Armchair BEA: Alyson Noel's Book Signing

Hello lovelies, 

      Today on Armchair BEA we're discussing networking beyond the blog. Often time, we become so focused on the Internet aspect that we forget that there's a whole world out there. I was like this. Then, I discovered book signings.       

       I love bookish events! I never even knew these types of things existed until I started writing and became involved in the blogging community. It's kind of funny how something can be right outside you door and you don't even know its happening. That's how I felt about book signings. Since discovering book signings, I've been to a few so far. (Yapalloza recap, Dark Days 2012, Dark Days 2011). Personally, going to book signings is the best kind of encouragement to yourself and to the authors who've worked hard to get where they are. The most recent one I went to was last week and it was Alyson Noel's Fated tour stop. 

Changing Hands is a local Indie bookstore

Can I just begin by saying that I adore Alyson to pieces? We've been friends for two years now and she was one of the first authors I've read when I got back into the YA literature. She is the best encouragement when it comes to my writing journey and she's always available for questions on twitter (I try not to bug her too much but ya know *shrugs*)

She's so fun. While she was introducing herself, she stopped in the middle of a sentence to say hi to me. Can I just say how happy that made me? She's a wonderful author and she answered all the questions, extensively. (*snickers*)

One of the best pieces of advice she gave was to read Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. For those of us who struggle with making sure our stories have all of the elements, the Beat Sheet comes into play. Seriously, I recommend taking a look at blakesnyder.com It's super helpful!

This is what I love about the writing world! We're seriously one big family. Alyson is a great example of someone who talks to her readers regularly, making them feel important. Honestly, this is how I want to be. I think this aspect is so important, and I thank Alyson kindly for showing me the way. :-) 

My bestie and I finished the day off with some delicious frozen yogurt! 

There is really nothing like getting your book signed. Don't you think? :-)

What are some of the book event you've been to? 

Much love, 

Valia

Armchair BEA: Best of 2012

Hello lovlies,


It is officially day two of Armchair BEA and today I get to share some of my favorite books of the year with you! By the way, how much did you enjoy all the introductions? I love getting to know the wonderful people of the blogging community, don't you? 
Anyway, favorite books time! ( in no particular order)

Guys, this book is Fabulous! Just wait till you read my review!
Honestly, I can't even begin describing to you how much I loved everything about this story. The main character is amazing, strong female who I loved from the first pages. The captain of the guard and the prince both play a huge role in Calaena's lives and boy are those two adorable or what? Seriously, this book is full of awesome characters, kick butt action, and relationships that take your breath away!
(There will be a full review later)
A Must read!!

Seriously, if you aren't tired of me talking about this book yet, you really should be, because I've been talking non stop. (I know twitter is ready for me to take a breather from singing praises to this story) I adore every piece of this story (and not just because I'm Russian). Leigh created a story that pretty much swept me off my feet. I love the characters, the world building, everything. 
Full review here (with gifs and lots of feelings)
Read it! I'm serious about this! (The book, not the review, although I would love for you to take a gander at that too) :-)

This book, people, this book is amazing! I had the privilege of winning the first ever ARC of this book and I devoured it! Rachel and Logan are amazing characters and I fell in serious love with them and their struggles. I know right? Falling in love with their struggles sounds kind of weird but I'm not kidding. This book was amazing (yes, I used that word again) and you should DEFINITELY add it to your TBR list!
(Will post a full review in a few months)

If you haven't noticed yet, I love world building. Each of the books I've mentioned so far had wonderful take on a world the character had to live in. This book is no exception. It might be one of my all time favorite books when it comes to world building. This is another story that I devoured. There is just so much going on here, and the characters have so much to learn. With every page, I sat frozen wondering if they were going to make it. That's what I love about books. The unknown and the predictable all mixed in together for an adventure that will stay with you forever! This is one of those books! Can't wait for more!
Full review here (with lots of love)

For me, this book was one of the most fast paced books I've read in the last few months. Literally, every page had something going on on it. I loved the characters and the fight and the flight and just everything. This seriously read like a thriller and I couldn't be more happy with it. Well, actually if I could have the other two books now I'd be more happy but you know what I mean! This is a great debut and I can't wait to read more. 


Now, let me be honest for a minute. Sometimes I really dislike these "Best of..." posts because I always feel like I overlook some great titles. And then I start feeling guilty, and then I get all twitchy, and then I rip my hair out (not really on those two, but you know what I mean). 
Anyway, these five books were some of the most recent ones that I've read and loved and I hope you will read and love as well. 
Well, I'm off to visit some Armchair BEA blogs!!! What are some of your favorites this year?
Hope everyone has a wonderful day! 


Much love,
Valia

Armchair BEA: Introductions

Hello everyone!
I can't believe its time for BEA already! I'm truly sad that I couldn't make it to all the festivities in NYC but I loved being part of Armchair BEA last year and I'm super excited about being part of it once more! But first of all, introduction time!


     1. Please tell us a little about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? 

         Well, my name is Valia Lind and I've been blogging for close to three years. (Wow, three years, thats serious accomplishment ya'll). I got into blogging specifically to promote my own writing as I take a journey to publication. I found this to be the greatest encouragement and I love the blogging community to pieces. 

     2. What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book you have read so far in 2012?
          Right now, I'm finishing up Secret Letters by Leah Scheier and starting Vanished by Meg Cabot. I can't even begin to name favorite books of this year, but one of the most recent ones would be Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (my review) There's lots of Dean in that one! :-)






    3. Tell us one non-book-related thing that everyone reading your blog may not know about you. 

         I love photography (I think you knew that) and art. I love to do crafts and I throw knives for fun :-)


    4. What is your favorite feature on your blog?
         I love the Walk in the Park feature where I get to interview other authors. I also love posting reviews and author visits. I guess, you can say I pretty much adore when other people let me be part of their journey!
    5. Where do you see your blog in five years?
         Honestly, I have no idea. I hope its still here and going strong. I also hope to have more writing related aspects to it, because I hope to be published in the YA world! 

       Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my ramblings! I can't imagine this journey without you all! Can't wait to see what else is in store for Armchair BEA this year! Hugs!


      Much love, 
      Valia