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 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

What's in store for 2015

Yet another Thursday is upon us, fellow bibliophiles!

We've talked a lot about Pianissimo since it's release in October. But what's next? Where do we go from here?

Fear not! More goodness is coming your way! ;)

For 2015, I am working on 3 independent short stories, that will all be published together in a collection. They are all very different stories, but I think they all have really great messages.

In addition, I am starting some brain storming for another full-length novel. The idea for this just struck me the other day, so I am very much in the beginning stages, but I will make sure it's something that you will absolutely love.

So yes, there is life after Pianissimo. As long as I keep breathing, I'm gonna keep writing! I hope that you'll keep reading! ;)

For now, enjoy all that we have thus far, and remember that great things are on their way!

Thanksgiving

Good Turkey Day Thursday to one and all! I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.

I just want to take a minute to discuss what I most thankful for:

YOU! :)



Without my readers, my books and I would be nowhere.

Without my readers, I wouldn't be able to write for as many periodicals and publications as I do.

Without my readers, there's no way I could have taken 2nd place in the P & E Poll this year.

So, thank you! Thank you for buying my work, thank you for supporting my work, thank you for being a reader. Believe it or not, just reading my stories alone means more than words could ever describe.


THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving, one and all!  :)

Blog Hop Tour

Hi everyone!

Today, I am part of a blog hop tour.

My name is Lauren Shiro.



I write contemporary LGBT fiction.




I was invited to answer these by author K'Anne Meinel. You can find out more about her and her infinite list of titles at http://www.kannemeinel.com/


ABOUT ME: I've been writing my whole life. As a kid, I had much more fun staying up in my room writing "novels" than playing outside. At the age of 14, I was published nationally for the first time. Since then, my work has been found in newspapers, magazines, online, in books and text books. I love writing, both fiction and non-fiction alike. When I'm not writing, I spend my time working as a licensed veterinary technician, and I enjoy hobbies from wood working to roller derby.




CURRENT PROJECT: I just finished a full-length novel, Candles on the Spinet.


Military couple 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 something does not want her life to be quiet or boring. And then there’s the creepy piano in the basement…
A series of strange experiences and events triggers Corinne to dig deeper into her home’s history, and herself. As Corinne learns of the people and past of her home, she also learns some new skills, and she learns about who she really is.
There is more to that creepy, dilapidated piano and that house that Corinne could ever imagine. Through highs and lows, twists and turns, she realizes the importance of placing candles on the spinet.

Candles on the Spinet is due for release this fall!


My current project is a story called Life, Upside Down.

Chantal Thompson is a strong, independent general contractor. She's the kind of person that's always going. A terrible accident suddenly brings her to a screeching halt. Unable to move, she is forced to reevaluate her life. She needs to come to terms with her past, accept her current situation, and look towards the future. It's amazing how slowing down your pace can completely change your perspective on life.


WHAT MAKES MY STORIES DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS IN THE SAME GENRE?: My stories are character driven, rather that plot driven. It's not to say there isn't a plot. My stories connect you deeply with the characters. You see their perspective, you feel their feelings, you experience their story. My books are deep, emotional and very cerebral.



WHY DO I WRITE THE STORIES THAT I DO?: I write my stories with a hope of creating positive social change. My tag line is "Stories of Love without Boundaries." In my stories, you will see me challenge racial lines, social stereotypes, and common prejudices. My books are very much a means for me to create. Personally, I create with intention. In this case, my intention is to help shatter the accepted social norms and to send a message of love, acceptance, and equality.



HOW DOES MY WRITING PROCESS WORK?: I like to think of myself as an organic writer. I go into each of my stories with a basic premise. As I work, I just let the words, people, and events come to me. There have been many times where I have been surprised by what comes out. I like going with the flow and allowing my stories to create themselves. Inspiration can come anywhere and at anytime. I try to keep a pen & paper on hand so I can jot down notes if I'm not able to get to my laptop right away.



WHO'S NEXT ON THE BLOG HOP? I happily pass the torch to a good friend and a great writer, Chelle Cordero. I've known her for years, and her work never ceases to amaze me. She is an author for all readers! Her blog is at http://chellecordero.blogspot.com/ You can also find out more information about her at http://chellecordero.com/




Thanks so much for joining us on the blog hop! Happy reading!!! :)

A to Z '14 - Writing

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


W is for Writing.


My grandfather was my biggest fan and supporter of my writing.


He always told me how good I was. He was positive and supportive. He told me that I do have something to share with the world when others told me that I didn't.


I can think of a handful of people who have helped me to become the writer than I am today. First and foremost is my grandfather.


He was, and will always be, my greatest fan.


I am blessed to have had someone so incredibly loving and supportive.


It's hard to see my work taking off after he's gone, but I continue to write and work diligently in his memory and his honor.


I will always write for him.


W is for Writing.

A to Z '14 - Niche

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


N is nor Niche.

What is a niche? Is a place or position. We often talk about finding our niche in the world. It means finding the outlet that best supports our talents and passions.



How did my grandfather teach me about niches?


He showed me that despite my struggles, there was a place for me. In the world of writing, there is a place specifically designated for me: for my voice and style. There are countless writers out there. That doesn't make one of us more legitimate than another. We all have our writing niches, which makes all of us legitimate.



I think it's important for all of us to remember that we all have a niche - a place in this world. Just because there may be 50 other people who can do what you do doesn't mean you don't have your own specific talents. You have gifts that are unique to you. Those gifts are your niche. Use them, appreciate them.


Don't be competitive. That's ego talking. Instead, be supportive and be uniquely yourself. That's finding your niche.


Niches aren't just for a select few. They are for all of us. You have one. Find it and revel in it!


N is for Niche.

A to Z '14 - Joviality

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


J is for Joviality.

My grandfather loved a good laugh. He absolutely loved slapstick comedy.



In his eulogy I wrote, "I really only remember him as jovial. His bright voice greeting me with his special, “Hello, Lauren!” I can so vividly picture his bright blue eyes, his contagious smile and hear his laugh."


He laughed to laugh and to make others laugh. He wouldn't pull mean pranks, per se. Rather, he had quick, dry wit that could always entertain you.


That's really one of things I admire most in him. He was always happy, always laughing, always positive. I aspire to be like that.



His joviality was absolutely contagious. Thinking of his smile and his laugh is making me smile as I write this!

A good sense of humor will get you through anything and everything in life. If there is one lesson I could give you from my grandfather, it would be to be a happy, jovial person. Joviality blesses you and the people around you. Just like he blessed us.

J is for Joviality.

On Femininity

One thing that always fascinates me is femininity.


What is femininity?



How do we define what is or isn't feminine?



Each and every woman on the planet is similar, yet very different.



Are we feminine when we wear dresses and jewelry?



Are we feminine simply because we are female?



The characters in Loving Her are all women, and they are all very different. Liz and Stephania have "stereotypical" feminine jobs as a ballerina

and a model.



Linda is nearly androgynous and works a typically masculine job, but she's still a woman.


They all have different personalities, different likes and dislikes. They're all human. They're all women.



Personally, I think femininity is individual, just like us. I don't think it's a black and white issue. I think that there are variations. I don't think someone like Linda is in any way less of a woman than someone like Liz.



I love that these characters are as diverse as they are. I love that these characters are true to themselves. Mostly, I love that these characters are real women, just like us.



Come get to know each and every one of them in their own stories.


The women of the Loving Her series will be some of the greatest women you've ever met.

Happy reading!