New Book Release: King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry 🤎

On August 1, 2025August 1, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Poetry126 Comments

*Those eyes. That face.*
*He had his head on my knee.*

Dear Friends,

This is the most bittersweet book promotion I’ve done. My poetry book in tribute of Copper, our chocolate lab mix, who left our earthly world in March will be released on Wednesday, August 6th. Both paperback and e-book versions will be available. I’m partial to holding a book in my hands, so the paperback is what I prefer. When my copy arrived, my emotions got the best of me. I’m so proud of this compilation to honor Copper, and in a way, all of our dogs that have blessed our family.

Both versions: paperback and e-book are available on Amazon, and Barnesandnoble.com.
Kobo offers the e-book only. Just fyi, the e-book format is a bit different
than the paperback.
If you’re interested, you can pre-order now. For Amazon, you can click on the front cover image…

This collection is a combination of freestyle poems, tanka, limericks, micro poetry, and haiku, including color photos. The first section consists of poems written when our golden boy was still with us. Then when he received his angel wings, the mood shifts because I wrote through the initial grieving process.

A few samples:

Tour De Force

Prancing on the left like a well-bred horse
Staying in step, not drifting off course
Stopping for sniffs
And frequent leg lifts
His character is a tour de force!

Showstopper

There once was a dog named Copper
Whose good looks were a showstopper
A hugger and kisser
Love he’ll deliver
Bit with love comes lots of slobber!

One More Moment

A dog barks in the
distance causing me to pause,
it sounds like Copper’s –
a wild imagination
longing for one more moment.

To the Best Family (an excerpt)

I felt sad to leave you,
but my body was tired,
it wouldn’t stop hurting.
Then I couldn’t walk.
How could I live like that?
I was too big. I needed to be
able to get around and sniff
and lift my leg and play.
I was old, and I lived a
great life with you, Mom,
Dad, Sis, and Bro!

You gave me a loving home,
and before you adopted me,
that’s what I wished for,
so you made my wish come true…

An excerpt from the Preface

When I knelt down to Copper’s level, my heart melted. His amber, soul-searching eyes told me all I needed to know.

I recalled sitting at the table, perusing a Labrador rescue website. A lab sporting a copper-colored coat stood out like a citrine crystal in a bowl of black diamonds. I had to meet the handsome fellow.

So, on a late winter March day in 2012, my family drove to Oakland to meet Copper. A woman was fostering him in her small apartment. He had a gentle demeanor, and after a walk around the block and some play time, I was ready to take him home…

***** I’ve decided not to do a formal blog tour, but if any of you are interested in sharing about my book on your blogs or social media, please let me know.
I would be grateful. 🙏

Thank you for your support this year when I shared about Copper and the heavy hearts that my family and I have had. If you have a cuddly pet, give them a hug for me.
And if you plan on purchasing a copy to read about our beloved King Copper, thank you so very much. ❤️

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Masticadores USA Editor, Barbara Leonhard, reviews Cora’s Quest!

On June 3, 2025June 3, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews75 Comments

I’m over the moon that Barbara Leonhard, Editor of Masticadores USA, shares her 5-star review of Cora’s Quest on her blog, https://extraordinarysunshineweaver.blog/, where she presents her poetry and written works of fellow authors, along with book reviews. Thanks so much, Barbara!

A snippet from her review:

Lauren Scott’s latest book, Cora’s Quest, is an endearing short story about how a fawn’s temporary separation from her parents teaches her how to manage fear. Lauren Scott’s tale reinforces the important role a family plays as a protector and a child’s ability to endure a difficult challenge…

To read the full review and Barbara’s thoughts that preface Cora’s story, please click on the link below that will gently carry you to her blog. I hope you’ll be generous enough to ‘like’ the post and maybe leave a comment too. We both would love to read your thoughts. 🙏 She also has a lot to offer, so I hope you’ll take some time to peruse around her site.

Barb’s Wordy Blurbs: Cora’s Quest by Lauren Scott

This week has been busier than expected, so I’m behind on reading blogs. But I’ll have more time this morning and later this afternoon. As always, I appreciate your presence here and wish you a fabulous day! ❤️

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.
Photo of Mickey Mouse found from Google.

Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble,
but click on the image to purchase your
copy through Amazon. And a friendly nudge
to share a review online if you loved Cora’s Quest.
***Thanks so much!*** 💜

Barbara Leonhard at MasticadoresUsa interviews me about Cora’s Quest!

On May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Interviews76 Comments

***Book Fair from May 17th – Fabulous and Successful!***

I’m excited to share that I was interviewed by Editor, Barbara Leonhard, at MasticadoresUsa about my latest children’s book, Cora’s Quest, and she features our conversation on her blog today. Please visit her site to read the interview, and while you’re there, peruse around. You’ll discover poetry of many talented authors, and you’ll probably know most of them. Thank you so much, Barbara!

Featuring “Cora’s Quest” by Lauren Scott

I appreciate your visit, and thanks again, Barbara, for inviting me to your wonderful site! 💕🌷

Have a peaceful weekend, Everyone! ❤️

By the way, I recently renovated my blog, so it would be wonderful if you ‘liked’ my Home Page. And if you haven’t already, leave a comment on my guestbook (started 14 years ago). Thank you! 🥰

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.
Photo of Mickey Mouse found from Google.

Nature’s Gifts, Book Fairs, & Detours!

On May 14, 2025May 14, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Books, Poetry113 Comments

I had a wonderful Mother’s Day with my hubby and son, and daughter via phone from TN. They always make me feel so special and loved. We miss our moms too, and though they’ve been gone for many years, they live in our hearts and a day doesn’t pass by without thinking of them. 💕

My Copper book is finally in the works, survived the glitches, and fingers crossed, no more are waiting on the sidelines. I hope to publish this special book in mid June.

I’m also excited for a book fair that I’m participating in this Saturday. It’s for children’s books, so Cora’s Quest is the main focus and I’ll be doing a reading as well. I’m all prepared and ready to go but have a few more days to wait. Sigh.

“Never forget that anticipation is an important part of life. Work’s important, family’s important, but without excitement, you have nothing. You’re cheating yourself if you refuse to enjoy what’s coming.”
~ Nicholas Sparks, Three Weeks with My Brother

So with all this going on and our son visiting, I’ve fallen off my online routine and apologize for missing some blog posts. It seems there never is enough time, right? But while out for Mother’s Day, I took a few photos of the gorgeous scenery at this time of year (the flowers above included). I hope you enjoy!

Lastly, I’ll end with one of my older poems.
Food for thought as you leave my little corner of blogland.

A Detour

It doesn’t matter the position of sun or moon
or where my feet have landed…
whispers find me,
their tasks needing my attention
at that very moment.

Do whispers wiggle into your mind too
like an annoying song repeating on a loop?

I question if this busyness is urgent enough
to prevent us from breathing in

the fragrance of flowers or admiring
the pageantry of wildlife outside our windows…

Surely our minds,
piled high with clutter,

deserve a detour
for some sweet refuge.

From my poetry collection, Ever So Gently,
available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

My son read my book while on
a 7-month road trip from Maine
to California, visiting National Parks.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I’ll try to catch up with reading blogs today.
May love and light wrap you in their warmth. ❤️

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

Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble,
but click on the image to purchase your
copy through Amazon. 💜

Beth gives Cora’s Quest a glowing review!

On May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews68 Comments

*Photo by rovenimages.com on Pexels.com*

Dear Family and Friends,

I was thrilled to find another fabulous review for Cora’s Quest this morning from my good friend, Beth at https://ididnthavemyglasseson.com/. She includes the subtle significance of Cora’s story that is not only for children, but adults would find it important too. A huge thanks to Beth! I’m celebrating and happy dancing once again! 🎉💃

An excerpt:

On her journey, Cora learns that along with the joys come challenges, as she begins to navigate the world around her, remembering the lessons her family has taught her, and gaining confidence along the way, finding a final happy resolution. What a wonderful book to read to your child and what great discussions could follow.

To read her full excellent review, click on the link below, and if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Beth yet, you’re in for a treat. Below is a peek into who she is:

Hello, I am the mother of grown daughters, with grandchildren galore, an enthusiastic dater, a lover of the arts, a teacher, a cupcake maker, a Twister and Trivia champ, and most of all, a keen observer of life. I enjoy being a part of the twists and turns that occur while wandering through everyday events. Many of these happenstances leave me asking, “Why?” While I have been told, more than once, that the reason things have or haven’t happened in my life is because I had no glasses on, rest assured that even if I did have my glasses on, the answers would quite often be unclear. This site is simply an observation, and while blurry at times, an honest attempt to make some sense of it all. Enjoy the ride – Beth

Please pop into Beth’s world to read her fabulous review:

cora’s quest.

*Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com*

Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has supported me by purchasing a copy of Cora’s Quest and who has shared their lovely review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. I am grateful beyond words! ❤️🙏

Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful day! 💝

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

Birds, Blooms, Beauty, & Books!

On April 27, 2025April 27, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Books, Photos, Poetry105 Comments

Hubby and I are the proud landlords of a couple of feathered friends. They both worked hard to build a nest for their babies and chose our hanging ladder for the base. Needless to say, we are not moving the ladder until they relocate! Friday morning, I was lucky to get some photos while I quietly stepped outside. When I walked a little farther, they fled, landing on the power line, and watching me like a hawk, I’m sure.

aware while they work
a safe home of leaves and twigs
the honor is ours

That evening, we tried a new restaurant. A little wine bar in downtown that also serves Sonoran food. With an elegant, yet cozy ambience, the environment was inviting, and the food, delicious! We tried one of their burritos, ate half, so enjoyed two meals out of them. But first, we savored wine and good conversation before diving into dinner. A myriad of music genres in the background played a role in this wonderful dining experience. As we strolled back to our car, we passed a garden of stunning roses. I couldn’t help but stop to tap away on my cell for some pics.

springtime bling uplifts
abounding with vibrancy
rose beauty for you

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I hope you enjoyed my nature exhibit and poems. 🙂 Now, onto the books! 📚

Yesterday, Japan joined the US and made Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku a #1 Amazon Bestseller, too, and in Gabriela’s post today, she features two of my haiku…

feel the quietness
on the meandering trail
worries drift to earth

Please visit her post to read my other poem and for more information about this wonderful book. Congrats again to Editor, Gabriela Marie Milton, and to the other fabulous contributors! I’m honored to be a part of this beautiful anthology! And don’t forget to order your copy!

Kindle: https://shorturl.at/AEYoU

Paperback: https://shorturl.at/pWXIm

Yesterday, Japan joined the US and made Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku a #1 Amazon Bestseller, too – haiku by Lauren Scott

Lastly, my presence in the next week or two may be spotty as I’m drilling down on bringing my ‘Copper’ book to print. However, I’ve run into another glitch (gotta love those glitches that challenge us). But I’m persevering because this book means a lot to me. Of course, all books hold special meanings for their authors. 😁
Anyway, thank you from the bottom of my heart for visiting my corner of blogland. I hope you’ve enjoyed your time here enough to return. And I wish you peace, happiness, and lots of love! ❤️

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Book Reviews: #Unsung Heroes #Feel-good Historical Fiction #Booksforchildren

On April 16, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books98 Comments

My amount of time to read lately can be equated to the size of a pebble! I’m still working on my ‘Copper’ book while trying to read your wonderful blog posts, so I’m continually searching for more time. If you stumble upon some, even a dash, please let me know. 🙂 I managed to finish two great books though, different genres, but so good! I hope you don’t leave today empty-handed!

Unfold the Stories of Unsung Heroes Part III by Ritish Sharma and Deepak Joshi (https://theblogera.com/blog/)

On the back cover it is written that “Not all heroes are known. Not all battles are seen” and after turning the last page, nothing could be truer. This encouraging book is compiled of ten incredible stories. My emotions stirred, and I was in awe of the heroes with fearless mindsets to help others. These human beings tested their abilities to achieve what might be assumed as impossible.

Each narrative was moving, but a few that stood out were “Chiune Sugihara, The Japanese Schindler” which tells of how one man provided an escape route for thousands of Jewish families during the Nazi regime. “Chen Si, The Guardian of the Bridge” speaks about a man who prevented many hopeless souls from jumping who saw suicide as their only option. “Babar Ali, The Boy Who Built a School” touches on a boy who believed that education should be a right and not a privilege. Lastly, “Dian Fossey, The Woman Who Spoke to Gorillas” tells of how a woman built a life-changing bond between her and gorillas that she found to be gentle and genuinely social.

Joy and sorrow both play a role in every experience – accounts of people who fought against all odds, persevering when moving forward seemed challenging. Sacrifices were required in order to initiate their ideas. These heroes weren’t wealth or fame chasers, and some circumstances were those that we can only imagine. Their accomplishments, tenacity, and passion to their causes demonstrate the goodness in humanity. These stories are life-changing, so I highly recommend this inspiring book.

A Beggar’s Bargain by Jan Sikes (https://jansikes.com/)

I follow the author’s blog, but A Beggar’s Bargain is the first book I’ve read by Jan Sikes. Now I know it won’t be my last. The story is told in post WWII era which depicts not an easy life, but one where simple pleasures are truly enjoyed. Sikes creates strong characters in Layken and Sara Beth. You will grow to love them and root for them. Layken has been discharged from the army and vows to save his family farm in Missouri. He’ll do anything to honor his late parents, but the odds are against him. This heartwarming tale begins with a preposterous deal that he is offered. Times are desperate, so he should accept it or cope with the dying fate of his farm spanning over 200 acres.

The story reminds us to persevere and not give up, to remain hopeful, and to not lose faith. A Beggar’s Bargain touches on what it means to be a family, hard work, and ‘keeping your eye on the ball.’ And family doesn’t necessarily mean by blood.

When I finished the book, my faith in humanity was restored. All readers will resonate with the concept of staying determined while overcoming adversity because everyone endures hard times at some level. A moving historical fiction and feel-good story that I highly recommend.

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And because I don’t post every day, I have to (shamelessly) share a new, amazing review for Cora’s Quest by Ritish Sharma.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Such a sweet and uplifting story
Reviewed in India on April 14, 2025
Verified Purchase

Cora’s Quest is such a lovely little adventure. Lauren Scott has written a story that’s both heartwarming and inspiring. Cora the fawn is so curious and brave that you can’t help but cheer her on as she faces her fears and tries to find her way back to her parents.

The writing has a beautiful flow to it, and it’s perfect for reading out loud with kids. The message about being brave, even when you feel small or scared, is something I think a lot of children (and adults) will connect with. The illustrations by Chris Mendez are full of life and add so much to the story. Knowing a bit about his background makes the artwork even more special.

Overall, this is such a sweet and meaningful book. Definitely recommend it for storytime or as a thoughtful gift.

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Thanks again to Ritish for his fabulous review! I am so grateful and I know Chris is too! Most importantly, it is great to know that Cora’s story is touching many readers. A children’s book, yes, but the message about ‘finding your courage’ is applicable to all ages.

I appreciate your visit and hope you enjoyed the reviews. Also, please don’t forget to place your orders!
I ‘say’ this with a smile. 😊 Have a wonderful day! ❤️

Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku by Literary Revelations Publishing House

On March 22, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Anthologies, Book Promotions, Poetry86 Comments

I am honored and grateful to be included in Gabriela Marie Milton’s upcoming anthology of haiku! This is the second anthology I’ve been part of following the beautiful Petals of Haiku released in May 2024.
Thank you again, Gabriela and Literary Revelations for believing in my work. 🙏

From Gabriela’s blog post:

@LR_Publisher, just sent out letters of acceptance (or rejection) for our upcoming book Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku. Congratulations to everyone who was accepted. Please help me spread the news. Soon, we will send you the whole design of the cover – as you know, the art on the cover belongs to Japanese artist Hikari and the fine art photography included in the book to Japanese artist Naoki Kimura. Over 240 authors were included.

All photos courtesy of Literary Revelations Publishing House.

For more information and gorgeous photography by Naoki Kimura, and to read beautiful and evocative poetry by Gabriela and other poets she features, please visit her site by clicking the link below.

My outstanding contributors, Literary Revelations sent out letters of acceptance (or rejection) for our upcoming book Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku.

And Congratulations to the amazing authors whose work will be showcased in this gorgeous anthology!

Thank you for visiting, and have a wonderful weekend! 💞