Laura Roach Dragon

2021-09-10T20:50:00.001-05:00

Book Trailer for my most recent book! My publisher surprised me with this. Didn't expect it.

I think it's fun!

2021-05-28T16:57:00.001-05:00

My three published books. Need to get back to writing. Work and Covid has derailed me badly. But now that I'm fully vaccinated and school is out, perhaps I can get some things done.

The Ghostly Tales of New Orleans

2021-05-22T22:29:00.001-05:00

So I have a third book out now. It's coming to being was a bit of a surprise to me. My publisher emailed me and asked if I could adapt an adult book into middle grade. Well, I wasn't sure if I could because I'd never done anything like that before. But I gave it a try and apparently it went well because it is being published.

WOOT!

It's an anthology of "true" ghost stories that have haunting New Orleans for a very long time. Along with a history of the city and how it came to be. I had fun doing this project and I'm beholden to my publisher Arcadia/Pelican for thinking of me.

And in the Advocate

2019-04-05T18:10:00.001-05:00

Pelican Publishing is now Arcadia Publishing

Hurricane Boy is mentioned in the Advocate

Current Pelican authors include roots musician Johnette Downing, who's written a series of children's books, and Laura Dragon, author if award-winning "Hurricane Boy."

Pelican Publishing has been sold.

2019-04-04T22:15:00.000-05:00

Pelican Publishing has been sold.

To Arcadia Publishing.

So my Publisher Pelican Publishing got sold today to Arcadia Publishing. They made an announcement about it, each giving a sample of the books they published and my book was one of the ones my Publisher put up.

So cool.

About Pelican Publishing

Since 1926, Pelican Publishing Company has been committed to publishing books of quality and permanence that enrich the lives of those who read them. In the ninety-three years since publishing William Faulkner and William Spratling’s Sherwood Anderson and Other Creole Characters, Pelican has continued to push the perceptions of Southern publishing while remaining focused on stories of interest to generations of readers. Whether it be moments of local history revealed in books such as An Oral History of the New Orleans Ninth Ward, flavorful regional dishes celebrated on the pages of In a While, Crocodile, entertaining and educational stories for children such as Hurricane Boy, or musical profiles of the area’s most talented artists in fascinating titles including Louisiana Rocks!, Pelican publishes it all for today’s market. With a strong internship program that has nurtured many in the next generation of publishing, Pelican has made its mark on the greater world of publishing.

https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/
https://www.pelicanpub.com/

2019-01-06T11:51:00.000-06:00

So, I know I'm late to the whole New Year's Resolution thing this year, but my hope is to have at least a third book up on my blog this year. I'm working on two projects so we'll see.

Fingers crossed.

Gilbert Worthy AKA Mr. Red

2018-04-14T00:19:00.001-05:00

Gilbert Worthy. My very good friend and person who made me feel safer at work than anyone else. The character Mr. Red in Hurricane Boy was based on the lovely Gilbert. He came to Hollis's aid in the same way I saw him come to patient after patient's aid at work. He is gone now, but his legend still lives. I am grateful to have known him.

The Land of Rowan Oak: An Exploration of Falkner's Natural World.

2017-10-21T23:16:00.002-05:00

Ed Croom, a Botanist and Photographer took this photo for Cheryl Mathis and I because he felt it would fit the book we're currently working on. He's right. It does.

This is Ed Crooms Book.
There are many more gorgeous and evocative pictures inside of it. A kind and talented man.

October 1 Zombie Night at Barnes and Noble in Metairie, LA.

2016-09-22T22:55:00.001-05:00

Metairie Barnes and Noble on October 1, me and several Bayou Bogeyman authors, Cheryl McGoey Mathis, Gary G Alipio, Pat Hefler, Sue D. Houston, Julie Gonzalez, Virginia Howard, will be running all over Barnes and Noble signing books. There will apparently be Zombies as well.

Cool.

Monsters Authors

La Petite Tea Room

2016-09-22T22:38:00.002-05:00

Spooky Story Time at the La Petite Tea Room – for children 7 yrs old and up. The Bayou Bogeyman Presents: Hoodoo and Voodoo. This book reading and tea party will include dress-up, specially themed crafting, story-time, snacks, tea-time, and more! Cost is $15 per child. Reservations only. Call 504-733-1001 for more details. – Friday, October 14, 4:30pm.

I'll be there reading and signing.

Bayou Bogeyman Book Launch - Octavia Bookstore.

2016-04-08T18:15:00.002-05:00

So proud to announce the Book Launch of the Bayou Bogeyman presents Voodoo and Hoodoo.

Y'all come out and have fun with us. Most of the story authors will be there, including one all the way from Pensacola Florida.

Gary Alipio - Marketing genius.

2016-03-21T21:20:00.000-05:00

Read 'em if you've got 'em!

Book Giveaway! The Bayou Bogeyman presents Hoodoo and Voodoo.

2016-03-17T18:03:00.001-05:00

Head over to Goodreads for you chance at a Bayou Bogeyman book! Just click on Enter Giveaway.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

the bayou bogeyman presents hoodoo and voodoo

by Laura Roach Dragon

Giveaway ends April 19, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Back Cover of Bayou Bogeyman

2016-02-19T17:50:00.002-06:00

Here's our back cover with a picture of all of us dressed as some of our characters. It was a lot of fun and we posed on the iron suspension bridge in City Park by the Couturie Forest.

The scary fanged rodent is the werehamster from "Don't Mess with Mr. Rowdy." One of my stories. Sarah Gramelspacher brought the werehamster to life after Cheryl Mathis had the idea to put Mr. Rowdy on the back cover.

The Bayou Bogeyman Presents Hoodoo and Voodoo

2015-12-04T19:56:00.001-06:00

New book, cover reveal on Goodreads. This book is made up of scary stories that my friends and I wrote. It was fun. Comes out in March.

The Crystal Kite presentation.

2015-10-11T11:54:00.002-05:00

The Crystal Kite presentation. This is the Kite on my knickknack rack in my house. It's a beautiful award.

To the right is Cheryl Mathis reading from my book. She put together this party and what a terrific job she did. Greatly appreciated. Most of these pictures were taken by Gary Alipio and Jeanie Blake.

Sue Houston and Karen Hollingsworth

The always supportive and hilarious Gary Alipio.

Virginia Howard documents the gathering.

Cheryl Mathis.

Karen Hollingsworth and Carrel Mueller

On the left: Me summoning the muse. No, just talking. With my hands as usual. Gotta stop doing that.

On the right: Virginia Howard.

On the left: Dianne de las Casas who gave the Picture Book training before the ceremony helping us party.

Gave away two books at the ceremony. This lady was a winner. As soon as I get her name, I'll put it here.

Cake!

On the left: Patsy Mcdonnel and Pat Hefler being champagne supportive. Note Patsy's fist under my chin.

On the right: As you can see, Patsy and I have a fractious relationship.

Crystal Kite Award!

2015-05-23T16:54:00.001-05:00

So proud! Voted by SCBWI peers! The Crystal Kite Award!

Christmas Brings Old Friends

2014-12-28T14:07:00.001-06:00

Kent Small, my old school friend came into town for Christmas. We were both on Swim Teams as kids as well. Kent still swims on one.

One of the first things Kent ever said to me when we met. He turned around in his desk chair and announced: "I'm gonna be a doctor". He is. He's an Ophthalmologist in California with a fabulous wife and some terrific kids.

Hope you like the book Kent!

Sophia Miller Wants a Sequel.

2014-12-02T21:58:00.005-06:00

Need to work on that.

Post by Hurricane Boy.

Skyping With Ms. Cindy's Class in Nebraska.

2014-11-20T19:34:00.002-06:00

This is Ms. Cindy's Class at Christ Schools in Nebraska. They read Hurricane Boy and then we Skyped about it. Ms. Cindy made Jambalaya for them and I answered the questions they had sent to me.

Thanks Guys and Girls! I had a great time! Thanks for the fun day!

Awards for which Hurricane Boy has been nominated:

2014-11-08T21:04:00.000-06:00

In the Margins Book Award & Selection Committee

1) The Golden Kite -- http://www.scbwi.org/awards/golden-kite-award/

2) The Crystal Kite -- http://www.scbwi.org/awards/crystal-kite-member-choice-award/

3) The Cybil's: Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards -- http://www.cybils.com/

4) The IRA Children's and YA Book Awards -- http://www.reading.org/Resources/AwardsandGrants/childrens_ira.aspx

5) In the Margins Book Awards -- http://www.youthlibraries.org/margins-book-award-selection-committee

Louisiana Book Festival!!

2014-10-31T22:34:00.004-05:00

Saturday November 1, 2014 Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge. Signing times and locations.

11 to 12 -- Pelican Publishing, Tent One. Signing

1 to 3 -- SCBWI. Tent across from the Library. Signing

3:15 to 3:45 -- Children's Author's Tent. Speaking

4 to 5 -- Barnes and Noble Jr.

A New Independent Bookstore? Yes it Still Happens.

2014-10-18T09:44:00.000-05:00

The first weekend of November will be a busy one. I will be at the Louisiana Book Festival on Saturday November 1 all day and at the Grand Opening of Tubby and Coo's, a new independent bookstore in New Orleans, on Sunday November 2 from 2:00 to 3:00.

Tubby and Coo's Bookstore

New Orleans Best Ethnic Restaurants Does a Lovely Review of Tubby and Coo's.

Author's Page for the Louisiana Book Festival!

2014-10-06T19:47:00.002-05:00

Laura Roach Dragon

Author's Blog

Biography

Bio coming soon.

Schedule

3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Children’s Authors Tent
Book Talk
Hurricane Boy
4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
B&N Jr. Tent
Book Signing

Hurricane Boy

Read Between the Wines

2014-09-09T18:38:00.002-05:00

Read Between the Wines

Fleur de Lit has partnered with Pearl Wine Co. in Mid-City to bring a literary series to the area! Reading Between the Wines features local authors discussing and reading from their work and signing their books! The series will take place on the first Wednesday of the month (usually) at Pearl Wine Co. in the American Can Company, 3700 Orleans Ave.

The purpose of the event is to promote local authors and the literary community. We are laid back and casual and welcome anyone, including children! We are family friendly, so bring the kids.

Join us for our Remembering Katrina event on Wednesday, September 10 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The event will feature three authors from Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.:

Phil Sandusky - Painting Katrina
Laura Roach Dragon - Hurricane Boy
Mike Schaefer - Lost in Katrina

The authors will discuss their books, how they were affected, and interesting stories about Katrina.

Pearl will offer a selection of $5 glasses of wine, and Maple Street Book Shop will be on hand to sell books. Pearl also has an excellent selection of beer and liquor, and the bar offers amazing cocktails.

All of our events are free and open to the public and kid friendly.

Hash tag us! #winereadnola