It's Been a While...

 If you've been wondering where I've been, you're not alone. It's been quite a while since I've posted an update, but I promise I haven't disappeared. In fact, I've been busier than ever behind the scenes.

One of the exciting things I've had the opportunity to do recently is participate in a couple of author interviews. I'll include the links below for anyone who would like to check them out. It's always fun getting the chance to talk about writing, my books, and the stories that inspire me.

But the biggest focus over the past several months has been my books.

First, Summer Love, Autumn Goodbye has undergone a complete rewrite. This wasn't just a quick edit or cleanup. I went back through the story and rebuilt it into the version I always wanted it to be. Along with the rewrite, the book now has a brand-new cover that better reflects the story inside.

Self Inflicted is currently receiving the same treatment. I'm deep into a rewrite, reworking scenes, strengthening character arcs, and making the story even more impactful. And yes, a new cover for Self Inflicted is coming soon as well.

I've also been making steady progress on Heir of the Forgotten. If you've read an earlier version of this story before I took it down, I have some news: you are absolutely going to want to read it again.

The story has changed drastically.

While the heart of the story remains the same, many of the plotlines, character arcs, relationships, reveals, and overall direction have evolved into something much bigger than the original version. What started as revisions quickly became a complete transformation. The version currently in development is stronger, deeper, and far more ambitious than what readers saw before.

I know it's been quiet on the outside, but behind the scenes I've been pouring countless hours into these stories because I want them to be the best versions of themselves before they find their way back into readers' hands.

Thank you to everyone who has continued to support me, check in, read my books, and follow my journey even during the quieter periods. Your encouragement means more than you know.

Stay tuned for more updates, cover reveals, interview links, and hopefully some exciting book news in the near future.

Author interview links:
Interview on Laura's Books and Blogs

Book Reader Magazine Interview

Character Spotlight: Meet Liam, Self Inflicted Saga

 

About Liam

Liam Hayden is the kind of person you can rely on when the world feels uncertain. From his military service to navigating life-changing challenges, Liam’s resilience and courage shine through every chapter of his story. He’s not just brave in battle—he’s brave in love, friendship, and in facing personal hurdles that would make most people hesitate.

Despite experiencing trauma and the challenges of recovery, Liam never loses sight of the people he cares about. He’s fiercely loyal, especially to those who are closest to him, and his sense of responsibility often drives him to put others first—even when it means sacrificing his own comfort or desires.

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Why We Love Liam

• Courage under pressure: Liam shows us that true strength isn’t about being invincible—it’s about pushing forward even when life throws the hardest obstacles your way.

• Loyalty and love: His devotion to Rory and those around him demonstrates that love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action.

• Growth and resilience: Watching Liam recover physically and emotionally is inspiring. He doesn’t just survive his challenges; he transforms through them.

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Fun Facts

• Liam has a soft spot for small, meaningful gestures—like planning Rory’s birthday surprises or supporting her in ways no one else notices.

• He’s a determined learner, whether it’s mastering physical rehab or figuring out how to navigate life’s next steps after trauma.

• Liam’s humor is subtle but effective; he knows how to lighten the mood even in stressful situations.

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Final Thoughts

Liam Hayden is a character who embodies courage, love, and resilience. He reminds us that no matter the obstacles, perseverance and loyalty can lead to the most meaningful victories—not on a battlefield, but in life, love, and family.

Buy on Amazon

Character Spotlight: Meet Erik, Self Inflicted

 Erik Ashland is a central figure in Self Inflicted, and his character is as complicated as he is dangerous. At first glance, Erik seems confident, charming, and protective. He can be affectionate and attentive, especially in the beginning of his relationship with Rory. But beneath that façade lies a controlling and abusive side, one that gradually escalates over time.

Erik’s behavior becomes a defining obstacle in Rory’s life. His controlling tendencies and physical abuse create an environment where Rory feels trapped and fearful for both herself and her unborn child. While he sometimes attempts to make amends after hurting her, these moments never fully erase the harm he causes. His actions challenge Rory to confront the reality of an abusive relationship and to examine her own strength and resilience.

💬 “I don’t like it.” – Erik, insisting on control even over the smallest choices, like the name of his child.

Through Erik, readers are shown the devastating impact of abuse—both physical and emotional—and how it can affect trust, self-worth, and personal freedom. His character serves as a stark reminder of the importance of recognizing toxic relationships and seeking help before it’s too late.

Erik is not a one-dimensional villain, however. His charm, intelligence, and moments of vulnerability make him a deeply realistic character. He believes he is justified in his actions, which makes his behavior all the more dangerous. For Rory, navigating life with Erik is a journey of heartbreak, fear, and ultimately, self-discovery.

While Erik remains a presence in the story, he is ultimately the catalyst for Rory’s growth. His actions force her to confront the painful truths about abuse, independence, and the importance of protecting herself and her child. Readers may not sympathize with Erik, but they cannot deny the impact he has on the story and the depth he adds to Rory’s journey.

Buy on Amazon

Looking for Luke

 

For the past month, I’ve been binge-watching Gilmore Girls. All seven seasons plus A Year in the Life. At first, I wasn’t even sure why I decided to rewatch this show—I’d seen it all before, after all. But by the time I reached the final episode of A Year in the Life, it finally hit me.

Lorelai and Luke.

Through everything life threw at Lorelai—countless relationships, good times, bad times—Luke was there. Steady. Constant. Always showing up. For a long time, that was Perry for me. He was there through so much of my life. But unlike Lorelai and Luke, Perry and I didn’t end up together.

When Gilmore Girls first aired, I was much younger. Back then, I identified most with the younger cast. I grew up with Rory, Lane, Jess, Dean, and Logan. Their stories mirrored the things I was going through at the time—figuring out identity, testing boundaries, falling in love, making mistakes. I understood their world because it felt like mine.

Now, watching it as an adult, I see things differently. I relate much more to Lorelai—the single mom juggling everything life demands, carrying responsibility while still searching for her own happiness. Her struggles, her resilience, even her mistakes, resonate with me in ways they never did before.

The one thing I don’t have, though, is a Luke. Perry isn’t my Luke. And I know that Gilmore Girls is fiction. It’s not real life. Life doesn’t always give us the kind of love that stays, the steady presence who anchors us no matter what. But fiction doesn’t have to be real to matter.

Because even when it’s fictional, it still makes us feel. It inspires us, makes us hope, and sometimes helps us see our own lives more clearly. Maybe that’s why I write the kinds of books I do. Because even when reality falls short, stories—whether it’s Gilmore Girls or the worlds I create—give us space to dream. They remind us that even if life doesn’t always tie itself up neatly, there’s still beauty in the journey.

Character Spotlight: Meet Rory, Self Inflicted

 

Today’s spotlight is on the heart of Self Inflicted—Aurora “Rory”. Her journey is one of pain, survival, and resilience, and her story shines a light on the hidden battles so many endure behind closed doors.

Who is Rory?

Rory is eighteen years old, recently married, and about to become a mother when readers first step into her world. On the surface, she appears strong, independent, and fiercely loyal to the people she loves. But beneath that strength lies a young woman struggling to make sense of trauma, loss, and betrayal.

Her Struggles

Rory’s life takes a dark turn as she becomes entangled in an abusive relationship with Erik. What starts as control and manipulation escalates into physical violence, leaving Rory trapped in a cycle of fear, love, and self-blame.
To cope, she turns inward—sometimes resorting to self-harm, other times finding brief escape in the love she still holds for her friends. She battles guilt, isolation, and the terrifying uncertainty of what tomorrow might bring.

Her Strength

Despite everything, Rory’s strength shines through. She finds courage in her role as a mother to Gavin, her son who becomes the anchor in her storm. She leans on the support of those who truly love her—like Ash, her best friend, and Liam, who has always seen her worth even when she couldn’t.
What makes Rory such a compelling character is not perfection, but persistence. She doesn’t always see herself as strong, but every choice she makes to keep moving forward proves otherwise.

Why Readers Connect With Her

Rory represents the quiet fighters—those who are surviving battles most people never see. Her honesty, her vulnerability, and her gradual steps toward healing resonate deeply with readers who know how hard it is to leave behind pain while still carrying scars.

A Glimpse Into Her World

One of Rory’s most defining moments comes when she admits:

“He only hurt me when I did something to deserve it. After he hurt me, he always found a way to make it up to me. It was my fault, not Erik’s.”

It’s heartbreaking, but it’s also real. And watching Rory slowly come to understand the truth—that none of the abuse was her fault—makes her growth even more powerful.

Final Thoughts

Rory’s story is raw and emotional, but it’s also filled with hope. She is not defined by her scars, her mistakes, or even the abuse she suffered. Instead, she is defined by her love, her resilience, and her determination to protect her child and rebuild her life.

Rory is a reminder that survival itself is an act of courage.

Buy on Amazon

Character Spotlight: Meet Chad, The Complicated Heart in Summer Love Autumn Goodbye

 

Meet Chad: The Complicated Heart in Summer Love, Autumn Goodbye

Chad is a character who’s impossible to forget. He’s intense, emotional, and deeply passionate about the people he cares about, which makes him both magnetic and unpredictable.

Who is Chad?

Chad is a teenager navigating the highs and lows of first love, heartbreak, and growing up. He’s sensitive, creative, and often struggles to manage his feelings, which makes him feel incredibly real and relatable.

Personality & Traits

• Passionate & Emotional: Chad feels everything deeply and isn’t afraid to show it.

• Caring & Thoughtful: Despite his intensity, he cares about his friends and loved ones.

• Creative & Expressive: He channels his emotions into art and meaningful gestures.

• Complex: He isn’t perfect, which makes his character authentic and layered.

Hobbies & Interests

• Art & Drawing: Chad expresses himself through his sketches and creative projects.

• Friendship: He values deep connections with those he trusts.

• Music & Moments: He enjoys moments that connect him with others on an emotional level.

Why Readers Connect with Chad

Chad is compelling because of his emotional honesty. He reminds readers that adolescence can be both exhilarating and heartbreaking, and that strong feelings — both good and bad — shape who we become.

Spoiler-Free Highlights

• Chad’s creativity and thoughtfulness shine in how he interacts with friends and loved ones.

• He faces challenges that test his relationships and his sense of self.

• His presence in the story emphasizes the intensity and vulnerability of first love.

Chad is a character who leaves a lasting impression — messy, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Read Chad's Story HERE

Character Spotlight: Meet Marissa, the Heart of Summer Love Autumn Goodbye

 

Meet Marissa: The Heart of Summer Love, Autumn Goodbye

Marissa is a relatable and memorable young teen whose journey captures the highs and lows of growing up. Thoughtful, creative, and kind, she’s a character readers quickly root for and connect with.

Who is Marissa?

Marissa is 13–14 years old, navigating the challenges of early teen life while learning to discover herself and her passions. She’s introspective, empathetic, and always trying to do the right thing, even when life gets complicated.

Personality & Traits

• Empathetic & Compassionate: Marissa cares deeply about her friends and family.

• Creative & Thoughtful: She expresses herself through writing and self-reflection.

• Resilient & Determined: She faces challenges with courage and learns from each experience.

Hobbies & Interests

• Writing: Marissa loves putting her thoughts and stories on paper.

• Cheerleading: A constant activity that gives her confidence and joy.

• Spending time outdoors: She enjoys quiet moments to think and connect with her surroundings.

Why We Love Marissa

Marissa’s honesty, heart, and relatable perspective make her a character readers want to spend time with. She navigates friendship, school, and personal growth in a way that resonates with anyone who’s experienced the ups and downs of growing up.

Memorable Character Moments 

• Her passion for writing and creativity shines throughout her story.

• Her loyalty and care for her friends make her a standout character.

• Marissa learns to balance personal growth with the connections that matter most.

Marissa is a character whose journey is both heartfelt and inspiring, reminding readers that growing up can be complicated—but also full of discovery, friendship, and resilience.

Read her story in Summer Love Autumn Goodbye, available HERE