Thoughts from the Author

I believe that family comes first.
In a world of chaos, corruption and survival of the fittest, it is important to have a strong family bond and network to get through the tough times, and celebrate all the good times.

I am a Mom of three wonderful, healthy children who keep me motivated, happy and enthusiastic about life. There is nothing more touching then the sound of children laughing, especially those deep, wild, belly laughs.

I am a wife to a wonderful, caring, affectionate husband who supports me, encourages me and loves me every day of our lives. It was his encouragement that pushed me to make my dream of becoming an author a reality.

I am a daughter of two fantastic parents who continually prove, by their own actions and accomplishments, that hard work, continuous education, family bonds and traditions are key to being successful in life.

I am also a sister to three wonderful big brothers, who in their own individual ways make me laugh, make me smile and make me proud to have them in my life. At least most of the time. Ha, ha, ha.

I am proud to be an American and I support our troops. I pray for their safe return home to their loved ones and praise them for their service to their country.

I honor them every day by being patriotic, showing my patriotism whether it be by wearing an American flag pin or ring as a reminder that we are at war, or by flying an American flag in my yard or in my car, and most importantly by praying for each and every one of them.

Our soldiers have sacrificed so much in order to keep us free and safe here in the United States; some have given the ultimate sacrifice, their life. May we never forget our soldiers. UNITED WE STAND.


When people find out that I have written a novel, they ask me where the heck did you find the time with three small children and your husband's small business to run, never mind the housework? My answer is simple.

I really, truly, with all my heart wanted to write a full-length mystery, romance novel. I finally found the courage to type my stories on the computer and give writing a shot. The courage came quick and fierce, but that same courage took time to find again when I needed feedback.

When I finally found the courage, I went to the family first. I nearly passed out when I received encouragement, words of constructive criticism and support in my new endeavor.

Why did I choose to write mystery one might ask?

Well, I love a good mystery. Trying to find out who the bad guy or girl is and all the steps taken by the police to capture them is intriguing, but it is also, I suppose, somewhat in my blood. I am a cop's daughter. Two of my three brothers are law enforcement professionals. I have a great respect and admiration for what they do. It's not easy putting on that uniform every day not knowing what the day will bring and whether or not that uniform may make you a target or a savior.

I have learned so much about police work from my brothers and my father. My dad is an inspiration, a man to be proud of and boast about. There's nothing like growing up in a law enforcement family, never mind being the only girl, and Daddy's little girl.

I learned at a very young age that 'evil people' walk the face of this earth. You need to always be aware of your surroundings and keep your family close. Friends come and go but family is around forever.

Why add the romance into my writing?

Well plain and simple, I AM A ROMANTIC!

What better way to add the so-called 'icing on the cake' then to have the extra bonus of a romance in a mystery?
With all that suspense, heated moments of not knowing whether the hunter will become the hunted and the tension building and building, what better way for two strangers, a man and a woman, to find one another and fall in love or in lust?

I want my stories to be fulfilling from beginning to end. I want the reader to laugh at something funny, feel angry when the hero or heroine is angry or makes a mistake... then celebrate when they solve the crime, catch the killer and remove one more evil doer off the streets.
Then, I'd love for them to think about the characters later, after they've finished the book and wonder what are those characters doing now? To me, that is a completely satisfying novel.


FINAL THOUGHT

God has given each of us an imagination an ability to see beyond the basics. An intelligence and motivation to read and there are many great writers and touching stories just waiting to be embraced by your heart.

Indulge in the opportunity to enter a different time or place, to see inside the thoughts and actions of characters you can relate to or simply despise. There is something amazing about witnessing that first kiss, or better yet, almost feeling it. To read with anticipation an ending that you hoped for, and getting way more then you expected.

Enjoy the stories and thank you for visiting my web page.
LAURA MARIE