Words, Books, and Red...

           Well, it’s been one of those weeks! Family drama all around and not much of writing done. Sad on both accounts. But the week is over and we are here, Tuesday, October 26, 2010 and I am finally sitting down for an update.

            So first of all, I just wanted to share the good news of finally hitting 40K on my next novel. It’s a record breaker for me so I’m quite excited! I thought this would be a halfway point but realized that it’s not even close. I’m falling in love with my characters more and more and it seems as if the story is expanding beyond what I planned. Yes, it’s much better than I planned.

            On the other hand, I have started outlining another book I’ll be starting here shortly. I want to get all the ideas on paper before I forget it. Book #2 is a priority now, but book #3 is not far behind.

            I’m also excited about the fact that Scrivener is now available for Windows. While I’m an Apple girl all the way, I have not been able to buy my own Mac as of right now. The Scrivener for Windows is just a beta version but I’m hoping it will help me keep my ideas organized nonetheless. 

This last week, although stressful, has been a great week for me in book universe. I received my copy of Torment by Lauren Kate in the mail and have started reading it.

I also found out that I will be receiving Matched by Ally Condie

and Real Live Boyfriends ARC by E. Lockhart.

 I cant wait to read all three and write dazzling reviews. 

            By the way, before I forget I saw two movies recently. Easy A and Red. While Easy A has been out for a while and I’m sure you’ve heard lots about it, Red has not. 

I loved that movie! Between the cast of characters, plot line, and fast moving action the movie was hilarious and surprising. Go see it and then let me know what you think.

            Well, I’m off to the magical land of …Boston. Hope everyone is having a fabulous week! Read a book or something!

            Much love,

            Valia

Birthdays, Breast Cancer, and Baby Brothers

            October 19^th!!!! I’m so excited for today’s Book Birthdays! Happy release day to Becca Fitzpatrick’s “Crescendo” and Andrea Cremer’s “Nightshade.”

            I just had to get that in, my apologies! Seriously though, the YA world is getting better and better. They should get all the recognition they can!

            Alright, now what have I been up to? Work, work, oh, and did I mention work? I have been missing my writing so much, and of course you my darling readers.

            So, let’s see. My baby brother, who is in the Marines and stationed in Hawaii, came home to surprise my parents. I was his ride from the airport, and when we got home my parents were out shopping. After they came home, I helped them put groceries away before letting them come into the house and see my brother. He was lying on the couch watching television. My mom’s reaction was priceless. There was screaming, dropping of bags, and lots of hugging. Needless to say, I’m awesome!

            Now, you all know its October, which means its Breast Cancer Awareness month. So many are fortunate not to experience sickness such as this, and yet we are all touched by it. I encourage everyone to give back when they can. This world would be nothing without kindness. By supporting a charity, you become a friend to someone who needs one. Here are some of the ways I’ve done so this week. 

 

Yoplait offers 10 cents per lids sent in. Villige Inn is having special pies, and since we had company, we bought one that supports BC.

            I would love to hear some of the ways you like to show your support. It doesn’t even have to be BC but if you’re part of a charity or an organization, let me know!

            Well, I must go write some more! Happy reading everyone!!!

Much love,

            Valia

Buddy Holly... I Want It That Way...MMMBop

(Title courtesy of VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s....Don't judge, I was cleaning at the time)

            So the past week has been a bit crazy. To be honest, I’ve been slacking in everything, including this blog. I know, unforgivable! But before you come at me with pitchforks can I just say that I have a very good excuse? I was at a biker’s bar. Hold it, I will explain.

            Some of you may know that I have a photography business on the side. Well, this weekend, 10.10.10 to be exact, I shot a wedding at a bikers club/bar. I have never done a wedding like this before, so it was a completely unnerving/terrifying experience. While I had no idea what to expect, I was especially surprised by all the love. Ok, I have to confess that I had this image of tough dudes on motorcycles that would have nothing to do with a lowly photographer. Yet these people blew me away by their friendliness! While it was hard to shout over the music, the wedding itself went very well. And look, I’m sharing a few pictures!

Wait, hold it, and put the brakes on. Before we go any farther I just have to say one thing. Hillary Duff wrote a book??? Say what? Now how many of you remember her as Lizzie McGuire, please raise your hand. See, its not just me! This girl can do everything. She sings, acts, helps old ladies across the street, and now writes books??? I feel slightly like a failure. Ok, moment gone. But seriously, I’ve heard so many good things about this book I cant wait to read it!

Now, where was I? Oh yes, biker wedding.  

Let me throw something else out to you. My book is almost halfway finished! I’m so excited! The progress I’ve made in the last few days made me very happy. I don’t even want to think about revising yet, I’m just writing. I cant wait to share this particular story with you!

            Well, I must be off! The magical place that is inside of my computer is calling my name! See you soon!

Much love,

Valia

PS. Have you read any good books lately??? I would love some suggestions!

Meet an Author Monday!

So I finally decided to join the Meet an author Monday! Sorry this is late but the great thing about this, it repeats every Monday!!! So here is the post from Confessions of California Cheer Mom!

Authors! Have a book out? Are you under contract for publication? Make sure you join in the hop. This is a great way to network your blog and let readers know who you are!

Here's how it works:

READERS:

• Follow as many authors as you like. Just follow the Linky list and hop from author to author. The idea is to find as many "new to you" authors as you can, and hopefully some great new reading material as well. Leave a comment as you hop from blog to blog! We'd love to chat with you!

AUTHORS:

• Follow the Meet an author Monday host (Cali Cheer Mom) along with any of the wonderfully talented authors on the list.
• You will need to enter your name and blog url into the Linky tool.
• Grab our super cute button and place it in a post. (THIS IS IMPORTANT!) If you don't create a post for the hop, your readers won't have a place to comment, and the hop will stop with you. So create a post, paste in the Linky code and start hopping!
• The purpose of the hop is to meet "new to you" authors and discover great new reads. Follow as many authors as you can. Leave a comment and introduce yourself!
• If you'd like to share the Linky list in a post on your blog ( Please do!) just follow the link and grab the code.

Simplicity Book Trailer

Hello darlings!

So, recently I've been asked about my book trailer. Where can you find it? What it looks like? How cool is it? (that last one was mine, I admit) Well, I decided to re-post the trailer here for your enjoyment. I had to put this together myself, so I would appreciate any feedback you are willing to provide! Enjoy! :)

Much love,

Valia

Winners! Winners all around! :)

            I know, I know, I was supposed to have this posted yesterday. Sorry darlings, it’s been a crazy week! But I am so excited to finally announce the winners! I can’t wait for you, my dear winners to read “Simplicity”! Ok, now on to the good part. Using random.org I have selected two winners. Drum roll please!

            Winner #1

                        Wanda (Sinfully Tasty Reads)

            Winner #2

                        Sophia Lee

            Congratulation ladies!!! I sent the emails out, and you have 48 hours to reply!

            I wanted to thank all of my new followers for your interest in my book! Keep reading my blog, and don’t worry, there will be more contests coming up!

            Happy reading everyone!

            Much love,

            Valia