On Taking Breaks...

Hello lovelies,

Happy Friday everyone!
If you follow me on twitter you must've heard that I started a new project. This is quite an undertaking for me because it's new and exciting and totally different from anything I've ever written before. There are aspects to this story that I've been in love with for what seems like ever and I feel like I'm finally a strong enough writer to give it a go. Sure, I might crash and burn, but it's a learning process and I'm determined to learn.
That said, I will be taking a break from this blog for the duration of the project. I feel like I need to focus my own blog more on the writing aspects and therefore I think it would be better to take a break. You can still find me and my shenanigans over at http://wordsareinnermusic.blogspot.com and I will be returning to regularly scheduled programing here, but for right now, it's vacation time!
I hope you continue to follow me on twitter, because the madness is here! :-)
I leave you with a music video for the movie Pitch Perfect that I'm in! (The music video that is, not the movie)



Much Love, 
Valia 

Letting your subject find you...

Hello lovelies, 
    This morning I woke up all confused about what day it was. My end days at work changed and so while normally today for me would be Sunday, it's not. It's Friday. Which means I have to write a post. *Let the panic set in*
    Don't get me wrong, I love having a writer centered blog (with some awesome ladies) but sometimes I'm just not exactly sure what to write. Then, inspiration struck! *BAAM* While I was browsing twitter I stumbled upon this link to an awesome article GO HERE (Thanks Veronica Rossi for always sending greatness my way) It's basically an outline of How To Write rules by Colson Whitehead. It's amazing! Seriously, you guys should go read it, it will help you. 
    Rule #2 is simple: Don't go searching for your subject, let you subject find you. Deep, I know! And I'm sure we've talked about this before, I'm definitely sure you've heard it, but sometimes it seems we forget how important this aspect is. 
    Even in my own writing, sometimes, I want to "push" things when I really shouldn't. For example, I'm in love with fantasy right now. Seriously, if you haven't read Throne of Glass & Seraphina you're missing out, majorly! In my own writing, I'd love to write a stellar fantasy, preferably with lots of dragons. Just look at this beauty!

    But I can't. I know for a fact, that right now, I'm not a strong enough writer for a fantasy. Right now, my mind and my writing are on thriller/mystery type of stories, with a bit of romance. That is what came to me and that is what I write well. While I'd love to someday follow my dream and create something awesome with dragons in it, that someday is now right now. 
   Letting a subject find you allows you to write something you love and something that others will love. If you're sitting in front of you computer, crying your eyes out because you want to make this story great, pushing it out with your whole being, and begging your characters to work with you, then maybe this is not the story you should be writing at the moment. (I have to say though, if that's how you write, then write, but it doesn't work for me) I had to do that. I have two great ideas on the back burner because I know for a fact I can't do them justice right now. And who'd want to read something if you wouldn't want to read it yourself? 
  Well, that is my two cents. Take it or leave it. But I really do hope that when you write, you write something you love. That's the most important part. 
What you think? 


Much love, 
Valia 

Books on Writing

In the last week or so I have been diving into some books on writing. I have quite a few that sit upon my own shelves that I have read pieces here and there. To be honest some of them I find not my type of books. Yes I understand they are meant to be for educational purposes but I don't find them engaging at the same time. That was until I ran across Writing Down the Bones by Victoria Goldberg. I completely devoured it in a single day. Everything she talks about in that book, I have been feeling. It was so strong that I felt like it was wrote to me, for that very moment. Since reading it, I have put "Thunder and Lightening" on hold at the library. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

I was also recommended Plot & Structure, written by James Scott Bell, by Kristen Lamb. I just started it and I'm only a 100 pages or so in but so far it is crazy informative. Things that you find are common sense your mind doesn't really think of. I know that sounds strange but if you have been through it, then you know what I am trying to say. Even though I am not that far into it I HIGHLY recommend it to every writer. Heck, any of his writing books are a must buy. I have a few and loved them all.

I was at my town library, yes I go to two different libraries on a regular basis and yes that makes me a super nerd, I ran across The Zen of Writing by Ray Bradbury. If you guys don't know I am a big Ray fan. I have been for many many years and I knew that he wrote a book like this but I never read it. The book is essays on the art of writing and creativity with a splash of his life thrown in. I already knew alot about his general life from interviews and articles I've read before but these essays dive deeper. I have one more essay left in the bunch but everyone should check this out. I'm considering doing his noun list that he talks about early on in the book to help find story ideas.

Next is Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. I have this sitting beside me on the desk as I write. I haven't started it quite yet but every writer I have spoke with about books on the craft, this one always comes up. Normally I read quite a few books at one time but I am trying to finish the other two before I start this one. I have a feeling that once I do, I will devour it the same as I did Writing Down the Bones.

Then there is the ever popular On Writing by Stephen King. I have read this book so many times that it is crazy. It seems every time that I read it, I find something new and I wonder how I had missed it before. The book is parted in two with one containing his life and then another section on his writing/advice. If you are ever going to read a writing book this is one that I suggest starting with.

To end with The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. I have tried to do this 12 week program book 2 years ago when I was living in California but it really wasn't the right time to start it since I was driving back to Illinois. Now I have started it again and I'm on week 3. So far so good. I do my morning pages everyday and all the while I'm thinking, why haven't I been doing this forever. I know part of the reason why but still, I was silly not to keep with it. I have learned alot about myself and well as writing some interesting things in there. Of course, part of the idea of the morning pages is that you don't show anyone so sorry folks, nothing to see here :P

If there are any books that you have read on the craft and want to add to the list please do and please let me know. I am always looking for new stuff to try!

Naming My Babies...

As many of you might know, I’m in the deep clutches of revision. Seriously, I’m drowning in the sea of confusion and crazy. Have you seen my tweets lately? 

This is totally normal and I love every moment of it because it means I’m doing something right. (At least thats what I keep telling myself to actually sleep at night) But all of this is beside the point. 

A few weeks ago, while I was on a writing break, I decided to put together a few ideas about my newest. This Shiny Shenanigans is a story thats going to be very different for me to write. It’s like nothing I’ve written before and I’m super excited. So I’m sitting at work (it was surprisingly quiet) and thinking of drafting my ideas, which I never do. I realized a long time ago I’m not much of an outliner. I’m more of a floater, pantser, randomly writing things down and then putting them together like a puzzle kind of a writer. What I also realized is that I can’t even write a sentence without having my characters named. Is that weird? 

Seriously though, I HAVE to name my babies before I can start anything. So I pulled up a few baby name websites and went to work. It took me a few hours before I could narrow down the names, and it was hard. I literally stood up and took a poll with my coworkers! I feel like if my babies are going to have a life, then they should be name before they start their journey (just like in real life). I got some awesome names by the way and I can’t wait to start on their little adventure. 

But for now, I’m crawling back into my revision cave. Bye Shiny Shenanigans!

Anyway, anyone else do this? Or do you name your characters after you’ve written some things? 

Much love, 

Valia 

When you do that thing you do..

Hello lovelies, 

As usual, it’s Friday and I have nothing to talk about. Well, I’m sure I have something to talk about but it always seems like everything has already been said so why am I even trying right? Wrong! 

This is what we’re talking about today. 

People often ask me “Where do you get your ideas?” and I tell them “The ideas hat!” Not really, but wouldn’t it be cool if there was an ideas hat? Like one of those Mad Hatter hats. Stick your hand in, and out comes an idea. The thing about ideas is that there is nothing new under the sun. Because of that, ideas can be found anywhere. A crack in the sidewalk - enter the postapocolyptic battle: Man vs Machine. A leaf falling off a tree - enter autumn in old Victorian era: The Girl Who Doesn’t Want to Get Married.  A loud car horn - enter an artist in NY looking for her way in the world: This Time I Will Sell My Work, Memoirs of a Starving Artist. 

As a writer I get ideas all the time. I really mean that, all the time. But the truth is, probably all of those ideas are just that, ideas. True, I’ve never tried, but I don’t think I can successfully write an epic fantasy. While I adore dragons, that is just not my way of writing. That thing that makes an idea a book is the voice of a writer. And a whole load of perseverance. I know I’ve talked about that one before, but it’s important to remember that work is a constant companion to any writer. My best friend told me last night: “Even the simple things are not easy the first time.” You do, you learn, you grow, and you get better. 

The point of this babbling is just to remind you to find your voice first and then you can stick your hand into the idea hat. Because whatever you pull out of there will be amazing, if you write it. It’s that thing you do, so do it well! 

Much love, 

Valia 

On Editing Frenzy

So I’ve started edits. *RUNS OUT OF THE ROOM SCREAMING* 

*sneaks back in and sits down*

I’m actually not sure how I feel about edits. Sometimes I really hate this part and sometimes I really love it. I think I’m in the love it stage at the moment. Maybe. Possibly. I just love my characters so much and there is lots that goes on in this story, so I feel that I need to make sure all that goes on goes on the way it supposed to. Am I making any sense? Probably not. That’s the other side of editing. My brain is on holiday, except for this MS. Which is a bummer because I have this shiny bright new idea that I want to start working on but can’t. I’m all over the place people!!! It’s kind of comical. 

But anyway, this is it. That’s all I have for you today. Oh, question time. 

How do you deal with crazy? Anyone else editing at the moment? Anything else you’d like to say? 

Much love and hugs, 

Valia 

Writerly Things

So yesterday, on my blog, I posted that I need to start talking about my own writing/writing in general a bit more. I’ve been so focused on doing reviews, guest posts, and In My Mailbox meme that I’ve neglected my own writerly things. So this post, even thought its not on my personal blog, is about my writing. 

Right now, I am working on my fourth book. I’ve written short stories and poems in between but this is book number four in my world of writing. It’s kind of crazy to think that I’ve written that many books. I know for some of you awesome people four books is how many you’ll write in a year. I am not that kind of a writer. It takes me a bit longer then some to finish a story (it took me two years to write Simplicity). My job, especially now, is really demanding and sometimes when I get home after a full day of saving lives and dealing with people, I can’t bring myself to even write a word. 

However, book number four is just a few chapters short of completion. As in I can see the finish line, I will be crossing it in the matter of days, I am so excited I can’t stand it! 

I looked back on this project and realized that I started it in January. I wrote a few bits and ideas for it at the end of last year, but didn’t fully start working on it till the beginning of this year. You realize what this means right? It’s been four months since the beginning chapter of my Secret Project and I’m almost done! 

I can’t even tell you how excited I am about this. I have to give partial credit for my success to my wonderful critique partner Farrah Penn (follow her, she’s fabulous). You can’t imagine how many times I’ve texted her with random things like “So I think I feel like killing somebody,” and “I HAVE SO MANY FEELINGS I don’t know what to do!” Having someone to talk out a scene with is the BEST! Farrah, I’m hugging you through the computer. 

Anyway, I say all of this to tell you not to give up. To keep going. To reach for the stars. It’s the advice I’ve given over and over again, and will continue to do so because we all, myself included, need to hear it. We learn, we develop, we take chances on our own crazy imagination to create something that we love. Some days I truly do love it, and some days I wonder if I should even be writing. Yet, in the end, writing is like breathing. I need it, I want it, I like to keep my lungs from exploding in pain. 

So keep writing! 

Much love, 

Valia 

Guest Post: Perseverance by Robin Mellom

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. 

Robin Mellom wrote this post for my own blog but I felt like I should share it here again. Perseverance is something that we often overlook as writers. When people ask us what we do as writers they forget that it takes hard work. But the greatest thing ever is that we're not alone. There are others out there, working side by side with us, making a world a better place. That's right, writers do! Remember that!

Much love, 

Valia 

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 

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 

Writing Tips for Writers from Writers

       So this week I found this whole blog post on writing tips which I thought I’d share. I love this part of the writing community because I can always find something to make me better from those who have “made it.” 

Stephen King:

“If you want to be a writer,” says Stephen King, “you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”

John Grisham:

“Before you can be a writer you have to experience some things, see some of the world, go through things–love, heartbreak, and so on–, because you need to have something to say.”

Ernest Hemingway:

Interviewer: How much rewriting do you do? 

Hemingway: It depends, I re-wrote the ending to “Farewell to Arms”, the last page of it, thirty-nine times before I was satisfied. 

Interviewer: Was there some technical problem there? What was it that had stumped you?

Hemingway: Getting the words right. 

Kurt Vonnegut:

“Give the reader at least one character he or she can root for.”

“Write to please just one person. If you open a window and make love to the world, so to speak, your story will get pneumonia.”

James Patterson:

“I’m always pretending that I’m sitting across from somebody. I’m telling them a story, and I don’t want them to get up until it’s finished.”

Margaret Atwood:

“If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.”

One aspect of writing that I noticed is that if I don’t want to read my own writing then no one else will as well. It’s such simple advice, to write what you know, to write what you love, but its so often overlooked. Sometimes I feel that when people ask how to be a writer they look past all of these simple pieces of advice and look for something grand. As writers we need to remember, its about writing and perseverance. You have those two, and you can be a writer. 

Ya, I couldn't help it

Go forth and Write!!

Much love, 

Valia 

On Writing a Book & a Question

Hello lovelies,


So, today I'm sharing a video with you that I find particularly helpful. Jackson Pearce is probably one of my favorite authors when it comes to writing advice. So for all of you who have the desire to write a book, this one is for you.





Now for the question:


What kind of a cover always catches your eye? 


Much love, 
Valia 

On Coloring Outside the Lines

  If you know me for any period time you’ll discover that I love quotes. When I was in high school and college my planners were filled with random stuff like: 

“Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, where the heck is the ceiling.” 

  and 

“The only reason people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory.” 

While I still love the funny randomness, my quote collection has expended to things such as:

“The difference between the right word and almost the right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.” - Mark Twain 

“When he killed a calf he would do it in a high style, and make a speech. (About Shakespeare)” - John Aubrey 

“The best time to plan a book is while you're doing the dishes.” (or while you’re in the shower, really anytime you can’t actually write anything down) - Agatha Christie 

Being a writer means you’re always growing. I have realized that once again when I started my new project. You see, this story is written in present tense, and that’s new for me. And I mean terrifying, crazy, my-head-is-going-to-explode kind of new. It's like coloring outside the lines. Sure, I’ve written stories in present tense before but never a full blown novel. Yet, since I’ve taken this step in the new direction I realized that I have grown as a writer. I know, shocker right? But I think sometimes we forget to see our own journey because we focus so much more on the end result. Also, I have a tendency to feel like this:

Yep, totally me as I started this project!

But you know what? I have to be honest, I’m loving writing in present tense. I know its going to be a tough journey because I keep reverting back to the way I’m “used to” writing, but I will keep pushing myself. This is my goal. In the end, its going to be beautiful and amazing, because that's what writing is all about. Its about coloring outside the lines. 

What are some of your writing goals? Do you have a preference in tense types? 

And don’t worry, the rest of the Warehouse crew is alive and well, they’re just hiding from the internet at the moment (not of their own making). I’m holding down the fort, but seriously hoping they return soon. Because, come on people, we all know they’re the entertaining ones. :-)

Much love, 

Valia 

On Craziness and Waiting

I have to be honest, I had a little bit of a hard time coming up with a topic this week. You see, my brain is a bowl of candy on Halloween. There is so much crazy in there, if you stick your hand in, you won’t know what will come out. I know, great visual for ya’ll, but its the truth. 

Does anyone else have weeks like that? 

Yet, I am not without a reason, oh dear ones. In a word, the reason (well one of them) for my madness is: querying. 

Query [ˈkwɪərɪ] “an inquiry from a writer to an editor of a magazine, newspaper, etc., regarding the acceptability of or interest in an idea for an article, news story, or the like: usually presented in the form of a letter that outlines or describes the projected piece.” (Dictionary.com)

Yes, that’s what I did. Or doing. Whichever. *shakes uncontrollably* 

The truth about publishing that no one ever seems to remember is the fact that publishing world is filled with rejection. People ask me all the time, “So when is your book getting published?” And more often than not, I really dislike that question. After the grueling (and ridiculously fun) process of actually writing and revising the book, there is agent search. Then, publisher search. Constant sanity search. But that’s beside the point. The point being, publishing world is brutal. However, while I toss and turn, fidgeting constantly while I wait, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.  Why? Because this is the world I’m part of and that’s how it works. I know, crazy logic but I already mentioned my mind is a nuclear explosion in my brain. 

It would be cool if it was this. 

Instead, it's more of this.

So, here’s to waiting. 

Waiting. 

Waiting. 

Here’s a video for you (or me, whatever):

Still waiting. 

Much love, 

Valia 

Nova on Novel Playlists

NOVEL PLAYLISTS

So I am sure you have all heard of this before. It isn't something that is kept under lock and key though authors do usually wait until their book is released to post about their playlists.  A novel playlist, in case you haven't heard about it, is when an author lists together songs that help push them along in the writing process.  Depending on the author, it can be songs that pertain to their plot, characters, settings, feelings, etc. When you have the right music or inspiration, it can help all that much more during the writing process.  In my case, it helps me get into a certain feeling while I write a scene.  I've even had a certain song inspire a whole scene altogether.

When I sit down at the computer to focus on my work, I have to listen to something more soothing instead, say something like techno or screamo--which I can't stand screamo in the first place unless it is Flyleaf.  Usually I go for things with a strong guitar or piano leads because for some reason those tones help me focus more.  I do run into moments where I want to sing along though, which makes things a lil' more difficult but it is hard for me to write without something going on in the background.  I can however write in a coffee shop/bookstore with no music as long as I have headphones on to muffle the conversations.

I've been collecting songs for my novel playlist for quite awhile.  I have ones for certain characters, lists for certain emotions, and ones that fit perfectly into my story.  There are times when I feel like I've heard each song a million times so I just switch over to Pandora.com and pick an artist who has a similar tone to what I am writing and let it go for hours.  That is also the way I find some amazing new artists. I tend to go for artists who are less mainstream as of right now and a little on the folkie side.  No I'm not meaning knee slapping hillbilly music but if you ever watch The Vampire Diaries, Secret Circle, or Pretty Little Liars then you have an idea of what kind of music I lean towards.

Not only does playlists help out the author while writing, but I've seen many authors post their playlists for their readers so they can read along with music the author chose. Maggie Stiefvater posted one for her Mercy Falls books. Check out Forever's Playlist Here!   I think she has similar posts for all of her books but I just posted the one for now. And if you don't follow Maggie's blog, shame on you! She is wonderful and is amazingly entertaining.  If you are curious if there are author playlists for your favorite books, I suggest that you check out the author's website/blog.  They are usually pretty easy to find.

Once Novel playlists started getting pretty big on the net, something new popped up, fan made playlists.  I'm not just talking about songs that readers combine together on what reminds them of their favorite characters, I'm talking about actual songs that readers have created.  There are some amazing and talented fans out there and it is always amazing to see how one person's work inspires anothers.  Some of my favorites have been The Hunger Games Project and The Mitch Hansen Band. Check them out if you haven't!

I'm not going to post my playlist just quite yet but I will list some of my go to artists below.  What kind of music do you listen to while you write?  Do any of you share similar ones to my own?  I'd love to hear!

Without further ado...here are some of my favorite writing artists:

Adele
The Afters
The Avett Brothers
Birdy
Brandi Carlile
Dashboard Confessional
A Fine Frenzy
David Cook
The Fray
The Script
Oasis
Peter Bradley Adams
Sara Bareilles
Beside Lights
Brooke Waggoner
The Civil Wars ( I can listen to them all day.  They are one of my favorite artists)
Damien Rice
Ray Lamontage
Dry The River
Erin McCarley
Glass Pear
He is We

Ok that gives you an idea. If you want some recommendations let me know and I'll add some more to the list.  Enjoy!!

On Getting Involved

*Boo!* 

Sorry, had to get that out of the way. 

Writers are solitary creatures. There are not many careers out there that allow you to spend your days in pj’s, if need be, away from all the crazy that is outside of your house. We like solitude. We like to be able to live in our own little worlds. After all, our worlds are rockin! 

But on the other side of this solitude is the loneliness. I know we have talked about that here before, but loneliness is just as much a part of a writers life as breathing. We all get in the ruts of self doubt, procrastination, and various other depressing words that you can enter here. However, what I’ve discovered in the past year was that writers are also one big family. 

This is nothing new either. If you’ve been writing for any length of time you have discovered this for yourself. We band together to keep each other encouraged and motivated. So this is where the core of my post lies.

This year, I’ve decided that I would be more involved. On my personal blog, I write a lot of book reviews. I just adore the privilege to let others know about a particular author and their book. But what I’ve decided to do is to get the authors themselves a little more involved. On top of the reviews, I want to have a Q&A, or a sneak peak, or just some kind of a visit from the authors themselves. Like this Interview & Giveaway I have on my blog right now (Click here).  I want my readers to discover the authors and their work in the best light possible. Truth be told, it is a bit intimidating to reach out to those who have “made it” while I’m still searching for an agent *wipes brow* (but that is a topic for another day). However, the family that is us is a lot more open and receptive than I could’ve ever imagined. The people that take time to talk to me are the ones who encourage me to keep going and that is why I want to get involved. I want to give a little of it back. I encourage you, my friends, to give something back as well. Get involved in your writing communities. Drop a sweet note into an authors mailbox. Comment on a blog post *hint hint* We appreciate it more than words can express. 

Now I leave you with a questions: what authors would you like me to have featured on the blog? 

Go forth and do something nice for somebody today! 

(Even though its Friday the 13th)

Much love, 

Valia 

Once Upon A Time

       I was having a discussion earlier today with fabulous Leigh Fallon. Halfway through the discussion I realized we were discussing a show, and I was quite into it. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love shows! I love movies. Anything with pretty pictures on the screen, sign me up! But what I find hilarious is how involved I get in these things. 

Stories. They get me every time.

     

       Then I started thinking, why is this show so interesting? What makes me what to go back to it, week after week? Is it the fairy tale aspect? Is it the awesome characters? Or how about the plot line of two worlds? But in truth, it is all of those things and more. Not one of the aspects I mentioned could be as gripping if they were a stand alone fact. 

Someone please bring him back!

That is what I want my writing to be. I want my characters to jump off the pages. I want my story to be so breathtaking that you want to turn to the next page. Most of all, I want something that will stay in your hearts forever like those fairy tales do. Yes, I want a lot of things. Sometimes I feel like those who don’t write don’t really understand how big of an undertaking something like a story truly is. Would you be willing to kill off a beloved character? Seriously, did anyone else NOT see that coming? This is what I’m talking about. Taking risks, pouring your heart into your work, being fearless. This is the kind of a writer I want to be. How about you? 

Much love, 

Valia