Laura Diamond has always enjoyed reading, but she never thought she could write a novel. That is, until she experimented with short stories and creative writing during medical school. While in residency, she took the plunge and committed herself to learning the art of writing. She honed her craft visiting writer forums, establishing a network of mentors and peers and by practicing ... A LOT. Now Laura Diamond is a successful published author of short stories, a novelette, two novels, and counting.

Diamond approaches each book differently usually beginning with a single character. She's drawn to the character-envisioning what they look like, how they perceive their world, what challenges they have to navigate, and who's with them along the way, whether it be a friend or foe. Then she presents a challenge for them--because she's mean like that--and makes sure to throw as many roadblocks in their way as possible. For Diamond, this is her key to developing compelling stories.

Diamond likes writing Young Adult (YA) because it's during a time in life that is rife with challenges and intense emotions. The paranormal interest comes in because Laura has always had an affinity for magical creatures and dark worlds.

Diamond's horror short story, City of Lights and Stone, is in the Day of Demons Anthology by Anachron Press (April 2012). Begging Death, a short story in Carnage: After the End Anthology by Sirens Call Publications is coming 2012. Her Young Adult Paranormal Romance novelette, New Pride, by Etopia Press launched October 31, 2012. Her Young Adult Paranormal Romance, Shifting Pride, by Etopia Press launches December 7, 2012. Her middle grade adventure, Zodiac Collector, is coming 2014 by Pugalicious Press.

When she's not writing, she is working at the hospital, blogging at Author Laura Diamond --Lucid Dreamer, where she helps writers "shrink-wrap" their characters, and renovating her 225+ year old fixer-upper mansion. She is also full-time staff member tending for her four cats and a Pembroke Corgi named Katie.

Though she considers herself down-to-earth, Diamond also has a sense of adventure. She learned to ride horses by practicing on ex-race horses from the Saratoga Race Track. She taken a hot air balloon ride with the US Hot Air Balloon Team and travelled to Africa to deliver presents to children in the desert. Some other favorite places Diamond has ventured to include Israel, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe. She especially enjoyed visiting the ruins of Masada, touring the Hobbiton film set, getting lost in Venice, and watching the World Cup finals in a pub in Vienna.