Laura Shinn

Biography

My writing didn't truly begin until I became a junior in high school. A friend encouraged me to write a short story, like the one he was writing, and I gave it a shot. It was a spin-off between Mork and Mindy and Star Wars. What it lacked in plot direction was replaced with adventure and fun dialogue. This first attempt accomplished its purposed and I was forever overtaken by the writing bug.

Over the next few years I read like crazy, mostly historical novels. I didn't begin reading contemporaries until I got married several years later. I decided I wanted to write a time travel like the one my favorite author had written. Constance O'Day Flannery became my first inspiration to become a published author. {Since then I have had the honor of meeting and learning from many different authors: Suzanne Brockmann, Madeline Baker, Christine Feehan, Michele Bardsley, Jo Beverley and many more.}

I love to read. New ideas for novels pop into my head at the most inconvenient times. The idea that you can create a magical or mysterious world with only the touch of your fingers to a keyboard encourages me to write more.

While in college, at Howard Payne University in Brownwood Texas, I majored in English {minored in Art} and wanted desperately to become a published author. I've continued to work on my writing and designing skills and hope to one day achieve the same level of talent as many of my favorite authors.

I have a wonderful husband, two boys, two dogs and two cats. We currently live in central Texas.

I offer my clients design work for ebook and print, formatting and uploading only to Smashwords and Amazon.

View my website for more details: http://laurashinn.yolasite.com.

Where to find Laura Shinn online

Where to buy in print

Series

The Men of Wellington, Texas
Two related stories, featured in Wellington, Texas. Both are contemporary romances with a Texas, Western flavor. Nathan & Candice are featured in Book One; John & Ellie are featured in Book Two.
A Matter of Trust
Price: $0.99 USD.
Angels of the Realm
Angels are a continued mystery, other than what we've learned in Bibical scripture and eye-accounts. This serious asks the questions, "What would happen if an angel fell in love with a mortal?" and "What emotions do angels feel when they are on God's errand?" Enjoy these stories and the "What If..." possibilities.
Someone to Watch Over Me
Price: $0.99 USD.

Books

Too Late: A Dramatic Play
Price: Free! Words: 2,360. Language: English. Published: June 24, 2012 . Categories: Plays » Religious & Liturgical
This is a short play centered on the consequences of entering eternity without salvation, given freely by the grace of God. It's designed for the Christian church (youth group), regardless of denomination. It's very intense and will draw a highly emotional and hopefully spiritual response from anyone without Christ who sees it. Make sure your soul is prepared, before it's...Too Late.
SIN: Origins, Consequences & Deliverance
Price: Free! Words: 6,190. Language: English. Published: February 16, 2012 . Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Biblical Studies / Jesus, the Gospels & Acts
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
The “words of wisdom” within this document were written by my mother at various times in her life. This series is only one of many my mother wrote before her passing. Her writing meant a great deal to her, but more importantly was the desire to share her love of Christ and his free gift of life to all who believe.
Conceived in Darkness
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 18,170. Language: English. Published: September 5, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Fantasy, Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General
(5.00 from 1 review)
Spicy Novelette - Prince Orekon is out of time and solutions. He must mate before sunrise in three days or lose his throne. Music is Kathryn Schaffer’s life and passion. When a strange man holds her captive from behind, Kathryn is momentarily terrified. Until his touch softens and he whispers words of passion and love in her ear. Will she become his mate and open her heart to an unknown world?
The Hands of Time
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 26,950. Language: English. Published: June 11, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Short stories, Fiction » Romance » Time travel
A Spicy/Holiday Novelette – Lady Graciela Scott is imprisoned in a snow globe after seeing Lord Kennith Whittingham die. Centuries later, she is released when Ken Montgomery finds the globe. They must find a solution to reverse the spell or she will return to the snow globe forever.
Underneath the Mistletoe
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 11,480. Language: English. Published: June 11, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Short stories, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
(5.00 from 1 review)
Spicy Novelette - Scott Helling allows his best friend, Tiffany Ashby, to talk him into playing Santa for a group of children. Tiffany has waited ages for Scott to see her in a romantic light. When circumstances force a passionate kiss underneath the mistletoe, will their relationship finally change?
Chances Are
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 18,440. Language: English. Published: December 2, 2010 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » General
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
~ Sensual Romance ~ Katie and her son, Byron, are weeks away from moving on to their next destination while running away. Sheriff Trent Stiller is instantly taken with the beautiful and intelligent waitress in Little, Texas, and convinces her to give them a chance. Will he still feel the same way when he discovers what she did to her ex-husband and why she and Byron are on the run?
A Matter of Trust
Series: The Men of Wellington, Texas, Book One. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 74,760. Language: English. Published: June 6, 2010 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
(4.00 from 1 review)
~Spicy Romance~ Candice accepts Henry’s marriage of convenience offer, though her boss is much older. Love is not important—until Henry’s son, Nathan, bursts into the office. The tall cowboy sweeps her away. Although her engagement means security, what about love? What will happen when Henry discovers her growing feelings for his eldest son? The couple must learn the joys of learning to trust.
Nightlife Anthology
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 56,500. Language: English. Published: April 10, 2010 . Categories: Fiction » Anthologies » Short stories - single author, Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General
~Sensual Anthology~ A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS:Mirianne is being pursued by a killer who knows she can break the vampyre’s curse. For thousands of years Theo protected and hungered for her. Will his secret destroy their love? OUT OF THE NIGHT:Spring vowed to never hurt a fly, though she's a vampire. Jim is amazed by her purity, though his first concern is the rogue vampire who's after his baby girl.
Someone to Watch Over Me
Series: Angels of the Realm, Book 1. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 81,630. Language: English. Published: March 20, 2010 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
Deep within the forest, David, once an Avenging angel, watches over a child and her mother. Faced with a new challenge, how does a Guardian under new assignment cope with his feelings for Sarah, Nicole’s mother? Now a hitman is on their trail. Forced to run, they must find the evidence to protect Nicole before a ruthless killer finds them. Will the Lord allow the three to become a mortal family?
Night Hunter
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 48,630. Language: English. Published: December 12, 2009 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General
~A Sensual/Paranormal Romance~ Marcus decided to savor his last night on earth as a vampire, until he hears a faint cry in a dark church. Miranda wants more than anything to have a man and family of her own, so agrees to help Marcus. Circumstances beyond their control tear into the dream of making a family. Is it too late for Marcus and Miranda to find happiness in the midst of chaos?
A Christmas Vow
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 31,610. Language: English. Published: November 30, 2009 . Categories: Fiction » Holiday » Humorous, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
~A Spicy Novella~ Shanda Bratton harbors a secret love for Chris, but will he ever see her as anything other than a kid he’s known all his life? Five years her senior, Chris Milano knew she was too young for his attentions, until the day she came home from college. His desire for Shanda never vanished. Looking into her eyes, he knows this Christmas will be unforgettable.

Laura Shinn's tag cloud

Smashwords book reviews by Laura Shinn

  • Smashwords Style Guide on Dec. 01, 2009

    This guide is exactly as it is described, a guide to walk the writer through the formatting process. Even if you're a novice, or I should say especially if you're a novice, reading this ebook is all the more important. I've been writing for ten years and published for seven and there are several things listed in Mark Coker's formatting instructions that I wasn't aware of through Word. This ebook is highly detailed, yet delivered in such a way that even my youngest child would understand. For those who are working in Word 2007 or plan to purchase the upcoming Word 2010, be aware the formatting instructions are based on Word 2003. Regardless, each item in Mr. Coker's formatting instructions can still be found in Word 2007. Most of it will be in "Word Options" when you click on the Word icon button in the top left corner of your document. The others will be found in Page Layout under Custom Margins or in Review. I do recommend Word 2007 users save their m/s in the 97-2003 Compatibility Mode so the final document you upload is a .doc rather than a .docx. I read through the Style Guide slowly to make sure I formatted everything as recommended or required and was able to do it in only a few hours (I'm very picky and wanted to make sure my m/s was perfect). Needless to say, the uploaded document went through in the first try. Follow the guidelines and you shouldn't experience any problems at all. If you'll open your m/s as you read, you can change it as you go. This removes much of the stress when you see how many pages are in the Style Guide. Don't let that deter you. About a third of the ebook at the beginning is information already found on the website and you've probably already read it. I'm looking forward to uploading many more books in the upcoming months and watching to see the new and different directions this company will take. It's very exciting to be your own boss and see your dreams realized. Laura Shinn www.laurashinn.com
  • Nick's Baby on Jan. 18, 2010

    What a wonderful story! I was sure from the blurb that this novel would be entertaining, but I didn't realize the range of emotions the story would extract. I found myself laughing out loud, heartbroken and feeling the high sexual tension the two main characters felt for each other. Nick and Kelsey are powerful together and Nick was so easy to fall for. What I really didn't expect was to so thoroughly enjoy the secondary characters, including Nick's family and Kelsey's mother. And if Ms. Hestand doesn't write a sequel telling Jackson's story, I'm going to throw a fit! *g* This is one of the best novels I've read recently and I can't wait to explore more of Ms. Hestand's books. Laura Shinn www.laurashinn.com
  • Vindicating Vicky on May 26, 2012

    Customer Reviews: 5 Stars! “Engaging Read!” I designed this book’s cover, formatted it, and read it. I’m also an author and I recognize talented writing when I see it. This book engaged my emotions from the start until the last page. It is well-written, the characters are real and believable and the plot moves forward naturally, keeping the reader’s attention to the last. I recommend Vindicating Vicky for anyone who is looking for a quality book and a talented author. ~ Review by: Laura Shinn www.laurashinn.com ------------------------------ Customer Reviews: 5 Stars! “Great Message!!!” I really love reading books that convey a strong message, and this is one of those books. While the message isn't shoved down your throat every few pages the author has a unique way of telling a story but teaching you something at the same time. Vindicating Vicky is the story of Vicky Lester, who, like so many people these days, had a very traumatic childhood which lead her into a lifestyle that most don't envision themselves in. The book kept me reading and kept me wanting to know if Vicky was able to find happiness after such a hard upbringing You will find yourself rooting for her throughout the book but where she ends up is one of those things that you'll have to read the book to find out! The book definitely had its graphic parts so I wouldn't recommend it for anyone under the age of 16 but I loved the story and the message! ~ Review by: Hardymeagan ------------------------------ Customer Reviews: 5 Stars! “Victimizing Vicky” Vindicating Vicky was an eye opening read for me. Not that I am unaware that these things happen but in my day these things were all “hush hush” not to be spoken of and certainly no young ladies would dress or behave as Vicky Lester does in this book! Now we as a society are more aware that young girls and boys are victimized every day and unfortunately when that is coupled with a family that is non-existent what is a child to do? This is the basic story of Vicky, who suffered terribly as a child and had no one to turn to. I don’t usually read books that are so graphic in their sexual content but I was intrigued by this young woman’s journey to find happiness. Well written book that will give you a different perspective on the “troubled teen”. ~ Review by: SavPat ------------------------------ Customer Reviews: 5 Stars! “Well written and engrossing read” Vicky Lester, the main character in Vindicating Vicky by Ron Knight, is just trying to find happiness in life. Unfortunately she really doesn’t know what happiness is because she has never had it, far from it. She suffered through a very traumatic childhood which was compounded by others who took advantage of the fact that her mother was an alcoholic and really didn’t pay much attention to Vicky and a step father who was content “stay out of it” because his peace of mind was more important than protecting a young child. I am ashamed to say that I have always looked down upon young people who behave as Vicky does in this book without much consideration given to how or why they ended up behaving the way they do. But Vicky’s story has shed light on how difficult the world truly is for many children, and what is a child to do if they are not given love, attention, guidance and support? Well written and engrossing read. ~ Review by: Kasrana ------------------------------ Customer Reviews: 4 Stars! “Worth Reading” Vindicating Vicky by Ron Knight is the story of Vicky Lester, a young woman trying to find her way in the world after a traumatic and emotionally unfulfilling childhood. Without much support at home, Vicky strikes out on her own and soon finds that there are many challenges for her to face before she can change the course of her life. This page turner is sexually graphic at times, but the author does an excellent job of developing the characters. Vicky is not someone I would usually find myself relating to or associating with, but I found myself rooting for her despite her socially unacceptable behavior. My only criticism is that I wished the author had elaborated on the reasons that Vicky's mother, Mary, was so distant and abusive. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future. ~ Review by: Horsepeople
  • How to repair Dents and Scratches on your Car on Sep. 25, 2015

    Stacy Hall has put together a very informative "How-To" ebook for the average person wanting to fix the scratches and/or dents in their car. The images (although low in resolution) were still clear enough to see what was being fixed. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is due to the limitations in formats to download (only option is in HTML, the Online Reader option). If wanting to apply these steps to your own car, you're probably not going to run back and forth from your car to your computer to apply these steps, unless you have a smartphone and you'll have to sign into your SW account to read the material. It would've been better to include PDF and epub formats for those who could save it then access it via their phone or tablet. Otherwise, very informed book! Note: in Step 2 under Shallow Scratches, "Walla" is actually "Voilà", just for future reference.
  • How to Become the Alpha Dog - Classroom Management Guide on Feb. 19, 2018

    Incredible book, very informative with helpful images. Well-written and humorous. I have a good friend who's currently in college to become a teacher and I wanted to "gift" this book to her. Thank you, Ms Klinger, for taking the time to create this ebook to help other teachers!
  • Write And Grow Rich on Feb. 19, 2018

    What a insightful and informative book regarding writing and publishing!! Definitely well worth the read!