What's Going On in 2015?

   Hello lovelies,

   So here we are. It's officially three days into 2015 and it still feels unreal. (It's also my birthday month so there's that). But anyway, I thought I'd take a minute and just do an overview of my year for you. Here's the thing. I'm not big on resolutions and such, but I am big on goals. Especially writing and reading goals. I always try to push myself a little bit farther, and last year I definitely did that by publishing 3 books. 3 BOOKS! That's insane (at least to me). But this year, I want to do better. Not just for myself, but for my readers.

   Now, this is just a tentative list of goals and ideas of goals. Not all of these will be met, but that is okay. I shall try.

   Reading:

       100 books!

   I failed last year by only reading 86. Writing more books this year it will be harder for me to read more, but I shall try.

   Writing:

        Falling, Book 3 - yes, you all have been patiently waiting for Jackson's story and it will happen this year.

        Titanium, Book 2 - this one will probably be the first one to be published, but that still won't be till a bit later.

        Titanium, Book 3 - right now, it's a trilogy. So book 3 should be out by the end of the year.

        New UF YA series, Book 1 - I have a huge plan for this new series and I will have, at least, information on it by the middle of the year.

Holy Batman and Robin, right? 

  Art/Photography:
 
       I will be posting a lot more artwork and photos this year, because I want to be better at documenting my life through pictures.

   Well, I think that's it. At least for now. I have some other goals as well, but these are my priority, so it's the ones I'm sharing with you.

I might later on tho...

    Before I go, I wanted to take a moment and thank each and every single one of you who have supported me this last year (and years before). You are what allows me to continue on this journey and I am truly blessed to have such awesome fans!

   I would to hear what you have planned for this year, so let me know!

   Happy New Year!

   Much love,
   Valia

4 Days and Counting!!!!

   Hello lovelies,

   So, I felt like blogging today. I know, shocker right?

   As you can tell by the title of this blog, I'm counting the days till EDGE OF FALLING hits the retailers everywhere. Am I nervous? YES. Am I excited? DOUBLE YES. Am I more nervous than excited? TRIPLE YES.

   Which is okay. It's normal. I don't think that fear will ever actually go away.

   I mean, you work your heart out, writing these characters, telling their stories and then, poof. They're out in the world, they're telling their own story and people will like it and people will hate it.

   That's the thing about being an author, you have to write for yourself. If you write your stories from the heart, if you tell them like your characters want you to tell them, then you'll be satisfied.

   I loved getting to know Chance and Dakota better in this book. I loved seeing them grow as individuals, learn what it means to be an adult, learn what it means to be there for each other. I don't know if people will love their story as much as I loved writing it. I can't predict the skies opening up and the sunshine of love and appreciation raining down on me and my books (Well, I can predict sunshine. It's Arizona after all).  But what I can predict is the sense of satisfaction.

   Yes, I wrote this book for my readers. But I also wrote this book for myself and for Chance and Dakota. And if I know anything, I know they would be very proud of the way I told their story.

   So, will I continue to freak out? OH MOST DEFINITELY. But that's alright. It's just part of the process.

   And don't worry, even with all the freaking out, I will keep writing. If you keep buying my books. I know there's a bunch of controversy going on about Amazon and such, but I hope that you will still buy my books. I really really would LOVE to keep writing them for you :) You have been such an amazing support so far and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it!

   Much love,

   Valia
 
   P.S. Add EDGE OF FALLING on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22674926-edge-of-falling

On Writing: Daily Doodle and a Question for my Readers

   Hello lovelies,

   I can't believe it's already the end of July! Where has this year gone? I'm still hard at work making Edge of Falling the best it can be and in case you guys missed it, the cover reveal for the book is THIS WEDNESDAY!
  Who's excited?
   If you'd like to help with the reveal, you can sign up here: http://valialind.blogspot.com/2014/07/cover-reveal-sign-up-edge-of-falling.html

   Anyway, if you guys are following me on Instagram, you've seen the Daily Doodles I've been posting recently.

I've been getting a lot of questions in regards to them, so I thought I'd take a moment to answer.

   1. Why Daily Doodle?
       Simply? I'm an artist at heart. I used to paint all the time, but with work and writing (which is also work) I just haven't had the time. I stumbled upon Zentangle sometime in the beginning of the year and have been playing around it since then.
       Also, because of my artist ways, doodling helps to clear my mind and prepare me for a day of writing! It's like a start up exercise to get my brain going.

   2. Did you know Shannon Messenger does Daily Doodles?
      Yes!!! She was actually the one who encouraged me to make it a daily thing. She's fantastic, is she not? I'm still trying to get to her level.

   3. Why Zentangle?
       I'm just such a huge fan of patterns. I don't know what it is about it, but it really does clear my mind in that special way Zentangle is said to do. I'm not planning on keeping it just to these, I'm planning on expanding my horizons and my art, so be on the lookout for that!

   4. What pens do you use?
       I'm in love with the Faber-Castell pens! They have been my favorite since the beginning, back when I was trying to figure out what works for my Smashbooking pages. I use the F and B sized black pens for most of my pictures.

   5. Why black and white? And will you do color?
       Why not black and white? I love the contrast of the pictures in its simple form. But yes, there will be color as soon as I find me some pens!

   I hope that answers some questions you've had. I'll post some of my favorites down below.

   Now, a question for you.

  Would you be interested in an Etsy shop from me?

   Let me know in the comments!

   Much love,

   Valia

I Have a Title!!! (and it's amazing)

   Hello lovelies,

   So, things are happening. Technically, things are always happening, but lately, they've been REALLY happening. I've made some crazy big changes in my life recently. Exciting changes. TERRIFYING changes. 

    Yes, I've finally taken the leap and became a FULL TIME WRITER.

    BOOM.

   Que screaming.

But good kind of screaming....

     Anyway, this is not why we're here. We're here because book two in Falling series comes out in just under TWO MONTHS and it finally has a title!!! 

    Are you ready to find out what that is?

   How about now? 

   Now?

   Okay okay :) The title for book two is EDGE OF FALLING

   What do you think? You like? I like. Actually, I LOVE. 

   AND you can add it on Goodreads now! 

   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22674926-edge-of-falling

Winning. 

   I'm so excited (and nervous) for you all to read Chance and Dakota's story! 

   Much love, 

   Valia 

My Writing Process Blog Tour!

  Hey lovelies, 

   As you can tell by the title, we're here to talk about writing. My wonderful CP, Amy, tagged me and I'm excited to share some inside information with you. Let's get it started (in here). (Sorry). 

   1. What am I working on? 

   Actually, I am a little nuts at the moment. I am working on 3, yes 3, separate projects. I'm finishing up  revisions on Dakota and Chance's story. I can't wait for all of you to read their book! It's so different from Falling by Design, but anyway. I'm getting sidetracked. 
   I'm also in revision's mode for a YA Thriller and I've started a brand new project that's a mix between a thriller, with a bit of fantasy thrown in. (I'm slightly exhausted right now. Just saying).

PITCH (I'll focus on Falling #2):

    Chance has been in love with Dakota for as long as he can remember. Now, with senior year of high school coming to a close, he's finally ready to take that giant leap into the oblivion. But then the new guy arrives, Dakota's family life comes crashing down around her, and tragedy strikes, making Chance rethink everything he's ever thought to be true. What do you do when the world you know is no longer real? What do you do when you have no plan for your life?

OPENING PARAGRAPH: 

   You'd think after all these years I'd be able to see her face and not feel a ping of longing followed by disappointment. I've been hoping, especially since winter break, Dakota would give me some kind of indication that she doesn't hate my guts. Alas, that is in vain. She still looks at me like I'm only bothering her and hers, like I'm the bane of her existence. What lovely thoughts I have to start off my morning right. I take a deep breath, shake off the stupid melancholy, and put on my brave face.

    2. How does my work differ from others in my genre?

    I'm not sure you can say it really differs, but it is my work and my words, which makes the stories unique. I strive to write good girls and good boys, and I think that last aspect is something that is missing. We love our bad boys, but I like to point out the good ones too. 

   3. Why do I write what I do?

   Right now, with all the contemporary in my stories, I think it's mostly so that I can find the good in the world. I know that may sound all dramatic, but with my job, I only see the bad. I see parents who destroy their children, I see relationships that are built on abuse, I see family life that doesn't have a good end. It's why I write my characters the way they are, because there is good in the world and sometimes we forget about it, focusing on all the bad. Yes, my characters go through heartache. In Falling #2, there is definitely some sadness and struggles in their lives, but in the end, they overcome those obstacles, because sometimes, we need the reminder that that is possible. 

   4. How does my writing process works?

    Well, I'm not an outliner. Can't do it. Won't do it. So, sue me.
    I need my freedom when I write. I need my characters to find the story their own way. And as strange as that may sound to the "outsiders", my writer people know what I'm talking about. Also, there's some Hot Cheetos eating and a little bit of dancing involved in every draft. :)

   So yep. That's me. That's your little glimpse into my writing process. Hope you enjoyed!

   Now, if you'd like to participate...

   1. Acknowledge the person and the site who invited you and link back to the post (this one :).
   2. Label your post as part of the My Writing Process Blog Tour. 
   3. Answer these same four questions. 
   4. Nominate and link up three people to participate.
   5. Let me know in the comments if you're going to participate!

   Now, for the people I tag:

   Farrah Penn - my amazing CP. This girl is a wonderful writer and if you don't follow her around on the interwebs, you should!
   Vicki Leigh - I met her at BEA & she's seriously one of my favorite people now. Can't wait for her book!
  Claribel Ortega - another awesome writer you all should follow. She's the sweetest!
  Brenda Pandos - because no writing tag would be complete without my amazing friend! (You should read her books. Just saying).

   I would love to hear from you, so if you'd like to participate, leave me a link below!

  Much love, 

  Valia 

The Little Things: Breakfast & Writing

   Hello lovelies,

   Well, it's April. Do you know what that means? It means that I am deep in my writing cave, trying to finish up secret things, so that I can share them with you. If you've been following me for any length of time, you'd know that I get a little forgetful when I write. And one of the main things I forget is eating.

   I know, I know. This is not a healthy habit to have. Sometimes, it's just hard for me to walk away when I'm in the middle of a flow and when I finally think about eating, it's been a day. Anyway, I'm trying to do better. Really. I am.

   Here's where breakfast comes in. You see, I love breakfast foods. I just don't love breakfast. I'm not a morning person, so actually getting up and making myself something to eat in the morning is a serious chore. But, I do need more than just coffee in my life, so today, I woke up and I made myself some breakfast.
   And I have pictures as proof!

   Basically, I decided to treat myself a little better and that means being better about taking care of my body.
   I liked oatmeal when I was younger, then I didn't, but now, I'm learning to love it again. It's the best kind of a breakfast because it's fast and it gives you the right amount of energy.
  So below is my 3 minute breakfast! In pictures. Enjoy!

Oatmeal is great and you don't have to eat a lot of it.

I love milk in my oatmeal. I know some people prefer water. I also decided to add some Raspberry Jam to my meal. Good choice. 

While my breakfast was in the microwave, I took my dog outside and found some blooming roses in the backyard. How pretty are these? 

So obviously, I had to make my breakfast table all pretty and bring some flowers inside :)

What is breakfast without coffee? 

Yum!

My puppy decided to get in on all the pictures :) 

   I know this may not seem like a big deal to you, but to me it is. I had breakfast! At breakfast! And it was delicious and nutritious.
   I'm going to start posting more pictures on my blog that have to do with my every day life. I've missed photography and this is a good reminder to take pictures. I'll call this little feature "The Little Things" because I think we all need to take more time to appreciate the little things in our lives.

   What do you think? What kind of things would you like to see on my blog (besides all the writing)? Any favorite breakfast foods you'd like to share with me? 

   Much love,

   Valia

Writer Recharge Update 4.0!

   

Hello darlings!

   Can you believe it? It's March 3rd. Already. Which means it's Falling by Design birthday month!!! I'm not exactly where February has gone, but I need more time. I'm not ready! 
Seriously. I'm not sure one is ever ready.

   But enough about that. Let's talk about February. I had some doable goals this months and while I didn't hit all of them, I hit a few. 

   1. My goal was to hit 25% on two of the projects I am working on. Sadly, I didn't hit this goal, but I did manage to hit about 20% on one. This was a huge success for me, considering how busy I was outside of writing. 

   2. Writing at ALL was a huge success for me. You know I suffered a personal lost in February, so even though I ended up being a week behind, I still managed to succeed in my eyes. 

   3. I had a lot of Falling by Design promotional stuff to do and I'm happy to say, much of this was accomplished. I had a successful cover reveal, I have figured out my formatting (for all the platforms) and I managed to get my book ready for paperback release at the same time. I'm so excited my book will be available in ebook and print. And at the same time!! SQUEE!!!
   You can add my book on goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20871808-falling-by-design

   So while I might've not hit my writing goals, I really had a productive month. I also really enjoyed writing these updates every week. It helped with my blogging as well. I'm sad to see Writer Recharge 2014 go, but I've made some good friends during the month so prepare to have your blogs stalked anyway :)

   If you're interested to know, I've got big things planned for March! My book is only 9 days away from being let out into the world and I'm planning a big giveaway for the release week. I also have a blog tour coming up and more teasers coming your way. So stay tuned!!

   How about you? How was your February? What have you got in store for March? I'm excited for all the great things!

   Much love, 

   Valia 

#WriterRecharge Update!

   Hello lovelies, 

   So, as many of you know, I took a little break from writing last week. My family suffered another loss and I couldn't really wrap my mind around any kind of work.
But now I am back. 

   I needed to get back to work, to get back to being busy. Now that my mind is functioning a little again.

   Today is February 17. I've had a good two weeks to work on my goals and here is my progress so far:

     1. I have reached 10K on one project and about 2K on the brand new one I started. It's good progress and if I keep up with the pace (before my little break) I can hit 25K by the end of the month. 

     2. On the publishing side of things, my cover reveal is this Wednesday, February 19th (que freak out). I am so beyond excited to share my book with everyone I can't even. After the reveal, I'm planning on sharing some teasers from the book before the final release. 
(You can add my book on goodreads if you'd like :) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20427616-falling-by-design )

     3. Also on the publishing side of things, I've finally finalized my print and ebook formatting, which basically took me a a day to do. Each. My print copy is on its way to be proofed by me now and I can't wait to hold the finished product in my hands. 

Now for the goals for the coming week:

     1. Write at least 1K each day next week. This is not much, and I'm probably not going to hit my monthly goal, but it's progress.

     2. Promotion, promotion, promotion. I have posts to write and people to email and giveaways to set up. I'll be a busy bee that's for sure. 

     3. Film some videos. This goes under promotion, but it's such a big undertaking for me, I had to include it into a different category. 

   Well, that is all for me. How are you doing on your February goals? Let me know in the links below.   

   Much love, 

   Valia 

On reorganizing your life...and bookshelves

Hello lovelies, 

   You all know I have a book coming out (if I haven't freaked out over that enough). As the date looms closer, I keep rethinking over everything I've done up to this point. 

   Will it be enough? 
   Did I write the best book I could've? 
   Are decisions I'm making what they need to be? 
   It's stressful.

   I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. Some of you have published, so you know. Some of you have read hundredths of posts from those who have published, so you know. 
I definitely fall into the post reading category. I need all the knowledge I can get. I love the fact that there are so many resources out there and if you take your time in researching them out, you can gleam some helpful insights. 

(Side note: I've seen my working cover and OMW IT'S BEAUTIFUL)

   But while I'm doing all of that researching and planning, I realized that I've been neglecting myself a little bit. I know, big shocker there, right? An author (or any individual really) who's making big changes in his or her life actually concentrating more on the project than on themselves? Oh the horrors. 

Well, maybe not horrors, but you know what I mean. So while I'm working hard at this huge endeavor, I decided to reorganize some things in my life. 

     1. My bookshelf.
              I know this doesn't seem like much to some people, but my shelves were a mess. I honestly think it added to the stress level, every time I came into my little office to work. So the other day, I took four hours away from my craft and made my shelves pretty. I cannot tell you how cathartic it was. Surprisingly so. But look how pretty they are now! 

     2. My TBR. 
              This goes along the lines of my bookshelf reorganization. I needed to reevaluate which books I wanted to read versus those I felt like I had to. The thing is, it really helped to put things in perspective. I also am participating (kind of) in the #AYearAThon on YouTube. Which means, right now, I'm working my way through Harry Potter. For the first time. GASP. I know. 
               Here are just some of the books on my list for this month. 

  

     3. My writing goals. 
               This is obviously a huge one for me. As part of #WriterRecharge, I decided to give myself a 2K goal for each day. 1K for one project and 1K for the other. It may not be a lot for some, but with all the pre-publishing crazy, this is a huge goal for me. 

     4. My blog. 
                This is kind of where this post comes into play. I have some unfinished pages on this website and I really want to utilize it to the best of my ability. So, I decided to finally update some things on here. One of the main ones is the FAQ's page. This is where you come in. 
If you guys have any questions for me, leave them below and I'll post them on my website. 

   Well, that's it for now. I feel like I've rambled on long enough. How is everyone doing? If you're interested in participating in the cover reveal, you still have time to sign up: http://valialind.blogspot.com/2014/01/cover-reveal-sign-up.html 

Hugs, 

Valia 

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 

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! (yes, I'm finally sharing the news)

Hello lovelies, 

Guess what? I'M FINALLY READY TO SHARE SOME NEWS! Who's excited? Raise your hand. 

Many of you have been following me for years. Many of you have been wondering if I'll every have anything for you to read besides the blog. Many of you have been patiently waiting and asking questions and cheering me on. 
Well, my dearest readers, the time has finally come when all of that support and love and waiting has paid off. You know where this is going, don't you? :) Read on.

I wrote a young adult contemporary and it will be out on your nifty e-readers this year!!! 

And not just sometime this year, but as in the FIRST part of the year. 

SQUEEE!

Let me explain. 
After much consideration, prayer, and council I've decided to self-publish. This is a HUGE step for me because I've never thought I'd be brave enough to do something like that. I have the utmost respect for all of those who have made it out there in the Indie world and I've never thought I'd be one of those people simply because I didn't think I had the courage to put myself out there like that. 

Well, I'm trying something new this year. 

I know querying and just writing in general is something that requires courage, but self-publishing is a different kind of a ball game (at least in my mind).  So this year, I'm taking that step and diving head first into self-publishing. Yes, I'm still going to look for an agent. Yes, I'm still hoping to be published with one of the big houses, but this feels right for me, guys. It feels right. 

I'M EXCITED! TERRIFIED! ANXIOUS! EXHILARATED!!!

Well, you get the idea :)

There you have it, my loyal followers. All your hard work has paid off. I will be putting together a cover reveal, telling you more about the book and announcing dates in the near future, so make sure you follow me on twitter. If you're interested in participating in the cover reveal and such, leave me a way to contact you in the comments and I'll put you on the list. 

I hope you're as excited as I am. This story is near and dear to my heart and I hope it will be to yours as well. 

Much love, 

Valia 

Saying Goodbye to 2013...

Hello lovelies, 

I know, I know. There are so many of these posts right now, you might not even read this one. I don't want to overwhelm you or anything, so if you don't want to read it, then don't. But this blog is a part of my journey, and while I haven't been quite as good at keeping you all updated as I wanted to, you're still part of that journey and you still get to hear all about it. 

There are so many things I can say about 2013. 

There were ups and downs. There was laughter and tears. There was hard work and lazy days. There was writing and reading. 

Every year brings with it new experiences and new expectations. I have a few of those for 2014, but you'll just have to wait to hear about them later. I have big plans and announcements and so much hard work ahead of me, but it's all part of the process. Just like 2013 was. There are a few things I learned and a few things I want to share with you now. 

2013 taught me that God is always on my side, He is always faithful, even when I start to forget that. His promises are new every morning, and while sometimes I get so busy I forget to look up, I know that He is always looking down. 

2013 taught me that sometimes you need to laugh, even when you feel like crying. Heartbreak and heartache are part of our lives. That is something you will never escape. But you can't live in the pits of sadness, you have to get up and climb that mountain every day. They say laughter is the best medicine, and sometimes that's the first step to overcoming your obstacles. 

2013 taught me that it's okay to cry if you're sad, even though you really don't want to. Just as laughter is part of our lives, so is sadness and frustration and anger. Sometimes you want to stay strong, refuse to show weakness, refuse to let yourself feel. But sometimes, it's okay to cry. It's okay to let yourself be human and feel. And after all of that, it's okay to be you. 

2013 taught me that I am surrounded by the most amazing people, even when they're not right next to me. I have been so truly blessed with amazing friends, family, and book family. There are no words to express the gratitude I have for each and every person who cheers me on and keeps me smiling along the way. I am truly blessed. 

2013 taught me that while dreaming big and working hard doesn't pay off right away, giving up is not an option. I know that one day all of my hard work and sacrifices will find their rightful reward. I truly believe that everyone has a place in this life and when we find what makes us happy, we need to hold on to that with all of our might. It's never easy, it's will bring you frustration and tears, but in the end, working toward your dreams and goals is the best most amazing reward in life. 

As I say goodbye to 2013, I say goodbye to another year God has given me and I am forever thankful for all the lessons it has brought my way. 

I know 2014 is going to be a thrilling, crazy, frustrating, hard, maddening year filled with hard work and disappointments and love and family and friends and books and writing. Because all of those little things are what life is made of. We need to embrace it and decide today, right now, that next year is going to be a great year. 

This year, dream big. Love with your whole heart. Take a few chances. Sing in the rain. Smile at strangers. Just whatever you do, make sure to embrace life and thank the One who gave it to you. 

I'm excited to see what's in store for me! And you should be too, because I have things to share with you. Soon and very soon! 

Because I couldn't resist :)

Much love, 

Valia