Valia Lind's Blog, page 44

I know its an odd day for this, but I promised. What are you reading??? ;)
Much love,
Valia

Yes, that title covers it all :)Greetings! I am coming out of my little writing cave to talk about writing. I mean seriously, did you expect anything else? So in the past twelve days I have been hard at work at editing my current WIP. You'd think after spending all of that time on writing the story, editing would be a piece of cake. (mmm, cake) But if you think that, and many do, you are wrong. In some ways I think editing is a bit tougher than first draft. I've hear it said, "Come on, you already written the book and its awesome, why change anything?" But once you start reading your own writing, that awesomeness pretty much disappears. My thoughts rage anywhere from, "I'm a lousy writer," to "I hate this whole stupid book, you're going in the trash!" Then, I take a deep breath, throw myself a random dance party, and get back to work.  Editing is also tough because you want to be working on other ideas that kept popping up in your head during the first draft. I have outlined quite a few stories and been waiting to see if any of them pan out. But of course, MUST. EDIT. It is a long process. Before I can start querying, my draft has to be PERFECT! (I'm sorry to shout, but its that important!) And of course, that perfection angle sets me in another fit of "Why do I even write?" Basically, editing involves a lot of pushing and panicking.  Then comes the querying. I am not a good query letter writer. But I will get better, and I will get better because I was recommended this awesome book "From the Query to the Call" by Elana Johnson. I love it! It has all the information I need, plus quite a few examples! Thank you Elana for writing such a wonderfully helpful book. Here's a link for anyone who is interested! Free Book Here!On the other hand, I've received a number of books recently, and decided that I was going to do a IMM video instead of just listing all of the names. However, the video will have to wait till tomorrow! *fingers crossed* 
Awe, cute kitty! [image error]
Ok, now I'm off to edit! You've been waiting for that, huh? I'll try not to panic! But I make no promises!Much love,Valia

I don't know why, but my title reminds me of Casper :)
Yes, dearest readers, it really is me! I know, I know, I have been MIA for quite some time. In my defense, I have very good reasons. Well, actually just one main one. Would you like to know what it is? Can you guess it? No, I have not been abducted by aliens. No, I have not crossed over to the other universe. Ok, enough with the guessing. I'll tell you! I've been writing! Ha, didn't see that one coming did you? But I'm going to make it up to you! Want to know how? No, lets not guess again! I'm going to share some news with you, thats how.
*Drumroll please*
***
***
***
***
Book #2 is complete!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woohoo!!!! *throws virtual confetti* *happy happy dance* *looks around at the mess created* *gets a virtual vacuum cleaner* All better. :)


Yes, I'm quite excited if you couldn't tell! As of yesterday, I have in my hands the first set of typeset pages. Can't wait to start with all the editing. (and its going to need a lot of editing). Once this MS is polished, the hunt for agents begins! So if you know of any agents, send them my way. :)
In other news, I now have a youtube channel (in case you missed my video posts :). http://www.youtube.com/user/journeyof... I'm very excited about this because I am not one for camera time, so its a bit out of my comfort zone. I would really love for you to go and subscribe, and enjoy my little bit of craziness :)
Also, I have started another writing project. This one has to stay a bit on the down low until I can figure it all out, but I'm so super excited about this story! It's YA, and that is a new territory for me so we'll see how it goes.
Speaking of my youtube channel, I decided to do VEDA, which is Vlog Every Day in April, but with a twist. I'm actually doing VLODA, which is Vlog Lots Of Days in April, because I missed a few days and probably will miss a few more. Hey, I'm new at this alright?
Oh before I forget, did you go out and get your copies of City of Fallen Angels? Red Glove? Where She Went? 






I think I'm missing a few.... But anyway, leave me comments below on what you thought of those books if you have read them! You know I love hearing from you!
Much love,


Valia

Hello dear readers,
I posted my first question/answer video last night and I hope you take a look! Please leave me your feedback and questions! I love being able to give you a little insight to who I am as a writer and such.



Also, I promise I will make a full length WRITTEN blog entry soon!

Much love,

Valia

Hey guys! Take a look at this video I made with a quote from Cassandra Clare Mortal Instruments series!



What you think?

Much love,

Valia

Hey guys!!!! I entered a contest and I need some serious votes!!! Thanks!!!!



Much love,

Valia

Hello my dear readers!!!
Yes, I have a youtube page. I'm really excited about this project and I hope you are too! I really hope that I can be a help and encouragement to all of you writers and readers out there. I explain it in the video.



You like??? I hope so!!! Leave me a comment!

Much love,

Valia

Song title courtesy of Christina Aguilera      Let me begin with saying Happy International Women's Day!!! That's right I can finally say that without everyone looking at me like I'm nuts. I've been in US for 11 years and every year March 8th comes around and I wish everyone a Happy Women's Day and they all look at me like I'm from another planet. Or just a different country. :) Anyway, this year I've seen advertisements, brochures, and promotions on different websites. Its the celebration of 100 years of women's achievements! To all my women writer friends out there, you're part of that!!! Just thought I'd throw that in there! On the other hand, here is some of my TBR pile. Lots of reading to do thats for sure! And a few reviews to write.         
 Have you taken a look at the latest, "Already Home" by Susan Mallery? ( www.writersarereaderstoo.blogspot.com ) 20 days till the release! You can also find my review featured on her website!  Well, work in progress is calling my name. I'm so close to finishing I can taste the victory. Speaking of tasting, I should probably go find myself some food. Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!Much love,Valia

Song title courtesy of Eminem 
       So guess where I went today. If you guessed Eminem concert, you were wrong! :-) I'm a writer so of course I get excited about writer-y things. Yes, I went to a book signing. Lisa McMann's book signing to be exact. And you're never going to believe this but, I went by myself. Have you any idea how nerve-racking that is? Well, let me tell you, Very nerve-racking! I don't even know why it is, but the fact is, it's always better when you go with someone else. Safety in numbers or something like that. Anyway, Poisoned Pen was gracious enough to open their doors for all of us reader fans. It was a definitely a little "Shop around the Corner" experience for me. :)

Well, what can I say about Lisa? Brilliant, beautiful, and fun! I bet you expected that last word to be a 'b' Ha! :) She read a little of her new series to us and I have to say I cant wait for more! I got me a copy of Cryer's Cross and got a bit of a back story on the characters. Lisa is a sweetheart to the core! I loved the fact that she gets inspirations from her dreams! *high five* And I love how her whole family is there to support her! It was great meeting them as well!

Now, for a bit of surprise there were other authors there as well. I was very excited to meet Aprilynne Pike and her gorgeous baby! Such a sweetie! And check out her book coming out May 3!!

Let's just say, I was very glad I overcame my fear and actually went! There is just something about meeting others who have made it to where you want to be and have their encouragement and help. I love the writing community! We are definitely a race? breed? crazy alien people? Unique bunch of characters! :-) We rock!
       Sweet dreams world! Much love!
        Valia

Title courtesy of Caro Emerald and her song "Stuck"    Hello lovely people of internet! How are you this fine February day? Me? Well, I'm struggling with some serious writing block. I know, I know. Who doesn't, right? But since it is February 22nd, and it is a book birthday to some awesome books, I thought I'd take a little break and post a little blog. 
Haven by Kristi Cook A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifforn The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr One day soon, I will be on that Book Birthday's list. Maybe. Possibly. Hopefully. Ok, to quote Hellcats captain, "Positive outcomes only!" So, I'm going to go be positive, and positively finish this chapter! Happy reading everyone!Much love,
Valia