Book Review: Slivers by Vicki Atkinson

On August 27, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews117 Comments

It’s time to share a long overdue review of Slivers by Vicki Atkinson –
another compelling read to add to your towering TBR! 🙂

In case you haven’t met Vicki...

Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. (I’ll answer to any and all!) I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), author of “Surviving Sue” and “Slivers“. I’m also a well-regarded speaker and consultant in my own business, Atkinson Group Solutions.

I believe in the power of connection – taking time to share what matters most and I do a lot of pondering (yes…Victoria Ponders) about writing, relationships, family and wellness.

Writing for wellness was the inspiration behind my memoir, “Surviving Sue“. Two years later, I answered the call from readers who were curious about my mom’s highly intuitive family, and I wrote my first-ever novel, “Slivers” – inspired by eerie, generational secrets.

Learn more about both books from my terrific publisher, Eckhartz Press.

My 5-star review:

Slivers by Vicki Atkinson

Slivers quietly pulled me in and then refused to let go. From the beginning, Vicki had a natural way of drawing me into this tale. As I turned the pages, I found myself face to face with family dysfunction of many layers. And before I knew it, I was completely immersed in the lives of the three protagonists. Their emotions and struggles against the frightening supernatural forces (slivers) that became more intense made me care about what happened to them. I felt the tension, and honestly, I believe I held my breath until I reached the last page. For me, when a book is really good, I think about the characters even when I’m not reading. So, it’s as though I stepped into the world of these three young teenagers that took place in a week’s time during the summer of 1973. Do your thoughts ever take you back generations? Sometimes, the past covertly slinks into the present, providing fodder for a fascinating story about a family whose secrets resurface.

Imagine trying to make sense of hearing ghostly voices, seeing inanimate objects move like living creatures, let alone, unearthing a family secret that upends life. Do you crave drama and suspense? Do you love characters that make you feel like you’ve known them forever? Does a hint of the unexplained keep you engrossed? If you answer yes to these questions, then I highly recommend Slivers – a masterfully written novel with an ending that stayed with me long after I turned the last page.

To purchase your copy of Slivers, simply click on the book cover image above.

Now that I (hope to) have your attention, let me also highlight Vicki’s memoir, Surviving Sue.

My 5-star review:

Vicki Atkinson’s book is an honest and emotional memoir about living with her mom, Sue, who was plagued with mental health and addiction issues. Sue’s moods would shift from joyful to rage in no time, causing confusion and pain to anyone nearby. Vicki disclosed only the truth, no sugarcoating any situation, and even inserted humor at times. In the midst of chaos and after she moved out from her mother’s house, she remained concerned about her disabled sister, Lisa, who landed on the receiving end of their mother’s manipulation and abuse.

How Vicki met each challenging moment with resilience, compassion, and strength was absolutely amazing to discover. She uncovered the means for coping while also providing us a glimpse of the good side of Sue…her fun, entertaining qualities, and empathetic heart that advocated for others. I found this perspective to be heartwarming and inspirational. Vicki became a licensed counselor, so I’m sure living with her mom’s unstable personality offered insight for her future to counsel others. This book truly demonstrates what it means to love and forgive, and to stay strong in turbulent times. Highly recommended!

To purchase your copy, simply click on the book cover image.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and please don’t leave empty-handed! Pay Vicki a visit too. She is not only an excellent writer, but she’s a kind-hearted soul, and I’m happy to call her a friend in this warm community. 💖

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

Lauren Scott is a Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts and her work has appeared in seven anthologies. Her poetry and prose has also been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations where she has received several honors. Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, and she is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.

Welcome Author, Jacqui Murray!

On July 29, 2026July 28, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews115 Comments

Dear Friends,

I am thrilled to welcome friend and fellow Author, Jacqui Murray, and help promote her new book, Balance of Nature, which is Book 3 of the Savage Land Trilogy! Jacqui is a talented and prolific author of prehistoric fiction and non-fiction, and she has published more books than I can count!
Balance of Nature is on my list to read later this year. However, I read and loved Endangered Species, and you can find my 5-star review on Amazon, Goodreads, and at this book review post.

Summary:

A tribe haunted by the past. Lies that threaten the future. A reason to find the truth.

Savage Land is the third trilogy about prehistoric man in the series, Man. Vs. Nature. Savage Land explores how two bands of humans survived one of the worst natural disasters in Earth’s history, when volcanic eruptions darkened the sky, massive tsunamis crossed the ocean in crushing waves, and raging fires burned the land. Viral tribes of Neanderthals and early man considered themselves apex predators, but that crown belonged to Nature and she was intent on washing the two-legged blight from her lands.

In Balance of Nature, Book Three of the trilogy, Yu’ung’s Neanderthal tribe hopes to settle at Gibraltar but instead find unexpected threats and lethal challenges.

Follow the courageous Yu’ung, the determined Kazeb, the mystical Shanadar, and the pawed-and-clawed Canis as they navigate a perilous world of tribal conflict, unexplained visions, and shifting loyalties. Their journey is a testament to the resilience and strength of true leadership in a sweeping saga that ultimately leads to who we are today.

Book information:

Print, digital, audio soon available: http://a-fwd.com/asin=B0G45MFBWW
Genre: Prehistoric fiction
Editor: Anneli Purchase

Author bio:

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular prehistoric fiction saga, Man vs. Nature which explores seminal events in man’s evolution one trilogy at a time. She is also author of the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers and Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. Her non-fiction includes 100+ books on tech into education, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics.

Social Media contacts:

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jacqui-Murray/e/B002E78CQQ/

Blog: https://worddreams.wordpress.com

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/askatechteacher

X: http://twitter.com/worddreams

Website: https://jacquimurray.net

Jacqui shares her thoughts about attending Writer’s Conferences.

I haven’t been to an in-person writer’s conference in a while. In the past, I attended two a year, one for writing and one for education (I’m a teacher-author). I’ve posted about preparation for these events and how they went (always felt exhilarated and motivated afterwards).

Problems with airlines, COVID, personal issues, and limited funds have all seemed to discourage me from attending of late. I chatted with efriends to get their feedback on conferences they had attended and whether they were considering more in the future. Here’s some of the feedback I got:

Yes if…

You’re seeking structured feedback on your work (many conferences offer pitch sessions, manuscript critiques, or agent meetings).
You want to network with agents, editors, or published authors in your genre (check the guest list—look for 3+ people you’d genuinely pay to meet).
You’re stuck in a rut and need inspiration/motivation (workshops + peer energy can break writer’s block).
The cost is <5% of your annual writing income (or you’re treating it as a tax-deductible professional development expense).

Skip if…

You feel like it’s a “pay-to-pitch” scam (red flag: high fees for vague “agent access” with no track record of sales).
The lineup is generic (“How to Write a Novel” by someone who’s never published one).
You’re introverted and hate small talk (virtual options or smaller regional events might be better).
You’re broke—wait for scholarships, early-bird rates, or free local meetups.

Great take-aways from attending one

the opportunity to network with like-minded people
the chance to pitch to an agent
getting away from the daily routine
gain expert answers to questions
hear up-to-date feedback on the status of the industry

This is a lot to think about. I don’t know if I’ll attend the next one coming up, but at least, I have some metrics to apply to the decision.

Jacqui asked me if I had ever attended a writer’s conference, and I have – the San Francisco Writer’s Conference for the last two years. Both were great but different experiences, and my take-aways align with Jacqui’s. Fortunately, this conference was local, about a half hour’s drive, so the travel cost was low. I regarded this event as ‘time for me’ so I stayed at the Hyatt Regency where the conference is held every year, and the convenience of taking the elevator to my room after the evening events was beyond awesome! I loved networking with other authors, learning about their writing and publishing experiences. I sold my books in the on-site bookstore. I met with agents and editors and gained valuable feedback. I lunched, wined, and dined with new friends. The fun began on Thursday and ended on Sunday, when I went home with a myriad of information. My brain was fried but in a good way! It’s not an inexpensive investment, especially, staying at the hotel for three nights. Although, if you can make it work, I would recommend attending at lease one conference that is convenient for you. There is so much to learn.
Even so, Jacqui shared some good points that I agree with, so attending is definitely a personal decision.

As you head out today, I hope you’ve been inspired by Jacqui’s incredible storytelling and her passion for writing prehistoric fiction. I also hope you’ll pick up a copy of her book and, if you haven’t already, consider attending a writer’s conference. It’s a wonderful way to connect with other writers and spark new ideas.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I can’t wait to dive into Jacqui’s book later this year when life slows down a bit. And thank you, Jacqui, for inviting me to be part of your exciting book blast. It’s been a pleasure! ❤️

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com
All photos courtesy of Jacqui Murray.

Book Reviews: Where Stories Meet – Fringes, Heartstrings and Lyrics – Perfect!

On May 19, 2026May 19, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Anthologies, Book Promotions, Book Reviews123 Comments

Hi Everyone,

In the midst of working on my own writing projects, I’m enjoying some great reading and finally finished reviews. I hope my thoughts prompt you to visit Amazon. 🙂 And please know that the length of my reviews may vary from one to the other, but each of these books earned 5-stars!

Where Stories Meet curated by Marsha Ingrao is a beautiful anthology compiled of stories and poems from Story Chat Digest. The book is divided into sections that begin with an entertaining conversation which makes you feel like pulling up a chair and joining in. The topics vary from lighthearted and humorous to more reflective. What makes this anthology even more special are the writing tips we can learn from, along with questions following the stories. There is something for every reader to ponder over or resonate with. And I shouldn’t dog ear books, but I do, so when I love a collection of stories and/or poems, most or even all the pages will have a corner folded over. Such is the case in this wonderful book.

I also don’t like to cherry pick favorites in anthologies where several authors have come together to create a wonderful piece of work. So, I love the entire book, but one poem that stood out was “What Would You Do Different” by Yvette Prior.

“What would you do different – if you knew – Death was so close for you?”

This question and topic stayed with me, maybe because the years are piling up. Don’t these words make you stop in your tracks too for a little contemplation?

Marsha’s hard work is a labor of love! Another special aspect of this book is that you can read it in one day, if life allows. Or you can enjoy one story or poem at a time, as if savoring a sinfully delicious piece of homemade carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting. Delight at your own pace. I highly recommend this wonderful anthology and congratulate Marsha and the other talented authors who contributed.

Jan Sikes has done it again in Fringes, Heartstrings, and Lyrics, a collection of short stories and poems that will prompt you to reflect upon your own life. I always enjoy Jan’s storytelling, and this wonderful gathering of fiction and poetry became another dog-eared book. I had many favorites, but I’ll highlight a few.

“A Foreign World” was the opening story that paused my heartbeat. In my opinion, the world and our country are changing faster than most of us can keep up. Some change is good, but some change is distressing, and this story spotlights the distressing element. When I finished, I sat in silence for a few minutes before continuing on to the next. “A Promise Broken – A Promise Kept” touches on love and sacrifice. “Magic” is simply magic, what a beautiful story, and who doesn’t need a little magic in their life? The poems that stand out are “Butterfly” for its inspiration. “I Am Near” brought tears as I thought of loved ones in my family who have moved on to another life. And “I’ve Got You” would resonate with any loving parent.

In addition to Jan’s fiction, she included poems of her late husband’s, Rick Sikes, and her fourteen-year-old granddaughter, Sydney. “The Blind Man in the Night” by Rick Sikes offers a profound message for all. “Society” by Sydney gave me chills. I wouldn’t have guessed she was only fourteen years old. Like I mentioned though, this book is dog-eared to the hilt, so you’ll need to grab your own copy to read the other gems inside, and I highly recommend that you do. There is a message to takeaway for everyone from this lovely collection.

I love a good thriller as long as it’s not too graphic. One that keeps me on the edge of my seat, wondering “who dun it?” It’s the narrative, the fluidity of connecting the events, the likable and believable characters, and solving the puzzle at the end. Perfect by P.J. Gudka falls into this riveting category – a captivating, emotional, psychological thriller. On her blog, Pooja writes about real life in poetry and prose, the frustrations and the celebrations. But Perfect is her first novel, and when I heard it was coming out, I couldn’t wait to read it.

This story is about secrets. What family doesn’t hold secrets? And some secrets will shock the socks off of you! I could almost hear suspenseful music play in the Prologue alone, and the story hadn’t even begun. I was hooked…

Lily is gasping for air; her lungs are burning. What happens next? One can assume, but I couldn’t wait to find out! The intensity and storytelling kept me so engaged that I didn’t want to stop reading until I made it to the last page! But I had to put it down. Life is like that. Family, dinner, work, sleep…and still, I read this story in two days and loved it!

Imagine a family who looks perfect on the outside. And yet, regardless of the image seen by others, no one is perfect. We never know what goes on behind closed doors. Everyone has flaws, although some flaws are more dangerous. You’ll find yourself wondering about your own family. How well do you know your loved ones? “What does perfect mean to you?” A perfect partner, children, career? Money, money, and more money? Well, perfect just doesn’t exist. Our ‘perfect’ is what makes us happy, but it is different from everyone else’s description.

If you’re a fan of thrillers like I am, you’ll want to add this book to your library. If you shy away from suspense, be brave and let the pages entertain you (keep the lights on if you need). Pooja had me changing suspects right to the end. I thought I had it all figured out, but no. I was in for a big surprise. Talk about plot twists! Brilliant! Highly recommended for those who love rollercoaster reads!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little update from me, I just submitted a poetry manuscript, so we’ll see what happens. I also entered two more contests, one short story and one poetry. A conundrum is that most presses want original work, unpublished (not even on blogs). So, this is why I’m not sharing new poetry right now. But I’ll continue to share my writing, just maybe some oldies.

Like I mentioned in my interview with Gabriela, I’m using the quote from Albert Einstein: “You never fail unless you stop trying.”
So, this is the year for trying new things.

I hope you enjoyed my reviews and won’t leave here empty-handed! 📚
I also encourage you to visit these fabulous author’s blogs:
Marsha Ingrao, Jan Sikes, and P.J. Gudka.
Have a wonderful week and thanks for stopping by! ❤️

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

Lauren Scott is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry, a memoir in verse and prose, and her first children’s book. She has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured at Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023) and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Her work was named Honorable Mention in The Smalls Too 2026 Poetry Contest from the California Writer’s Club. Lauren’s work is published in several anthologies. She is currently working on her second children’s book and a collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life.

***Poetry that will*** ***resonate for all pet parents.***

Robbie Cheadle interviews me about King Copper at Writing to be Read – Treasuring Poetry Guest

On April 15, 2026April 15, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books, Poetry53 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

I am delighted to be featured again as a Treasuring Poetry guest on Writing to be Read with Robbie Cheadle! We all know Robbie and how multi-talented she is with her writing and baking, but she is also generous with putting other writers in the spotlight. However, if you haven’t met Robbie yet, here is a little bit about her…

South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.

Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/

Please visit us at Writing to be Read to read the interview by clicking on the link below.
I appreciate this opportunity with Robbie very much. 🙏

Treasuring Poetry – Lauren Scott talks about her latest poetry book, King Copper, and a review

Robbie’s beautiful review:

King Copper is a beautiful collection of poems paying tribute to the life of the poet’s dog, Copper. We become incredibly connected to our pets and they are part of our families. As a result we experience great grief and loss when they pass over the rainbow bridge. Lauren’s recordings of magical moments in her relationship with Copper and the joy he brought her and her family are a delight to experience. These emotions are described in Lauren’s micro poem, Temporary Smiles:

“Memories of joy
bring temporary smiles
tears wash them away”

The Preface and Still to Soon prose sections share a bit about Copper, his introduction into the poet’s family and his subsequent life with them, and his passing. He lived to a good old age of 14 1/2 and is sorely missed by his family. The book includes some lovely photographs of Copper with various family members.

This collection is fairly short but it is a worthy read and will help ease other hearts aching from the loss of a beloved pet.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you at Writing to be Read!
Have a wonderful Wednesday! ❤️

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

Lauren Scott is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in Northern California with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry, a memoir in verse and prose, and her first children’s book. She has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured at Spillwords Press, Gobblers and Masticadores, and LatinosUsa. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023), and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Lauren’s work is included in several anthologies. She is currently working on her second children’s book and another collection of poetry. Her muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life.

***Please click on the image to purchase! xo***

#BookReview – Wildflower by Maggie Watson & San Francisco Writers Conference Update

On February 20, 2026February 20, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry134 Comments

Dear Family & Friends,

I hope life is treating you well! The San Francisco Writers Conference last weekend was another great experience that I’m going to ‘tell’ you about, but first, I’m sharing my review of my dear friend, Maggie’s book, Wildflower. If you haven’t met Maggie yet, read about her below and visit her blog!

I am Maggie Watson, an Indie Poet and Author from Scotland. My poetry journey began at the start of the Pandemic in 2020.
I think we can all agree it was a very difficult time (especially, if like myself, you live alone). I initially put pen to paper as a way of getting my sense of isolation down on paper. I did not envisage then, that it would become such a huge part of my life. My first collection of poems was published (by a publishing house in December 2020). I look at what I wrote back then and cringe!
In 2021 I decided to try and self-publish, and so, "Me and My Shadow" and "Once Upon A Time" were born. Again, as I look back, I know I was only going for the achievement factor and being able to say that I had self-published, rather than concentrating on the standard of my work. The biggest improvement in my writing has come from joining WordPress without a doubt. The standard on here is so high, you do need to raise your bar!

In October 2024 I released my sixth collection, "Pieces of Me". This was a very important collection as it is my story in poems of my years spent in an Domestic Abuse relationship. At the end of 2025 I released "Wildflower" as a follow up to "Pieces of Me" so that people could see how far I have come, as well as the doubts and fears that sometimes plague me. I was extremely honoured to be part of the After Rain Skies Anthology this year( 2025) curated by Michelle Ayon Najavas. I am, like Michelle, passionate about a subject which is still taboo in some parts of society and trying to empower abuse survivors. My work has also been included in five anthologies, as well as being published at Spillwords and other e-zines (Please see my "Other Publications" Page). Last year, I was awarded both Publication and Author of the Month by Spillwords. These are things I never imagined at the start of my writing journey!
I am forever grateful to the WordPress community for their love and support. All my collections are available on Amazon (Please see my "My Books" Page). I write for the love of writing, and I always hope someone can take something from my words.

My 5-star review:

Maggie Watson pulls the emotions for her poetry deeply from her soul. Her words are honest, raw, beautiful, and painful at times because she is a survivor of domestic abuse. She doesn’t try to mask the nightmare. Instead, Wildflower is a collection of poetry that exudes resilience.

The first line in The Foreword provides a profound beginning: “…you spill your words onto the page and pray that they don’t resonate.” Most writers, me included, wish for their stories and poetry to resonate, but in Maggie’s case, she wishes for no one to endure the abuse that she found herself trapped in. The difference is that she hopes to empower those who are experiencing abuse of any kind, or to encourage survivors of abuse to keep moving forward. Her poems will bring comfort and build muscle. Maggie’s poetry is solid proof that escaping from beneath the hand or belittling words of an abusive partner is possible, not only for personal wellbeing, but to inspire others to make the same bold move.

Choosing favorites from this reflective collection is difficult. So, I’m highlighting pieces of profoundness or wisdom that are sprinkled throughout the book. These are my takeaways even though I haven’t walked in Maggie’s shoes. I acknowledge her experience, the horror and pain, and commend her strength. She is truly an inspiration.

Maggie opens her heart, becomes transparent, and is a straightshooter with her words, but she emphasizes, “Never anoint my skin with pity.” All of us should heed her attitude, “Nothing can live for free in my head unless I agree.”

“To view our scars not as flaws but rather as a work of art or a beautiful mosaic.”

“Always listen to the cadence of preferred words. It is not only the dying who utter silent screams.”

Through Maggie’s heartbreaking and emboldening account, she portrays the truth, that courage lies within us. We can keep it confined or give it freedom.

I’m grateful that Maggie is no longer silent because her voice needs to be heard. She states from “Pieces of Me (5)”: “Those pieces are now artifacts of my history. Now, I look at them and smile.” Maggie wasn’t “born to be a lotus flower. In stagnant water is not where she belongs. She is a wildflower, free!” I highly recommend Wildflower for those who are in an unhealthy relationship, for encouragement to escape, or for anyone who could use a nudge to see the good in spite of life “always being bittersweet.”

I hope my review enticed you to purchase a copy of Maggie’s book, and if you’ve read her evocative collection and it moved you in the same way, it would be nice to leave a review for her on Amazon and/or Goodreads. As she and I both agree, “It’s nice to be nice.” 🥰
And reviews for Indie Authors are like hugs. 🤗

An update about the SF Writers Conference…

I had another rich experience for my second time attending. The conference is an excellent way to meet new people while seeing familiar faces. It’s all about networking. A couple highlights were chatting with Michael Larsen (co-founder who is 92 years old) and Dr. Andy Jones. I took more photos of scenes, but I enjoyed meeting Norelyn, Valerie, Diana, Arlene, Jennifer, and so many more wonderful people, and Teri and I snuck in a selfie by the Valentine booth. The weekend was about spreading love! The two keynote speakers were Jack El-Hai, highlighting his work on the Nuremberg film adaptation, and Raina Telgemeier, a graphic novelist known for Smile, Sisters, and Guts. Both were excellent! The icing on the cake was finding gorgeous red roses and Sees from hubby for Valentine’s Day when we got home!

I hope you enjoy the pics:

I received valuable feedback on my next children’s book, Carlie and Charlie Go Camping, so I’m making small changes before moving forward…

I hope you enjoyed this post and will plan to add Maggie’s book to your TBR for a powerful reading experience. Thanks so much for stopping by, and I look forward to visiting you! ❤️

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

Author and poet, Lauren Scott, is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), Ever So Gently (2023), and King Copper (2025). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee. Her first children’s book, Cora’s Quest, was published in 2024. Lauren has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured on Spillwords Press where she was voted Author of the Month and garnered Publication of the Month awards. She is a recent recipient of the Publication of the Year (Poetic) Award. Lauren is a contributing author in several anthologies, and her work is showcased on LatinosUSA and Gobblers and Masticadores. She is currently working on her second children’s book and another collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, reveling in simple things, and marveling at the mysteries of life.

Click on the image to purchase your copy. ❤️

Happy 2026 & Life Update!

On January 26, 2026January 29, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Awards, Poetry133 Comments

I hope this month has been a great start to your new year! January has been a whirlwind of new projects, getting back into a routine after the holidays, and varied emotions. I have my share of worries but there is so much to be grateful for! I’ve also been busy working on two books: my second children’s book, Carlie and Charlie Go Camping, and a new collection of poems. My intention was to publish Carlie and Charlie last year, but then Copper received his angel wings, and you know the rest. So, I’m excited about this book that is inspired by my family’s camping adventures with Steph and Michael when they were little, and it will include an educational element, stressing the benefits of spending time in the great outdoors with discussion questions at the end. I plan to pitch Carlie and Charlie at the San Francisco Writers Conference in two weeks, so I’ve been racing with the clock, editing, editing, and editing!

On another note, I received an email from Spillwords this morning, and my poem “I Am From” is nominated for Publication of the Year! Asking for your support is never easy, so it feels even more uncomfortable since I’ve been absent, but being nominated from Spillwords is always an honor, so all I can do is ask. I am grateful to Dagmara K. and her staff for publishing my work and for this incredible opportunity!

This poem was inspired by “Where I’m From” written by George Ella Lyon…

I Am From

I am from my mom’s emotions
that had a mind of their own
so wild at times emulating a summer storm
I am from my dad’s humor
where smiles bloomed
but his temper too in my less patient moods

I am from flower petals I did not plant
Mom’s were nurtured – my thumbs weren’t green
yet the petals’ beauty is always seen
I am from butter, sugar (granulated and brown),
vanilla, baking powder and soda,
and nuts, yes, sometimes this is the case,
and chocolate chips in their tantalizing ways

I am from the moon in her mystery
The sun in his radiance
The lake in its serenity

I am from the well-liked and the shunned
the self-doubt lodged on my shoulders
the redwoods standing tall
I am from planned and spontaneity
clarity and ambiguity

You can read the full poem here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I also offer a Huge Shout Out to my good friends who are amazing writers, Maggie Watson and Mike Utley, for being nominated for Author of the Year! Maggie’s poem “The Forest” is also in the running for Publication of the Year. I’m happy for Maggie and Mike and wish them the best of luck!!!

If you find the time to cast your vote, thank you!

***Photo by u0158aj Vaishnaw on Pexels.com***

Voting is officially scheduled from January 26th to January 30th at: https://spillwords.com/vote/.

Congratulations to all nominees, but as nominees, I feel that we are all winners! 🎉

Thanks for stopping by! Be well, Be safe! ❤️

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
Spillwords images: Credit to Spillwords

Author and poet, Lauren Scott, is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), Ever So Gently (2023), and King Copper; our dog’s life in poetry (2025). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee. Her first children’s book, Cora’s Quest, was published in 2024. Lauren has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured on Spillwords Press where she was voted Author of the Month and garnered Publication of the Month awards. She is a contributing author in several anthologies, and her work is showcased on LatinosUSA, and Gobblers and Masticadores. She is currently working on her second children’s book and fifth collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, reveling in simple things, and marveling at the mysteries of life.

Click on the image to purchase your copy.❤️

2025 Last post: Christmas, Poetry, and Feline Fun!

On December 23, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry98 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

I have a few things to share with you…

For the last month, our neighbor’s adorable cat has been cozying up on our patio chair or feeling on top of the world sitting at the bar! We’ve never met this little guy, but now we know his name is Zephyr, and he is so friendly. Our family believes that his visits have a deeper, serendipitous meaning, which resulted in a poem, and I was lucky to take a few photos of our new friend…

A Perception of Intervention

His collar reads Zephyr
friendly as can be
purrs when we pet him
eyes close to dream.
He lives down the street
roams outside each day
finding our cozy chair
to nap afternoons away.
Copper knows we miss him
so he sent a feline friend
in gray coat and green-yellow eyes
to bring comfort, to mend.

Secondly, Manuela Timofte has stepped down from her Editor position at Gobblers by Masticadores, and she will be missed. I felt honored when she featured my work. Changes are always in the air though, so Gobblers has moved to LatinosUSA, a larger website with six editors: Barbara Leonhard, J. Ré Crivello, Nolcha Fox, Michelle Ayón Navajas, Francisco Bravo, and Robbie Cheadle. I decided to submit a Christmas poem to Juan, and I was thrilled when he accepted my submission, which is live today:

A Christmas Soliloquy

The noble fir smells heavenly
Pervading throughout the room
Lights twinkle in red and green
Adding to its festive costume.
Stockings embellish the mantel
Eager to be filled with treats
Garland graces letters in gold
Spelling out P.E.A.C.E.
Dangling to model icicles,
White lights sparkle on eaves
Ornaments shimmer on branches
All this, the stuff of dreams.
But can dreams come true
When years become displeasing?

To read the full poem, I would love if you visited Juan at LatinosUSA by clicking on the link below. Thank you again, Juan, for publishing my poem. 🙏

A Christmas Soliloquy by Lauren Scott

Lastly, in case you have last minute holiday shopping to do:

King Copper: A special poetry collection about our Chocolate Labrador, Copper, who received his angel wings on March 3rd. The ultimate gift for dog lovers or anyone who considers their pets family.
Cora’s Quest: A children’s story about getting lost but discovering that courage lies inside each one of us just waiting to shine. A message for all ages.
Ever So Gently: Poetry that speaks of love on a broad spectrum, nature’s gifts, and the mysteries of life, and encourages us to live life ‘ever so gently.’
More than Coffee: A poignant and reflective collection of verse and prose that touches on love and loss, nature and endurance, and marriage and parenting, and is best enjoyed sipping your favorite coffee roast.

All of my books are available on Amazon, barnesandnoble.com, and Bookshop.

From the bottom of my heart, thanks for spending your precious time here, and I wish you a wonderful holiday!
Stay safe, be well, and I’ll see you in January 2026! ❤️🎄💫🥳

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
Author and poet, Lauren Scott, enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their adult son and daughter live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, the family of four remains close. Lauren has published four poetry collections, a memoir, and her first children’s book. Her latest poetry collection is a tribute to her family’s Chocolate Labrador who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in spring 2025. Lauren is a recent Pushcart Nominee and has been a guest on several podcasts. Her writing is featured on Spillwords Press where she was voted Author of the Month and garnered Publication of the Month awards. She is a contributing author in several anthologies, and her work is also shared on Gobblers and Masticadores. Her muse discovers inspiration from her family, spending time outdoors, reveling in simple things, and marveling at the mysteries of life.

***A younger me wishing you an abundance***
***of Love, Joy, and Peace!*** ❤️

Faith, Fancy, & Beautiful Blues

On December 21, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Art, Poetry60 Comments

Dear Friends,

I finished my final round of book reviews, finally feeling caught up! So, I’m excited to share them with you! Hopefully, one, two, or all three of these wonderful books will find themselves on your TBR that’s close to toppling over. 😊

Have you ever struggled with faith? In the midst of feeling blue, does the beauty still shine through? Do you long to get in the kitchen to create something fancy, especially during this holiday season? Look no further, and if you would like to visit the authors’ blogs, simply click on their names.

Finding My Father’s Faith by Wynne Leon is proof that civil conversation about beliefs can bring peace and understanding to the forefront which then reduces gaps in relationships. Leon expresses that she finds “peace, healing, and joy” by carving out moments for meditating, but her story is about finding common ground and respect with her father, Pastor Dick Leon. Her father exuded patience, understanding, and kindness, and wasn’t judgmental when he would listen to her views. These are qualities that any child, regardless of age, want parents to possess. Children want to be heard, and they need to know that their parents support them, even though they may not understand or agree.

Authenticity is found in every nugget of Leon’s memories about struggling with faith, such as in this statement, “I didn’t find the truth or comfort in the church that my dad did. I didn’t rebel hard against it, just found myself falling away from it in college.” Leon opens up about her divorce, realizing that although her marriage didn’t mirror her parents’ lasting partnership, when she embarks on one of her climbing adventures, “defeat can mean I had survived to climb again.”

My husband and I have backpacked, so I really enjoyed learning about Leon’s incredible mountain climbing experiences. The details she conveys with such clarity are jaw-dropping, but they’re also profound because the climb isn’t the end-all. It’s how Leon feels when she reaches the top of a mountain. “It feels like a Divine test…it’s a physical realization of the spiritual – everything is momentous, the view, the accomplishment, the exhilaration, and yet I can’t stay there because I’m tiny. I see the manifestation of my place in the universe, I’m small, my concerns are small, and this life is huge, far more than I can see or understand.”

Leon offers insight through her introspection, and the pages aren’t only a beautiful tribute to her father and a lens into their loving relationship, but they are an honest and compelling account of her journey to discovering faith. Highly recommended for you who have grappled with your faith, or who find comfort in immersing yourself into touching stories about family. If you read this soul-stirring book, you won’t feel alone as you do your own soul-searching.

The Blues and the Beautiful by Nicole Sara is her second poetry collection. I loved her first book so much that I knew I was in for another treat with this publication. In this compilation with a cover so calming, Sara shares her heart through beautiful thoughts that were penned in the last three years. She writes about many layers in life and nature such as “The Beauty in Broken” and an “Interview with a Rose.” Stunning, color photographs enhance the reader’s experience. As I read each verse, absorbing its beauty and message, it felt like taking a slow ride on a cloud, almost reaching the sky or touching my very own glimmering star. I felt like I was entering into a storybook of charm and whimsy.

Sara writes with such elegance, and her soft rhymes merrily dance on the pages. The poems in this lovely collection explore the beauty of life and nature not only when elation is at play, but also during the times of sorrow. Sunrises and sunsets have always been a huge part of my photo collection, so “Golden Song Sweeping Clean” touched my heart and soul:

Golden has to be the horizon…
Golden as the sun rising clean,
Golden
With a silvery trimming,
Bathing soft smiles through dream…

In “Reflections” Sara begins with a quote from Henry David Thoreau. He expresses that “A lake is a landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature” and since my husband and I have our favorite lake in the Sierra Mountains that we vacation at each year, this poem resonates…

mirrors
and seasons,
evenings and mornings
spinning whispers together
of summer through winter serene,
and spring rippling over the weather…

Take time out for you and give yourself a beautiful gift of this poetry that will invite you into a world of charm and whimsy, steeling you away from any chaos desiring your attention. Cozy up with your copy while watching the sun rise or witnessing another glorious sunset. Highly recommended!

Something Fancy by Robbie Cheadle is a delightful book to enhance your holiday festivities. The cover alone made me smile, wanting to discover the delicacies within the pages. This book is everything artistic from delicious recipes to masterpiece creations, from Christmas Cakes to Gingerbread Houses. Cheadle’s photos, recipes, and memories evoked wonderful memories of my childhood, playing with paper dolls and paper mâché. I enjoyed her recollections with Granny Joan and other family members who introduced her to the magical world of art. They nourished her love for reading, then writing, and her mum taught her about baking. Now, the backstory is known! Cheadle has always been an experimenter, and the outcomes of her fondant and elaborate cakes prove that she reaches success. But she didn’t stop at baking; she dived into drawing and painting, and her work is exquisite.

Learning about the history of Christmas Cakes and the variety around the world is fascinating. It is fun to see Stollen included because German heritage runs in my family. My mom used to spend hours in the kitchen, baking her Christmas sugar cookies that I bake each holiday, along with creating Stollen for our holiday festivities. I felt nostalgic, remembering those kitchen moments and gatherings by the Christmas Tree – my parents who aren’t with us anymore, the chatter and laughter, the togetherness. Cheadle also includes her wonderful poetry among the mouthwatering recipes. After most of us indulge in food and drink during the holidays, this micro poem resonated:

Post-Christmas fatigue/Couch beckons enticingly/Rejuvenation

As for cakes, the Jack Frost Cake is incredible! Cheadle shares interesting facts about the famous German Fairy Tale, Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm. She even inserts Covid into her art and poems. I’ve always been a baker just like my mom, but my patience level doesn’t stretch as high as Cheadle’s for the intricate recipes she follows. The color photos are amazing, and I found the conversion chart in the back to be very helpful. As a special feature of my review, I made the Lemon Shortbread in which I’m sharing before and after photos of this delicious recipe. I highly recommend this delightful collection of poetry and sweets, and if you ‘fancy’ mixing up ingredients to create your own masterpiece, skip the class, and read this book!

Robbie’s Lemon Shortbread

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you enjoyed my reviews and won’t leave here empty-handed. And did you happen to try the lemon shortbread? If so, let me know what you think! 😉 Thank you for visiting, and my last post before the holiday break will be on Tuesday. Until then, I wish you love, peace, and an abundance of happiness during this holiday season. ❤️🎄