I wish I could say I’m embraced by the magic of the melancholic rock art band with my love next to me, my right hand tucked into his left, transported to a dreamlike state of mind… but I cannot lie, transparency in the eyes. Every worry at this very moment wriggles through mind, muscles, and nerves pulling me into moody blues. Even the sky mirrors my emotions wearing its stone gray, and the wind in its fierceness is angry at something, at what? I am unaware. The temperature, cold in May – where is the warmth of the rays that will calm the worries into hibernation, at least for now? “Isn’t Life Strange” how our moods change with the roll of the clouds or drops of the rain. Moody blues and me on this bluesy gray day.
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.
As Indie Authors, self-promotion is a must, but I loathe this part of publishing books. Yet, if not me, then who or whom? You know I don’t sell books for the money. If that were the case, I’d be in serious trouble. My expenses outweigh the profits with a substantial lead. Publishing my books began and will continue as a legacy for my family. And when I read reviews and learn how my writing resonated or touched the hearts of others, this is the true reward that surpasses monetary compensation. I haven’t done a promotional post in awhile, but for those of you who are new to my blog, this post might be of interest, or maybe some of you long-time friends aren’t familiar with my older books. I hope you enjoy these tidbits that I pulled from 5-star reviews:
~ Thoughts by Diana Peach, Author of Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver
This is the second book of Scott’s poetry that I’ve read. And I enjoyed it as much, if not more, than the first. Scott’s collection includes free form poetry, both with and without subtle rhyming. The poems feel personal, poignant, and from the heart, and many reflect the nature of love in its varied forms. Family relationships provide much of the fodder for reflection. There were so many poems I enjoyed that I stopped making notes. Some are touching and sentimental like “Morning After.” A poem called “Bananas” had me laughing with its silliness, and “Raindrops and Coffee” has wonderful imagery and a staccato rhythm (like raindrops). Other favorites were “In Loving Memory of Mom,” “Winter’s Lane,” and “Reflections.” Highly recommended for poetry readers who enjoy touching poems about life and family.
“Finding a Balance is a collection of beautiful poems that speak to the daily emotions of life and, in particular, the pain and sadness of her journey along the path of a life threatening illness in a family member. Both my sons have suffered, and continue to suffer, chronic illnesses so this is something that is close to my own heart and to which I intimately related. Seeing our loved ones in pain and ill and not being able to do anything about it is one of the heaviest burdens a mother can bear. These words say it all from “Reality’s Edge”:
“Shaking my head, I lie in beads of sweat’ gripping the edge, waiting to fall into the depths …”
…Not all the poems are about chronic illness. Many are about the poet’s love for her family and her husband of 26 years. There are some delightful romantic poems in this collection.”
“This is an extraordinary book and one that I could not put down. Scott captures the reader with her love for coffee, endearing tales, and the courage to live life to the fullest. Her exceptional writing resonates deeply with my own values, history, and love of storytelling. It is a charming book of prose and poems that will warm your heart and lift your soul. Scott highlights the beauty of marriage, friendship, and the love of family so beautifully, from the first story to the last poem, I felt as if I belonged in the pages of this delightful book. Scott explores all the facets of life, including love and sadness, gratitude and loss, humor and joy. She takes me on a familiar journey of a complicated life, including encounters with aggressive spiders, sacred heirlooms, grief, and long-distance relationships with grown children. I have Scott’s book by my bedside, within reach, so I can enjoy again and again her incredible knack for drawing one into a story, her arresting poetry, and the potency of a well-told story.”
~ Thoughts by Balroop Singh, Author of Beyond the Fetters
“Scott’s poetry celebrates memories and moments in her latest collection – ‘Ever So Gently.’ Her connection with the surroundings blends into the wisdom of nature that unfolds through stunning imagery like: “hear the rustle of a skittering squirrel,” “petals of velvet invite raindrops to bask in their peach enchantment,” and “breeze carries burdens down rivers.” From the birds that ‘flit and flutter’ to build their nest to the owl who proclaims his presence with his ‘high-pitched toots’ and the hummingbirds that flutter around the “bright pink petals” – all find a place of honor in this book to delight your moods. Lauren’s realism captivates and appeals to all the senses. From ‘The Peach Rose’ to ‘Firestorm’ and not to forget ‘I Was Adopted,’ her poetry slides most naturally on the wide canvas of creativity. Some more examples of Scott’s brilliant style:
“And water hasn’t caressed the hills The earth, parched like Chile’s Atacama.” “Silk-thread drizzles dusted rooftops and parched hills.”
~ Thoughts by Brian, Writing from the Heart with Brian
“The world can sometimes be a dark and scary place, but like the little fawn Cora in Cora’s Quest, we all need to remind ourselves that “my body may be small, but my courage is big.” Cora finds herself separated from her ma and pa on a dark trail. She fears the worst, but reminds herself to be strong and courageous. I’ve been repeating Cora’s message in my head frequently the past several weeks and it’s brought a smile to my face and hope to my heart. Lauren has created an enchanted story that’s perfect for the young and young at heart. I should add that the artwork by Chris Mendez is out of this world. The images and colors jump off the page. Cora’s Quest would be great to give as a gift or treat for yourself. I could see this book becoming a treasured part of the reading routine for little ones of every age. It’s a beautiful book and keepsake.”
“I was excited/nervous to read Lauren’s tribute to her beloved Copper. Excited because I know it was a labor of utmost love for Lauren. Nervous because I knew “King Copper” would prompt tears. Lauren writes with powerful poignancy. I embraced every word. Some tore at me, expressions familiar and raw about losing a predictable household rhythm…wrapped in fur. But so many words made me smile. Scratch that. Grin. I’m keeping my copy of “King Copper” at my desk, sitting next to my favorite basket. Such a face…such a sweet soul. Maybe he’ll find his way to a bookshelf, but not yet. This review is more than praise. It’s my heartfelt endorsement…perhaps a plea. “King Copper” is a worthy addition to your family library. A book you’ll want to recommend – just as I have – to dear ones experiencing loss. There’s comfort on every page, thanks to Lauren and her family. Thanks to Copper himself:
“I never went away; I’m sitting by your side. My love for you runs far and wide; I’ll never go astray.”
I’m grateful for those who have welcomed my books into their hearts and homes, and who have shared thoughts on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Reviews are like hugs for Indie Authors and who doesn’t love a hug?
Thank you for taking the time in your busy schedule to pop in to my corner of blogland and read about my books. Did you find common themes? Themes that would interest you?
If you’d like to purchase a copy, just click on the book titles that will gently carry you over to Amazon. Below are additional links, as well:
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.
Recently, Gabriela Marie Milton, Poet and Editor at Literary Revelations Publishing House, invited me to participate in her Portrait of a Writer Interview Series. And I just received her email letting me know that our interview is live on her site, literaryrevelations.com. Gabriela is not only a fabulous writer, she is so kind in sharing the work of other authors. I am honored to be featured, and here is a peek:
A. What inspires you?
1. Thanks so much for having me here today, Gabriela. The first question is tough because so many things inspire me to write…slivers of sunshine, rain showers, lake serenity, redwoods, backpacking, living creatures, celebrating a wonderful marriage to my husband who is my best friend, our amazing daughter and son, our dogs, and even events that tug at the heart inspire me to put thoughts onto paper. Ever since my youth, language, letters, sounds, and words have had their hold on me, so writing every day is natural as sunshine. Playing word games is fun too, and Scrabble will always be a favorite; my husband and I pull out the old board game now and then. We’re even hooked on watching Wheel of Fortune. It’s not only fun, but it’s good for the brain to solve those puzzles.
To read the full interview, please click on the link below:
If you haven’t met Gabriela, peruse around her blog and learn more about her and the beautiful books she has published…
Please note: Gabriela’s new anthology, Haiku For Soulmates is coming soon, so please follow her blog for more information.
Thanks again, Gabriela! ❤️
And thank you, dear friends, for popping in! Since Mother’s Day is around the corner, I want to wish all the wonderful, loving moms out there a very Happy Mother’s Day and weekend! I miss my mom and mother-in-law, and wish the best days to my two lovely sisters in Southern California! And my daughter, son, and hubby make me feel like the luckiest mom and wife in the whole wide world!
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, 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). 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.
Since I’m not blogging as much, I received a message from Pooja, telling me that she posted her review of King Copper on her blog. I checked my notifications and saw hers – what a wonderful surprise for this Sunday morning! There are many ways of showing kindness, and I believe we’d all agree that our world needs more! Sharing book reviews is one special way! Thanks again, Pooja! 🙏💝
Here is a portion of her lovely words:
I’ve been reading a lot of poetry collections and books about pets and losing a pet which always gets me teary. But they’re also beautiful tributes to the good memories, the laughs and smiles shared. Anyone that’s had a pet will understand those bittersweet final moments and the love that a pet gives us.
King Copper is a beautiful tribute to Lauren Scott’s beloved dog, Copper. It is clear from the poems and the images that he was loved dearly by their entire family. I loved the poems in this collection. Some were uplifting and focused on the good moments with Copper and others were more touching such as March to March.
Despite Copper having said goodbye to the world, Lauren chose to focus on many of the joyous moments he brought her and their family. And in March to March she reminds the reader that even though he is gone, he’ll always have a place in the hearts of all that loved him.
I think the poem that really tugged at my heartstrings was To the Best Family which is written from Copper’s POV. It’s a reminder that when it comes to pets, we are their whole world. And goodbye is never forever.
Please click on the link below to read the rest of her beautiful review. I’m touched that Copper touched another heart. 🧡🤎❤️
If you’re a dog lover, a cat lover, or consider any pet to be family, the poems in this collection will resonate. ❤️
Now, I have to mention that Pooja not only writes beautiful and raw poetry that she shares on her wonderful blog, lifesfinewhine.ca, but she has just published her first novel, Perfect! I read it in 2 days, couldn’t put it down, and I’m working on my review, which I will share later this month. Here’s a snippet of Perfect:
A mother protecting her son. A boy spiraling into darkness. A girl who never stood a chance
Sally thinks she’s succeeded in breaking generational curses until she finds out her eldest son, James, is the prime suspect in Lily Johnson’s murder. After years of bliss, she’s forced to revisit dark family secrets she believed she had left behind. Even more unsettling is that the deeper she digs, the more she realizes that she may not know James as well as she thought.
Perfect is an emotionally gripping psychological domestic thriller that explores the impact of dark family secrets and the generational trauma it leads to. It will have readers questioning how well any of us know those we love and how far we’re willing to go to protect them.
I enjoy a riveting thriller or mystery as long as the story isn’t too graphic. Fitting the puzzle pieces together to solve a crime fascinates me. And Perfect was a perfect and compelling read! So, if you enjoy these genres too, pick up your copy! The story will grab a hold of you!!
Thank you, dear friends, for stopping by! I’ll be reading blogs today and into the week. ❤️🙏
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, 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). 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 make you smile and touch your heart. ❤️
You sit on the shelf until I’m ready to pour in white or brown sugar, wheat flour now, trying to be healthier, eggs, baking soda or powder, depending… and dark chocolate morsels, milk chocolate, if I dare, oatmeal and walnuts or pecans, or molasses in autumn, sugar cookies dressed in holiday décor – my mouth waters.
You’re not the same mixer Mom used when she created magic with the same ingredients for our palates, and yet each time you’re hard at work, memories flow of Mom and me in the kitchen with dark wood cabinets, blending, rolling out, and baking, moments more meaningful now.
You need to know that her love shined through recipes in every taste – savory or sweet, irrelevant, our own personal chef whose dishes filled us up to heart’s content.
I know memories flow for my children of them and me in our kitchen with mahogany cabinets, blending, rolling out, and baking, creating their meaningful moments.
Funny thing is for years I wanted one of those fancy stand mixers, but counter space kept me from the purchase, and you know what? I don’t need one because I have you! You have created all the magic I need in deliciousness and memory.
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.
I’m enjoying my coffee as this Wednesday morning unfolds, and while checking email, I found that Manuela reblogged my post about the beauty of fungi at her lovely website, In a Love World.
Thank you, Manuela, for your kindness! And I hope you’ll visit Manuela’s blog to not only read the rest of my poem, but to peruse the beauty and love you’ll discover. ❤️
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.
I recently turned Medicare age, and I’m not shy about the numbers. In fact, I’m happy to be alive! As chaos runs rampant around the world, I need to focus on the good. So, I’m lucky to have a wonderful man in my life – my best friend, my rock and voice of reason after thirty-seven years of marriage. I miss my amazing son and daughter more as I get older, but I’m beyond proud of them for spreading their wings and pursuing their dreams. However, my wish is that someday, geography won’t interfere with Sunday dinners, meeting for coffee or lunch, or simply popping in – them popping in on us, of course – we’d never pop in on our children. Smile. I miss my sisters and their families, but all this ‘missing’ is satisfied with visits and technology. I miss loved ones who have passed, and Copper and canine family members who came before him. The health hiccups I had in the past are manageable in the present – a blessing! I’m grateful for mobility. It sounds mundane, doesn’t it? But if it’s taken away, it’s life altering. I revel in each new sunrise and sunset, rebirth in spring, cleansing in winter, coziness in autumn. I marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge with each crossing and adore every visit with the redwoods. ‘Tomorrow’ isn’t a given. When I turn on the news, I’m reminded that each day is a gift that deserves to be lived. So, Live It!!! And I hope all the March babies out there had a wonderful celebration like I did! The candles were lit, the fire extinguisher sat nearby on high alert! 🙂 And I enjoyed that slice of carrot cake!
I’m not sharing these thoughts for selfish reasons but to inspire you to live your life to the fullest! Those numbers are simply numbers. 🎂
I leave you with a recent (draft of a) poem that came to mind when hubby and I sat on our patio enjoying a warm, spring evening.
The Dove
We watch her hop to the top oak branch – it bends but doesn’t break beneath her weight. Our naked eyes, grateful for a better angle to see her silvery body and witness her tiny beak move from left to right as she sings, Coo, Coo, from her bird’s eye view – does she notice us – our admiration of her plain as can be? Our existence, minimal in this magical moment – how amazing she must feel to sit on top of the world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Enjoy the magic of nature! I know I’m not around as much, but I miss you all! When life presents other plans, we must dive in with courage and wonder. ❤️
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.
When I think about the word fungi, ‘pretty’ doesn’t come to mind, and the same goes for fungus. But when I saw this gathering that grew on a rotting log while hiking with hubby, I thought they were unique and beautiful. How can we not appreciate nature’s gifts?
Reverence
A painter’s brush moves across a clean white canvas like an ice skater on a rink where magic begins to happen… just as nature dances in sunlight and falling rain creating artwork in lovely hues and a myriad of shapes. Her mystique gifts us visual entertainment unsurprising to the eye and in unexpected places.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nature always inspires poetry, and I hope you enjoyed this piece. Have a lovely weekend! ❤️
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.
Please click on the image to purchase your copy. ❤️
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 