It's been 11 years since I wrote the first word to Will and Julia's story. I can't even believe it's been that long. I feel as if I can still remember every moment I spent scribbling down words onto Post-it notes. Smartphones, as we know them, didn't even exist, yet!

I wrote Butterfly Weeds, what would become my first novel, on my way to work, at work, on my way home from work, in the shower, in my sleep–pretty much anywhere and everywhere–but my favorite place to write was on a quiet, little piece of beach on Sullivan's Island. (Not bad, right?!) I had just moved to Charleston, South Carolina, and I hadn't found a newspaper job. I had been writing for newspapers since I was twelve. But at the time, the local paper had just laid off 20 people, and the business journal, where I would later work, was on a hiring freeze. In fact, ANY job was hard to find. It was 2008. I was fresh out of school, and I had found myself smack-dab in the face of an economic recession. It stunk. But that year also gave me Butterfly Weeds, and subsequently the rest of my stories. The thing is, I had started writing that first novel, in part, because I missed writing. So, just in case you need a reminder today: Keep moving. Keep doing what you love. Those dark days are preparing you for the light. ♥Laura

Be someone’s hero. I truly believe a kind word can change a life! And today, I’m taking a stand against bullying with @augustethelabel in its new HERO charity tee.

This year, Auguste has partnered with the Cybersmile Foundation (@cybersmilefoundation) and the National Centre Against Bullying (@alannahmadeline) to support victims and create more positive communities, both online and offline. By purchasing a tee, you’ll be donating 100% of the price tag of that tee to the above charity partners! AND by wearing it, you’ll be saying: Kindness is the best language!

Be a hero in someone’s life! Visit @augustethelabel to purchase your HERO tee TODAY and take a stand against bullying!

#augusteagainstbullying #kindness #hero #bullyingisntcool #augustethelabel #spreadingkindness #changetheworld #someoneshero #changealife #bethechange #bethechange #besomeoneshero #bullying #letsdothis #payitforward #love #cybersmilefoundation

Just wanted to share this trailer of Daisy and Everton's story with you! If you haven't gotten a chance to check out The Dream, you can find it and all my books on Amazon. Happy Reading! ♥ Laura