I accepted Jesus Christ as my Personal Savior when I was 19.  While I was caring for my three baby brothers at about 12 years of age, my imagination took me away to the Louisiana bayous, where I imagined one of my baby brothers growing up and becoming involved in a deep battle between Good and Evil.  Many years later, with the encouragement and help of my beloved husband, I finally penned these strong past childhood impressions in my newly-published book, THE RISE AND FALL OF THE WITCH ON THE BAYOU. I also composed the songs that I had created at that time, (but wasn't really able to write out until much later). In less than six months, after a traumatic bout with a pinched-nerve (including being bed-ridden for one month), I--with the help of my husband and the Lord--finally researched--and wrote my action-packed thriller, which was published only a year later. I thank God for His guidance in finally seeing my book, THE RISE AND FALL OF THE WITCH ON THE BAYOU, being completed and published.  It's now featured in bookstores and websites from New Zealand to Scotland to India to Germany--all over the world!

I was three-time Finalist in the VH-1 Song of the Year International Songwriting Contest (2005, 2006, and 2007). In October of 2005, I was featured in the 2005 edition of Marquis' "WHO'S WHO OF AMERICA." Since then, I've also been honored to have been featured in "Who's Who in the World," "Who's Who in American Education," and "Who's Who Among American Women." I'm very proud, also, of the plaque award I received recently from Alhambra Unified School District for having participated in the Alhambra Authors' Festival of 2003. I'm also a proud member of the American Legion and I'm on the Advisory Board for the Long Beach Multi-Family Improvement District.
My formal education consists of a B.A. in journalism. I also was a French exchange student while in college. I have a CA clear teaching credential from Cal. State U., Long Beach; and certificate in writing from Institute of Children's Literature of Redding, CT. I was editor of "The Drill Sergeant" newspaper while in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years. I'm presently working as a third-grade/drama teacher for a magnet-arts school in CA (LAUSD), and married to the Pastor of two churches: one in (south-central) Los Angeles and one in Kansas City, Kansas.

Actually, THE RISE AND FALL OF THE WITCH ON THE BAYOU is my third book, but the first one published. The other two previous books took years to write and rewrite. I've just completed my second book, "THE LITTLE ROSEBUD," which I'm hoping to publish very soon. It is about two sisters growing up in Indiana, who are have entirely different musical aspirations: One dreams of becoming an opera singer, while the older sibling aspires to become a country singer. Their parents give the two girls their very own rosegarden, hoping to bring the two sisters closer. However, there's something the main character, Marissa-Angelica, must discover from within herself that really brings her true success in the end. My hometown newspaper, The Downey Eagle, just did a coverspread on my book, calling it a "bayou-spiced winner." I've also been featured in the Long Beach Press-Telegram "Entertainment" section in a story about myself and my book. I have various other publications, currently reviewing it as well, and various other prospects, (including Author Festivals, booksignings, bookreadings.) I have also completed a sequel to "Witch on the Bayou," entitled, "Return to the Bayou: Phantoms of the Past" and a mystery-romance novel for young adults entitled, "Spanky." I am also working on a western for young adults entitled, "Western Sunrise." I will keep you posted for details in the future.

www.witchonthebayou.blogspot.com
You may order my book directly from PublishAmerica.com. It is listed alphabetically, under "R." Or you may order it from my website, www.authorsden.com/laraineelizabethturner.

www.Amazon.com (and Border.com)
You may locate it also alphabetically under "R" for "Rise."

Barnes & Noble and Borders
You may also order it alphabetically under "R" for "Rise."

www.songoftheyear.com
I have been listed the last three years on this website: this year (2007) in June under "Pop" category for my song, "Never the Same Again"; in 2006 (in February) under "Folk" category for "Long, Long Ago"; and in 2005 (January) under "pop" category for "The Thorns of the Rose"