Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laura Drake. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Laura, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

After riding behind my husband on his motorcycle for more than 100,000 miles, I learned to ride my own. I took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s course, passed it, got my license. My husband had bought me a motorcycle for my birthday.

I have to tell you, I was white-knuckled for the first 5 years afterward — picturing what could go wrong, making mistakes, feeling like I was one misjudgment away from disaster. It felt like I’d never be comfortable, and just getting on was an act of will.

But pushing through that was the best thing I’ve ever done, because it gave me confidence, and a sense of pride, no one can ever take away from me. I can’t explain how my heart soars, riding.

More important though, it opened me up to the best question I ever asked myself: If I didn’t think I could do that, and I could, what other things in my life had I rejected that I was actually capable of? It turns out, a lot.

I took a 1200 mile trip by myself on my motorcycle. I repelled off an 11-story building at 65. At 68, I go out alone in my kayak, fishing at least once a week.

But my biggest triumph over ‘I can’t’ was becoming an author. Authors are smart – I could never do that!
Well, my 14th book is out in a few weeks, and I continue to challenge myself with every book.

Challenge your, ‘I can’t’s! It will lead you to an amazing life.

Laura, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an author of Romance and Women’s Fiction. No matter the genre, what you can expect from a Laura Drake book is relatable characters and heartfelt emotion. My tagline is: ‘Ordinary women at the edge of extraordinary change’, and I think that says it all.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I had 417 rejections before I landed an agent.

I had an idea that wouldn’t go away. I sat at the computer off and on for a year, trying not to write it. But one day, I looked down and realized I had a ‘delete’ key! I could write the whole thing, get it out of my head, and no one ever need know how bad I was! So I wrote it, but by the end, I had a new goal; to hold a book in my hand with my name on it.

So I joined a writer’s group, took online classes, edited that book 5.423 times (or maybe it just seemed like that many). I finished that and queried about 150 agents – all rejected it.

Lather, rinse, repeat. I got a few requests for the second book, but eventually everyone turned it down.

The third book I thought was special. My critique group thought it was sure to sell. But the rejections poured in. I was down to the last few, when my writer’s group asked me to pick up an editor/speaker at the airport. Thanks to an overturned tanker, that poor woman was stuck in a car with an aspiring author for 2 1/2 hours! She eventually asked me what I wrote, I pitched her my book, and she said for me to send her a query and the first 3 chapters. I reached in the back seat and handed it to her! She was a bit taken aback, but she promised to read it on the plane on the way home. She called me on Monday and said, ‘First thing we need to do is get you an agent.’

Like I hadn’t thought of that! ;)

That was 13 years ago, and my 14th book is due out in a few days! Oh, and those first two books? They sold, too!

Never give up! If you keep learning, and keep breathing, you’ll get there eventually!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

This is something authors (and other creatives) struggle with, but I enjoy it. I came from a business career (corporate CFO), so I get the marketing aspect. I’m also an extrovert, so I love social media.

The main thing is to be creative with social media, as well. Think of new or untried aspects. Back before there were many interest-focused groups on Facebook, I started Reader’s Coffeehouse – a reader-centric group to talk books. Only the founding 7 authors were able to promote their books. It’s become a thriving community of almost 17,000 avid readers, and discussions and book recommendations run rampant!

Now, today, that idea wouldn’t work because there are hundreds of reader groups on Facebook. But try new crazy things – most will fail, but the ones that succeed? They can really help your sales!

Also, I’m kind of a klutzy, snarky, kind and genuine person, and I’m not afraid to be myself on social media platforms. People relate and are drawn to authenticity; I started another group, ‘Laura Drake’s Peace, Love & Books’ – it’s become a community of around 2,000, and friendships have developed between members who wouldn’t have known each other, otherwise. I do it, not only for the audience and to sell books, but because I’m having fun, too!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lauradrakebooks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauradrakebooks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/753367188406020
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraDrakeBooks
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCexKC_mroN5YluFQ2pDJjHw

Image Credits
They are all mine.