Hunted by Cheryl Rainfield

So within the last month or so I have been asked by a few people to do some book reviews.  Normally I save that for Book Club each month.  I never really considered it before then because I honestly didn't feel I had much to say other than liking or disliking a book.  That was until Book Club.  While attending the last few months I have found that people value my input in each discussion and I also seem to bring up deeper thoughts on the book ideas.  I don't know if it is because I have started reading like a writer, which if you haven't tried it you really should, or something just all together.  Instead of stressing too much on the topic, I decided to go ahead and give it a shot.  I mean...what could it hurt right?  (I sure am trying new things this week.  You'd think I was having a midlife crisis if it wasn't for me being 25.) 

Caitlyn is a telepath in a world where having any Paranormal power is illegal. Caitlyn is on the run from government troopers, who can enslave, torture, or even kill her, or make her hunt other Paranormals. When Caitlyn settles down in a city, she falls for Alex, a Normal (someone without Paranormal powers), which is dangerous because he can turn her in. And she discovers renegade Paranormals who want to destroy all Normals. Caitlyn must decide whether she's going to stay in hiding to protect herself, or take a stand to save the world.

I received this book through JKS Communications for review.  There were a handful of book I chose from them and Hunted was my first read pick of the bunch.  The book description pulled me pretty easily.  I kinda have a thing for supernatural elements in books so of course this one peaked my interest.  

The story follows Caitlyn who is running from Para Troopers, Military soldiers in charge of seeking out Paranormals like her herself, and Para Slaves, Paranormals like herself that the Government enslaves to help their cause. This girl has one tragic past that still eats at her and her Mother.  Not only was her brother kidnapped but she watched her father die, all in the same moment.  

Caitlyn is a very gifted Para and she learns more about herself and her powers as the story progresses further.  I really enjoyed being inside her head.  She is strong willed and shows no fear, even when it pains her. She fights for the good of her people and tries to make the Normals see reason without outing herself.  She writes an anonymous blog under Teen Para and informs the public to try to see reason of her kind.  Even when the Teen Para name becomes tainted from rumors, she stays strong.  

This book has all the good makings for a YA book: Magic, love, teen angst, etc.  I may have not agreed with some of the dialogue or certain parts of the writing style, but I did love the story.  The world building was very realistic given it was a magic element.  It isn't too far off from what could happen if Paras were introduced into our society.  It greatly resembles race issues in our past history, only Paras are a new category and can be of any gender or race.  

The beginning was a pretty easy read, the middle far more difficult, but the ending won me over.  Surprisingly enough Caitlyn wasn't my favorite character in the book.  It was actually her father.  You only get small glimpses of him but he is the tie that binds them all together.  She gets her strength from him and well as much more in the end.  I think without him, this would be a totally different story.  Also I was strangely drawn to the Motel Owner.  Her plot arch changed greatly from the beginning of the book to the end and became a defining factor for major events in the climax.  I really enjoy seeing characters who grow greatly through a story.  

Onto the love connection.  The very modern love connection between Caitlyn, Alex, and Rachel does take a back burner.  I like how it wasn't the center of attention.  What off put me at first was that when you meet Alex it is said how he doesn't date anyone...ever.  Then Caitlyn shows up and things change.  I felt this very cliche at first until you find out about Alex's past and why he distances himself from relationships.  Having that addition made me come around to it and love Alex even more than before.  

All in all it was a good read.  The slowness was made up for the fast read of the end.  the last 60 or so pages I read in one sitting.  Thank you JKS Communications for sending me a copy of Hunted!  For the rest of you, if you are interested in this book make your way over to Amazon and give it a shot!  Also check up the moving story about Cheryl and her past.  From hearing a little about her at the end of the book, it made me want to give her other book Scars a shot.  

You can find Cheryl on her Website, Twitter, and Goodreads. 

On Second Chances

I don’t know if you guys know this but I have a published book. Yes, as in out in the world, go on amazon and grab a copy, kind of published. This happened about two years ago, back when I didn’t know anything about the publishing world. Back when I asked questions and got answers from people who thought they knew what they were talking about. Needless to say, my baby didn’t get the treatment that I wish it would’ve gotten.

But you know what’s great about this whole deal? Is that you live and you learn. I met so many wonderful people on my journey and they have taught me so much. A while back Jessie Harrell and I were talking and she came up with this idea. She asked me why can’t I start all over with Simplicity? I never thought about it. I didn’t think it was possible, but you know what? It is! 

I got my second chance! I have a bunch of wonderful bloggers part of the cover reveal that will be happening sometime next week and I just finished my edits and will be sending that over. It’s amazing how much I’ve grown as a writer, and a big part of that is my writing family. You’re my writing family! Every person I meet on the internet, every author I talk to, my critique partner, my best friend, even my parents are all the people who make me who I am as a writer. They help me grow, and they help me develop and I couldn’t be happier. People like Jennifer Archer (author of Through Her Eyes) who read my book and enjoyed it. There’s nothing like getting that kind of an encouragement! 

I encourage you to take chances, and more than that, take second chances. If you get the opportunity to do something again, do it better. I hope you always take a chance on your writing, and if you don’t do it right the first time, do it again, and do it better! Just make sure you take the chance! Set goals! Make dreams happen! 

Much love, 

Valia 

Hello World!

Please give me some feed back on what you would like to see on the vlog or heck even the blog.  And I look forward to hearing some of the punishments errr Scared I should say.  :S 

Nova on Hibernating

Now if any of you are like me out there, then you always end up in hibernation mode during Winter.  I'm talking full fledged, hate to come out of the covers, wear a gloves and hat to bed kinda thing.  Ok I didn't wear gloves to bed but I have worn a hat to bed this Winter.  Every year when Winter rolls around I get in the weirdest funk.  It is almost like my brain is frozen and the creativity is as dull as light outside.  It is hard for me to get even normal, everyday things done.

If you have been paying attention to the weather in the Mid-west, or any part of the country, you have noticed the crazy change we have been undergoing lately.  It's March and currently we are in the mid 80 degrees.  It is natural that we can get a few warm days around this time but this has been a constant 2 weeks.  Now, I'm not complaining at all for having amazing weather this early and the great affect it is having on my mental thoughts, but I am dreading the rest of the Summer.  The news is saying this will be the worst year for bugs since the cold didn't kill them off.  I'm not a bug person so naturally I am not too thrilled about this one bit.  Mosquitoes are drawn to me like crazy because of my sweet self *wink* But really, if it's 80s now, what the heck is it going to be in August?  I don't even want to imagine my melting self.  I think I will be spending much of my time in the basement of our new rental house.  I guess I will hibernate twice this year.

Btw!  News, news, NEWS!! We did get our house and this someone gets an office!! That is right!  My first office ever!  I can't even contain the happy dancing.  I have already started planning what it should look like.  When we are all settled in, I'll do a post with new house pictures!

It Takes Commitment!

People often ask me what it takes to write a book. More often than not I have to stop and think about it. Which is kind of ridiculous since writing is what I do. So I’ll say things like: you have to actually write, you need an idea, you need to stay away from internet. (that one I have trouble with, Im easily distract...oh shiny!) 

In reality, would you like to know what it takes to write a book? Are you ready for this? I’m laying it all on the line here for you. In order to write a book you need...commitment. I know, you really didn’t see that coming. 

Commitment is hard. I think often this is why people who want to write a book never write a book. It takes hard work, and a lot of it. Commitment is a scary thing in so many ways. Here’s an example from my personal life: tomorrow I’m making a huge commitment. I’m becoming a citizen of US. Talk about random announcement right? I’m excited, terrified, anxious, exhilarated, and so many other crazy emotions. For me, becoming a citizen is a huge step in the direction of my future. 

Writing is like that. You make a commitment, you sit down, and you write. And you write, and write, and write, and write, and then write some more.

 But before you write, you must take the step of commitment and decide to do it. Sound’s simple doesn’t it? Yet, its anything but. 

Anyone else out there with commitment issues? 

Well, there you have it. My little two cents on writing. That’s all I got for today because all I can think of is that in a few hours I’ll be an official citizen!!! Yay me!!! *HAPPY FREAK OUT DANCE* BOOOOYYYYYYAAA!!!!

Much love, 

Valia 

Nova on House Renting/Writing Space

I believe it was last week I spoke about writing space.  I can usually write in most places but home seems to still give me trouble.  My sister came up with a reason for that.  See, I'm a talker, so if someone is home, I want to chat it up with them.  Currently I live in a small apartment with her and her steady bf who shares a different house about 40 mins from us.  Our apartment is closer to his work so he stays with us most nights.  My desk is in the living room, yes the busiest of all places so when I want to do something I write in my room on my bed.  I don't mind but it makes me sleepy most times and since the bed is right there.  All it takes is a yawn and I'm out before you can say Godzilla!  AKA the dilemma! The sleep..not Godzilla...Well Godzilla too but not at this moment. 

Our lease is up the end of next month so we have decided to give renting a house a chance.  We have never rented one before.  Since HS it has been apartments or townhouses.  My sister's bf will be moving in with us so we are looking for some place with a decent size and with that comes a higher price but when it's split between us, it really is close to what we are paying for our current apartment, which is about 3 times smaller than the houses we have been looking at.  I'd say paying 300 extra for that amount of space isn't too bad at all.  We are paying 625 for our two bedroom apt so if the house is 3 times larger...well you can do the math.  That is a heck of a deal.  Plus!!!! This is a big plus! We have decided to get a house with 3 bedrooms so I can have an office!!!

I have never had an office before.  I swear to you that when my sister suggested it, I jumped up and down.  I can just imagine it now: A room of my own to work in, a new desk, a reading chair, notes tapped all over the walls, bookshelves on one side, etc.  I just can't wait!  We viewed a beautiful place yesterday that both of us love.  Today we are taking her bf to look at it and if he agrees, we will be putting down the deposit so we can move in the end of April!  *does a happy dance*

I finally might have somewhere constant I can go to work everyday.  Until then, I force myself to write here at home while I dream of my new office.

Unconventionality

Social media has revolutionized the way writers interact - with each other, with readers, with the publishing industry. Not every writer is on every platform, or even necessarily on any of them! (But, er, clearly you are, gentle reader, or how else would you come to be here?)

I have to say: I love it.

I've also grown weary of sweeping proclamations. It seems that every day some person somewhere on the internet says, "X is changing the face of publishing!" But social media is one of the values of X that I believe to be true, and one of the ways it's doing so are through contests.

Seriously! I knew they happened, the fabulous Authoress runs some well-attended ones regularly, but I don't think I realized just how popular they've gotten - and how many agents are not only willing, but eager to participate.

Writing contests, as they exist in the blogosphere, are fabulous because while they shake up the traditional path to publication by ending with critiques or even offer of representation for some authors - in a method that mostly didn't exist until very recently and is dramatically different than the norm - they are also fun. For everyone involved!

I've entered a few recently, including the First Line Grabber competition on Authoress's blog last month. (Or was it earlier this month? I can't keep track of time in my old age, it seems...) The spirit of friendly competition among fellow writers is rivaled only by the support they give one another. For something that is so often a solitary activity, it's a wonderfully refreshing change of pace.

And as these contests multiply in number, and are elevated in profile, there is frequently the promise of Lurking Agent Eyes (tm). Which is just so cool, and these LAEs frequently drop by to leave comments, offer feedback, or even surprise-attack folks with page requests!

Publishing has its challenges right now, to be certain. But I honestly can't think of a more exciting time to be around and part of a vibrant, giving community - that still knows how to have fun.

And I think this kind of unconventionality and the willingness to explore new, fun ideas is a predilection that will keep publishing alive and prospering for a long time yet.

Have you entered any blog contests recently? How'd it go? Inquiring minds want to know!

(Inquiring minds also ask that you pay no notice to the fact that by EDT standards it is technically no longer Monday. Time is but an illusion, and Monday finds this Tuesday dress to be quite slimming.)

It's Friday Randomness!

Hello everyone, 
I'm so late on everything today, I totally spaced on writing a post! I know I know, it's terrible. So today I'm going to post some pictures. Because really, I can.

Yes, I really went there. Because, oh my word cuteness!!! 

Oh and before I forget, I will have news soon and the news will be awesome!!!

What are you reading this weekend?

Much love, 

Valia

Nova on Writing Space

There are many writers out there who talk in great detail on their writing space.  For some it doesn't matter where you write and those same people mention that you should learn to write anywhere, for the fact that there is a possibility down the road you won't have the luxury to choose. On the other side of the spectrum, you have the group of writers who have designated spots that they feel most comfortable writing in be it public, their bed, or the kitchen floor.

Last night I met the amazing Lauren Oliver.  She spoke briefly about writing her first book, "Before I Fall", on her blackberry while in transit and mailing it to herself. That is dedication.  I can write about anywhere for the most part but I also fall into the category where certain places yield better writing for me.  I have realized that I tend to accomplish more when I write out in public than I do when I am at home--unless I am in my bedroom.  My bedroom is the only place I feel that I have the peace that I need, which sounds odd when I like writing in public. I think this is because when I am at home, I see all the distractions before me.  I'm not talking about cleaning because that I am usually pretty good about, but I realize I am on twitter, fb, hulu, etc far more when I am at my desk than when I am at Barnes and Noble or Starbucks.

I was sad the day Borders closed its doors, not only because of the books but I was loosing the location that fueled so many of my words.  Now I have since moved on to Barnes and Noble.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the store but the writing doesn't come as easy there, plus the lack of plug-ins drives me up the wall.  I mentioned this on twitter if any of you caught it.  If not, I compared it to The Hunger Games breaking out over outlets.  The second a person next to an outlet moves, 5 people jump up to take his place.  Come on B&N, be a little more caring for the writers who put books on your shelves and supply us with outlets! Pst...In turn, we will spend more time there, thus spending more money on your coffee.  Hello marketing!

Ok, so I got a little off topic.  But what I am trying to say is that to each their own as long as you get the work done.  There is no right or wrong way to do it really.  That is as long as you aren't hunkered down waiting for your muse to meet you in the same space everyday because let me tell ya, it doesn't happen like that.  It's a job like anything else and with that you have to set limits.  Today I have wrote in B&N, a Starbucks after my book club, and now I am sitting on my balcony for the first time in months, soaking up this beautiful weather (I know storm season is upon us in the Mid-West so I gotta take what I can get.)

Is there anywhere that you can write or can't write?  Currently this balcony is rising up the latter but I can't seem to get myself to write at St. Louis Bread Company.  It is always overly packed and it just doesn't work for me.

I'd like to hear your thoughts so send em' my way!

I'll leave you with what keeps playing in my head over and over...maybe I'll get you stuck with me :P

On Waiting

        In author interviews I often ask this question “What is one thing you wish you knew before becoming an author?” And more often than not the answer to that question is “the waiting.” 

Jennifer Archer puts it this way:

“I wish I'd known how much time writers spend waiting! We wait to hear from agents and editors about book proposals we've sent. Then after the book sells we wait to do revisions. Once we've finished our part, we continue to wait while the publisher does everything they have to do to turn a manuscript into a book -- editing, layout, designing the cover, and more. We wait to see the cover art -- which is always SO exciting!Then the book is released and we wait for reviews, readers' reactions, and royalty checks!”

Right now, I’m waiting. I’m waiting to hear back from publisher, I’m waiting to hear back from agents, I’m waiting to hear back from writing buddy. You’d think by now the waiting would be like second nature, but its not. Its more like this. 

Because I’m keep thinking about all these scenarios  that could be and its freaking nerve-wracking! And while I’m still working on my super shiny new project, my mind keeps drifting back to the two that are out in the world. 

Now, here’s where I take a deep breath and get back on track. Because does it really matter what crazy scenarios I create in my mind? Does it help my stories if I worry myself into a sickness? No and no. This is the point of time where I let Dean tell me that: 

And Fez let me know that: 

And let me just hug y’all because you’re awesome and I love you! :-) 

No worries right? Let’s make a pact! What ya think? 

Much love, 

Valia