Audri’s a photographer’s assistant, and she secretly fantasizes about Carson, the sexy cover model they’re working with. She never expects him to feel the same way. When an impromptu photo shoot puts them in each other’s arms, they’ll learn that life can change in a flash. But with obstacles thrown in their way, like a vengeful ex and pain from the past, can they find a way to break through their barriers in order to win one another’s hearts?
Hello book lovers! Today is a day where I will be writing another author spotlight for a well-accomplished author whose work I have loved. As you know book lovers I love learning about authors and the inspiration behind their work, it fascinates me and adds to the depth of the book because the reader will be able to better understand it. That is how the author spotlights were created because I soon discovered that you lovely readers ALSO love learning about author’s, so I am excited to tell you a little bit more about author Laura M. Baird whose book In a Flash captivated from beginning to end. I personally would recommend this book to all of those that love romance but really the book can be read by anybody as it is flawlessly written and highly enjoyable. With today’s author spotlight for Laura M. Baird, a biography of the author and an interview between us both will be shared, and I hope that you book lovers enjoy reading it! To kick this off here is an author bio about the wonderful Laura M. Baird!
I’m a voracious reader myself, hoping to bring you years of joyous and thought-provoking stories filled with excitement and fun; sexy romance, laughter, and emotion.
Hubby and I enjoy watching our grown sons walk their path into adulthood. We’re always up for an adventure, and hope to one day fill our passports with stamps from Canada, Scotland, and Fiji.
Now, how wonderful does Laura M. Baird sound?! The author is a truly exceptional writer and I hope that you lovely readers have a read of the author’s work because you will not regret it! Please see below an interview between us both, I hope that you enjoy the author’s answers to my questions, they are incredible and provide some great advice too!
Thank you for joining us today at Red Headed Book Lover! Please tell us more about yourself.
Besides being a published romance author, I still work part-time as a dental hygienist, a career I’ve enjoyed for over eighteen years. I grew up in the East and migrated to the West, thanks to my husband, who’s from Idaho. After serving in the U. S. Army together, we raised two sons, and now reside in the Pacific Northwest. When not writing or working, I’m devouring plenty of books and far too many M&Ms. Hubby and I keep busy with work on our home and property of five acres. We dream about (and hope to) travel to Canada, Scotland, and New Zealand, and Fiji.
Could you please tell us readers about your book and what inspired you to write your book?
My book, In a Flash, is the start of my cover model series, based in Seattle. This story centers around cover model, Carson Malloy, and photographer’s assistant, Audri Bennett. Audri secretly desires Carson, not knowing he feels the same way. When a shoot puts her in his arms, his interest is revealed. But as their relationship begins, they’ll have to overcome obstacles, testing their trust in one another.
This story was inspired by my first writer’s conference in Bellevue, Washington, in 2016. Cover model photographer, Wander Aguiar was in attendance, along with several cover models. While watching him during a shoot, a scene instantly popped into my head and I scribbled notes the entire weekend. I decided I would write the story for my first attempt at NaNoWriMo – National Novel Writing Month. It’s the challenge of writing a 50K word novel during the month of November. I had always wanted to attempt the challenge, and finally did! I wrote 51K in twenty-six days, and after a few revisions, the story was accepted by Evernight Publishing and released in September of 2018.
What would your advice be for aspiring writers?
Write what makes you happy, what you enjoy. There’s nothing worse than spending time on a project that you loathe. When you feel passion for it, it’ll reflect in the finished results. Engage with others who’ll provide encouragement, whether it’s in person, at meetings, or through the plethora of social media platforms. I’ve met other creatives who are scattered across the country, but feel like close friends thanks to what we’ve shared across Facebook or Instagram or Twitter. Continue to learn and evolve by attending conferences, or an online class, and of course read, read, read and write, write, write.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing about a book?
What’s most important about a book is the message it conveys and the feelings it evokes. Every story has a message, whether it’s overcoming grief or misfortune or lost-love, or triumphing against adversity, or being rewarded because of hard work. The themes are endless. And then there are the feelings, the emotions a story brings about that the reader can carry with them or even put into action. Courage, commitment, or a sense of adventure. Many read for an escape of what they face in the real world, for pure enjoyment, and that too is important. It gives the reader a reprieve, maybe a reboot in order to face their daily lives.
What is your writing process like?
Varied! Sometimes a story idea will start with a dream, and I’ll jot down notes and expand from there. Sometimes it’s as simple as a writing prompt that will take off. I make character inspiration pages with pictures of what my characters look like and their statistics. I keep a pad next to my computer with copious notes about the story, the location, little specifics. I don’t really call myself a plotter or a pantser, as I’m kind of a blend. I’m usually a very linear writer, where I start at the beginning and write scene by scene as if I’m watching a movie or TV show. Certainly there are occasions when I go back to expand or alter, but it’s not often I’ll stray. I am trying to do better, because I have terrible OCD about editing as I go. I will literally spend hours in making that first chapter perfect! I need to loosen up and just write, then go back and tighten the story, correct the mistakes.
What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
It really varies, depending on the subject, the characters. Most of my research is done online, and I can easily find myself lost in that rabbit hole! Often the research occurs as I’m writing, as an idea pops into my head rather than prior to even starting the story.
Do you have a set schedule for writing, or do you only write when you feel inspired?
I write when I feel inspired. It can be morning, afternoon, late at night. There are times I’ll write almost non-stop for days. Then there are times I won’t write for a week or two. If nothing new flows, I’ll spend time doing promotion or reading helpful articles, or simply reading for pleasure, hoping to be inspired.
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
Yes, I read A LOT! Some ask me how I have time to work and write with how much I read. I’ll just say as time goes on, I find myself sleeping less and less. I of course love romance, all sub-genres. I first became hooked with Nora Roberts, and there are so many I love, but some of my favorites are Donna Grant, Laura Kaye, Rachel Grant, Toni Anderson, Darynda Jones, Robyn Peterman, Anna Durand, Kerrigan Byrne… I know I could name a hundred and still feel as if I’m leaving others out, so for those not mentioned, please don’t be upset!
Lastly, when can we readers expect to read more wonderful books from you?
Readers can catch up on my other eleven titles while awaiting my next release 😉 As I’m writing this, I’m in the middle of edits for Book Two in my cover model series, which will release sometime in February. I also have an upcoming release of Book Two in my Shifter Clans, which should come out in April, and I’m currently working on Book Three in that series. As the year progresses, I hope to have Book Three in the cover model series out, along with the next romantic comedy in my New Adventures series. Readers can keep up with all the happenings on my social media sites.
Its official book lovers, I am obsessed with Laura M. Baird! If you have liked what you have read about the author and are interested in learning more about Laura M. Baird, then please do have a browse of the links below and be sure to have a read of the preview too! You will not regret it.
Goodbye for now book lovers,
Amazon U.S. – Amazon U.K. – Goodreads
Laura M. Baird: Publisher – Barnes & Noble – Smashwords – Kobo – iBooks – Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Bookbub – Goodreads Author Page – Amazon Author Page – YouTube
