’s a physical copy or an audiobook, there are limitless places to read. But some places are obviously

Guest Posts Writing and Reading

A 73-Year-Old Expat Author’s Promotion Adventures by Robert W. Norris

Laura - Jun 24, 2024 0

The last time I was responsible for trying to get the word out for a book I’d written was back in the mid-1990s. Google didn’t exist. There was no Wikipedia

Guest Posts Writing and Reading

Writing a Mystery Series by Mike Martin

Laura - Jun 3, 2024 0

Just how do you write a mystery series? That’s a great question. The simple answer is to write one story, one book at a time. I have now written 14

Arts and Entertainment Writing and Reading

Creative Inspirations – Suburbia

Laura - Feb 26, 2024 0

Coming up with story ideas is a struggle. It’s hard to find the right concept that is going to hold your attention along with the reader’s. However, once I have

Guest Posts Writing and Reading

Working With an Illustrator by Karen A. Wyle of Oblique Angles Press

Laura - Jan 8, 2024 0

I wrote the initial drafts of most of my picture books many years ago, starting when I was pregnant with my oldest child. I was sitting (my most frequent activity

Writing and Reading

Laura’s Books and Blogs Blogging Recap 2023

Laura - Dec 4, 2023 0

Laura’s Books and Blogs turns five years old this month, and this year, I’ve seen tremendous growth thanks to my supporters, fellow indie authors, and higher search rankings on Google.

Lists Writing and Reading

My Favorite New York Kids in Middle Grade Fiction

Laura - Nov 20, 2023 2

For a number of reasons, no two childhoods are the same. But one big part of this has to do with where a kid grows up. Every environment has different

Guest Posts Writing and Reading

Creative Madness by David Atkinson

Laura - Oct 6, 2023 0

I decided to write a book and an album of songs simultaneously. I suppose the question is, WHY? All I can say is that it seemed like a great idea

Lists Writing and Reading

3 Halloween Graphic Novel Recommendations with The Whistling Kettle Fall Tea Pairings

Laura - Oct 2, 2023 0

Everyone loves a good team up, and good combinations can amplify an experience. Fall is the return of hot tea season and its specific fall flavors. And the perfect activity

Writing and Reading

Editing Your Novel for Details

Laura - Sep 5, 2023 1

A big question while editing is how many times should I edit my novel. But equally as important is, what type of edits should I do to my novel. In

Lists Writing and Reading

10 Types of Books that 90’s Kids Loved to Read

Laura - Aug 21, 2023 2

As a kid who learned how to read in the 90’s, there was a push to get kids reading as much as possible. Libraries hosted summer reading programs. Teachers gave