tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32789520684065002592024-03-16T12:37:03.274-04:00Laura H. WareLaura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-5453069905692724282024-03-16T12:36:00.003-04:002024-03-16T12:36:18.631-04:00Greetings From South Carolina!As I type this, I'm sitting in my oldest son's home visiting him, his wife, and two perfect grandchildren. Don and I will be here a few days spoiling aforementioned grandchildren and enjoying time with their parents.<div><br /></div><div>I plan to keep my streak going while I'm here. It may be slow, but I will get words in. I already know my upcoming column will be about this trip, so that makes planning easier.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have a few projects in various stages, but nothing coming out before April or May. Will let you know more about them as those dates get closer.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, I will take time to enjoy a break from the routine.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-42488909009349609742024-03-04T18:44:00.008-05:002024-03-04T18:44:54.869-05:00Hello, Unwelcome Life Roll...<p> The past week has been a difficult one. I don't want to go into gory details, but I will assure you my marriage and health are okay. But what's happening in my life right now has affected me on numerous levels, and I have been sad a good part of the week.</p><p>Fellow writers and I talk about "life rolls." There are events, good or bad, that seriously impact one's life. Some life rolls are minor - a cold, or maybe you had a tiff with your spouse. Some are gigantic - a death in the family, a move, a change in employment. </p><p>My particular life roll isn't minor, but it's not gigantic. However, it's big enough to have an impact in almost every area in my life.</p><p>Including the writing.</p><p>For me, writing can be a refuge from bad stuff. Since the end of June, 2020, I've managed to write at least a few words every day up till now. At times it has been something to keep me sane in an insane world. Other times it was something I could fall back on, even when I was grieving or angry.</p><p>This time, the writing has been hard. This particular life roll has taken a lot of space in my brain, and crowded out the words.</p><p>I had to put down a project I'd been working on because I just couldn't get into it. I also need to finish my research for it, and I've struggled to do that as well.</p><p>Instead, I'm writing what I'm calling a "therapy story." The circumstances in the story aren't quite like what I'm going through, but there are similarities. I'm hoping getting some of the emotions out through my fingertips will help me process them better.</p><p>This life roll will eventually sort itself out. There will be a point I can move past the worst of it and get my focus back.</p><p>Until then, I will try to take it one day and one word at a time.</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-2015225633324812752024-02-15T15:27:00.004-05:002024-02-15T15:27:23.525-05:00Hello, mid-February...<p> January really took it out of me - I had a hard time bouncing back from back-to-back trips. It took several days, including one where I pretty much slept away the morning. I'm feeling more normal now and trying to see what needs to be done in the upcoming days (one thing on the list is - ugh - taxes).</p><p>Right now I am also a part of two Kickstarters. One is year two of Thrill Ride, a thriller magazine I had stories in last year and have one included in 2024. The other, called HERitage, is an alternate history anthology of how things might have improved for women if history had changed. My contribution concerns Princess Diana - what if she and Charles remained married, and she became Queen of England?</p><p>You can get the details of both Kickstarters in my newsletter. Not signed up? Look on the left side of this webpage for instructions. I promise not to spam you or sell your information. </p><p>I hope February has been good to you. Talk to you again in March.</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-86395780900545355362024-01-22T14:09:00.007-05:002024-01-22T14:09:45.877-05:00January has been insane...<p> ...on so may levels.</p><p>First, my husband Don went out of town for a few days. He arrived home the day before I was scheduled to fly out to Las Vegas for a writing workshop. We spent less than 24 hours together before he dropped me off at the Orlando airport for a late flight.</p><p>The workshop was fabulous, as I knew it would be. It was a great opportunity to connect with other writers and learn about writing science fiction mystery stories. I read a lot and wrote a lot and also walked a lot (the hotel complex was HUGE).</p><p>On Friday, I flew back to Orlando, where Don met me later that day. No, I didn't return to Sebring. After spending the night in a hotel, I went BACK to the airport to catch a flight to South Carolina, where my mazing daughter-in-law was recovering from rotator cuff surgery. I am currently at her home, helping out where I can for a few days before finally flying home on Thursday.</p><p>So there's been a lot of travel and doing stuff and not as much sleep But it's all good. I'm still writing every day to keep up my streak and watching what I eat to keep down my weight. </p><p>All in all, I'm looking forward to no travel for a few weeks.</p><p>So how are things with you?</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-47386600515533987722023-12-19T08:59:00.005-05:002023-12-19T08:59:58.914-05:00Preparing for the Holidays<p> As I type this, there are six days until Christmas. Am I ready? Cue hysterical laughter here.</p><p>I did manage to get Christmas cards out yesterday, which is too late to arrive on time, but my family is accustomed to my being fashionably late for the holidays.</p><p>I'm trying not to stress out about it. I'm dealing with some deadlines that are coming up, and I'm trying not to stress out about <i>that </i>either. </p><p>My goal for the rest of the year is to get as much writing and reading done as possible. I'm 22,000 words away from hitting 200,000 words for the year. Can I write 22k words between now and January 1st? I'm about to find out.</p><p>Hoping you aren't stressing out this holiday season. And that if you have goals for the end of the year, you meet them.</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-82447386670936147142023-12-07T15:59:00.006-05:002023-12-07T15:59:35.468-05:00A Quick Update<p> I meant to post here last week, but I've been dealing with some minor health issues that have made it harder to get things done. I'm hoping for a resolution soon.</p><p>I also want to take this opportunity to let you know that I will be on the "D&D Live" radio show tomorrow (12/8) at 8:30 am (EST). If you live in Highlands county, you can listen on am 730 am or 95.3 fm. If you don't live there, you can still listen online at <a href="https://www.newstalk730am.com/">https://www.newstalk730am.com/</a>. I'll be talking about the latest column collection and whatever else comes to mind. </p><p>Hope December is treating you well and you are finishing out the year strong. I'll talk to you again soon.</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-18356634298611639292023-11-23T10:27:00.007-05:002023-11-23T10:27:55.478-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!<p> Just a short note to wish all my readers a most wonderful Thanksgiving. If you don't celebrate, I hope you have a great Thursday.</p><p>I am thankful to you for your reading and support. I'm having a delightful time at my oldest son's house with his family, our youngest son, and my daughter-in-law's younger brother. I hope you are having a great time with people you love today.</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-7217731926923298152023-11-17T09:49:00.006-05:002023-11-17T09:49:25.630-05:00It's alive!<p> I'm delighted to tell you that "Laura's Look One Hundred" is LIVE on the ebook side. The print book will be out on November 20th. You can check out the book on Amazon <a href="https://a.co/d/jkNzMBh" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZCUd_Z-my0YTEtFKF-02_rColetLmN9rgObzwwD5Z-BqZyfNuBNKYR2UbzROBY4I9VgE_KhKo0JZvoKb_d04ZzykmLIXjI2IDPpJAXbpcXM1jdqO4rnB3XkmXFm-R2ULiDk7SRP-xCoGamNNN0TaOEF0MvhpVWxK9qtT986W3xOg-cEDwq4N7Ldbnkmr/s2560/Lauras-Look-One-Hundred-Generic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZCUd_Z-my0YTEtFKF-02_rColetLmN9rgObzwwD5Z-BqZyfNuBNKYR2UbzROBY4I9VgE_KhKo0JZvoKb_d04ZzykmLIXjI2IDPpJAXbpcXM1jdqO4rnB3XkmXFm-R2ULiDk7SRP-xCoGamNNN0TaOEF0MvhpVWxK9qtT986W3xOg-cEDwq4N7Ldbnkmr/s320/Lauras-Look-One-Hundred-Generic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>The columns range from funny to serious, news of the day to news of the weird. With one hundred columns to choose from, you're sure to find one that speaks to you.</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-13114821217030155082023-11-03T22:29:00.006-04:002023-11-03T22:29:41.939-04:00Life Roll<p> I am late with this update, but there is a reason.</p><p>I suffer from several mental issues, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I take medication to help me deal with life in spite of my wacky brain chemistry. Most of the time, they work. Occasionally, they seem to take a vacation.</p><p>But they can't help me if I forget to take them.</p><p>I somehow skipped my meds on Wednesday. I didn't realize it until Thursday, when I looked at my pillbox and saw Wednesday's meds glaring at me. But it explained a lot.</p><p>The past two or three days taught me I really do need these pills, as much as I don't like admitting it. I managed to keep up my writing streak by sheer determination. I wound up taking Thursday morning off from everything, despite the fact I had a lot to do. I am still behind in some stuff.</p><p>I'm starting to feel better. I think. I'm hoping tomorrow will find me more on an even keel. We'll see.</p><p>But the news around here isn't all bad. My short story "Black Deeds on a Black Friday" starts off a lovely anthology for the holidays called <i>Crooked Little Christmas</i>. Here's a picture of the cover bvelow:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHt2qDewo2PYzcNDnw4azpLAcdS9CQd0E8DARym_I1DDMJOgaEG7W0u6X7OVydz9LgOQGfCatQ6u7pWdMJVd2pgkJ_m6AKfUhW4eopNjPwukShRrlPMRllSJ2NGtmENNSdtI8It8_eWDxn3gCTJwMFk3E-jDuiYPO0ZybzehOCuCXO38RaA6qHmgtXOYw/s218/Crooked%20Little%20Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="141" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHt2qDewo2PYzcNDnw4azpLAcdS9CQd0E8DARym_I1DDMJOgaEG7W0u6X7OVydz9LgOQGfCatQ6u7pWdMJVd2pgkJ_m6AKfUhW4eopNjPwukShRrlPMRllSJ2NGtmENNSdtI8It8_eWDxn3gCTJwMFk3E-jDuiYPO0ZybzehOCuCXO38RaA6qHmgtXOYw/s1600/Crooked%20Little%20Christmas.jpg" width="141" /></a></div><br /><p>You can check it out on Amazon <a href="https://a.co/d/a5R13w0" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>Also, <i>Laura's Look One Hundred</i>, my latest column collection, is available as an <a href="https://a.co/d/0ZtOt1Q" target="_blank">ebook </a>on Amazon (other markets to come):</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugkeQWh6jLMvtPNrm5z0dpWrQL5N7OU9PiT0gtmDaKavpwyfScACR4Z7H2_hGDe7zSum1sFFnwFa2hYnN3QhyphenhyphenB1mJhNOZa11wcC-dsldeizZ5qP75VBAQbfa2oISLcsP-Nt9Jf5QRGie6lx-GvL2rqxD79NPb6pkGngqXc_yiE_-dgFD3yWDUBnD8uxX6/s2560/Laura's%20Look%20100%20ebook%20cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugkeQWh6jLMvtPNrm5z0dpWrQL5N7OU9PiT0gtmDaKavpwyfScACR4Z7H2_hGDe7zSum1sFFnwFa2hYnN3QhyphenhyphenB1mJhNOZa11wcC-dsldeizZ5qP75VBAQbfa2oISLcsP-Nt9Jf5QRGie6lx-GvL2rqxD79NPb6pkGngqXc_yiE_-dgFD3yWDUBnD8uxX6/s320/Laura's%20Look%20100%20ebook%20cover.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>That's it for now. Hope November is good to you.</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-74828472730112116702023-10-16T21:36:00.002-04:002023-10-16T21:36:19.711-04:00Spinning plates<p> Lately I feel as if I'm spinning a number of plates in my life. They're all on poles and I have to keep them spinning lest they fall and break. There are a number of them so I'm currently rushing around, trying to keep them all going without dropping one.</p><p>In the writing department, I'm struggling with low word counts (I do write at least 250 words each day - my streak is over 1100 days right now). I'm working to get my column collection done so I can send it to mt waiting backers. I'm in the middle of a short story and I'm stuck because I can't figure something out. Oh, and I'm taking a six-week course on writing that I'm enjoying and learning from but, like everything else, it takes time.</p><p>In real life, I've been working with a new (to me) diet and exercise plan. So far, in about 2 months, I've dropped twenty pounds. I'm pleased with it but it takes up time and brain space to keep up with. Another couple of plates to spin.</p><p>And, in general, I lead a full life. I teach a Ladies Bible Class on Tuesday mornings. I teach four and five-year-old kids during Wednesday night Bible Study. My husband and I try to match our schedules so we can spend time together and work on our relationship on a daily basis. And there's running the household with all that entails.</p><p>Just typing that out makes me sigh.</p><p>I'm trying to, as a friend put it, "give myself grace." I'm accepting I'm not perfect and doing the best I can under the circumstances. So far my head is still above water. I'm meeting my obligations and working on solutions.</p><p>What do you do when it seems you have a lot to do? How do you keep YOUR plates spinning?</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-10697863817199958152023-10-02T22:17:00.005-04:002023-10-02T22:17:39.863-04:00Fall is here...<p> ...unless you live in Central Florida, where today it was in the mid-eighties and fall has not yet made an appearance. When it finally does, it may well be a blink-and-you'll-miss-it kind of thing. Summers are long around here, part of the price we pay for being able to go outdoors in February and not freeze our noses off.</p><p>Last post I said I needed to send out stories. Last week I managed to get three sent out before a looming September 30th midnight deadline. I have no idea how these stories will fare at the markets I sent them off to. But time will tell.</p><p>I am currently finishing up a short story I will submit to an anthology magazine called <i>Thrill Ride</i>. Below is a picture of me holding the latest issue, called "No W.W.M. (White Western Males)". My story "One More Time" tells the story of a former female hacker dying of breast cancer who is persuaded to do a final job.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEs4BC8DomF58uSR6qDrxqdCBcqEeL6QixMUn5wSNYujv0F00UXlbXq7HcpOF9ppcLFvrYCZrQuDcHNesmIBLNVLNe2A2Zi0sbGeRyDAVWD-NhpjOxLIZVrZdNATIv3HRK-du_VmRpf1x3s8804EpvAQo0oSupk_EQB9teka3Rx7mpM2s1YeIzWnyq6k27/s1280/WIN_20230917_08_15_46_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEs4BC8DomF58uSR6qDrxqdCBcqEeL6QixMUn5wSNYujv0F00UXlbXq7HcpOF9ppcLFvrYCZrQuDcHNesmIBLNVLNe2A2Zi0sbGeRyDAVWD-NhpjOxLIZVrZdNATIv3HRK-du_VmRpf1x3s8804EpvAQo0oSupk_EQB9teka3Rx7mpM2s1YeIzWnyq6k27/w444-h249/WIN_20230917_08_15_46_Pro.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>You can click <a href="https://thrillridemag.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to see where to purchase your own copy.</p><p>I've still been writing every day but September seemed to be a light month for that. But now we have a new month and I'm looking forward to getting words done and out.</p><p>Talk to you in a couple of weeks. Hope you have cool weather to enjoy.</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-61559370202415500202023-09-16T21:28:00.004-04:002023-09-16T21:28:42.269-04:00Sending stories out.<p> I currently have over one hundred short stories that are gathering digital dust on my hard drive. I know I need to do something with them.</p><p>One possibility is to send them out to markets that buy short fiction. Note: "buy," not get for free. Some publications claim that "exposure" is just as good as getting paid. As for as I know you can't pay for your groceries with exposure.</p><p>This sounds simple enough. And it really isn't hard. It does take time, and recently I've found myself falling into the (bad) habit of not taking the time out to send stories out.</p><p>And yes, usually the answer that comes back is "no." Sometimes it's a nice "no," as in, "This is really good but we can't use it," But one thing you learn quickly in this business is that "no" is a more common answer than "yes" when it comes to selling your short fiction.</p><p>I could also bundle my short fiction into collections. I've done this in the past and am tentatively planning to release a holiday collection in November. This also takes time.</p><p>I know I can do it. I have a system to ensure it gets done. Time to blow the dust off it and get going again. Those stories aren't going to send themselves.</p><p>Wish me luck.</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-45333005695922441622023-09-02T21:48:00.001-04:002023-09-02T21:51:10.162-04:00Only a few days left...<p> Hey all. My Kickstarter funded! This means I will be able to get my column collection put out for you to read.</p><p>I'm excited about this project. It has let me relive a number of times in my life. I think the columns I've chosen are a good representation of "Laura's Look" across the years.</p><p>The Kickstarter will end September 7th. There is still time to be a part of it. Would you take a moment and check it out <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lauraware/lauras-look-x-100" target="_blank">here</a>? I'd appreciate it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaMf5y149gWEa17_YoN4dqisqjaNU6xgP_p5l_qa5ZJ2K2BOhPtScEkVi_AJ54-eo_Z-Tmnok-kBq8u5OpFM7YK3F1A1wxNsembjOA_mNfZAqVC0oVKWQPUFwoTS9YNW37aGP4YiCsH7okplkKjZyMCfouzOUNowE6Y75J7vGMjy_ngQ-Omq3ZVm6Zwrc/s1024/Laura%20Yellow%201.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaMf5y149gWEa17_YoN4dqisqjaNU6xgP_p5l_qa5ZJ2K2BOhPtScEkVi_AJ54-eo_Z-Tmnok-kBq8u5OpFM7YK3F1A1wxNsembjOA_mNfZAqVC0oVKWQPUFwoTS9YNW37aGP4YiCsH7okplkKjZyMCfouzOUNowE6Y75J7vGMjy_ngQ-Omq3ZVm6Zwrc/s320/Laura%20Yellow%201.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-81696909630879125012023-08-15T21:27:00.004-04:002023-08-15T21:27:29.698-04:00My Kickstarter is LIVE.<p> Hey all. Hope you're having a great rest of the summer and managing to stay cool despite the weather almost anywhere in the United States.</p><p>I'm thrilled to announce that my Kickstarter for my upcoming column collection "Laura's Look 100" went live early this afternoon. As I type this, it's at $193 - just over $100 away from funding. </p><p>If you like reading columns written with a warped point of view, this collection is worth checking out. Go <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lauraware/lauras-look-x-100">here </a>to see it for yourself. And below is a picture of the front cover of the upcoming book:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJAzL7S9LXxYfZ2aPt7WaDtOgvsSNrUVB2_-VDskC49Xb9ft8KCf9mwSOLi54JiZYjnAYrgzanJonU4r29PJNI4ASpsDoQuavf52sydGFAuZCHkq8io2CbC1LemfzY7AUFM2ZtYi3cthbXWTJR5sKJiHdfC2TYMJ9Wms-ugo9BzPmNaQiJy2uxe7Lwo4i/s1080/Laura's%20Look%20paperback%20&%20phone%20yellow%20cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJAzL7S9LXxYfZ2aPt7WaDtOgvsSNrUVB2_-VDskC49Xb9ft8KCf9mwSOLi54JiZYjnAYrgzanJonU4r29PJNI4ASpsDoQuavf52sydGFAuZCHkq8io2CbC1LemfzY7AUFM2ZtYi3cthbXWTJR5sKJiHdfC2TYMJ9Wms-ugo9BzPmNaQiJy2uxe7Lwo4i/s320/Laura's%20Look%20paperback%20&%20phone%20yellow%20cover.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I hope you'll check it out. Thanks for reading. See you next month!</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-62138142974804518452023-08-02T15:41:00.004-04:002023-08-02T15:41:30.923-04:00Where Did July Go?<p> I am having trouble believing we are now in August. July went by way too quickly.</p><p>Two events in July: </p><p>At the beginning of the month I attended Shore Leave in Maryland. As always, a wonderful time checking in with fellow wordsmiths and meeting new people. This year I brought books for the first time to sell, and actually sold two (that may not look like a lot but believe me it's better than zero).</p><p>At the end of the month Don and I took a trip to South Carolina to see grandbabies. Lavinia, who is five, is set to begin kindergarten this month. Again I ask, where did the time go? </p><p>It was a wonderful visit despite the air conditioning in the house going out near the end of it. We all took it in stride and still enjoyed the precious time we had with the family.</p><p>I have no trips scheduled for the next few months and I hope to use that time to catch up on stuff. Believe me, there is plenty to catch up on!</p><p>Hope you had a great July. Let's see what August has in store for us.</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-88708601747099024982023-07-15T11:17:00.003-04:002023-07-15T11:17:31.174-04:00Blew Past a Couple of Milestones...<p> At the end of June I hit two milestones and forgot to mention them.</p><p>First, "Laura's Look" is officially 25 years old. That's a lot of columns and a lot of patience and grace from the Highlands News-Sun. My thanks to them for continuing to run it.</p><p>I'm working on a special way to celebrate this 25th year. Stay tuned for more information. For now, if you'd like to read the earliest columns, you can pick up "Laura's Look: 1998-2000" at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lauras-Look-1998-2000-Laura-Ware/dp/1539495507/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1NT6AZDH9SGQV&keywords=Laura%27s+Look+1998-2000&qid=1689434018&sprefix=laura%27s+look+1998-2000%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjEMT57e-ThLYUjAt4za_JLS-S7WAwjQ-9azjS0PIOaxLz4yv_Lx5yWIhf91-aUGmiFsuo4RbNnt0eOJAuIPevQ1tCmC8dED85fTDkU3zP66SAED_M84JyVUsNgrnKPzxHhZiPnG0nG4ucxtS65gwt5kHYArfg4npG8rDPh2QsGrqQICdoht5w4ZFpZJo/s1800/Lauras%20Look%201998%202000%20cover%20medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1088" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjEMT57e-ThLYUjAt4za_JLS-S7WAwjQ-9azjS0PIOaxLz4yv_Lx5yWIhf91-aUGmiFsuo4RbNnt0eOJAuIPevQ1tCmC8dED85fTDkU3zP66SAED_M84JyVUsNgrnKPzxHhZiPnG0nG4ucxtS65gwt5kHYArfg4npG8rDPh2QsGrqQICdoht5w4ZFpZJo/s320/Lauras%20Look%201998%202000%20cover%20medium.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><br /><p>The second milestone has to do with my writing every day. At the end of June I passed the three year mark. That's three years of putting word down every single day, with no breaks. I'm kind of proud of that streak and hope to continue it for some time to come.</p><p>I'm hoping to share some big news at the beginning of August. Stay cool, stay safe, and I'll see you then.</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-87819271185105702062023-07-01T20:51:00.002-04:002023-07-01T20:51:40.285-04:00The First Half of the Year is Done...<p> Where did the time go? It feels like the past six months have flown by without stopping to catch its breath. Yet here we are, the beginning of July.</p><p>Looking at my writing stats for the year so far, I managed to eke out 100,484 words. That number could be better - I wanted to be at 150,000 by now - but it's still a respectable number for me.</p><p>Notice I said, "for me." Not for you, not for Stephen King, not for any other writer. Comparing myself to others on this and other aspects of writing would simply make me crazy and discouraged. </p><p>I am going to try to push it some the second half of the year. While I have trips planned, none are of the magnitude of the Hawaiian cruise. I can goose the writing a little bit and get more done.</p><p>As far as the publishing side of things, I've gotten out a short story collection and two novels, one of which is book 5 of a series I cowrite with fellow author Azure Avians. I'm sort of on track with this, wanting to get seven things published this year. I'm currently working on a project for another column collection and have a couple of books I'd like to get published before the end of the year.</p><p>What goals do you have looking at the rest of 2023?</p><p>By the way, I will be attending Shore Leave in Hunt Valley, Maryland this upcoming weekend. Below is my schedule for the panels I will participate in. If you're in the area, I'd love to see you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxHZSm9j7nYfJrcRVyK01AWhuBJve21w9eYIXq350sYP9zYeqT1IYXNMWHrtA2-5FtgUlE2BMKDIaHtNsG42hB6MzRnE46iVh7OA1J00PIsYbFyV9SlIpaNgCPExRQafgSLZMrHiRicOC-Q1PFP0ukxLxecfMCwKNag2zifbalS6Ub4-_zljPTS13YsUE/s740/Shore%20Leave%202023%20Laura.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="670" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxHZSm9j7nYfJrcRVyK01AWhuBJve21w9eYIXq350sYP9zYeqT1IYXNMWHrtA2-5FtgUlE2BMKDIaHtNsG42hB6MzRnE46iVh7OA1J00PIsYbFyV9SlIpaNgCPExRQafgSLZMrHiRicOC-Q1PFP0ukxLxecfMCwKNag2zifbalS6Ub4-_zljPTS13YsUE/s320/Shore%20Leave%202023%20Laura.png" width="290" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-83193165739322722962023-06-16T08:28:00.006-04:002023-06-16T08:28:51.038-04:00Finding My Groove<p> One bad thing about being on vacation for almost two weeks is I've lost my writing groove. While I managed to write every day, it continued to be less than five hundred words more often than not.</p><p>It didn't help this week I got two pieces of bad news that impacted my mood and writing. One night I started to cry from fatigue and sadness. I had people to get me through it, and I did eke out a few words that night. </p><p>I also have a number of things I need to get done. It's sometimes hard to pick what to do from all the choices. I hope I can pick one and focus - just a matter of which one.</p><p>Let me finish this blog post by wishing all dads a Happy Father's Day. Wish I could call my dad and talk to him. Make sure you call yours.</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-222109707631860582023-06-01T22:08:00.005-04:002023-06-01T22:08:59.760-04:00Aloha!<p> Don and I got back to Florida a couple of days ago after spending nearly two weeks in Hawaii. It was a marvelous time and great to get away for a bit and see something new.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JDWDSjkTPf1l2VJgxEOc4qkdCoDC5TjV8kvdM_RdfEtPyXYe80xuoGu3q9Bh9FblhSmgtmcG-_fSpiEAkqmTpIuzNpyHMh3Dr8odSzDkKbNz8THbD5wmA_wbq9O2a2csajMf5h_ikS_mEn5bWaATzXoDohKXZliHOV_i3fkJHlCOhd1sVl4V2k6Hag/s1477/0523230957_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1477" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JDWDSjkTPf1l2VJgxEOc4qkdCoDC5TjV8kvdM_RdfEtPyXYe80xuoGu3q9Bh9FblhSmgtmcG-_fSpiEAkqmTpIuzNpyHMh3Dr8odSzDkKbNz8THbD5wmA_wbq9O2a2csajMf5h_ikS_mEn5bWaATzXoDohKXZliHOV_i3fkJHlCOhd1sVl4V2k6Hag/s320/0523230957_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We cruised around the islands, ate too much good food, and bought a ton of souvenirs. It was a lot of fun and worth the jet lag we're both experiencing.</p><p>And, to my amazement, I kept up my writing streak of at least 250 words a day. The count was often closer to 250 words than 500 words, but the fact I wrote despite fatigue and numerous distractions is a win. Credit goes to Don, who made sure I got to the laptop even when I wasn't feeling it. He knew I would be glad he did.</p><p>Hoping your summer is kicking off to a good start. Until next time!</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-3455103655551119002023-05-15T21:32:00.009-04:002023-05-15T21:32:48.572-04:00Rollercoaster<p> First, the good news. The book signing earlier this month went off very well. I sold a few books, made some contacts, and enjoyed interacting with readers. Thanks to Gaylin Thomas for her preparation and encouragement. Thanks also to my husband Don, who cheerfully carted books to and from the museum.</p><p>I still have a few books left. They include two of my collections, <i>Five Female Gumshoes</i> and <i>Seeking Refuge and other Bible Stories;</i> my two latest novels <i>Seek and Ye Shall Find</i> and <i>Death on the Air</i>; and my first collection of columns from 1998-2000. </p><p>If you would be interested in getting a signed copy sent to you, email me at laura@laurahware.com for prices. First come, first serve. I would prefer to be paid via Paypal but we can discuss alternatives.</p><p>That's the good stuff. The bad? For days I've been struggling with my main laptop, which has, for reasons I don't quite comprehend, decided to no longer run Office apps. They will start off okay and then a box will pop up informing me the program has run into a problem and must close.</p><p>I have run a virus and malware scan on the system. I have uninstalled and reinstalled Office several times to no avail. It has taken up more of my time then I like and I'm uncertain what the solution is (all Microsoft haters please do not tell me to abandon the apps).</p><p>So the past week or so has been a rollercoaster. Despite the computer problems things are looking up - in a few days Don and I leave to take a cruise around the Hawaiian islands. Look for pictures on Facebook and possibly here.</p><p>Until next time, have a great week.</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-81289249834076106512023-05-01T22:39:00.009-04:002023-05-01T22:39:56.242-04:00A Book Signing<p> On Saturday, May 6th, I will be at the Peter Powell Roberts Museum of Art in Avon Park, Florida (310 W. Main Street) from 2-4 PM. The museum is on the second floor of the Avon Park Community Center and has elevator access.</p><p>I will be there to say hi and sign books. Not only will I have copies of my latest novel,<i> Death on the Air</i>, I will have other books available as well. There will be light refreshments served.</p><p>If you live in the area, I hope you drop by to say hi!</p><p><br /></p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-31827009609130341732023-04-27T16:44:00.003-04:002023-04-27T16:46:21.182-04:00Quick update<p> I just wanted readers of this blog to know I will be on a local radio show Friday, April 28th, at 8:30 am (Eastern) to talk about my latest novel, "Death on the Air."</p><p>If you live in Highlands County, Florida and wish to tune in, you'll find WWTK at am730 or fm 730.</p><p>Live outside of the listening area? No problem. Click <a href="https://www.newstalk730am.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to listen online.</p><p>It promises to be a lot of fun. Hope you'll give it a listen!</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-30341874809967982212023-04-16T21:38:00.001-04:002023-04-16T21:38:23.700-04:00Behind on so many levels...<p>My normal schedule of things has me posting on this blog on the 1st and 15th of every month. Unfortunately, real life did not conform to my schedule, and so this post is a day late.</p><p>It's not the only thing that has me running like crazy to catch up. In my last post I said I was going to do my Kickstarter this month. After much reflection on how much work is left to be done, I've decided to postpone it until June. I want it to be good, and that's more important than it being done in April.</p><p>I'm also a judge for a writing contest and need to step up my reading speed if I'm to get all of the entries read in time. The coordinator graciously extended the deadline (we got three additional books on short notice) so I'm taking advantage of that.</p><p>I get frustrated when I fall behind. Part of my problem is that there is SO MUCH to do that I get paralyzed trying to pick one thing from all of it. At that point, none of it gets done. Plus, I have ADD (look, squirrel!) and it causes me to get easily distracted.</p><p>I'd love to hear from you how you deal with falling behind. What do you do when you have a huge list of things to do to make sure SOMETHING gets done? How do you know when to work on catching up and when to simply reschedule? I'm curious.</p><p>That's it for now. I'll see you in May!</p><p><br /></p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-5218688727107145282023-04-01T21:21:00.002-04:002023-04-01T21:21:11.493-04:00Grandbabies, Publications, and Writing Streaks<p> Lots to talk about today. </p><p>1) First, I had a WONDERFUL time in South Carolina near the end of March visiting my grandchildren. Lavinia is going to be 5 in a few days and Matthias is 3. They and their parents love having us visit and we made some good memories.</p><p>2) My latest novel <i>Death on the Air</i> is now available as an ebook and will soon be in print. You can purchase the ebook from your favorite site by clicking <a href="https://books2read.com/u/mgPan0" target="_blank">here </a> (if your site isn't listed, let me know and I'll make sure it's included). Here's a look at the cover:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJi71lFGCciuOr4ntHjzL13Mem_wrakHmCoYmxZdXgdVc6Cnpr2LRYKPcoYxHpHaksET10Ry4eDH3AUdbjGC-xFPGDouZQp8cFTjyJCB3d70V2pCCBmh9rlVZszyAX-94eyLI0nytzQfWe2xXBXS3uq3qMPG3qWXvddDoRy7sggOt_AALPNrMWX5tbuQ/s648/Death%20on%20the%20AIr%20Ebook%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJi71lFGCciuOr4ntHjzL13Mem_wrakHmCoYmxZdXgdVc6Cnpr2LRYKPcoYxHpHaksET10Ry4eDH3AUdbjGC-xFPGDouZQp8cFTjyJCB3d70V2pCCBmh9rlVZszyAX-94eyLI0nytzQfWe2xXBXS3uq3qMPG3qWXvddDoRy7sggOt_AALPNrMWX5tbuQ/s320/Death%20on%20the%20AIr%20Ebook%20cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p>3) On March 25th I hit a milestone - my 1,000th day in a row of writing. That means I've made new words every day for nearly three years now. It feels like quite the achievement, and now I'm looking to see if I can bump it even higher.</p><p>I'm hoping to launch my first Kickstarter this month. Stay tuned for more information.</p><p>Hope you have a amazing April!</p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278952068406500259.post-6919531143535064492023-03-15T22:38:00.005-04:002023-03-15T22:38:45.011-04:00Publishing news!<p> First, my short story, "The Jerusalem Plot," will appear in the premiere issue of <i>Thrill Ride Magazine</i>. It's currently available for preorder <a href="https://thrillridemag.com/book/issue-01-honor/" target="_blank">here</a>. I'm excited about being a part of this and I hope you'll check it out.</p><p>Secondly, my Christian suspense novel <i>Death on the Air</i> will be coming out later this month. Subscribers to my newsletter have already seen the cover (if you want to subscribe, there's a link on the left side of this page). Here is the blurb:</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sandra Benson appears to have her life in order. A Christian with
a popular talk radio show, she makes sure no one sees her struggles with
alcohol and tries to tell herself it’s not a big deal.</span></em><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then a caller who names himself “Lucifer” makes a startling
statement - he killed a woman. Sandra is rattled by the call, especially when
she learns she has a connection to the dead woman.</span></em><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As her life slowly unravels thanks to Lucifer, Sandra struggles to
help stop him. Because he isn’t done killing - and she fears she may be next.</span></em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>And I'm ending this post with a question for those of you who read my weekly column "Laura's Look." Do you have a favorite? I'd love to hear about it. drop me a line at my email address laura@laurahware.com. <p></p><p><br /></p>Laura Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09082436030944446236noreply@blogger.com0