Courage, Goals, and Smelling the Flowers!

On March 1, 2025March 1, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews, Books92 Comments

I’m not good at this. It’s a bit uncomfortable. However, it’s a vital part of an Indie Author package. So, the moment has come to do a promotional post for my book, Cora’s Quest. I don’t have the backing of a publisher (not yet), so every little ounce of promotion makes a difference. Are you still with me? I hope so! And just so you know, I don’t publish books for money. My expenses outweigh any profits. 😳

***Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels.com***

I publish books as my legacy for my family, but there’s another reason. ..Sharing my writing regardless of the genre gives you a glimpse into my heart and soul, while hoping that my experiences will touch you in some way.

“Courage is the most important of the virtues, because without it, no other virtue can be practiced consistently,”
~ Maya Angelou

We all have goals that we list in a journal or on our computers, and as we complete those goals, we check that box off which gives us a great feeling of accomplishment. So, publishing Cora’s story that has sat patiently on the back burner for years feels incredible! Currently, I’m working on another children’s story that I plan to submit to an agent or small kid-lit press mid year. Cheers to 2025 goals and meeting them! 👏🏼

Now, one tidbit of valuable information I learned at the San Francisco Writers Conference is that even if an author has an agent and a conventional publisher, the author is still expected to promote that amazing, best seller book! Thus, authors need to step out of their comfort zones to promote their own work!

“If you’re not getting outside of your comfort zone, then you’re not growing.”

“Life begins outside of our comfort zone.”

I’m writing this from the heart…if you have little ones, if you know someone who has young children ages 2-5, or if you’re a grandparent with grandkids in this age range, I hope you’ll consider inviting Cora into your family. Or if you’re an adult and the weight of the world is bogging you down and you need an uplifting quick read, Cora would love to spend time with you. 🥰

***Click on image to purchase your copy!***

I’m also thankful for the awesome 5-star reviews Cora has received on Amazon and Goodreads!! 🙏 I’m sharing a couple from D. L. Finn and Pete Springer to hopefully entice you. Please click on their names to visit their wonderful blogs and learn more about their books. Additional reviews can be found on my page, or on Amazon and Goodreads.

D.L. Finn
5.0 out of 5 stars You’ll want to read this to your younger children!
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2024
Verified Purchase

Cora’s Quest is a sweet story about a deer’s family outing. Cora is enjoying the forest until things change quickly, and now she needs to find her courage. A fantastic story to read to your little ones or for young readers to enjoy. The illustrations are beautiful and full of color, and the story is woven into a lesson that will resonate with children and their families. Here is an engaging passage: “An owl hoots/from its lofty perch./ The wind howls,/swirling around Cora./Grunts and growls/in the distance/steal her courage!/ They act like thieves!” I can easily recommend this story for young readers and those who read to them.

Pete Springer
5.0 out of 5 stars An Important Lesson for Children
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2024
Verified Purchase

Cora is a curious fawn who loves to explore but sometimes is easily distracted by things in nature. When she get separated from her parents, Cora is first overcome with fright. One’s imagination can play tricks and at first it’s hard for her to act. Even though Cora is lost, she remembers the lessons her parents taught her that size doesn’t determine anyone’s courage. It is the ability to keep a calm head and to be brave which allows the the fawn to find her parents.

Poet Lauren Scott has written a wonderful picture book with an excellent lesson reminding children to think clearly in a crisis and not to become prisoners of fear. Scott’s nephew, Chris Mendez, adds to Cora’s story with his delightful illustrations. There is an inspiring note in the illustrator’s notes about how he has used art therapy to help himself and others to overcome issues with anxiety.

If you’re captivated by now and would like to purchase a copy, simply click on either the front or back cover image that will gently carry you over to Amazon. For another option, the B&N link is https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/coras-quest-lauren-scott/1146540878?ean=9798218408756.
I highly recommend the paperback so that your little ones can experience the full magic. 💖

And lastly, if you love Cora’s Quest, please consider sharing a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. You’ve heard it before, “Book reviews are like hugs to authors.” And who doesn’t like a hug? 🤗

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STOPPING BY,
AND FOR SIMPLY SPENDING YOUR PRECIOUS TIME
WITH ME AT BAYDREAMERWRITES, 💜
AND I WISH YOU A HAPPY MONTH OF MARCH! 🌻

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

***A younger Copper reminds us to stop and smell the flowers!***

The Heart of our Dog!

On February 26, 2025February 26, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry119 Comments

Last Sunday we took Copper, our 14 1/2 year old puppy, to our favorite state park. The weather was cool but not freezing, just perfect for a walk among the redwoods. Copper loved walking around, taking in the new sights and smells. He can’t hear anymore, so we use hand signals to communicate with him, and we give him lots of hugs and kisses. I took some pics and sent them to our daughter and son who live in TN. and CO. Then I saw an IG post from my daughter that went straight to my heart. She wrote about living far away from ‘her dog’ and missing him so much. I’m going to share it, then I’m going to add a poem written from Copper’s POV. So, this post is a combination of tears and smiles. I hope you enjoy, and maybe you’ll relate too.

From my daughter:

“It’s weird having a dog or any pet be part of your life for a good amount of time but then you move away. Across the country. And rarely see them anymore. And when you do visit once or twice a year, you’re so excited to see them because you know them, but you wonder if they remember or recognize you. And they look older because you’re older. When we first adopted Copper, I was with him for 6 years and was hesitant on adopting another dog after Lucky Girl passed. And now, I’ve been away from him for that same amount of time that I was with him & it’s sad, bittersweet. He’s still got those same amber eyes you get lost in, but he’s a little grayer than he was the previous year. And you just know the inevitable. It’s weird being so far away & not “growing up” with him into adulthood. But when someone asks if I have a dog, I say yes even though it’s only through pictures my mom sends me. I love this boy so much.” ❤️
(This brought us to tears. We miss her enough, and then to read her feelings about living far from Copper just about did us in! Does this scenario sound familiar?)

And now, let’s wipe away those tears and find a smile:

What a Fun Day! (from Copper’s POV)

Thanks, Mom and Dad,
for taking me to the park!
I took in all the beauty
without one single bark!

Oh, the smells were awesome,
and the redwoods so tall!
I’m pretty tall myself
but I felt very small!

Lifting my leg was fun
around new territory,
I even inspired Mom
to tell my canine story!

We walked by the creek
hearing water flowing.
You said it was peaceful
without any wind blowing.

Then we found a table
where you ate your lunch
and I gulped down my food
with a crunch and a munch!

Naptime followed soon
when I plopped down on my bed,
with every muscle relaxed
I laid down my big head.

I know I’m older now;
I don’t move very fast,
but I’m glad we came here
because I really had a blast!

© Lauren Scott

A note from Copper: I hope you liked this post that my mom and I put together! Can you relate? Do you have a dog or cat that melts your heart and whose eyes see right into your soul like mine do? If you do, let my mom know in the comments. And thanks for coming by today! I hope you don’t mind a slobbery kiss from me! ❤️🐶🐾

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Click on the image to purchase your copy.
Thank you! 🙏

The Visitor

On February 24, 2025February 24, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry95 Comments

The conversation turned heavy
discussing God’s existence,
then noticing the time,
my husband opened the door
to retrieve our dinner,
Grub Hub, don’t judge,
a Friday convenience!
Then a moth slipped in
quietly, adroitly,
wearing lime green
and milky white.
It landed on a nearby chair,
and my husband spoke,
“Is it you, Mom?
It’s been 33 years,
and we still miss you so much.”
The moth lifted from the cloth
rising up into the air,
gliding out the door
from which it came.
It was Diane. We believe.
Her entrance was timely,
so perhaps, a reminder.
We gave tears freedom.
We know they’ll revisit
because the many used up
calendars over the years
are irrelevant.
His world was shattered
too soon, but the events
of that day are as vivid
as yesterday’s sunset.
Funny, how a little moth
on its own special journey
lifted our spirits that evening.

Note: A moth’s symbolism varies in each culture, but we choose to
hold onto the light and positive transformation.

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Thank you for stopping by, and I wish you a wonderful day and weekend ahead! 💕

Moods

On February 21, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry97 Comments

Moods that can’t seem to find
the light through the darkest shadows
can be lifted with blooms of bright yellow
like a smile sprinkling cheer
into a day washed out in beige.

© Lauren Scott

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

***Click on the link to purchase your copy! Thank you!***

If your mood needs a lift, I hope my words provide that light.
Thanks always for your visit,
and have a wonderful Friday and weekend! ❤️🌻

Book Reviews: Self-Help & Fantasy with a dash of Love & Inspiration!!

On February 19, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry131 Comments

I finally finished the last 5-star reviews of two incredible books. I hope you enjoy!

To purchase your copy, click on Buy on Amazon.

Whenever I immerse myself in a book by Diana Peach, I always fall deeply into the exciting worlds and believable characters. She is the author who converted me years ago into reading fantasy. Her beautiful prose parallels with diving into a C. S. Lewis classic. Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver is an enchanting and spellbinding story full of remarkable imagination. I was easily drawn into the extraordinary imagery from the first chapter. One sample of Peach’s magical writing is, “The sky joined into a conspiracy with the wind and thickened with charcoal clouds that piled on each other’s back.”

Erith, the protagonist, resides between two worlds. She is half mortal human and half possessing charmed blood. Because of these qualities, she feels as if she doesn’t belong in either world. But the complication lies with her mother bestowing her the title of seasons’ weaver. Erith must weave her first tapestry ode to spring. However, self-doubt clings to her like static electricity, and she remains hesitant to use her magical powers. Not to mention, she faces a multitude of obstacles. A massive hindrance being the Winter King who takes revenge on the human race. He suppresses the season of spring because of human hunters who harmed the enchanted forest.

The reader joins Erith on her quest, meeting a variety of magical creatures, some better to avoid such as water demons in the night, while others that fascinate like galiwhigs. Many entertaining characters, both good and evil, play a significant role in her growth, and Peach even adds a touch of romance to entice.

Will Erith be able to push aside her self-doubt in order to prevent the demise of all humans? Will the four seasons remain everlasting? I encourage you to discover the answers by reading this tale that I highly recommend!

**To purchase your copy, click on image.**

Reading The Garden of Love by Manuela Timofte is like sitting by a waterfall, allowing its ballad to calm your mind. My initial thought after the first few pages was, I need this now. The U.S. is spinning out of control in a myriad of ways. The world is doing the same. So, reading Timofte’s book was like enjoying one spectacular exhale, releasing all stress.

In the foreword she writes, “In our real garden, we may prefer certain flowers and try to eradicate certain weeds, but the flowers and weeds inside us define us as people and the life we lead.” Her hope with this book is that “we find the flowers we like, and the lines that resonate with us, and that they give us color, fragrance, understanding, and lots of love.” I discovered the flowers, the lines, I saw the color, inhaled the fragrance, realized understanding, and felt the love.

Timofte reminds us that we are all diverse, not only physically, but also in thoughts, emotions, and experiences. And no matter what, “we are brought here on earth to learn the lessons of love…true happiness does not lie in a job, money, religion, or political placards. It was and is all the time within us.”

There is so much of what she writes that I know in mind and heart but let slip aside as I trudge through my own agenda. It takes little effort to forget about love, and that we can’t take money and possessions with us when we leave this beautiful planet. I, too, am reminded that while some of these make life more exciting and comfortable, the bottom line is to live life knowing that our stay here on earth is temporary, but to leave without regrets – a mission that can be difficult to implement. So, I encourage you to grab a copy and a cup of tea or your preferred beverage and allow yourself that one spectacular exhale as you turn the pages. Highly recommended!

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I’m also sharing a poem for you to ponder when you leave here:

Your Link

The link you grasp may be small
But still, you will not fall
With the firmest grip, hold on tight
It’s not about fight or flight
Just seizing the chain is vital
No one is above you or entitled
Whether the link is large or small
Hold your head up high; stand tall!
We all matter, the bottom line
Our beliefs, emotions, goals in life
We all matter of equal degree
This is truth…not hyperbole!

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Thanks so much for your visit!
I hope you’re leaving with nothing less than self-love,
while eager to dive into compelling reading! ❤️

Tightrope

On February 17, 2025February 17, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry105 Comments

**Photo by Marcelo Moreira on Pexels.com**

Tightrope

Let us gently walk
on this tightrope called life,
trying to keep our bodies still,
our minds calm
which easily slip into
the grip of worry,
because prying the ‘worry fingers’
away from worn-out brains
nearly takes the jaws of life.

Make each step gentle
to avoid tumbling
into a rabbit hole of anxiety,
sliding deeper
into shadows that frighten,

and softer steps
are healthier
than getting stuck
in the muck of negativity
that will weigh us down
like an overloaded backpack.

The tightrope may fray though.
It could snap with one wrong footprint.

So, our light steps are obligated
to keep us balanced.

Our gentle steps will steady
the wind in our wings.

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Do my words resonate? Is something weighing you down in life?
Does my poem provide comfort? I hope so…

Thank you for your presence today. I am truly grateful,
and I wish you a wonderful week ahead. ❤️

Unseen Hearts – Share the Love!

On February 14, 2025February 14, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry107 Comments

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! ❤️

Today sparks many thoughts, mostly happy and loving, but for me, there is more to this day than chocolate and roses. So, I’m combining two posts from the past, and if you remember these, I hope they resonate again…❤️

Valentine’s Day is an exciting day for couples to celebrate their love for each other. I also show my love not only for my husband, but for my family and friends who hold a special place in my heart. But we need to keep in mind that today isn’t joyful for everyone. Some people grieve the passing of their spouse or partner. Some hearts hurt from a breakup. Some people have chosen to be single, so today may not hold a huge significance for them. Some live on the streets. Some live with daunting diagnoses. So, let’s be mindful of the different scenarios that play out. If today is a joyful day for your heart, I implore you to take a moment to think of those who struggle in some manner…

Unseen Hearts

Candy hearts say Be Mine
Red roses represent forever
Fancy dinners for two in love
A lifetime of together…

Ahh, the joy…
but my thoughts drift to the old man on Anderson Drive
who wears his gray hair long,
surrounded by treasures divine,
and sits outside his raggedy, faded blue tent
that balances on damaged poles,
an office of esteem used to house the chair
that wobbles beneath his body of bones

and I wonder about the young woman
on Lincoln Avenue
who burrows into a weathered, pea-green bag
on the old bus stop bench –
the scratched enclosure keeps her dry
when raindrops fall on cue,
buses pass by, heading to their next hub
by the curb lies an old shoe

and the poor mutt curled up beside his master,
ribs defined – who doesn’t know
why he only gets crumbs to lick up
from the unwashed hand,
but no leash keeps him bound –
he knows not of despair, but loyalty he comprehends

So, I browse over the valleys of my pondering and wonder,
do your thoughts also drift to defeated souls
where hopelessness betrays faith, where life has taken a toll?
Where is their place on this Valentine’s Day?

And now for a mixture of love poems from the past…

In Technicolor

A distant memory
in technicolor…
I want to rip the page
from my mind’s
photo album
because my heart
was foolish
to fall for that man,
our skies different
our dreams astray,
but the heart’s pulse
beats to a tune
of its own choosing,
logic holds no leverage.
Though this man
wasn’t a cockroach,
I never wished
to stomp on him.
And so, I’m grateful,
for without that page
I wouldn’t have
stumbled
upon the path
that lead me
to my love at last.

If the Universe Would Share

I whisper to him,
“Do you see that blue
luminous star?
I choose it for you.”

If the universe would share,
I’d pull the gleaming beauty
from the constellations
and place it in the palm
of his hands.

We would sit upon
a slow-moving cloud
and dangle our legs
into freedom.

I’d touch my lips
to his, tenderly,
then hunger would
reel through our veins,
tumbling us into a
pleasant intoxication,

watching moonbeams
pierce our private night sky.

Belonging

Do you trust me? Will you
take my hand and let me
lead the way to a place
transcending boundaries
of our reality? Let us get
lost in tranquility –
dancing to the majesty of
the surroundings, feeling
rhythm vibrate through our
bones. For as long as our
hearts desire, this is our
destination. Time is but
a memory. Its existence
leaves no trace on the path
where we tread.
There is only you, me,
and the intensity
of our belonging to each other.

***Click on the image to order your copy!*** 🙏

Do you feel the same as I do? Which poem resonates the most?
From my heart to yours, I wish you joy and love every day!
Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️

2025 San Francisco Writers Conference Update!

On February 11, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry105 Comments

Dear Friends,

I had a blast at the San Francisco Writers Conference! For my first time attending and on a scale from 1-10, my experience was a 15! I came home with an abundance of information to digest, organize, and implement, and I made some great friends! The conference was held at The Hyatt Regency, which is a beautiful hotel with incredible architecture, right across from the Ferry Building.

What’s funny is I thought I’d have time to read in my room and write in my journal. But the book and journal remained in my suitcase fully ignored, yet unintentionally. Along with attending self-publishing, poetry, and business tracks, I was in the company of amazing women authors either lunching, wine-ing, or enjoying good conversation and laughter over a delicious dinner. I made 3 consultation appointments for pitching another children’s book to meet with an agent, editor, and publisher, and received valuable feedback. Once I do final editing, I was asked to send my manuscript in, which was a boost of encouragement!

By the time I returned to my room each evening, I was exhausted, falling into my comfy king bed and sliding immediately into a much-needed slumber.

I was also thrilled to have my books, Ever So Gently and Cora’s Quest, on display in the onsite bookstore, and to sell a copy of each! By the way, how could I pass up more books to buy? I came home with six! Obviously, I’ll have to interrupt life to read, read, read! 😁

Below are more photos that I hope you enjoy…