Pitch Contest with Victoria Marini

Very quick post today to inform everyone that Chanelle is holding a pitch contest with her agent over at her blog Beyond Words. This is a fabulous opportunity! You've got until tomorrow midnight GMT to enter, so hurry and go. All the rules and everything are there, and she looks forward to seeing your entries. Good luck!

Much love,

Valia

Book Spotlight: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive. 

From Goodreads.com

So it is officially that time. Wolfsbane is out TOMORROW!!!!! Its amazing how fast time really flies; and how slow it drags by. Well, it is the 25th of July so its time for a review. Here we go.

Andrea is a genius! Sorry, I had to get that out of the way. But, seriously, have you read Nightshade? Wait, you haven’t??? What is wrong with you? May the wrath of book fairies be upon you!!! Ok, maybe not, but I highly recommend it!

Wolfsbane picks up right where Nightshade ends. We know that Calla and Shay are gone. They have ran away, and were promptly kidnapped by some people we get to meet more intimately in Wolfsbane. We get to meet many, many people in Wolfsbane. This book introduces us to the other side of the story. This is where we find out more about the Searchers. Because this is where Calla and Shay are; in the land of the sworn enemies of the Guardians. But just like in any situation, there are two sides to every story. Here we meet Monroe, Connor, Ariadne, Anika, Ethan, and many more. There is a lot of information in Wolfsbane, and we get to find out more about the history and the set up of this world Andrea created. 

Calla is still as kick butt as ever. The people she meets and fights along side are pretty kick butt as well. I really enjoy the characters Andrea introduces to us. She has a way of writing likable and not so likable people in the way that keeps you interested. Shay is there with Calla and we see a little bit more of him and his history in this book. 

I have to be honest though. There is one thing I did not enjoy about Wolfsbane (which may make some of you very happy). The thing being the absence of Ren. Where was Ren??? Don’t panic, he is in the book, but not as much as I would’ve liked. Yes, in case that didn’t give me away, I am Team Ren all the way. There is just something about him that just *SWOON* Enough said. While Shay is likable enough, mostly, sometimes, maybe; Ren is just dreamy. And who doesn’t love a boy who will give up his one love just so that she can be happy. Recently in books,  boys like Ren haven’t been getting the girls so maybe I’m a bit of a sucker for bad boys with a broken heart. 

Alright, I will stop talking about Ren. For a bit. (Although I do feel like calling up Doctor and seeing if he can take me to see Ren. That boy needs a hug. Or something)

Overall, Wolfsbane is a wonderful book 2 in a series. Can I just say that even being part of the whole publishing world I am still tortured by the concept of waiting? I want Bloodrose now! Or actually 4 months ago when I finished Wolfsbane, because let me tell you, Andrea likes to torture people! 

This series is beautiful. Andrea created a world where tough choices are made, people fight for what they believe in, and love can mean ultimate sacrifice. I love these characters and their journey. Wolfsbane is in stores July 26th! Buy it, read it, love it!

Much love, 

Valia

PS. Team Shay or Team Ren? I want to hear your thoughts!

In My Mailbox #10

I babble....

Special thanks to

Rachel @fiktshun

Kate - Spencer Hill Press

Have you entered my giveaway?

What's in your mailbox?

Much love,

Valia

Random Swag Giveaway!!!

Hello lovely people of the Internet,

So I've been thinking. I know, dangerous but sometimes I have to do it. I have a super special giveaway planned for when I finish this book but I thought maybe you guys would like a preview. Well, not really a preview but just some goodies sent your way.
I don't know about you, but I love swag. Completely and absolutely adore it actually. So I decided to share some with you.
Here is how this will work. This giveaway is for followers only. I like to thank those who are nice enough to actually read my ramblings. Fill out the form, leave a comment, and cross your fingers. :)
The swag pack is random, so you won't know what you get until it comes in the mail. It may or may not have something to do with the reviews you see on this blog :)
Alright, I'm off on an adventure. Well, at least my characters are.



Much love,
Valia

In My Mailbox #9

So this is me on about two hours of sleep.

After two jobs, and lack of food.

Yes, I'm crazy! :-) But I did take a nap a bit after this so all better!

Special thanks to HCI Teens and Good Choice Reading!

What's in your mailbox???

Much Love,

Valia

This to Remember Along The Way....(from YA Highway)

A few days ago, Amanda, one of the bloggers on YA Highway posted a blog that really reminded me of a few things. So, I decided I wanted to repost it here for all of you to read, in case you missed it! :-)

This to Remember Along the Way:

One critique of your work could be viewed as opinion. If two or more betas agree, then it's likely a fact.

The best plot will be nothing more than words thrown on a page if the story lacks heart.

Define your own success.

Deleting thousands of words because they weren't usable doesn't mean you made a mistake. It's just the work it took to get where you needed to be.

Tell the story YOU need to tell. 


Never forget the feeling of being swept away by a wonderful book. 

Always remember it's likely the author thought it was a pile of garbage at one point, too.

Jealousy isn't going to help you finish your novel.

Neither is Twitter.

Criticism isn't always easy to give or receive. Be grateful and be gracious when on either end.

A good writer has learned to polish their craft. A great writer never stops learning.



When you need to step back and remember why you started, what do you tell yourself? 

Now, how often do we forget one or more of these small reminders? Writing is a journey. Each step is a process. I'm traveling on, with a few small tidbits to keep me company. I hope you are too!


Much love, 


Valia 

Let's Talk About Shows...and Things!

   So I write this whole awesome post and this app ate it. Can you say disappointed? At least. 
Well, I was sitting on the couch, watching Suits, when I thought to myself "It's been a while since I've downloaded a new app for my iPod!" Thus, this little guy came to live with me. His name is BlogBooster and he already let me down. But I thought I'd give him another chance. 
Well, the post that disappeared into the oblivion talked a bit about writing. You see I just adore writing. I know you couldn't tell so I thought I'd mention it. There is just something amazing about  sitting down and putting words to paper.  Words. Another one of those things I adore. I just can't get enough of them, really! I love discovering new or fun words. For example, I think cul-de-sac is a funny word. I also think splendid is a fabulous word. See what I mean? Word craze galore. I might be a bit of a bibliobibuli - those who read too much. People reading this can give me a state of fantods - a state of nervous irritability; the fidgets; the willies. English words fascinate me maybe for no reason besides English being my second language. Sure, I may not be the most eloquent writer but every word is a step in the journey of creativity. You might find me a bit eccentric but it's just so much fun! I hope you take the time to broaden your vocabulary horizons! 

   Now, this post was going to talk about summer shows so let's get back to that! As you can see I'm enjoying the show Suits, since I'm neglecting my own fantasy world at the moment. Quote of the episode "What gloating is not allowed?" "Sure it is. Just don't suck at it!" I'm also a huge fan of Falling Skies. 

The writing in the show is epic! I love the characters and the storyline. 

I'm excite Haven is coming back. There is just something about that town that's just so likable! I'm a big fan of the characters as well!

Rizzoli & Isles is coming back as well. I didn't know if it would or not so when I saw the previews a few days ago, I was happy. 


Can you tell I'm a bit of a Sci Fi enthusiast with a criminal world love? 

I'm also keeping up with Pretty Little Liars and The Nine Lives of Chloe King. Yes, a bit of YA love for you all right there. 

   I would love to hear what show you're enjoying right now! I will bid you farewell and stop with the babbling! Also, I would love to hear about some of the words you love!
Now I'm done! 

Much love, 
Valia

Be Brave! A Dare & Some Love

       Hello loves! Blog entry #100 is here! You know I’ve been wondering what to write for a while now. As soon as I hit 90 I started thinking of something, anything for #100. I mean come on now, its 100 right? That’s an important number. Like a right of passage. It needs some epic-ness don’t you think? Well, let me just say, I came up with nothing (Don’t freak out. It’ll be okay). So I’m just going to type and we’ll see where it leads us.

  Let me start out by saying I’m still amazed I even have a blog. When I started this little ball of wonder I thought to myself, “No one is going to read it. It’s completely pointless. Why am I doing this again?” But I have to tell you the truth, I’m really glad I did. Sure, I don’t have a thousand followers. And yes, I don’t receive too much response on my videos and posts. But I have met so many amazing people within the blogging community that it blows my mind!!! I cannot even begin naming names because I will forget someone and then feel bad forever! All of you bloggers, readers, and writers out there, you have been an encouragement to me! I just wanted you to know that. If you never read another blog post from me again, at least you know that you matter to someone somewhere. :)

  I have never imagined that my writing will be seen by others. I am my worst critic, which is how it usually goes, and I’ve always thought that I was never going to be brave enough to share. Yet, here I am, sharing. It’s funny how something becomes a part of your system once you fall in love with it. Yes, let me get all mushy on you and tell you that I love my blog. I love the fact that I AM brave enough to share my thoughts with the world. My family and friends pushed me to share my book with y’all, but the decision to start this blog was my own and I’m glad I made it. 

  My writing has become an incredible part of my journey. The project I’m working on right now takes my breath away sometimes. I can’t believe I am finally brave enough to write in the genre I’ve always loved. There is that word again, brave. It all comes down to being strong enough to take that first step. And maybe this is the epic-ness I was searching for. In this 100’s blog post I encourage you, dears, to go out and be brave. Learn how to swim. Write a song and then sing it in front of people outside of your immediate family and friends. Take a trip. Read a book of a different genre. Paint your nails red. Write a letter. Essentially, this is what this is. My letter to you. Thank you for being there, in the vastness of the Internet, and being willing to stop by. It is a letter to encourage you to be someone bigger than you are now. Not somebody else, but the you that is waiting to come out. I’ve taken that step, now, I dare you!

  Much love, 

  Valia

In My Mailbox #8

Excitement! :-)

I simply love libraries!

Special thanks to Michele @ http://micheleshaw.blogspot.com

What's in your mailbox? And any ideas on #100 blog post?

Much love,

Valia

Book Spotlight: Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers

Luc Cain was born and raised in Hell, but he isn’t feeling as demonic as usual lately—thanks to Frannie Cavanaugh and the unique power she never realized she had. But you can’t desert Hell without consequences, and suddenly Frannie and Luc find themselves targeted by the same demons who used to be Luc’s allies.

Left with few options, Frannie and Luc accept the protection of Heaven and one of its most powerful angels, Gabe. Unfortunately, Luc isn’t the only one affected by Frannie, and it isn’t long before Gabe realizes that being around her is too…tempting. Rather than risk losing his wings, he leaves Frannie and Luc under the protection of her recently-acquired guardian angel.

Which would be fine, but Gabe is barely out the door before an assortment of demons appears—and they’re not leaving without dragging Luc back to Hell with them. Hell won’t give up and Heaven won’t give in. Frannie’s guardian exercises all the power he has to keep them away, but the demons are willing to hurt anyone close to Frannie in order to get what they want. It will take everything she has and then some to stay out of Hell’s grasp.

And not everyone will get out of it alive.

From Goodreads.com

    For all of you who have read Personal Demons, this book is better! :) Yes, now you can’t wait till July 5th can you? By the way, its only 4 days away!!!! Woo hoo! :)

  Let me back up a little. Original Sin picks up right where PD left off. Luc is now mortal. Frannie is in love, and Gabe is trying to keep everyone sane. We met Matt at the end of PD and in OS he is a lot more of a presence since he is now Frannie’s guardian angel. If you’ve been following Lisa’s teasers you know that Matt’s point of view is used to tell the story quite a few times. 

  Overall, I enjoyed OS. I enjoyed the conflict and the romance. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. The one things I didn’t enjoy as much was the absence of Gabe for most of the book. The cover for OS is beautiful and it seemed as if Gabe would be a bit more of a presence. However, it was the opposite. Yes, that’s a bit spoilery for you but you come across that information if you read the summary on the back of the book so I don’t feel too bad about giving that out. Lisa once again brings us into the world of good versus evil in a way that is entertaining and exhilarating. I love how she always has a way of using commons sense knowledge and still makes the story completely supernatural. Its fun to be in the heads of characters, seeing the happenings from their point of view. Lisa never fails to amaze me, and I might be pulling my hair out little by little considering I now have to wait - A long time - for book three. 

  Needless to say, I want book three now! I know book two is not even here yet, but I’m already itching to know how it all unravels! Lisa leaves us with quite a cliffhanger in OS! I hope you go out and get your hands on OS July 5th! Let me know what you think! :-) 

Happy reading, 

Valia

PS. Well?