The Holiday Season is here!!!

The holiday season is here. And I have the perfect follow up to Pianissimo! It's called First Christmas.

Check this out:

https://vhpbooktours.com/2016/10/30/first-christmas-a-holiday-short-story-by-lauren-shiro-now-available-in-all-ebook-editions/

Last WeWriWa of 2015!

It's Saturday night, which can mean only one thing: WeWriWa! This month, to celebrate the holidays, we will be reading excerpts from my short story, First Christmas. First Christmas is a follow up to Pianissimo. Darryl has finally returned home, and he and Corinne are celebrating their first Christmas as a civilian couple. Unbeknownst to Darryl, Corinne is still very fixated on the story of Agnes and Margaret, so we get to see how they celebrate Christmas as well. So, without further ado, let's WeWriWa!

Click www.wewriwa.com for more information and to see other 8 Sentence Sunday posts.

This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight to ten sentences from a published work or even a WIP (work in progress). Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! It's a great way to meet readers, writers, and your next favorite book!  :)

Background on the excerpt: We are reading Agnes' diary as she sums up Christmas, and the meaning of the holiday. Snippet in 10:

So many people struggle and try to find joy in their material possessions. For them, this purpose of this day is for them to acquire more things, and yet still feel empty inside. I am so fortunate to know better than that. It is wonderful to not be wrapped up in the intangible concepts of money and belongings. I should rather live in a full dairy barn with Margaret than to not have her but have an exorbitant amount of money and things. Holidays aren’t about things. They’re about people. The people we all know and love. The people in our lives whom we should celebrate. And I shall celebrate Margaret every day that I am alive.

Hope you liked it!

Happy reading, happy holidays, and have a happy and blessed new year!

More Holiday WeWriWas!

It's Saturday night, which can mean only one thing: WeWriWa! This month, to celebrate the holidays, we will be reading excerpts from my short story, First Christmas. First Christmas is a follow up to Pianissimo. Darryl has finally returned home, and he and Corinne are celebrating their first Christmas as a civilian couple. Unbeknownst to Darryl, Corinne is still very fixated on the story of Agnes and Margaret, so we get to see how they celebrate Christmas as well. So, without further ado, let's WeWriWa!

Click www.wewriwa.com for more information and to see other 8 Sentence Sunday posts.

This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight sentences from a published work or even a WIP (work in progress). Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! It's a great way to meet readers, writers, and your next favorite book!  :)

Background on the excerpt:
We are now watching Margaret and Agnes celebrate Christmas. They have just celebrated the holiday with Margaret's family. The two are having this discussion while heading off to bed.
Snippet in 9:

Margaret swished in place; her dress spun and twirled around her. “I love Christmas. I love our Christmases together."
     “As do I,” Agnes quietly replied. “You know, the holiday is so much more than gifts. It reminds us to love, appreciate and care for those we hold dear. It reminds us to not think of self, but rather to focus on those around us. Every day, I thank God for you. Every Christmas, I am reminded of how wonderful you really are.”


Hope you liked it!

Happy reading and happy holidays!

Still lots of holiday WeWriWa fun!

It's Saturday night, which can mean only one thing: WeWriWa! This month, to celebrate the holidays, we will be reading excerpts from my short story, First Christmas. First Christmas is a follow up to Pianissimo. Darryl has finally returned home, and he and Corinne are celebrating their first Christmas as a civilian couple. Unbeknownst to Darryl, Corinne is still very fixated on the story of Agnes and Margaret, so we get to see how they celebrate Christmas as well. So, without further ado, let's WeWriWa!

Click www.wewriwa.com for more information and to see other 8 Sentence Sunday posts.

This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight sentences from a published work or even a WIP (work in progress). Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! It's a great way to meet readers, writers, and your next favorite book!  :)

Background on the excerpt:
It's still early in the day, Corinne and Darryl just sat down for breakfast. The reality of his presence, but the absence of the rest of their families is hitting Corinne.
Snippet in 9:

Darryl sat across from Corinne. It was strange celebrating the holiday without their families. She felt a pang of sadness and solitude, but she loved the fact that Darryl was home, and he always would be.

“You alright, babe?” He interrupted her thoughts.

“Yeah,” she smiled. “Happy that you’re home.”

He reached across the table and gently caressed her hand. “Me too.”

Hope you liked it!

Happy reading and happy holidays!

Loving Her for the holidays

It's December 10th already!

It's crazy to think we're at the end of 2015 already, isn't it?! Time goes by WAY too quickly!

Since the holidays are officially upon us, I thought it might be a good idea to look at my books as gifts for the readers on your list...or even yourself! ;)

This week, we'll look at the Loving Her series.

The Loving Her series is a very unique series. Unlike Harry Potter or Twilight, the books can be read in any order. Each story is linear, and the series as a whole paints one giant, beautiful picture. However, each story is still unique, is able to stand on its own, and thus can be read in any order.

This series is about love and romance, but it's also about friendship, family, identity, and life. These stories and these characters are complex, as are their relationships. Just like we do in real life, these women wear many hats, and play many different roles.

The Loving Her series is a series of short stories unlike anything you've ever read before. You'll get to experience certain situations from different perspectives. You'll see just how tightly woven our lives are with those around us.

Love, laughter, loathing, lamentation, and life are what the Loving Her series is all about.

These books are for readers who want a more meaningful, more rich, deeper story, with true-to-life characters.

Get your copies here

5 Stars

In this series of stories, we meet a group of loving friends and couples. Each member of this group is diverse in personalities and abilities, but they are tied together by the common denominator - love.

WeWriWa: First Christmas

It's Saturday night, which can mean only one thing: WeWriWa! This month, to celebrate the holidays, we will be reading excerpts from my short story, First Christmas. First Christmas is a follow up to Pianissimo. Darryl has finally returned home, and he and Corinne are celebrating their first Christmas as a civilian couple. Unbeknownst to Darryl, Corinne is still very fixated on the story of Agnes and Margaret, so we get to see how they celebrate Christmas as well. So, without further ado, let's WeWriWa!

Click www.wewriwa.com for more information and to see other 8 Sentence Sunday posts.

This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight sentences from a published work or even a WIP (work in progress). Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! It's a great way to meet readers, writers, and your next favorite book!  :)

Background on the excerpt:
This is the opening of the story. It is early Christmas morning. Corinne is awake, enjoying the start of the day in solitude. Snippet in 8:

Corinne tightly held her coffee mug. It was forty two degrees out. Not cold enough for her. She pulled back the curtain and looked out the window. No white Christmas here. Not today, anyway. Corinne couldn’t help but to feel bummed by seeing green grass. It wasn’t anything like her childhood Christmases in Indiana. 


Hope you liked it!

Happy reading and happy holidays!

Pianissimo for the holidays

It's December!

It's crazy to think we're at the end of 2015 already, isn't it?! Time goes by WAY too quickly!

Since the holidays are officially upon us, I thought it might be a good idea to look at my books as gifts for the readers on your list...or even yourself! ;)

This week, we'll look at Pianissimo.

Pianissimo is multi-facited. First you have the story of Corinne, a lonely military wife. Just when she thinks she is done worrying about her husband being sent off, he goes on one final deployment. She finds herself lonely and depressed. She needs to discover herself, and to find peace in her solitude.

There is the paranormal aspect of Corinne's house. She and her husband, Darryl, bought the house right before that final deployment. It's an old house, chock full of stories and secrets. For as lonely as Corinne feels, she soon discovers that she's actually not alone.

Finally, there's the story of Agnes and Margaret. A love story. A life story. These two women lead extraordinary lives, and they leave a glorious trail of letters, photographs, and even a diary, so their legacy can live on.

Pianissimo is a story about women. It is a story about the strength of women, the resiliency of women, the determination of women, the capability of women, the enduring spirit of women. It is much a human story as it is a paranormal story and/or a love story.

For readers who love books with tremendous depth, palpable emotions, multiple elements, and a feel good story, Pianissimo is a great book!

Get your copy here!

4.5 Stars
Darryl and Corinne Richards purchase their first house. With Darryl’s army career coming to a close, they feel ready to settle down in Louisville, Kentucky. With impeccable timing, Darryl is sent on one final tour, leaving Corinne to live in this new house and new city alone. Overwhelmed, Corinne becomes reclusive, living a quiet, boring life with her cats as she adjusts to her new surroundings. The problem is: someone or some thing does not want her life to be either quiet or boring. And then there’s the creepy piano in the basement… There is more to that creepy, dilapidated piano and her new home than Corinne could ever imagine. Through highs and lows, twists and turns, she begins to understand that even the most softly played music is powerful – and that even soft realizations and quietly subtle changes can have a profound effect

A Valentine's WeWriWa from The Ballerina

It's time for another WeWriWa!

Click www.wewriwa.com for more information and to see other 8 Sentence Sunday posts.
This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight sentences from a published work or even a WIP (work in progress). Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! It's a great way to meet readers, writers, and your next favorite book!  :)

During the month of February, I will be posting snippets from The Ballerina. This is Liz's story, and the first in the Loving Her series.

A southern, redheaded, pickup driving lesbian ballerina? You bet! Meet Liz: a southern belle with flair. Vivacious, eclectic and graceful, she is unique to say the least. The first in the series of Loving Her stories, Liz's story is the kind that stays with you long after you've closed the book.

Background on the snippet: Liz and Jen had just had dinner together. Liz shows off her truck to Jen, and pulls into a spot with a perfect ocean view. Their understanding and expectations of the evening are polar opposite.




Silently, they watched the waves dance under the moonlight. Words would only detract from this incredible moment.
Jen quietly slid over the long vinyl bench seat until she was next to Liz, taking in this breath-taking scene.
“This is great.” Jen whispered.
“Huh?” Liz asked, turning to look at her.
Jen placed her soft hand on Liz’s face, slowly leaned in and gently kissed her.




Hope you liked it! Happy reading!

Holidays are best spent with great books!

Happy Thursday, gang!

It's not just Thursday...It's Christmas!!!

To celebrate the holiday, I want to give you a little sample from First Christmas. It's a follow up short story to Pianissimo.

Corinne tightly held her coffee mug. It was forty two degrees out. Cold enough for her. She pulled back the curtain and looked out the window. No white Christmas here. Not today, anyway. Corinne couldn’t help but to feel bummed by seeing green grass. It wasn’t anything like her childhood Christmases in Indiana.

“Oh well,” she sighed.

Darryl was still sleeping. It was about a quarter after eight. He should be getting up soon. She hoped. She wanted to spend Christmas with him, even if it was a quiet one. It was their first Christmas since he retired from the Army. It was their first Christmas in this new house. It was almost like it was their first Christmas all together. It was incredibly important to her. She didn’t want to sit in solitude on this day. She had done enough of that when he was out serving.

Just as she was about to let go of the curtain, she saw that Rich and Susie were out across the street.

Corinne smiled and opened the door just enough to step out and wave.

Rich looked up and saw her. He gently nudged Susie. “Merry Christmas!” They called out.

Corinne continued to wave. “Merry Christmas!” She shouted back with a big smile.

They smiled back, got into their car and drove off. Corinne loved them. They were the greatest neighbors she had ever had. They were friends. They were even like family. She was so grateful to have forged such a great relationship with them.

She stepped back in and closed the door. A chill ran through her. She took a long sip of her warm coffee. That should help her to warm up quickly.

Suddenly, Millie and Mollie came racing out of nowhere, nearly tripping her. Just as Corinne regained her stability, she could hear the heavy thump of Darryl coming down the stairs. Good! He was up. Now Christmas could begin.                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Hope you guys like it! You can purchase your copy here. Happy reading and merry Christmas!  

Introducing Introductions

Happy Thursday, readers!

Have you recovered from stuffing yourself at Thanksgiving last week? LOL.

Today, I want to introduce you to a couple of things.

First off, I would like to introduce you to First Christmas.

First Christmas is a short story that is a continuation of Pianissimo. It's Darryl and Corinne's first Christmas together in the new house. But it's also about a Christmas between Agnes, Margaret, and Margaret's family.

You see how each couple celebrates. You see how each couple connects. You see how the stories from each couple intertwine.

It's a short read, and it's a good way to continue the stories in Pianissimo. Or, if you haven't read it yet, it can also serve as a good introduction to Pianissimo! ;)



Speaking of introductions, I want to introduce you to another introduction for Pianissimo!

If you click here, you will find a FREE 4 chapter preview of Pianissimo!

I know what it's like to buy a book, not knowing the author's voice or being unsure if you'd like the read. This is the perfect way for you to get to know me and my books. This FREE preview allows you to sample the book. Once you've read it and are hooked, you're able to purchase your full copy and enjoy the story in its entirety.


So there you have it, folks! A couple of introductions to help you decide if you're going to put Pianissimo on your holiday wish list. ;)


I hope you enjoy them both!

Happy reading!

It is that time of year!

Happy Thursday, folks!

Hopefully everyone is staying warm, and isn't snowed in too badly.

Winter has come fast and hard (at least around here). With the snow and the cold, we set our sights on the holiday season.

This season, I have more books and stories than every. Print, e-book, audio - whichever you (or the readers in your life) prefer.

If you're looking to get a small sample of my writing, and get a sneak peek into the characters and world in Pianissimo, might I suggest, First Christmas.

First Christmas is a short story that I wrote just for the season, and just for you. It's the story of Corinne and Darryl's first Christmas in their new home. But it's also the story of Margaret and Agnes' Christmas as well. Same rich characters, same sweet sentiment. First Christmas gives you a good taste of my writing, and of Pianissimo (my newest full-length novel release).

It's a fun, happy, short story that is sure to bring a smile to your face. Go check it out at
http://www.amazon.com/First-Christmas-Holiday-Short-Story-ebook/dp/B00PPOZD2G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416406854&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

A to Z '14 - Easter

For this year's A to Z Challenge, I am honoring my grandfather who passed away on April 3, 2013.


E is for Easter.



I normally don't talk about religion or religious holidays too much. I have my reasons, most of which are because I believe in live & let live. Whatever you celebrate is wonderful, simple as that.

Easter, though, is important to me. It has always been an important holiday for me. Easter was always spent with my grandparents. Every Palm Sunday, my grandfather would give us little crosses made out of palm leaves. We spent Easter with them every year that I can recall. My mother still has the Easter basket I picked out with my grandfather.

When I was older, we still spent Easter Sunday with them. We would go out for early Easter dinners. I just loved spending Easter with them. It didn't necessarily need to be a production. Those are just some of the sweetest, happiest memories I have.



April 3rd fell on Holy Week last year. In the Catholic church, that's a good thing. I don't remember exactly what the priest said at his funeral, but he discussed how appropriate it was for him and how it was also a sign of resurrection and life after death.


This Easter will be a tough one without the most important person in my life. But I will always have those wonderful memories of Easters past.


E is for Easter.

'Tis the Day After Christmas...

Happy Thursday!

Did everyone have a good Christmas?


Did you get what you wanted?



Did you get any of my books?




If so, and you got e-books, don't forget to check out authorgraph.com and have me "sign" them for you!


If not, fear not! I have a give away planned to kick off 2014 the right way!



Just stay tuned and you might just win a free, signed copy of Loving Her Volume 1!

Happy Holidays!!!!