Writer Recharge 2014!!!

Hey lovelies, 

So it's February already. Oh wow. Let me tell you, I'm all over the place.

     The whole publishing business is crazy. Like I'm running around trying to to lose my head crazy. It's a good thing. It is. :) 
     Needless to say, I saw this challenge and I figured I need to participate. I love being part of this encouraging community. 
     So here's what's up. 

Writer Recharge 2014

Hosts and cheerleaders:

 Alison Miller, Liz Parker, Elodie Nowodazkij, Sara Biren & Katy Upperman!

Timeline:

• First week of February: Post your goals for the month on your blog, website, or Twitter. Use the hashtag #WriterRecharge. Link your blog post at sarabiren.com.
• Every Monday in February: Update your progress via your blog or twitter. Link your blog posts at Sara’s Monday posts.
• Throughout the month: Use the hashtag to connect with other writers, have writing parties, and cheer one another on!
• February 28: Post your final update via your blog or twitter.
• Anyone who uses the hashtag or links their blog posts will be entered to win one of five query or 3-chapter critiques.

Fun right?

My personal goals...

     I have started two secret squirrel projects at the end of January, so this months I'd like to hit at least 25% on both of them. It may not seem like much, but having 25% on paper will help me solidify the stories enough so that I can figure out where to go from there. One of the books will need to be written faster than the other. Book two is more of a sanity project, but I still want to have a good amount on paper. 

     The other side of this is my YA Contemporary which is being published in March. I have a lot of promotional stuff to do, cover reveal, and such. So basically, I'll be busy. Also, if you guys would like to be part of the cover reveal, I'd heart you forever!! http://valialind.blogspot.com/2014/01/cover-reveal-sign-up.html

     Any writers out there? Who's ready for a Writer Recharge Party? Let me know if you're participating! I'd love to meet some of you! 

Much love, 

Valia 

On panicking....and overcoming

Hello lovelies, 

You remember how I said I'd be better at keeping you updated on all the happenings of 2014? Well, here we go. 

Time for a confession: I am beyond overwhelmed. It's not like I don't know what hard work is, but every time something new comes up, I'm bombarded with feelings of terror all over again. At the moment, the panic is coming from the fact that I received my edits last night. Let me just point out right here and now, it's OVERWHELMING. 

Can I get this done? Am I truly cut out for this? What am I doing here? 

How many of you have every doubted yourself? Raise your hand. 

Ah, good. I see I'm in great company. 

Doubts and fears are nothing new. Especially in such a crazy big world and the thing we call life. I look over the To-Do list for the next two months and I start to panic. Besides getting this story in top shape in the next month, there's all the promotional work that needs to be done, and all the emails to be sent, and all the....well, you get the idea. On top of all that, I need to remember to eat and stay hydrated. Oh and save lives for eight hours every night (you know, if I'd like to keep my job and all that). 

But here's my problem. I look at everything at once. I have pages of items to be checked off my list, but I will never get anything done if I keep reading over the list and freaking out. I am not the first person on this planet to be overwhelmed by life. And definitely not the last. 

Big storyline of this book is following your dreams. My main character goes through opposition and self doubt, pretty much daily. But you know what, just like every person who've ever wanted to reach their goals, she fights for it. She plans, she checks items off her to do list, she pushes past her own fear of the unknown and she reaches for those goals. 

You can say, she can teach me a thing or two, right? 

I want this book to be the best version of the story that's been running through my mind for a year now. And for that to happen, I need to take charge of my fears and self-doubt and WORK HARD. 

( awe, Elijah hugs)

This, ladies and gents, is where I'm at. I'm pushing myself to take criticism and to come out on top on the other side of things. I'm not giving up and I'm not letting myself stay down. 
I'm putting on my big girl shoes, standing tall, and overcoming my insecurities. 

Excuse me while I go kick some revision butt :)

Much love, 

Valia 

On when things don't go quite as you planned...

   Hello lovelies,

   So, it's the end of November. Already. What is happening? Where has the time gone?! 

I seriously have no idea what happened to 2013. It's just a blur of work and writing and work and writing. 

   As you might've noticed, November didn't quiet pan out the way I hoped it would. School and life got in the way and pushed NaNoWriMo right out of the window. 

   I cried. A little. 

   Sometimes I wonder how I'm supposed to ever get to where I'm planning on getting to with all these road blocks bursting out of the ground. The book that I was so excited to work on this November hasn't been worked on in three weeks as I tried to finish this Master's class. The queries that I've sent out for my recent book have been coming back with a lot of "no's" attached to them. And on top of all that, I'm feeling a little under the weather. 

   That's a lot of negative to bring any festive holiday spirit down. Especially when your heart yearns to mark things off your career to do list. Sometimes it becomes so easy to look at all the negative and drown in the discouragement. I mean, we all go through it, and sometimes we deal with it better than other times. 

   Since it's Thanksgiving Eve, I wanted to write this post simply to reevaluate the discouraging aspects of my life right now and look at all the positive. Because no matter how tough your situation might be, there is always something positive and good to get you through. 

   1. I am thankful for not getting to write my book in November. I know this may contradict what I just said, but I feel like it's true. Being away from it has given me a new appreciation for my characters and my story. I really truly feel that my babies will come out much better for it. 

   2. I am thankful for every rejection letter I get. I know what you're thinking, "How can you ever be thankful for something like THAT?" Yes, it may break my heart a little, but at the same time, every rejection is an answer. It may not be an answer I want, but it's an answer. I rather get that, than wonder what in the world happened to that query. The other part of my thankfulness is the simple fact that the rejection means I just haven't found my one fabulous agent yet. It means that he or she is still out there, searching for me just like I'm searching for them. There is a fabulous agent/author love story waiting to happen and I will be part of it someday.

(Also, on the wings of that, I’m hoping to participate in PitchWars this year and make my book ever that much more fabulous).

   3. I am thankful for all the people in my life that continue to cheer me on. Guys, every discouraging thing that happens in my life brings my friends and family rallying around me in a flurry of hugs and kisses and warm wishes.  I have met so many fabulous people who continue to take the time out of their busy lives to tell me to stay strong, to not give up, to keep smiling because they believe in me. God has blessed me so abundantly and I cannot thank Him more. 

   I can keep going on and on about the things I am thankful for, but I don’t think you want to read a much lengthier post than this. I am truly excited for the things to come! And I am truly excited that all of you wonderful people are coming with me for the journey. I am thankful for you and all your support. 

( I'M SERIOUSLY HUGGING YOU LIKE KATNISS HUGS PEETA AFTER THE WHOLE FORCEFIELD DEBACLE.)

   Just don’t forget, no matter how bleak things may look, the sun’s coming up in the morning. Sometimes, it may be covered by the clouds, but eventually, it’ll break through and light up your life the way it knows best. 

   Keep on smiling. Keep on working hard. Keep on being your awesome selves. 

   That’s a reminder for you and for me. 

   Happy Thanksgiving!

   Hugs and Kisses, 

   Valia 

The honeymoon stage.

Voices. There are voices in my head. 
You know, if you tell a non-writer (or non-reader) that there are voices in your head, they'd look at you weird. And then, they'll proceed to run away. But for someone who lives in a world of the imaginary, this is a typical statement. 
Lately, I've had a particular pair of voices hanging out in my brain. And to be honest, I'm quite in love with these two voices because I love love these characters. I love who they are and what they represent.  They're fun, exciting, and new. 
I'm definitely in the honeymoon stage. 

But what do you do once that's over? You continue with the writing and the loving and the working. 
Honestly, I get asked this question A LOT. How do you get over writing block? How do you finish a book? 
Well, the answer is simple: write. 
But at the same time, it's not simple because you need to write. 
The first love stage is exciting. You're figuring out your characters, you're finding what makes them tick. It's like meeting a new person. 
The honeymoon stage is fun. This is where you're having a blast just putting words on paper. Typing and typing away. Then, you hit that wall. I'm at that wall right now. Or I'm getting there. I'm about 20% finished with my new book and now, since it's coming up to that almost halfway point, I really need to start thinking about what I'm writing. And guys, it's work. It's a lot of work. 

When I'm at this stage, there are a few things that help me through:

1. Remind yourself why you love writing - I think oftentimes, when writing becomes work, we forget that we're doing this because we love it. Well, at least that's why I do it. And becoming successful in doing what you love, you have to work. However, once you remind yourself that you actually love the end result, the work won't be so much work. 

2. Take a break - as in walk away. I forget to do this, which may sound funny to you. There are times when I'm so focused on making myself write this or that, I forget that if I walk away for a few minutes, I can come back with a new perspective. This happens every time I walk away so I'm not sure why I keep forgetting it. 

3. Spend time outside - I know this one can go under walking away, but now that it's summer, I think we as writers forget that there is sunshine our body needs. So, go outside. Go sit in the sun (in a moderate amount), swim in a pool, play with your dog. Basically, go get some vitamin D. Seriously, you need it. 

4. Remember, you are not alone - there are writers everywhere that are in the same boat as you. Sometimes, the greatest encouragement is talking to someone who understands exactly who you are and what you do. Yesterday, I spent some time with two such authors and let me tell  you, it was the greatest encouragement. I'm all fired up now!

Nothing I've said here is new to anyone, but I feel like sometimes we need the reminder. At least I do. So hold on to that honeymoon feeling and keep on writing! 

Much love, 

Valia 

PS What are some things you do when you feel bummed about your writing? Share below. 

That Time I Went to a Book Signing

I love the writing community for many reason. 

       Seriously, if I start naming all the reasons I'll probably never stop. The support, the encouragement, the sheer awesomeness of the authors and bloggers is too overwhelming. 

Last night I got to experience a bit of that awesome with the Get Real tour put on by Sourcebooks Fire for their wonderful authors. If you guys haven’t read anything by Miranda Kenneally, Lisa and Laura Roecker, and Janet Gutler, you should (no, seriously, you should). 

Here are their books and here are their summaries. 

Since when do the dead send emails?

Kate Lowry's best friend Grace died a year ago. So when she gets an email from her, Kate's more than a little confused.

To: KateLowry@pemberlybrown.edu
From: GraceLee@pemberlybrown.edu
Subject: (no subject)
Kate,
I'm here... sort of.
Find Cameron. He knows.
I shouldn't be writing.
Don't tell. They'll hurt you.

Now Kate has no choice but to prove once and for all that Grace's death was more than just a tragic accident. She teams up with a couple of knights-in-(not-so)-shining armor-the dangerously hot bad boy, Liam, and her lovestruck neighbor, Seth. But at their elite private school, there are secrets so big people will do anything to protect them-even if it means getting rid of anyone trying to solve a murder..

Parker Shelton pretty much has the perfect life. She’s on her way to becoming valedictorian at Hundred Oaks High, she’s made the all-star softball team, and she has plenty of friends. Then her mother’s scandal rocks their small town and suddenly no one will talk to her.

Now Parker wants a new life.

So she quits softball. Drops twenty pounds. And she figures why kiss one guy when she can kiss three? Or four. Why limit herself to high school boys when the majorly cute new baseball coach seems especially flirty?

But how far is too far before she loses herself completely?

She Never Thought A Kiss Could Kill. . .

Samantha is new at school and just recently joined the swim team. She’s been flirting with one of her teammates, Zee, who invites her to a party and just as quickly dumps her for another girl. Hurt, but pretending not to care, she turns to his best friend, Alex, and gives him a kiss. And he dies—right in her arms. Alex was allergic to peanuts, and Samantha had eaten a peanut butter sandwich right before the party. She didn’t know. Overnight, Samantha turns into the school pariah and a media sensation explodes. Consumed with guilt, abandoned by her friends, and in jeopardy of losing her swimming scholarship, she will have to find the inner-strength to forgive herself for the tragedy.

        Awesome right?

Guys, I can’t even tell you how much fun I had with these awesome ladies. Miranda and Janet are so sweet, and Lisa and Laura are by far too fun for words. By far, my favorite advice from the night came from Miranda. She said, 

“Find one person you’re writing to and keep writing.” - on how to keep writing after rejection. 

Honestly, that’s amazing advice. Not everyone is going to love your books, but there’s going to be that one person who reads it and it changes that life and I love that. After the signing, we went out to Baskin Robins and basked in some robins (Ha, that makes no sense but I'm kind of tired so roll with it). 

We laughed so hard I think my cheeks are perpetually indented (not that I’m complaining). The encouragement from the evening is something I’ll always cherish. I'm beyond pumped to keep working on my NaNo project, you guys have no idea! 

Author friends are the best! You guys should check these fabulous ladies and their books and keep up with NaNoWriMo if you’re participating. 

Much love, 

Valia 

Shop Talk Thursday: Friendships in the Writing World

You know what I love about the writing community? I love the fact that it is a community. As writers, we tend to be pretty lonely creatures. Our world consists of a lot of one on one with imaginary and we’re happy with that. It’s not a problem to us to sit in front of a computer or a notepad and plan out every detail about this character or that one. However, there comes a time in our writing career where we all want to be loved. 

You know what I’m talking about. Our book is as complete as it’s going to be, we have finally stopped ignoring our families, oh and we showered. Trust me, putting on something besides pajamas is like a right of passage at the end of a long draft. So now comes the querying part. And the waiting. And then more waiting. Oh and even more waiting. If you don’t know this already, publishing world is made up of bricks of waiting. 

Here’s the awesome part tho, you are not alone. While you do the writing, the editing, and the waiting, there are people out there in the same boat as you. The friendships I have made throughout my writing career (so far) are amazing. No one can understand you like another author does and sometimes I feel I would’ve never gotten this far if it wasn’t for the awesome support of the writing community.

You guys deserve all the hugs! 

So while I wait, somewhat impatiently (ok probably really impatiently because come on now) for the things to come, I spend my time trying to give back and encourage those around me. Because really, I couldn’t thank you more for the awesome support you give, so why not give back? 

Check out some of my favorite people (seriously, do it): 

Jennifer Armentrout - Have you checked out all the awesome she’s been posting? You need to! 

Victoria Scott - First look at Dante Walker (swoons, faints, plunders) - Excerpt 

Shannon Messenger - I know you loved my Let the Sky Fall review, and are all jealous I got to read it early. But have you checked out Shannon’s first book, Keeper of the Lost Cities? 

Brigid Kemmerer - Transcript of Spark chat that will have you laughing at/with (and loving) the elemental boys even more! 

Farrah Penn - just because she’s the best critique partner and friend a girl can ask for :-) 

       Have a wonderful day, 

       Valia 

Inspiration: On being scared of fighting for your dreams...

Hello darlings, 

See that right there --> 

My life right now. 

      It's amazing how one little change in your schedule makes the rest of it go into haywire. Work has been more than kicking my butt lately, and needless to say I haven't been doing as much writing. *Insert the SADDEST face ever* 

     I've started a new project, which is totally different from anything I've ever written and it's a bit scary. Scary and exciting. 

I love new beginnings. It's like the smell of a new car or freshly baked cookies (which I now kind of want). Yet, at the same time, I'm terrified of not being able to deliver the way I'd like to deliver. Obviously, I don't want to be a failure. No one strives to be that right? 

On the other hand, I'm still querying agents and yes, this is pretty much how I feel about it. It's a crazy competitive world out there, and the journey to get your work out there is very hard. I've been watching The Voice (pretty much the best voice competition ever) and it really makes me stop and think of the way I react to rejection. At least my tears are in private, can you imagine getting over being rejected on national television?

     There is a lesson in that which I wanted to share with you. When you fall down, get back up. When you feel like a failure, keep on going. There is nothing standing between you and your dreams but your own self-doubt. This is a lesson that I have to keep reminding myself of, because I am one of the worst self-critics out there. My challenge to you, and to myself, is not to give up. You never know if your success was in the next query letter, or the next audition, or the next interview. Everything is a battle, it's up to us if we're willing to fight it. 

Much love, 

Valia 

What Olympics Mean to Me

Just like any sport loving individual, I’ve been watching the Olympics. A lot. Seriously, I didn’t know it was possible to have the TV on for 10 hours a day and not have your brain explode. I’m not much for TV watching these days, so it’s definitely a unique experience for me. 

Olympics is an amazing event. I love seeing all of the athletes come out and compete in events I didn’t know even existed on an Olympic level. My favorite part is finding out about athletes. I love cheering for someone, then getting on Youtube and watching their story unfold. The before, the training, the tears and sweat that goes into every event. I feel so proud of these individuals, like they’re my friends who are out there competing, not strangers. 

I love seeing people succeed. I love cheering them on, holding my breath as they race to that finishing line. (GO TEAM RYAN!) :) Sorry, had to throw that in.

I think this is partly why I love the book and blogging community so much. We are all cheerleaders here, pushing each other to do better, to be better. Sure, my family and friends are here to keep me motivated. I couldn’t be more thankful for the support they provide. But there are also those who I’ve never met in “real” life that take the time to cheer me on. 

Authors are rockstars. Bloggers are rockstars. These are the people that keep me going, that take the time to stop by and read a review or answer a tweet. It’s like we’re our own Olympics team, pushing each other to win that gold medal of success. For that, I am thankful to be part of this community. I try my best to be the support others and I thank you for doing the same to me! 

You all deserve gold medals for awesomeness! *Hands out medals* 

Hugs, 

Valia 

A Walk in the Park with Robin Mellom

Hello lovelies, 
I have a special treat for you this morning on our Walk in the Park. I've asked Robin Mellom, the fabulous author of Ditched: A Love Story (review here), to share a little about perseverance as a writer. So here is a bit of encouragement for your day!

There were several times I wanted to give up in my path to publication, but it was the advice from other writers, agents and editors that kept me going.

I remember being a conference once and an author said, “If you’re getting good feedback on your writing, do the work and then wait in line for your turn.”

I really think that’s true. While we’re waiting for our turn, we have to do the work. Write the book. And then write another one. And then…yes…write another one. 

My first book that sold, DITCHED, was actually the sixth book I’d written. And I don’t regret writing those other books for one moment. They helped me develop my skills, find my voice and develop the confidence to take a concept like the one I came up with for DITCHED and do it in the way it deserved. I wasn’t ready to write that novel ten years ago. 

However, the gravy for this story? The very first book I wrote  (yep, ten years ago!)  is now being re-imagined and will be published as THE CLASSROOM in June. So you never know if something sitting in that drawer might season up nicely for the future. 

My follow-up to DITCHED will be a companion novel titled BUSTED. Here’s a quick summary:

In BUSTED, 17-year-old Serenity takes a job running errands for an eccentric couple and finds herself involved in the crazy world of LA nightlife. After a misunderstanding lands her in jail, she has one fateful night to clear her name, help a rising movie starlet avoid the paparazzi and find Adam, the coworker who is quickly stealing her heart.

As she makes decisions that can change the course of her life, Serenity discovers just how far she’ll go to set the record straight. 


Anyone else feel as encouraged by this as I do? 


Hope this brightens your Monday! Have a wonderful day! 
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