I'm Losing My Mind a Little....

So I have to apologize to pieces because today's post is nothing new, nothing original, and nothing by me! I'm so behind on a bunch of things, and yesterday was a crazy day that added a load of extra work (which I'll be telling you all about later). So today, today we're just going to enjoy some music and laugh a little.


One of my writing songs :-) Just because :) Dance!!! Ok, I'm out! Love ya all to pieces!!! (Don't you love seeing all the crazy that's driving my life right now? haha) 
Hugs, Valia

Fears and Genius

A friend of mine recently sent me this speech and I have watched it far more than I would like to admit.  This was one of the most inspiring speeches I've heard thus far about writing.  It has really helped me push on.  Without further ado, check it out before you read the rest of the blog.

First off, we will start with fear.  Elizabeth talks about the fears after her big hit Eat, Pray, Love.  Now I'm assuming you all watched the video, if you didn't, shame on you!  Didn't they teach you to listen in school?  Anyway, assuming that you watched it, she also brings up the fears she had before Eat, Pray, Love existed.  There will always be fears.  It doesn't matter if you conquer one, there will always be another to come and take his place in line.  Now this may seem as if you are never going anywhere but really you are.  Think of a time where you had trouble with something and were scared it would never happen. Now do you remember what it felt like when you over came that fear?  It felt wonderful didn't it?  I know for me, it feels like you are soaring high above and looking down on everything else for one small moment and in that moment, everything is perfect.  

I have fears just as much as any other beginning author.  Currently I am settling in at "are these crappy words ever going to come together into what I see in my head?" Or the well known one that Elizabeth brings up "You should just stop because you are writing the worst book ever written."  A part of me though says, yes that very well may be to someone else but to you, it won't be.  It will be this magical, wonderful little thing that you worked your butt off to make.  You will always have people who don't agree with you but you shouldn't let that stop you.  If everyone thought that way, nothing would ever get done and it wouldn't be the world that we have today with all the amazing stories, gadgets, etc. Can you imagine if the guy who created the internet was told he was crazy and never went for it because he was scared of failing?  I wouldn't be writing this post to any of you today if so.  *thank god he did because I'm far too addicted to the interwebs*

Like her, I also write with a barrier put up.  I don't do it because I'm trying to quiet the wants and needs of readers because who am I kidding?  No one knows who I am.  I do put one up to quiet out myself and the outside world. When I am at home, I put on these huge gaming headphones that drown out everything around me (and also make me look like an idiot).  The moment those go on, I feel focused.  It is almost as if it shuts everything, including me, out.  What is left is just the story hanging in the air and moving my fingers across the keyboard.   

I truly believe what Elizabeth says about the story being outside yourself and your "genius" or "daemon" or even "muse" is the one feeding you the information.  I would like to think it is all me but honestly, I never really feel like it is me that comes up with the ideas that I do.  I do believe that the story is out there and already exists and all you have to do is find it.  My ideas are always random.  It is similar to the story we were told of when Newton was hit over the head with an apple and he created the Law of Gravity.  Now I'm not saying an apple falls on my head every time an idea shows up, but it does happen at the strangest times.  Once, a major part of my story line for #ClassifiedNovel came to me as I cooked a Turkey Burger. #nolie  

  

The days that they don't show up are the hardest.  That I have felt in the last few months but unlike Elizabeth, I didn't keep writing.  Since my "Genius" didn't show up, I didn't either.  After watching this and also from reading a few other blogs with a similar theme, I have learned: 

1) It isn't always going to be easy.  There will be moments that the words just don't come. 

2) When the words don't show up, write anyway. They may not be the best words you have ever written,    but at least you will have something to show for yourself.  

3) Tell your "Genius" whose boss.  If they want to get any sort of credit or recognition, they better step up to the plate and do their part.  

I hope you all liked the video and at least got something informational from my ramblings.  If not, well there is always next time.  Don't forget to feed your "Genius" until then! *pssst* I hear they like music and good art. *wink*

Staying Motivated

Writing has always been what I love most.  In my lifetime of flux, writing is the one thing I can honestly say has never wavered.  This doesn't mean I have always lived the life of a writer who is determined to make it big in the publishing world.  And, even though I love it, grown up life gets in the way and I lose motivation to sit all alone and peck keys on a keyboard. After a hard day I want to be social or active.  Often, I want to read about everyone else and their day on Facebook or Twitter.

Whenever someone (a non-writer) finds out I am writing a book, the first thing they say is, "I could never do that.  I wouldn't have the patience to sit and write all of that."  To be honest, I used to think the same thing.  I loved writing stories, but stuck to poetry because I didn't think I was a "distance writer."  I have since learned the secret.  

Authors work together!  That's how they get it done.  The support structure that Twitter and Facebook, Skype and others, offer to authors is incredible.  With these tools, writers can teach each other their strategies, offer emotional support and encouragement, celebrate together and even virtually work together.

Tonight, in fact, Nova Lovette and I wrote in 30 minute sprints together.  Her from her house and me from mine.  She would set the timer and tell me when to start via Facebook or Twitter.  Then she would tell me when to stop.  We shared our word counts with one another and even brainstormed our way through some sticky plot points in between our sprints.  Several times I wanted to quit, but knowing I was reporting to her and that she wasn't quitting, kept me honest and motivated.  By the end, she exceeded her goal of 2000 words and I had over 2500 words to show for it.  Plus, we built a closer friendship.  No loss there.

I'm so glad I stuck it out.  I worked through a scene that I have been stuck on for a month.  I've clarified some of my plot and character actions.  Without one another, Nova and I may not have been as successful as we were tonight.  Follow us on Twitter or Facebook if you want to join us on some writing sprints sometime.  As of right now, they aren't at scheduled times (hard to do in the summer months), but if you catch us in a sprint, you can always join in.

Don't think writing a novel has to be done in some wooded cabin, isolated from all distractions.  All you need is a writing partner who is as determined as you are, but honest about their motivation--and maybe some caffeine, cheese balls and a kick-butt playlist.  Good Luck and Happy Writing.

#StayGroovy  

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 

Second Chances

Sometimes in life there comes a moment where you are at a crossroads.  It's there that you stand looking down both options like a Robert Frost poem, trying to decide what you want the most.  You could continue on the easy, yet sometimes confusing path that you are currently on or you can follow the unknown path of your hopes and dreams.

It's never an easy choice really.  At least not for some.  Comfortability is something that we want to hold on to.  It's like when a baby checks its steps before fully letting go and walking on their own or when a child is terrified to ride their bike without the training wheels, but that relieved and soaring feeling that rushes through your body when you accomplish something you set out to do, is one of the best feelings in life.  If you always hang on to the comfort, how do you ever expect to grow?

A wise person said yesterday that second chances aren't just given to you, you have to take them.  Well here is me taking mine and letting go of everything to find something exciting that makes my stomach jump like one does after a steep hill.  You have to find that in life because without it, it is no life at all.

And so, here I am taking my first steps onto a path I was too afraid to take until now.  That scared, terrified feeling of something new is only beginning and I can't wait to feel what comes next.  Who knows where this path might take me, but that's half the fun.

Supplies Necessary for Writing

Writing in the 21^st Century requires so much more than paper and pencils.  Each writer has their own necessities which almost always include some sort of munchable and drinkable.  Despite the obvious need for sustenance, one might ask what are the required working materials for a modern day scribe?

Computer- this tool is required for the actual construction of literary greatness, the caliber of which will change the history of publishing and bestseller’s lists for eternity.  With the limits of typewriters, (do they still make those?) authors must upgrade if they want to remain competitive.

Paper- must be blank on at least one side for printing your fine, history-making best seller upon.  Be sure to use a good marker (you know one that won’t bleed through) to X out your kid’s homework on the other side since you ran out of printer paper again.

Internet- The Swiss Army knife of writing.  Permits a Google search at a moment’s notice, can carry on no less than four Facebook chats about how you aren’t getting your work done fast enough for that deadline next week and follow five Twitter conversations about how to write “Hit Lit” so you can make more money than Twilight and retire to Fiji while you are still a smokin’ hottie, all while writing a blog post about writer’s block.

Music- For listening to that carefully crafted mood-setting playlist.  You will also need knowledge for building new ones.  This will eliminate the risk of finding yourself without means to set the appropriate mood and tone when no teenagers happen to be nearby.

Pens- of various colors so when you revise and write all over that heartfelt manuscript the edits look like a rainbow and therefore make you smile instead of feeling convinced your life’s work permanently belongs in a slush pile.

Caffeine- Seriously?  I'm not even going to insult you with an explanation!

Tissue - THE most important supply for a writer.  Why tissue?  Tissue for those dark, private moments when you open those letters from publishers or contests knowing it will be yet another “thank you, but...” letter.  Because, even though you’ve heard, “If you haven’t received at least three rejection letters this week, you aren’t trying hard enough,” you still don’t want to add another one to your collection.

Tissues for those moments when you are sitting at your computer, bundled up in blankets with your hot tea or coffee, waiting to die from the Avian Flu you probably caught from that snot-covered kid at the grocery store last week.  But there you sit anyway, writing—and, constantly wiping and blowing your bright red nose, hoping you finish before death comes calling.

And tissues for those scenes that sneak up on you.  The ones that make you ache with anxiety or tremble in fear as if you were your character.  Scenes that make you sob with happiness, blurring the screen as you continue to type.  Scenes, so heart-wrenching they haunt you until finally images explode into words, bringing with them so much relief that tears flow silently as you sit oblivious to the world around you. 

Finally, we need tissues for those moments when all our sacrifice, all our fretting and editing, all our hand cramps and caffeine buzzes come to fruition.  We need tissues because, if we did it just right, our work, our words, our worlds, touch somebody’s soul— making a difference in someone’s life, making someone smile when they are sad, or making someone weep because they are finally understood.  Our writing, can give them the hope that passion and dreams can come true for the "every man".  At the very least, we give someone the escape they need on a rainy day.  This is why writers need tissues.

    

I write this blog entry in preparation for what I anticipate will be a very difficult weekend for me.  I have been struggling with a key scene in my WIP for over a week now.  It is an uncomfortable scene for me to write for a number of reasons (I can’t get into them all now, it will ruin the book.).  Each time I sit down, I get anxious, my shoulders twist up into knots and I start editing before I even type.  This has created one crabby and frustrated Christine.  Therefore, this weekend, I will need all of the above—especially tissue—because I am not leaving my writing space until the scene is finished!  No matter what!  So someone—PLEASE—bring me a fresh supply of caffeine sometime Sunday morning.  Thank you!!!

Help me out!  Just in case my weekend lock-in doesn't work:  How do you make it through a scene that is difficult (for whatever reason) for you to write?

Stay Groovy,

Christine Benson

The Shiny

Hey Hey!! So forgive me for being gone but I shall explain it in the video.  Expect to see more of them because I am kinda having fun with it.  Any advice is more than welcome so please send it my way.  Oh and if you have any vlog topics you would like covered I would like to hear those as well.  *wink*

Who is that goofy gal in the red hat? Oh...never mind. 

New Edition and The Payoff of Taking a Chance

Hello all!! Yes I realize it is Tuesday and we all know I'm not the early type HA.  If you saw recent postings on our twitters you would know we have gained a new member into our ranks.  I had the pleasure of turning her into a zombie more than one time and I can speak from experience that her brain sure is good!  Plus this gal has a fun personality to boot.  I hope you all enjoy hanging out with her as I have.  Without further ado, the awesome Christine Benson!!!!

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The Payoff of Taking a Chance

I have always been one to play it safe when it comes to making important decisions. Not
the “What should I do this weekend?” kind of decisions, but big decisions like “What should I be
when I grow up and how much education will I need for that?” For as long as I can remember, I
have been scared of feeling pigeon-holed in a job or career I couldn’t stand or one that leaves me
unable to support my family. (I mean, choosing the wrong path is not a small mistake!)

Choosing a career path costs time and money, and neither are refundable. This is not something
I felt I could afford to screw up. Just out of high school, I thought I might want to go into
nursing. I got a job at a hospital while pursuing my general-ed courses. Thank goodness too,
because about two years in, I saw this 10 year old boy who broke his arm skateboarding. His
arm zigzagged in the most unnatural way and I almost got sick. It was the weirdest thing. After
all I had seen, (blood, guts and mucus) nothing had bothered me yet, but this kid and his twisted
bones had me dropping my entire course load for the next semester.

I had no Plan B, so I enlisted in the Air Force until I could figure out my path in life. My
parents' marriage was falling apart and so were my morals as I quickly approached my 21st
birthday. My hope was the military would finish raising me. And raise me it did, until Plan B
dropped itself right into my heart and I felt an inclination to start a family. Since the military
didn't fit with my new family plan, I sought a medical discharge— I was pregnant— and
pretended I was a real grown up.

The problem was I still had no career. I also didn't like the idea of leaving my baby with
strangers. My extensive babysitting experiences led me to explore working in daycare. After a
few years there, one of the parents said to me, "Why not go to school? Time is going to pass you
by no matter what. Where do you want to be in two years? Here, with everything unchanged
except your age or here with a raise and an associate’s degree in education? No one can take
knowledge away from you."

I thought about the risk involved in picking one degree area. Scary stuff to think about. What
if I tried, spent all that time and money and found out I wasn't smart enough to teach? Then I
realized, I was already teaching. I was teaching at daycare and I was teaching my son. So, I
took the chance; going to school could only make me better. While I was there, I learned a few
things about myself: I am excellent at teaching. Writing brings pure bliss—even papers for
school. And, hey, I like to read this YA stuff. Taking this opportunity is how I found my Plan C
(C for calling). Teaching middle school reading and writing just feels natural.

But I have since learned that taking chances can't apply only to choosing a career path. Taking
chances HAS TO translate into everything you do in life. Every venture that comes your way
has to be honestly explored with self-confidence. That's where you find happiness. That's where

you find the people who are most like you and who will support you.

I am taking a new chance now thanks to those wonderful supporters and a little bit of faith
in myself. I'm taking a chance with my writing. I can be something with it. I can make a
difference. In taking that gamble, I find myself here: a member of the YA Warehouse blog,
sharing my experience with you. Won't you please share with me in return? What is your
journey? What dreams are you deferring?

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 

Packing...and more Packing

Sorry everyone that I have been gone!  We are moving into a house this Friday and I have been in a packing storm.  I feel like I most so much! Well, I do but still. So for now, I want to turn you over to Danny Marks recent vlog about Ruts.

I have been stuck in a writing Rut for quite awhile as well but I believe it is due to my horrible scheduling habits.  This is something I really need to work on and I plan on focusing on it as soon as all this other crap is done. UGH! *falls down and passes out*

Write Like A Princess

Hello lovelies,


While I was contemplating what to write about, I was watching Jackson Pearce's youtube channel and I stumbled on this video. So, I thought I'd share it with you because it totally fits with my ramblings today!







I went to see Mirror, Mirror yesterday and I started thinking about Disney movies in general. So when I saw this video I was very happy. 
At this stage of my WIP its very important that I cover all the bases. I'm about 20K from being completely done with the book so I need to make sure that my characters all got what they were looking for. So yesterday, during my writing time, instead of writing I went back and organized my whole book. I use Scrivener for my work (and LOVE it) but I often forget about all the extra features the program offers. While I make notes all over the place, I never fully used the notecards features before. So now, my screen looks a little like this. (Actually, it looks pretty identical to that). 

No, that's not my book because you don't get to see that yet. I found the picture online so thank you whoever provided it! 

Anyway, now I know what my characters want and need. I found my own "I wish" song in all that madness and now I know exactly what to do! It's the best feeling!!

How do you guys organize your thoughts? 

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 

I did NOT forget you, my lovelies!

But I must leave you with only an awesome video... not new, but hilarious and fun. There are reasons for my prolonged and boring silence, and I apologize.

I hope this will make up for it:

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 

Nova *head desk*

Yes that is right, I am considering following through with the head desk if it stops the pounding in my head--not the voices, I like the voices.  Today I went to the eye doctor, which I haven't visited in @*&%@$ yrs, and I realize now why I hated going so much. Every freakin' time I get out of there, I have the worst headache any human can get.  See Migraines run in my family--thanks mom--and they didn't skip over me either.  My lovely torturer, err I mean Eye Doctor, shoved all these pretty vibrant lights into my eyes, stuck a tiny blue light so close to my eye that when I blinked my eye lids closed over it, he proved just how insanely blind I am, and dunked my eyeballs into yellow goop and blinded me with more lights.  But like the usual visits they smooth everything over with picking out your new glasses. I have a certain style that I love and the new glasses are within the same realm of the ones I currently have.  I also bought sunglasses which I haven't had the pleasure of owning since I got my first pair of glasses in the 5th grade.  I can't WAIT to give them a test run!  

To end on a slightly non-dramatic way I think I'm going to paste in some of my favorite website/blogs!

http://www.writing.com/
http://hollylisle.com/
http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2009/06/writing-advice-database.html
http://www.yahighway.com/
http://www.rainymood.com/  (I use this soooooo much and play it low under my music)
http://moodturn.com/bonfire/
http://distraction99.com/   (I love her blog and I must say she has one great name don't ya think?)
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklistsawards/booklistsbook
http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/   (I can't express how much I have learned from her blog)
http://writeordie.com/  (cool program to check out)
http://yourpants.org/  (The Awesome)
http://writeoncon.com/   (I will be signing up for this)
http://koti.mbnet.fi/pasenka/quotes/q-writ.htm#About ideas 
http://www.youtube.com/user/YARebels?ob=0&feature=results_main

Some are more on the fun side than crazy informational.  What are some of your favorite sites to visit?

Monday is only here for a quick laugh

It is late on Monday, and I am straddling some strange mix of exhaustion and productivity. I don't have anything particularly wise or salient to add this week, so I shall instead share a video with you.

If you haven't seen already, Rachel Hawkins shared this song a few days ago and single-handedly helped propel it to viral status, at least within the YA community. It's fun and cheesy and a little dumb, but I enjoy it. Perhaps a bit too much, since I listened to this song approximately four hundred million zillion times last week.

So. Now I inflict it all on you.



You're welcome.