It's Camp NaNoWriMo & other frivolous undertakings of summer.

Hello lovelies, 

So today is brought to you by hectic list making, non stop outfit rearranging, and trying to stuff a bunch of clothes into one suitcase. Does anyone else out there dislike packing? 
Ok good. It's not just me. 
But the pains of packing do bring with them one awesome truth: it's VACATION TIME!!!!! 

If you follow me on twitter, you know how much I need a vacation. I think my tweets have become complain-y (sorry about that). Anyway, in the midst of all the chaos (because seriously, chaos is the most accurate word describing my room right now) I realized it's July 2nd. Where in the world did June go? 
The main reason why I slightly panicked at the fact that its day two of July is because I'm supposed to be participating in Camp NaNoWriMo. My goal is 50,000 words before the end of the month. Which means I'm supposed to be writing almost 1700 words a day. Oops and double oops. Did I mention the fact that I forgot it was July? 
Seriously though, I'm determined to get this done. The book I'm writing right now is fun and different and I love it to pieces. But with a week long vacation, and all the hectic-ness that comes with summer, how am I going to find time to write? (I'm asked this question way too often). So let me tell you how. 
By writing. 
Amazing concept right? 
I think sometimes we forget that everyone has the same amount of hours in the day. It's all about the way you prioritize. Writing is what I do. It's what I love. So it's a natural extension of my day. 
Makes sense. 
On the other hand, I've read some awesome books lately that I fully recommend adding to your TBR. 

 

Hmm, not exactly sure how I ended up reading cooking books back to back, but now I've got myself a whole list of recipes to try out. I'll be posting full reviews for these books in the next few weeks, but for now all you need to know is that they are amazing and you need to read them. I said so.

Well, I'm off to try and make sense of this mess that currently occupies my bedroom. 

Any exciting plans for July? 

Much love, 

Valia 

Giveaway. Giveaway time.

Hello lovelies,

As you can tell by the super clever title of this blog post, I have a giveaway for you! I know, it's about time. Really. I also know that I haven't been keeping you as updated on the ways of my life, so since I'm offering up some goodies, please forgive me? :)
Now, before I show you the awesome, let's do some quick updates.
1. If you haven't seen it yet, I've finally opened up the Etsy shop everyone's been asking about. There's only a few things in it for now, but I'll continue to add to it. I'd love for you guys to check it out. What do you think? https://www.etsy.com/shop/StainedFingertips 

2. Speaking of projects, here's a glimpse into the new SmashBook I've started. I'm going for elegence and fun.

3. The new WIP is still coming along nicely. I'm trying something new and having a blast with it. Can't wait to share it with you. For now though, all you get is this picture. Aren't you curious? :)

4. And after we talk about writing, we need to talk about music. Here are a few songs that've been stuck in my head lately. Any songs  you've been obsessed with lately? 



5. And to wrap this up, here's a few books I've read lately that I've really enjoyed. 

  

What are you reading? :) 
Now, you ready for the giveaway? Did you even read the updates or were you too excited? Who can blame you, this giveaway is awesome.
Okay, okay. I'll stop with the teasing.
First of all, you guys remember how much I enjoy Jennifer Archer's writing? Well, the lovely lady has a new book out, Shadow Girl, and I have a signed copy just for you!
If you guys haven't read the amazing Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins yet, or The Collector by Victoria Scott, you get an ebook of that.
Basically, follow me and spread the word!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks lovelies for all your love and support! Now go and enter!

Hugs,

Valia

What I've Been Up To: April 2013 Version

Hello darlings, 

So I've been MIA again. Are you really that surprised? Life has a tendency to run away from us and I'm just trying to stay in the race. Lots has been going over here. Not all of it book related. Actually, come to think of it, a lot of it hasn't been book related. But more on that later.

1. I've been spending much time in my room. Building furniture. Yep, you heard it right. I'm completely remodeling my room so manual labor for the win! I'm actually a big fan of this but Oh. My. Word. is it time consuming. Why hasn't anyone told me? (Pictures will be posted when I'm FINISHED)

2. I've also been spending much of my time painting. I haven't done this in, probably, years. I'm such a temperamental artist (which I guess is normal), but there are times when I get so busy I don't take out my brushes for months at a time. Since my creativity has been on a fritz, but the need to create is still there, random paintings it is. I'm a huge fan of Mixed Media at the moment, so I've been trying my hand in that. And because I'm trying to be brave here, I'll share a few with you. Please no laughing. 

 

 

3. I went to a tour stop for the amazing ladies: Tahareh Mafi, Veronica Rossi, Anna Carey and Cynthia Hand. I'm a huge fangirl of these talents and it was so good to see them again. They're as sweet and amazing as ever!

4. I've been reading. Or trying to do so in between work and everything else. A few of the recent ones I loved are below. Seriously, huge fan. 

 

5. I decided to finally finish my Masters so classes here I go. It's online so it's a bit more flexible, but still So. Much. Work. Why do I do these things to myself? 

I kid. I kid. I love all that's happening in my life. Minus the writing fritz I've been on. Seriously guys, I've started three different projects and nothing feels right. Which is probably why I've taken the last month to take a step back and reevaluate where I'm heading. I'm a lot closer to figuring that out so don't despair, you will see things from me soon. Isn't that the biggest part of writing? Not to despair? Well, I'm working on that.

That is all. Hope you're having a fabulous day!!! 

Valia 

Updates. In Vlog Form.

Hello lovelies,

As you can see by the title of this post, I vlogged. *cheers all around* *bows* Thank you, thank you very much.
But seriously, here's what I've been up to. Enjoy!




So what about you, lovely people? What's on your TBR for this month? 

Let me know! 

Much love, 
Valia

Friday Five: It's Update Time!

Hello lovelies,

Can I honestly say that I never know what to talk about here? Seriously, I'm probably the worst blogger out there. My mind has been a little jumbled lately, considering I've been working on edits of every kind for the past few weeks. 
So let's talk some updates:

1. Last saturday, I went to YAllapalooza and met some awesome people. I adore book events. Even as tired as I was after full night of work, I'm glad I made it. If you guys have never been to a book signing or an event, MAKE TIME. It's worth it. :)

Suzanne Young and Shannon Messenger :-D

2. You know how I have that NaNoWriMo project? How I've been working on revisions for that? Well, last night (or more accurately this morning) I finished. This is revisions number--I'm not exactly sure actually. I've rewritten parts of that book and deleted chapters and just went crazy too many times to count. But GUYS, it is finished! And pretty. And off to make my CP nuts (probably). 

3. So, today is February 1st (in case you guys missed that). I looked on my goodreads page and realized I read 12 books last month. WHAT? I'm not exactly sure how I managed that. Seriously, NO idea. But here's a few I will recommend without a shadow of a doubt. My review for Scarlet is up and you can see all the all there. The review for The Nightmare Affair will be up closer to the release date, but guys, you NEED this book (there's a small review up on goodreads. It's full of fangirling). 

4. A week from today, I'll be going to California and I CANNOT WAIT!!! My bestie and I are taking a weekend trip for my birthday and I just wanted to let everyone know because there will be pictures and lots of pictures during that time. Just FYI! :)

5. Last but definitely not least (this has nothing to do with writing or reading) but I started walking every morning and I'm loving it!!! If you've been following me for any length of time, you know I'm not a morning person. But since I get off work at 7AM, I decided to get home and do some walking (and sometimes running). I love it! Clears the mind and keeps me moving. Also, I get to see things like sunrises :) 

 Well, that is all for me! What's going on in your life, beautiful people? I'd love to hear all about it!

Much love, 

Valia 

Updates, Revisions, & WriteOnCon (who's up for a giveaway?)

So you know how I promised to be more active with my post on writing? Have you guys noticed how miserably I’ve failed? *hides hands in shame*

Seriously, I’m horrible. 

But I honestly have the best excuses!!! The BEST!

Who am I kidding? There's no good excuse in neglecting you wonderful people!

I’m sorry *sobs*

I’m trying, really. 

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s recap a bit on my life. Are you excited? 

First of all, I’m querying again. I just finished up my latest MS and I’m super stocked to share it with the world. It amazes me how fast-for-me I finished this MS. Thanks to my fabulous CP, Farrah. She’s amazing! (You should follow her CLICK HERE)

Revisions rule my life right now. 

I’m also putting together a few ideas for future projects that I’m super excited about.

Second of all, I’m participating in WriteOnCon this year! I’m so excited about this. There are so many great people on the forums I just want to hug everyone. It’s amazing to “see” so many people gathering around, sharing their writing and critiquing each others work. Big thanks to WriteOnCon moderators and everyone who worked so hard to put it all together. 

Third of all, I have a question for you. Since I’m trying to get back into the whole blogging thing now that work is slowing down and I’ve returned to my previous schedule, what do you want to see on the blog? 

I’m going to have a few more Walk in the Park guests for you, reviews (of course), and some posts on writing, but is there anything SPECIFIC you want me to talk about? 

Let me know! 

I’m also going to try to incorporate my youtube channel a little more. Now that I’m at 200 subscribers I might even host a giveaway! How does that sound? 

Well, leave me some comments!!! Can’t wait to hear what you come up with!

I’m out! Have a great day!

Hugs, 

Valia

New Project Revealed, NaNoWriMo, and Submissions, Oh My!!!!

Hey lovely people who visit my blog!


How are you this fine day? I'm doing quite well, thanks so much for asking.
First and foremost, I have some BIG news I have to share with you is...drumroll please........
Are you ready???


No, really are you???




You sure right???






Here it is........YA Warehouse is now live!!!!







What is YA Warehouse you may ask? I'll tell ya! It is a collabaration blog consisting of myself, Rick Lipman, Nova Lovette, and Pam van Hylckama (as of this morning, so if you don't see her bio, never fear. We'll get to that!) I'm so super duper excited about this its a bit embarrassing. :)

Now unto some other updates. Did I tell you November was going to be my blogging month? It really was but then I had to go and give in to the peer pressure of NaNoWriMo. Can you believe it? Yes, I can't either.

Also, I turned in "secret project #3" to the publisher so I'm all aflutter. And a nervous wreck. Yes, that right there pretty much sums up what I am at the moment. Anyway, on to some links for ya'll!


1. YA Warehouse - join us on our latest adventures. I'll be taking over Fridays!


2. My NaNoWriMo account. I'd love for you to come kick me into gear now and then.


3. Goodreads account. I keep forgetting to share it.


And don't forget, my giveaway ends November 15th!!! Enter while you still have the time!!!


Much love,
Valia