You only get one shot, do not miss your chance....

Song title courtesy of Eminem 

       So guess where I went today. If you guessed Eminem concert, you were wrong! :-) I'm a writer so of course I get excited about writer-y things. Yes, I went to a book signing. Lisa McMann’s book signing to be exact. And you’re never going to believe this but, I went by myself. Have you any idea how nerve-racking that is? Well, let me tell you, Very nerve-racking! I don’t even know why it is, but the fact is, it’s always better when you go with someone else. Safety in numbers or something like that. Anyway, Poisoned Pen was gracious enough to open their doors for all of us reader fans. It was a definitely a little “Shop around the Corner” experience for me. :)

Well, what can I say about Lisa? Brilliant, beautiful, and fun! I bet you expected that last word to be a ‘b’ Ha! :) She read a little of her new series to us and I have to say I cant wait for more! I got me a copy of Cryer’s Cross and got a bit of a back story on the characters. Lisa is a sweetheart to the core! I loved the fact that she gets inspirations from her dreams! *high five* And I love how her whole family is there to support her! It was great meeting them as well!

Now, for a bit of surprise there were other authors there as well. I was very excited to meet Aprilynne Pike and her gorgeous baby! Such a sweetie! And check out her book coming out May 3!!

Let’s just say, I was very glad I overcame my fear and actually went! There is just something about meeting others who have made it to where you want to be and have their encouragement and help. I love the writing community! We are definitely a race? breed? crazy alien people? Unique bunch of characters! :-) We rock!

       Sweet dreams world! Much love!

        Valia

Why am I sitting in the middle of nowhere...

Title courtesy of Caro Emerald and her song "Stuck"

   Hello lovely people of internet! How are you this fine February day? Me? Well, I’m struggling with some serious writing block. I know, I know. Who doesn’t, right? But since it is February 22nd, and it is a book birthday to some awesome books, I thought I’d take a little break and post a little blog. 

Haven by Kristi Cook

A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifforn

The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge

Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

One day soon, I will be on that Book Birthday’s list. Maybe. Possibly. Hopefully. Ok, to quote Hellcats captain, “Positive outcomes only!” So, I’m going to go be positive, and positively finish this chapter! Happy reading everyone!

Much love,

Valia

Yahoo! This is your celebration....

Title courtesy of Kool & The Gang

Seriously cannot begin this blog with anything but a HUGE congrats to Courtney Allison Moulton and Kimberly Derting on the release of their long awaited books today!!! Woohoo!!! *Throws confetti*

 *Runs outside to light some fireworks*

 Yes, its a fireworks kind of a celebration. And lighting them in the house would be a bad idea. 

First of all, everyone MUST go out and buy Angelfire by the lovely Courtney Allison Moulton. This book is outstanding, unique and totally awesome! If you haven’t read my review yet, visit my book review blog and take a gander. Wait, I changed my mind. Don’t waste your time right now on reading the review. Just go buy it and write your own! :)

Second of all, we get more Violet and Jay! YAY!!! I’m so excited about this I cannot even contain myself! *takes a deep breath* I’m in need a paper bag or something. Since I personally know Kimberly I can vouch for the author and the book. Both are amazing!!!

Alright, I think I’ve done my best but in case you missed the whole point of the introduction: Go buy Angelfire and Desire of the Dead right now!!!!

Now I’m officially done! 

Did everyone have a wonderful Valentine’s Day? Mine was just like any other day, with a bit of extra work thrown in. Yes, I definitely know how to party! 

In other news, I’m about to seriously kill some people. Imaginary people that is. Not that its really much different. This plot line is torturing me. Horribly! You’d think it be easier. I mean, come on! I’ve written a book before. This is not my first time at the rodeo. But no, the story just had to get stuck in my head and refuse to come out. That’s right. Refuse! My characters need a serious talking to. Anyone wanna give it a try? Because they completely refuse to listen to me. I really don’t like when I know where I’m going but they refuse to follow. Stubborn.

Anyway, enough about my little rebels. I just wanted to spread some love and complain a little. Now since I’ve done so, I will be going. Boston is calling my name!

Much love,

Valia

Best. Superbowl. Ever.

   Fanatic |fəˈnatik|(noun) - a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal. Thats me!!!

PACKERS ARE THE SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, had to get that out of my system.Yes, in case you haven’t noticed I am a Packers girl!!! And I am so proud of them for their amazing achievement!!! Outstanding!! Splendid!!! Awesome!!!

My house was insane last night! If I’m usually scary when I cheer for my team, last night was quite a bit above average. :) The game was amazing! We go home right as the 4th quarter started and watched till the end. A few people were coming over to the house, and one in particular decided he was going to wait in the truck until the game is over and then come in and watch the whole thing not knowing who won. We, of course, wanted to see Packers win in real time so we watched the 4th quarter and then CELEBRATED!!!! After celebrating for a few minutes, we had to put on our “indifferent” faces so that he could come in. He had no idea the outcome!!! We’re good! Anyways, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BEST TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!

CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Green and Yellow!!!

No, this is not your typical post. I have no book or writing news to share with you today. I just wanted to celebrate a little bit with my fellow readers!!! Wooohoooo!!!!

Much love,

Valia

Writing is not easy!!! Stop saying that!

Do you ever feel unappreciated??? Well, you are not alone! People have a way with words. Sometimes, those words are not so pleasant. We all have days when we are faced with situations that make us crazy. Today was one of those days! But I wont dwell on that. I will however, mention one fact that bugs me probably more than any other. People who say, “Writing is easy!” “Anyone can write a book!” or some variation of that thought. To all of you my fellow writers, don’t worry I understand! It’s not! It really is not!

Let me tell you all something. I live in a place where I don’t know many writers who live around me. I definitely don’t personally know many writers who I can spend time with. Sometimes being a writer is very lonely. So while I am doing what I love, discouragement can set in. Especially when the story is just not coming out, or the characters are being difficult, talking back, or doing things opposite of what they are told (Yes, my characters have a tendency to argue with me). So when an individual who cannot write a 300 word paper on the most simple of a subject keeps telling me that ‘writing is easy’ I want to scream. Just a little. And maybe hit something. Or someone. 

Alright, enough about that. I just needed to get that off my chest! On the other hand, have you seen my review for Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton yet? Courtney and I had an interesting conversation today that made me smile. According to her, and I quote, “as soon as your graduate high school, it's cool to be a nerd.” I totally agree!!! She’s been posting pictures of her ponies on twitter, and every time she does, it makes me smile! 

Adorable right?

Represent!!!

Also, it makes me want to collect something again. Moving countries kind of puts a damper on that but maybe its time for me to start again! It is never too late! :) So thank you Courtney for making me smile! By the way, February 15th is Angelfire’s book birthday!!! Go get it! Read it! Love it! Check out my review on my book review blog! :-) ( www.writersarereaderstoo.blogspot.com )

Well, enough blabbing. I have to get back to my other life now. Have a wonderful night! Read a book or something! :-)

Much love,

Valia

Catching up....

For someone who said she will take the time to blog more, I’ve been failing miserably. There really is no excuse but I was going to offer up a few anyway. First of all, it was Holiday time. Friends were home for Christmas break, family was randomly showing up, and I was taking a bit of a break. So sue me! I need a little time away from my computer and with actual, real life people. Fresh air does help the brain to function better.  Oh and I told you my best friend and I have a tradition? Well here are our efforts from New Years! 

Pretty awesome wouldn't you say???

Second of all, it was my birthday! (Insert confetti and balloons here) So I decided to give myself a little break, even though the holidays were over. I actually left my house, went, and had some fun! Imagine that? Yes, before you ask, I had a wonderful birthday, thank you! Third of all, I’ve been sick. Again. And then, again. Don’t know why but this winter season really had it in for me. I’m experiencing, probably the tenth, wave right now. Ugh. 

Now that we covered that little bit, let’s talk about something more pleasant. Like, books for example! I will never get tired of talking about books! Well, I’ve been reading a few very goods lately. 

The Poison Eaters by Holly Black. Genius is all I can say!!! 

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa. I got my hands on the ARC and LOVED IT!!! Congrats to Julie on the official book birthday of The Iron Queen yesterday! Now, everyone go out and get it! 

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton. This book will be published Feb. 15 and I cannot wait for you to read it! I'm still finishing it up and let me just say, a great debut!

I’ll be writing reviews for a bunch of books in the near future so keep checking on my book review blog. 

After all of that ‘catching up’ let me tell you about my own writing. Book #2 is more than on the way! I posted the sneak peak at the beginning of the month and let me tell you it gets better! I’m so excited to share this story with you! Its been a blast writing it. Yes, a hard, time consuming, hair pulling, stuff throwing blast. Once its finished, which is soon, it will be worth it all! Well, I’m off to the magical land of, hmm you don’t get to know that yet ;) 

        And yes, I have finally updated my blog layout. I know its pink, and I know I don't particularly like pink, but its Valentines Day theme and I do write romance. I have to at least try to look the part! :)

So long my dear readers! Go read a book or something! 

Much love,

Valia

I am horrible...yes, I am!!!

Alright, no judging. I needed a break from this cyber world for a little. I know I promised you a sneak peak into next book, well, I wont say how long ago because then you’ll remember how truly horrible I really am. But, now that the holidays are over, and I am back full-time to my writing schedule! I will also be coming back to my blogging schedule (and making it better). So today, instead of updating you on all the details of my life I am posting the much awaited, and begged for, sneak peak. Read on!!!

***************

“You don’t understand! Trusting you is harder than jumping out of airplanes!”

“Cali, talk to me.”

“You come into my life, opening doors I’ve closed off. You let me be special in your eyes and then what? This is where we go our separate ways, Gabe.”

“Don’t they say its only worth it if its worth fighting for? Well, this is me fighting! Sometimes when you meet someone its right. Nothing else, just right. Are you really telling me that you’re just letting it go?”

“This is not the time or place to discuss this.” She turned back to her desk keeping her breathing leveled. Why did he have to make it so hard for her? Why couldn’t he understand that she wanted this more than anything, but she knew she couldn’t have it? “We don’t always get what we want, now do we Gabe?”

“I’m not giving up.”

“It’s not really...”

“I am not giving up,” Gabe enounciated every word as if he was speaking to a three year old. Taking a step forward, he leaned in close and whispered, “You’re worth it.” Then, without another word he turned and left the room. Cali stood still letting the words sink in and take root in her heart. No one has ever made her feel special before.

Cali was typing on her computer when she heard the front door open. She was still confused by Gabe and wasn’t exactly looking forward to speaking with him. Frustrated by her own emotions, she shut off her computer and headed for the living room. They needed to talk. Gabe needed to know at least part of the truth, enough to keep him safe. 

She walked into the living room and stopped. There was nobody here. The front door definitely opened and closed while she was in here office, she wasn’t hearing things. 

“Gabe?” she called scanning the room for discrepancies. Nothing seemed to be out of place. The uneasy feeling crept up and stayed. Without making any more noise than necessary, Cali made here way to the family room. Glancing around with precision, she listened. Someone was definitely in the house. Chiding herself silently for agencies rules on guns, she crept to the foyer. She could hear shuffling, whether it was of feet or clothes she couldn’t tell, but it was coming from the kitchen. Getting there would be a problem of being in the open. Trying to figure out the best way of proceeding, she reached down and removed her shoes. Her socked feet wouldn’t be much of a help in a pursuit, but they would keep the creaks to the minimum as she moved across the wooden floor. 

**************

And that is all you get for now! Relationships, mystery, suspense, and craziness are all part of this book! I can’t wait to share the rest with you my dear readers! There is so much more that I could say, but I will stop for now. Or end up writing my whole book in this one post! 

Happy readings everyone!!!

Much love,

Valia