"Djembe" Wins 2nd Place in International Art Tales Competition

It was my pleasure to learn that earlier this year, in May, my short story, Djembe, won second place in the adult fiction category of the annual international Art Tales Writing Contest for 2018, sponsored by the City of Ventura, California. Djembe was inspired by a photograph by William Hendricks entitled Tambor, taken in 2000.

I've been writing a lot this year while dealing with my mother's passing, a torn meniscus, returning to school, and other consuming events, but finally had a chance to share my story. I hope you enjoy it. 

Djembe is posted in the tab marked "Short Stories." Please let me know what you think in the comments section.

"Shadows of Oranges" Wins First Place!

I'm thrilled to announce that my short story, "Shadows of Oranges," won first place in the adult fiction category of the annual Art Tales Writing Contest for 2016, sponsored by the City of Ventura, California.

Take a look at my work in the tab marked "Short Stories" and please let me know what you think in the comments section!

See What Lauren at Wonderless Reviews Says About DEATH HOUSE!

Win a Copy of Eve's Amulet-Book 1!

You can win a free copy of my book, Eve's Amulet~Book 1, an entertaining paranormal romance adventure with a bit of history in the mix. Just follow my blog and answer the question below.

Romance goes hand in hand with gunrunning in the Old Southwest in this entertaining time-travel adventure! Mandy Ruhe is swept back in time to Texas, 1845, into the body of Carmena Lubber, owner of the Holiday Ranch. Mandy is caught up in the lives of the people on the ranch--their struggles and dreams. Torn between two men, she hopes that true love can triumph over time. But she may have endangered everyone after she encounters one of Mexico's most powerful and dangerous leaders. Trapped in the past, Mandy must find a way back to her own life before she messes up the future for everyone!

Answer the question below in the comment sectionfor your chance to win a copy of Eve's Amulet~Book 1!

What era would you go to if you could time-travel?

Hurry--contest ends April 10th!

Write it Down & Make it Happen!

I think that when we take our thoughts out of our heads and put them into writing or some other form of self-expression, that we will manifest those desires. I selfishly made my Christmas and 2015 New Year’s wish list about me, but  I think it's always been that way, and so it should be. After all, we have to take care of ourselves before we can address the needs of others.

• May I keep the Spirit of Christmas year round, remembering to give to those in genuine need, be it of my time, money, or prayers.
• May I remember to honor my body through healthy foods and physical exercise.
• May I continually honor my mind with meditation, prayer, and gratitude.
• May I remember that although I don’t have to hang out with toxic people, be them family or former friends, that I can still wish the best for them, as what I send out in thought comes back to me as well.
• May I remember always to keep my thoughts positive, my words peaceful, and my actions filled with love.
• May I hold the hopes and visions of others in their highest good and use my energy to help co-create their dreams, as well as my own.

What Is Your Christmas Wish?

7 Easy Reminders to Living Your Dreams



Kristen Stokes Photography

Yes, we’ve heard this from successful self-help gurus, but too often we forget the spiritual basics that worked for others in achieving their heart’s desires.

1.  Be grateful for everything. Each morning and every night name at least one thing you’re truly grateful for. The energy of gratitude brings your strongest desires to you.

2.  Clearly define your heartfelt desires. Be very specific. If you want money for a car, envision the make, model, color, and price (even if you want it for free), and all the amenities.

3.  Write a list of what you want to manifest. Imagine and feel the positive emotions of what it is like to already have it. Be a kid and imagine the best scenario possible, regardless of how big your dream it is.

4.  Manifestation happens in its own time, so don’t focus on how or when it comes in, just the result of what you want. Trust that you'll receive what you want at the time that’s right for you, not the time that you think is right.

5.  Affirmations work! Write down what you want as if you already received it. A paper taped on my wall says: “I am a Financially Successful, International Best-selling Author.” It used to be “I am a Published Author,” and that actually happened.

6. Create a collage or storyboard of what you want to help cement the image. If you already made one, go over it and see if it’s still accurate, and if not, update the images.

7.  Make certain that happiness is always an end result of your desires. If you want a new house on the east coast, could you be separated from your family in Oregon? If you want a new motorcycle is there guilt present because a new car would be better for the family? Conflicting feelings prevent the manifestation from becoming reality. Be clear in defining what you want without any emotional price tags like guilt, anger, or bitterness attached.

8.  As children, we have a stronger and more innocent belief that anything is possible. But as adults, we are tested by having our innocence removed and have to regain our trust despite the trials. Be patient as you practice permanently changing a negative mindset to a positive one.

What do you want for yourself?

Anyone who supports your vision can help uphold your dream by sending you positive energy. They can simply imagine an image of you joyfully experiencing what you want.

What would you like others to help you envision?

My Love Affair with Ray Bradbury

Photo from Hollowverse.com

We met under a tree on a hot day at the UCLA Book Festival, when I was in my mid-twenties. Ray Bradbury explained he had to get out of the sun. The only place with a shade tree was at the back of the campus, which is how we found each other,  each looking for a cool respite. You'd think he was a diplomatic dignitary the way his two security guards flanked him.

No one knew he was there and for two hours he told me magical stories of his youth and the highlights of his writing career. Do I remember the exact details or words of the conversation? Sadly, not. And worse, I was too naïve to understand just how important he was in the world of literature. I know we established that we both felt spiritual and highly intuitive, thinking that our work was channeled to us for a higher purpose. He said that alone, he just couldn’t be that good. After that, I remember nothing but floating on a cloud and feeling enchanted, prepared to propose to the old man.

I asked him what was the most important thing he could tell me that would make me the best writer ever.

He stared into my eyes with a searing passion as if we were characters in a romance novel. I knew that his message was highly personal, meant just for me. Ray, as he asked me to call him, leaned forward. His eyes burrowed beyond my soul and touched the heart of me. My ears strained––this I would remember. He took a breath and said, “Write.” Angels sung, and I knew that I was on the right life path.

Once the word got out that Ray was available for signatures the line at his table grew in seconds, and it was clear why he had two security guards. I wished he had invited me out to dinner. We bid adieu, and knowing I'd never see him again, tore myself from the table, feeling that I had received all the blessings of the conversation. I reluctantly walked away, unaccompanied by my new love.