In March I submitted 3 poems to The Smalls Too Poetry Contest through the California Writers Club. I found out about this contest through Shawn, whose podcast I was a guest on last year talking about my book, King Copper. Shawn is a member of the California Writers Club, Redwood Writers Chapter.
There were close to 200 poets submitting their work and 450 poems in total that were sent in. The two award-winning authors who were the judges had to read those 450 poems to choose a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner, along with 10 Honorable Mentions. Thus, they had to select 13 poems out of 450!
I didn’t hold my breath, but I was surprised and excited to receive the email from one of the judges, informing me that my poem “Wings” was selected as an Honorable Mention, and it will be included in their anthology to be released later this year.
So, you can see by the numbers why I am THRILLED!!
A little more context regarding the rules…each poem had to be eight lines only (poetry with meaning and brevity), and could be written about any topic. I’m sharing “Wings” below:
I was also invited by Shawn to attend the Redwood Writers Chapter meeting yesterday, which I did and really enjoyed. Everyone was so nice and I am looking into joining as well. The timing feels right. Thank you to Shawn, Crissi, Les, Robin, and Roger for the warm welcome!
I hope my poem touched your heart or evoked special memories. Thanks so much for your visit, and for allowing me to celebrate this special recognition. Have a great week ahead, and I will visit you soon! ❤️
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.
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.
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.
To purchase your copy, please click on the image. ❤️
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! ❤️
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.
The Spillwords Press Awards 2026 honor exceptional work from 2025… I am excited to share that my poem, “I Am From” was selected for the Publication of the Year Award (Poetic)! I am humbled and honored, and grateful to you who voted for me. Your support means more than you know. It is a continued privilege to have my work published at Spillwords Press, so I offer a huge thank you to Dagmara K. and her staff!
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 also want to Congratulate my friend, Eugi at amanpan.com, for being part of those who received Socialite of the Year (Honorary Award) for the Year 2025!!!
“Spilled Words is what we offer one and all.A website offering fresh, original and exclusive material by writers who espouse the philosophy that “Words Matter” and believe that imagination is the seed of accomplishment.We are passionate about the world we inhabit; Aware there are two sides to every story. Persistent in our pursuit of all points of view.A place to think, to laugh, to shed a tear. Where words are gifts that feed the soul; ignite a flame within the heart; excite the recesses of the brain; spark passions and concerns; inspire the conscious and subconscious.“
Thank you for stopping by, and I wish you a fabulous February! ❤️
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 recent recipient of 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 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.
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
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!
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.
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. 🙏
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.
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! ❤️🎄💫🥳
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 