2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 26 (Z)

 For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Today's the final day, kids. Day 26. The letter Z. Z is for Zoetic.

Zoetic means living or vital. Pianissimo is very much a living story.

The truth of the matter is, Pianissimo is more than just words on a page. It's a story about people - real people. It's a story about real history. It's a story about a real house, and a real piano. It's the kind of story that burrows deeply into your heart and lives on with you.

There is such depth and such emotion here. It's impossible not to take this story and these characters with you.

It is a very vivid, palpable, deep, vivacious story.

This is one book that truly is alive.

Thank you for going through the ABCs with me. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Thanks, and happy reading! 

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 25 (Y)

 For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

This is the twenty fifth day of our challenge, so we are up to the letter Y. Y is for Yes.

Yes. Yes to this story. Yes to these characters. Yes to Pianissimo.

This is a story unlike any I've ever written before. There were challenges as well as successes. There were lessons and rewards in writing a book like this.

There were times I doubted myself. There were times I was ready to give up. There were times where I shook my head and wondered if this was even feasible.  

Thankfully, neither Agnes, nor Margaret, nor Corinne would let me abandon ship. Though sometimes quietly, they just kept chanting, "yes."

With them as my cheerleaders, I continued to type and type and type. I researched, I studied, I created. The further along I got, the louder the cheers were.

After two years of working on this, Pianissimo came into being. Yes. Yes it was meant to be written. Yes it was written. Yes it is a story I can be proud of.

Yes is a very powerful word, and yes is the word for Pianissimo.

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 24 (X)

 For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

We're already up to day 24! We're at the letter X! X is for Xenagogue.

A xenagogue is a guide.

In Pianissimo, Agnes is our guide. 

Agnes' spirit reminds Corinne, quite frequently, that she is not alone. The house and the piano are saturated with Agnes' energy. Corinne is guided to the basement, to the piano, to the box of letters and photographs all by Agnes' ghost.

It is Agnes' photographs, diary, and letters that walks us through her entire life.

Ultimately, this is Agnes' story. She guides us through Corinne's experiences, as well as her own life. Through her diary, letters, and pictures, we are able to connect the two.

Although the story isn't told from Agnes' perspective, she is the foundation and the xenagogue through all that is Pianissimo.

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 23 (W)

For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

We've made it all the way up to day 23, which means our letter is W. W is for Will.

In using the word will, I am focusing on the will and determination of the characters.

Agnes is a strong, willful woman who lives life on her own terms. She and Margaret willfully spend their lives and love together, despite social stigmas and prejudices.

Corinne is bound and determined to learn the history of the house and the piano. She is also willful in taking on the restoration of the piano, when she has never done anything like that before.

Perhaps my characters are closely related to me, but I find it important to write stories about women who are strong, fearless, and determined. Whether in historical context, or modern times, we need strong female characters to help us continue to push forward.

So yes, Margaret, Agnes, and Corinne are all very willful. This story couldn't exist any other way.

See what a strong will and determination can do, by buying your copy today!

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 22 (V)

 For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Today is V-day!

V is for Vanilla Heart Publishing. I have been with VHP since 2007. Over the past 7 years, we have shared numerous triumphs.

The greatest part, though, is that I was never allowed to rest on my laurels. As soon as one project was finished, I was quizzed about my next story. Better still, I was challenged. I was pushed to try new things. To grow and improve as a writer. To expand my genres and style. Thanks to the encouragement and support, I have a list of titles I can be proud of. I was given the opportunity to re-write the Loving Her stories into the series it was meant to become. Because of VHP, I was able to write Pianissimo.

Writing is not a solitary job. There is a team - or there should be - behind every good book. I love my VHP team; I love my VHP family.

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 21 (U)

For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

This is the 21st day. so the letter of the day is U. U is for unique.

Pianissimo is a unique story. A combination of "if these walls could talk," self-discovery, the paranormal, parallel stories, diary entries and love letters, Pianissimo tells multiple stories.

It tells Corinne's story of self-discovery.

It tells the love story and the life story of Agnes and Margaret.

It tells the story of a haunted house and haunted piano.

It parallels the lives and marriages of Corinne and Darryl against that of Agnes and Margaret.

There is not cliche or redundant. This is a truly unique story that will work its way into your heart.

Click the link below to discover the uniqueness and beauty that is Pianissimo.

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 20 (T)

For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Can you believe it's been 20 days already? We're up to T! T is for timelessness.

When I write, although my stories are contemporary, I aim for timelessness. I think it's important to write stories that aren't dated. For the stories and characters to be relevant now, and for years to come.

The historical part of this story is rooted in the truth of that time period, yet it is poignant today.

The modern part of this story is applicable to our life and times right now. Yet, the humanity of it is timeless.

My stories are character driven because we will never lose our emotions, our connection, our humanity. Regardless of what happens days, weeks, months, years, or even decades from now, the people and events in Pianissimo will never lose their relevance.

A good story is one that stands the test of time. Pianissimo does just that.

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 19 (S)

For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

19 days in means that S is our letter today. S is for softly, or softness.

Pianissimo means, "to be played softly."

How does that apply to the story?

It relates in a few ways, actually.

First off, there is the softness, the tenderness, and the love between Agnes and Margaret. And that softness needed to be played softly due to social stigmas of that era. They couldn't be out and proud, like so many of us are able to be nowadays. Instead, they needed to downplay their love and affection. They needed to be quiet and secretive. Their love song needed to be played softly, so to speak.

Even Corinne's story was played out softly. So much of her story is kept in the silence of her solitude. She had no audience but her own mind (and Millie and Mollie, of course). Her experiences are quiet, heard only in her mind. Rich comes along later, but her self-discovery is still a quiet concert for one.

Corinne's greatest realization of Agnes and Margaret's humanity is the apex of the story, and yet it is played so quietly. It is an epiphany that she shares with no one. There is no giant, "lighting bolt" moment. It's just a thought that gently and quietly washes over her.

There are more ways - several - that softly or softness applies to the story of Pianissimo, but I don't want to give it all away! Just remember that some of life's greatest moments aren't big and loud, but gentle, sweet, and soft.

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 18 (R)

 For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

This is the 18th day of the A to Z challenge. That can mean only one thing: R. R is for Romance.

Pianissimo is actually two love stories in one.

The first love story is between Corinne and Darryl. He's a military man. She is a faithful wife who moves with him time and again. Once they purchase the old farm house, she is certain she'll have all of her days spent with him.

In perfect, impeccable timing, he is sent off for one final tour. Alone and depressed, Corinne becomes withdrawn and reclusive. Their house is just some empty, foreign locale to her. Despite her loneliness, she continues to love and be faithful to him until he comes home.

The second love story is that of Agnes and Margaret. Theirs is a story of a secret love - a forbidden love. Their love and devotion to each other are unmatched. Through good times and bad, they stay by each other's side until the very end.

It's not unusual for romance novels to include some steamy scenes. Pianissimo, however, is devoid of them. Why? Because I really wanted to focus on the aspects of true love and devotion. I didn't want sex to detract from the humanity of Agnes and Margaret. Instead, this is a book that focuses on the people first and foremost.

So, if you're up for a good, clean love story, Pianissimo is the book for you!

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 17 (Q)

For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Q is our letter today, folks. Q. Q is for Queer.

Now, I want to talk about the different definitions of queer, and how they apply to Pianissimo.

The definitions of queer are: strange; odd. synonyms: odd, strange, unusual, funny, peculiar, curious, bizarre, weird, uncanny, freakish, eerie, unnatural; antonyms: normal.

informal offensive: homosexual. noun informal offensive noun: queer; plural noun: queers: a homosexual man.

In Pianissimo, Agnes describes her and Margaret as queer, among other things. Considering the era, it was fitting as two unmarried women possessing such a close and deep bond was considered unusual. They were certainly the town oddities, and they were well aware of it.

By today's standards, they are still considered queer as they are a lesbian couple. Not necessarily unusual by today's standards, but the word is still applicable to them, and the nature of their relationship.

Queer is an unusual word. It is rarely used nowadays, and yet it carries so much potency. It's a word that was much needed for this story. In the context of Pianissimo, it separates Agnes and Margaret from the rest of the town; it also crumbles as a barrier between Corinne and the couple.

It's amazing how much importance one word can have in a story. In this case, queer was a very fitting word for multiple reasons.

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 16 (P)

 For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Today just happens to be the 16th day, so that means our letter is P. P is for Pianissimo.

Pianissimo means softly, or to play softly. With a story that talks about softness, gentleness, caring and compassion, the title is quite fitting.

It's a title that is meant to grab and intrigue you. I think it does just that (it's ok for me to say that. I wasn't the one who came up with the title! LOL).

In this story, the music is played softly; the love between Agnes and Margaret runs deep and softly; the changes and growth Corinne experiences come softly; the restoration of the piano comes about by a soft touch.

It may mean softly, but it still has a tremendous impact!

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 15 (O)

 For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

And on the fifteenth day, there was O. O is for Originality.

They say every story has been told. I think many people would speculate that to be true. If that's the case, what's the point in writing more stories?

Because no matter what, each writer puts their own spin on the stories.

This could certainly be chalked up to a cliche story of self-discovery. It could be considered just another "if these walls could talk" book. But is it really? Are Corinne, Agnes, and Margaret really just flat, two-dimensional characters? Can you compare Pianissimo to another story line for line?

You could give two writers or even two hundred writers all the same prompt. You would, undoubtedly, receive two hundred different stories.

So perhaps every story has been told, but not all in the same way. Grab a copy of Pianissimo, and see for yourself!

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 14 (N)

For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Two weeks in, and we are up to the letter N. N is for night. I'm actually going to talk about how time of day or night plays an important role in the story.

There are a few really good - and very important - nocturnal scenes.  

In one such scene, we are introduced to Agnes as just the vision of a woman's silhouette in the darkness of night. This scene originates as one of Corinne's dreams, but we revisit and relive it later on in the story.

In another, we see the story take a tremendous turn the night of the school's holiday party. Agnes and Margaret walk out one evening to make an appearance at the holiday party. Still seen as an unusual pair of single friends, Agnes feels the need to go to keep in the good graces of the powers that be in their school district. They plan it being a short visit, and it is exactly that when Clarence decides to speak to Margaret. In this scene, not only are we introduced to Clarence, we see the story take a sudden, dark turn.

There's also the very powerful scene of Agnes and Margaret leaving the movie theatre hand-in-hand, when they are confronted by an unknown man. With all of Agnes's strength and wit, she cuts him down to size by telling him that she has poor night vision, and that is why she is holding Margaret's hand. What's interesting is that this scene is the only time when Agnes' vision is discussed. Does she truly have poor night vision, or was that simply a lie to get that man away from them? What do you think?

Just as we deeply ponder the meanings of the people and events in our lives in the darkness of night, I will leave you to contemplate those thoughts and questions.

Indeed, N is for night.

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 13 (M)

For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

M's the word - uhhh...letter. And M is for Margaret.

Margaret is an interesting character. She's quiet in comparison to Agnes, yet she was bold enough to confess her love to Agnes. Music is her escape, yet it draws everyone to her.

Margaret is a good daughter, a wonderful friend, and an amazing companion. She embraces all that Agnes is and does. She shares similar passions with Agnes without ever losing her own identity.

Margaret is kind, compassionate, gentle, loving, strong, talented, unique, funny, passionate, and nothing short of wonderful.

Come get to know Margaret. She may be the best person you never meet (in person).

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 12 (L)

For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

On the 12th day of the A to Z challenge, my true love gave to me the letter L. L is for Love.

Pianissimo is a story that is full of love. There is the love between Corinne and Darryl. Love between Corinne, Millie, and Mollie. A friendship of love develops between Corinne and Rich. A kind of love even develops between Corinne, Agnes and Margaret. Last, but not least, there is the love between Agnes and Margaret.

Pianissimo examines all forms of love and relationships. It challenges us to really consider those in our lives and how we love them. It helps us to redefine love. It shows us the beauty and love in all the facets of life.

So, if you love a good love story, Pianissimo is the book for you!

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 11 (K)

For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Eleven days means eleven numbers which means the letter K. K is for kindness.

Kindness was not something that Agnes and Margaret received regularly. Margaret's parents are kind to them, oblivious to the true nature of their relationship. Aside from the Begums, though, there is only one other person who shows the couple any kindness: Raymond Wilson.

In a time where homosexuality wasn't even heard of, let alone accepted, kindness was very scarce for Agnes and Margaret. Most people were perplexed by the nature of their relationship and how they lived their lives. The only person who truly followed "live and let live" was Raymond Wilson. He did not understand their way of life, but he respected the people that they were. He saw past the social stereotypes and misunderstanding. He focused on their personalities, humanity, and talents. He reminded everyone else that first and foremost, they were people.

Kindness may have been scant, but it wasn't completely depleted for Agnes and Margaret. Their story reminds us all to be kind to each other.

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 10 (J)

 For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

We're in the double digits now! What better letter to start us off than J?!

J is for Justice.

Justice is not necessarily a word you'd think of when you read a paranormal story, but there is justice to be had in Pianissimo.

Agnes and Margaret face some horrible prejudice in their life time. Bigotry, hatred, lies, and accusations lead them to face their co-workers, and the entire town. With their lives and reputations on the line, and with virtually no one rushing to their side, they are forced to stand up for themselves. Will justice be served?

On the other side, there's Corinne learning about Margaret and Agnes. She learns not only of the lives they lead, but of the core of their beings. She learns about an entirely new way of life. She is forced to reconsider her old ideas and prejudices. Unlike the townsfolk of the early 1900s, Corinne's eyes and heart are opened. She uses them as inspiration to become a better person. She does them justice by restoring their one connection: the piano.

So yes, justice is a theme in Pianissimo. If you read it, you can find out if I do justice justice! ;)

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 9 (I)

For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Here we have the letter I. I is for ingenuity.

The definition of ingenuity is "The quality of being clever, original, and inventive." Corinne is just that. Having never touched a power tool before, she becomes bold and brave and takes on the daunting task of restoring a piano. She knows nothing of wood types, restoration, tools, hardware...none of it.

She's smart, though. She researches it endlessly. She befriends Rich, who helps her out and teaches her. She pushes fear aside and she does what she never thought she could do.

Corinne is clever. Corinne is original. Corinne is inventive. Corinne is ingenious.

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 8 (H)

 For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Hi! Here's how hauntings heal hurt hearts!

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Today's letter is H, obviously.

H is for hauntings, but also more than that.

The hauntings are a big part of the Pianissimo story. The house is haunted, and the piano is haunted. Corinne sees, hears, and experiences things she never could have imagined. She dealt with some crazy haunted stuff!

The hauntings also helped her, though. The more she learned about the house and piano, the more she learned about herself. At first, she felt isolated and alone as she dealt with the hauntings. As time went on, she realized she wasn't alone. 

The hauntings and discoveries Corinne makes all help her to heal. They help her to become a stronger person. They help her to learn new things - to become brave. As much as they help Corinne to heal, there's also a part of it where it helps the souls of Agnes and Margaret to heal as well.

Hauntings aren't always a bad thing. Sometimes they really help us to grow.

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 7 (G)

For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

This is the seventh day of our little adventure, so that means our letter will be G today. G stands for Girl Power.

That's a bit of a stretch, I know. Just hear me out.

The three main characters: Corinne, Agnes, and Margaret, are all very strong women.

Corinne is a military wife. She has had to move all across the country for her husband. She has moved, she has been alone for months on end. She has had her share of difficulties. Add to that her memories of her brothers telling her that power tools weren't for girls; she defies those memories and learns not only to use power tools, but how to restore a piano. That's some serious girl power if you ask me.

Then there's Agnes. She comes from a well-to-do family, but her parents die in a tragic accident, forcing her to run the farm all by herself. She maintains the home, the farm, the horses, and she's also a teacher! Agnes also does not back down from confrontation. She is one tough cookie!

Margaret may not seem like such a tough girl, but she is in her own right. She is tough in her ability to maintain the secret of the true nature of her relationship with Agnes, especially when being harassed by Clarence. She is quiet, but very strong. She supports Agnes through some incredibly difficult times without wavering. She, too, is incredibly strong.

Even though this may not seem like your typical "girl power" story, there are 3 incredibly strong women in this book. They all prove the true strength of women, each in her own way.

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 6 (F)

 For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Today is F-day! F is for frankness.

I'm pretty bold in Pianissimo. I wanted to be honest and unabashed. There was a reason for me to write this story, and I share that openly in the book.

I wanted to be frank because I thought that was the best way to get my point across.

You see, for as much as Pianissimo is here to entertain you, it also serves a greater purpose. I wrote it with the hopes of reaching people. I wanted to show the struggles of our LGBT predecessors. I wanted to show the similarities between the hetero and homosexual communities. I wanted to remind us all of our humanity. I wanted to show the stupidity of labels and bigotry.

I'm not sorry that I wrote the book with that much frankness. I consider my writing a gift, but what gift is of use if it's not being used genuinely and with a greater purpose in mind? So yes, I am bold, frank, honest, open, and very clear cut. For me personally, a book with a message behind it is the best the kind.

I hope you'd agree. Check out Pianissimo, and see for yourself!

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 5 (E)

For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Today is the fifth day, so we're up to E. E is for extraordinary.

I know, that sounds egotistical at best, but please hear me out.

Pianissimo is my first paranormal story. It was a little tricky at first, but it began to flow fairly quickly. I had a lot of fun writing this story. It was a extraordinary experience to write it.

It's extraordinary in how it developed over two years. I watched this story transform from a small possibility into a novel that I am proud of. I have come a long way as a writer. I am excited to see these changes in myself, and in my work.

Pianissimo may not be my best work of all time, but it is the best that I have created thus far.

Check it out. You might just think it's extraordinary too! ;)


http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 4 (D)

For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Today is day 4, which means the letter of the day is D.

D is for devotion. Devotion is a theme that runs through the entire story, and in a few different ways.

First off there is the devotion between Corinne and Darryl. Through thick and in, tours and stationing, they travel the world together. Even when Darryl is on the other side of the Earth, Corinne patiently and devotedly waits for his return.

Agnes and Margaret are incredibly devoted to each other. Despite social stigmas and bigotry, their love and devotion never waivers.

Then there's Corinne devotion to Agnes, Margaret, and the piano. As Corinne learns the story of her home's past, she becomes deeply connected to Agnes and Margaret. The piano suddenly takes form as a living tribute to them. Even though she has no background or experience in piano refinishing, Corinne takes on the daunting task of revitalizing the piano. It is painful and difficult to say the least, but she remains devoted to the project and sees it all the way through.

Devotion takes on many forms in Pianissimo. Even when things are at their most difficult, if we remain devoted, the outcome is well worth it. Pianissimo reminds us of that.

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 3 (C)

 For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Today is day 3, which means the letter of the day is C.

C is for Corinne. Corinne is the main character in this story. I really didn't have too much of a background for her when I first started writing it. It took me two years to write this piece, and large part of that was learning about Corinne, and watching her grow and develop as a person.

Corinne is just like you and I. She's a down-to-earth, regular gal. She has her passions, and her pet-peeves. She is emotional at times. She is human.

This story is as much about her as it is the Piano, Agnes and Margaret. She has to learn who she really is, what she's truly capable of doing, and what beliefs she holds in her heart.

I am not ashamed to say that my stories are character-driven. My books are as much about understanding and sympathizing with the characters as much as it is the plot. I want you to know and experience these people as I do. I want to put you in her mind, in her life.

Come get to know Corinne! She's an absolutely wonderful person, and I think you're going to love her. ;)

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro