Children’s Indie Book Recommendations – Plant and Animal Books
Over the years, I’ve reviewed dozens of books and have been asked to review dozens more than I was able to. More often than not, the main characters of these
Category: Writing and Reading
Posts about all things writing. How to write, how I write, how others write, writing themes, writing tips, ideas, famous writing, and more.
Also posts about reading: how to read, why we read, and what we should read.
Laura’s Books and Blogs Recap 2025
December 2025 marks eight years of Laura’s Books and Blogs, and this past year was a fun and successful ride. The books were some of the best I’ve read yet,
Let’s Explore Epistolary Books Part 2: Fiction
When you decide to read a novel, you essentially sign up to suspend your disbelief and agree to treat the subject matter as if they were real events. Some authors
Let’s Explore Epistolary Books Part 1 – Nonfiction
Keeping a diary or journal is a very cathartic way to talk out your feelings to an audience who won’t feel burdened by or lose interest in your ramblings. You
Advice to Feel Like a Writer From Indie Authors
What does success look like? In the creative field especially, it’s hard to judge. Writers set their own goals for success, whether it’s becoming world famous or merely finishing a
Starting My Little Free Library
In the spring of 2017, I installed a little free library in my yard, and it’s been a big hit in my neighborhood. I love looking out my window and
Encouragement and Criticism Tips From Indie Authors
Writing is a largely solitary act, as we all know. Eventually, though, this solitary act is meant to be shared with as many people as possible. Sometimes those experiences are
Editing and Publishing Tips From Indie Authors
Writing a book is something that anyone can sit down and do and come out with a finished product. But as many ways as there are to write a book,
Halloween Books all Year Long! By Kristin Blakely, PhD
Why Halloween Books Deserve a Spot on Your Shelf throughout the year Costumes in the spring One day in May, some years ago – my youngest son (2 ½ at
The Writing Rituals of Indie Authors
Over the years, I’ve interviewed hundreds of indie authors on Laura’s Books and Blogs. The interview questions have evolved, but a lot of great writing advice has come out of
The Truth About Writers
As a writer, it’s comforting to see writers in fictional stories. Those characters are instantly relatable, even if they’re not likable or identifiable. Still, books, movies, and shows don’t always
21 YA Indie Book Recommendations
As an adult, no book genre is off limits, and they all have lessons to teach us, no matter what the intended age group. That’s why I have no shame
Psychic Sisters from the Planet Leshma: The Friendship that Inspired Fires Burning Underground by Nancy McCabe
Instant best friend The first day of junior high, in the midst of so much newness and uncertainty, I found an instant best friend. Marissa and I lived on the
My Favorite Moments in Judy Blume’s Fudge Series
As a kid, I liked a variety of book series, but I was always looking for books that could make me laugh. It’s not easy to laugh out loud at
The Alphabet of Me: A Journey of Self-Belief, Family, and Purpose By Desiree Dusablon
From self-doubt to storytelling I never imagined I’d be here—writing, sharing my story, and inspiring others. If you had asked me years ago, I would have said English was my