Celebratory Festivities!

       Guys! Are you following me on twitter? If you are, you already know that I have FINISHED MY WIP!!! Do you see that little bar on the left of your screen? Do you see how it’s ALL THE WAY FILLED???? The bar doesn’t lie! I am DONE! 

Well, that is of course relatively speaking because now the edits begin. But I have to tell you a little secret, I couldn’t have done it without you. Yes, now since I’ve got some serious support behind me (yes, you darlings) I feel so much more empowered! Is that cheesy? Oh, who cares! Its the truth! 

So, to thank all of you who have been with me through this process of writing Secret Project #1 I have a giveaway!!! Yes, you heard me, GIVEAWAY! (my use of caps has grown tremendously in this post). I still have a long way ahead of me and I’m greedy for support. So spread the word! 

The rules are simple: 

1. You must be a follower

2. You must find one way to spread the word 

I’m also a big sucker for comments so comment away! 

The prize? Oh you want to know what you get for all the love? Well, you have a choice of either 

• A copy of Anna and The French Kiss (because I adore this book so much I’d love to share it with someone) or 
• A book of your choice (no more than $10) from Book Depository. (Iron Knight is coming out, just a suggestion)

Yes, you can spread the word and earn 2 points. Yet, every link you leave earns you another point! The more love you spread, the more points you earn! 

Fill out the form, spread the word, and hold tight! The contest will till November 15th. However, I might extended it a few more days if need be.


Have I told you yet how much I appreciate you??? *HUGS EVERYBODY* Have a fabulous day darlings! *prances away*


Much love,
Valia

Writing and Time....A Constant Battle!

So I’m sitting on the couch, computer on my lap, and Suits episodes on TV. Now this is the life. I have to say that I miss days when I can just write. Do nothing but concentrate on my work. 

This is me hugging my new job!

Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE my new job! Adore it. Treasure it. Delight in it. I cant even tell you how blessed I am to have it! 

However, with the schedule that I have right now it’s hard to do other things I love, such as write. 

People often ask me, “How do you find time to write?” Here’s the truth: I have no idea. I know that sounds strange but it’s the truth. Sometimes I feel like I’m pulling time out of thin air because I need it. Writing is a need. If and when I miss my writing times I feel like I’m missing something. It may not be rational but it is who I am. It is what I need to do. Does anyone else feel like that?

I honestly believe that readers can tell if you’re writing in order to write or if you’re writing from the heart. The good books, the books that make a difference in your life are those written as if they’re ripped from the depth of the writer’s soul. Sure, there are those written because they are good at the storytelling aspect. They can make lots of money spinning words into stories. Then there are stories that get in your brain and stay there forever. There are examples of these types of books I can name. The most recent example of a series that stayed with me is The Hunger Games. I loved dystopian before it was a big deal. 1984 was probably one of my favorite books growing up. 

All of this is to say that I want to be that kind of a writer. My writing is a part of me, however, I have to work at it. It doesn’t come easy. Just because something makes sense in my head doesn’t mean it will make sense on paper. This is why time is so important. I have to write and I have to make time to better my writing. It may be a constant battle to squeeze in a few words here and there, but it is a battle worth fighting. 

This is me hugging all of YOU!!! I love my wonderful followers!!!

Now, I am off to get those words on paper. I can’t wait to share my recent project with you! All in due time. I leave you with this question:

What books have made a difference in your life?

Much love, 

Valia

Five Stages of Writing

Yes, I'm crazy. And scary. And super weird. But you guys love me anyway so ha!

I'm super excited for the opportunity to audition for YA Rebels! Don't worry darlings, even

if I don't get accepted, I will still continue to vlog. :-)

On the other hand, the Random Swag Giveaway has been extended till August 7th so spread the word!

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