Valia Lind's Blog, page 45

Title courtesy of Kool & The Gang


Seriously cannot begin this blog with anything but a HUGE congrats to Courtney Allison Moulton and Kimberly Derting on the release of their long awaited books today!!! Woohoo!!! *Throws confetti*

 *Runs outside to light some fireworks*


 Yes, its a fireworks kind of a celebration. And lighting them in the house would be a bad idea. 

First of all, everyone MUST go out and buy Angelfire by the lovely Courtney Allison Moulton. This book is outstanding, unique and totally awesome! If you haven't read my review yet, visit my book review blog and take a gander. Wait, I changed my mind. Don't waste your time right now on reading the review. Just go buy it and write your own! :)

Second of all, we get more Violet and Jay! YAY!!! I'm so excited about this I cannot even contain myself! *takes a deep breath* I'm in need a paper bag or something. Since I personally know Kimberly I can vouch for the author and the book. Both are amazing!!! Alright, I think I've done my best but in case you missed the whole point of the introduction: Go buy Angelfire and Desire of the Dead right now!!!! Now I'm officially done!  Did everyone have a wonderful Valentine's Day? Mine was just like any other day, with a bit of extra work thrown in. Yes, I definitely know how to party!  In other news, I'm about to seriously kill some people. Imaginary people that is. Not that its really much different. This plot line is torturing me. Horribly! You'd think it be easier. I mean, come on! I've written a book before. This is not my first time at the rodeo. But no, the story just had to get stuck in my head and refuse to come out. That's right. Refuse! My characters need a serious talking to. Anyone wanna give it a try? Because they completely refuse to listen to me. I really don't like when I know where I'm going but they refuse to follow. Stubborn. Anyway, enough about my little rebels. I just wanted to spread some love and complain a little. Now since I've done so, I will be going. Boston is calling my name!Much love,
Valia

   Fanatic |fəˈnatik|(noun) - a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal. Thats me!!!

PACKERS ARE THE SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, had to get that out of my system.Yes, in case you haven't noticed I am a Packers girl!!! And I am so proud of them for their amazing achievement!!! Outstanding!! Splendid!!! Awesome!!! My house was insane last night! If I'm usually scary when I cheer for my team, last night was quite a bit above average. :) The game was amazing! We go home right as the 4th quarter started and watched till the end. A few people were coming over to the house, and one in particular decided he was going to wait in the truck until the game is over and then come in and watch the whole thing not knowing who won. We, of course, wanted to see Packers win in real time so we watched the 4th quarter and then CELEBRATED!!!! After celebrating for a few minutes, we had to put on our "indifferent" faces so that he could come in. He had no idea the outcome!!! We're good! Anyways, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BEST TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!





CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Green and Yellow!!!
No, this is not your typical post. I have no book or writing news to share with you today. I just wanted to celebrate a little bit with my fellow readers!!! Wooohoooo!!!!
Much love,
Valia

Do you ever feel unappreciated??? Well, you are not alone! People have a way with words. Sometimes, those words are not so pleasant. We all have days when we are faced with situations that make us crazy. Today was one of those days! But I wont dwell on that. I will however, mention one fact that bugs me probably more than any other. People who say, "Writing is easy!" "Anyone can write a book!" or some variation of that thought. To all of you my fellow writers, don't worry I understand! It's not! It really is not! Let me tell you all something. I live in a place where I don't know many writers who live around me. I definitely don't personally know many writers who I can spend time with. Sometimes being a writer is very lonely. So while I am doing what I love, discouragement can set in. Especially when the story is just not coming out, or the characters are being difficult, talking back, or doing things opposite of what they are told (Yes, my characters have a tendency to argue with me). So when an individual who cannot write a 300 word paper on the most simple of a subject keeps telling me that 'writing is easy' I want to scream. Just a little. And maybe hit something. Or someone.  Alright, enough about that. I just needed to get that off my chest! On the other hand, have you seen my review for Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton yet? Courtney and I had an interesting conversation today that made me smile. According to her, and I quote, "as soon as your graduate high school, it's cool to be a nerd." I totally agree!!! She's been posting pictures of her ponies on twitter, and every time she does, it makes me smile!  Adorable right? Represent!!!Also, it makes me want to collect something again. Moving countries kind of puts a damper on that but maybe its time for me to start again! It is never too late! :) So thank you Courtney for making me smile! By the way, February 15th is Angelfire's book birthday!!! Go get it! Read it! Love it! Check out my review on my book review blog! :-) ( www.writersarereaderstoo.blogspot.com ) Well, enough blabbing. I have to get back to my other life now. Have a wonderful night! Read a book or something! :-)
Much love,
Valia

For someone who said she will take the time to blog more, I've been failing miserably. There really is no excuse but I was going to offer up a few anyway. First of all, it was Holiday time. Friends were home for Christmas break, family was randomly showing up, and I was taking a bit of a break. So sue me! I need a little time away from my computer and with actual, real life people. Fresh air does help the brain to function better.  Oh and I told you my best friend and I have a tradition? Well here are our efforts from New Years! 




Pretty awesome wouldn't you say???
Second of all, it was my birthday! (Insert confetti and balloons here) So I decided to give myself a little break, even though the holidays were over. I actually left my house, went, and had some fun! Imagine that? Yes, before you ask, I had a wonderful birthday, thank you! Third of all, I've been sick. Again. And then, again. Don't know why but this winter season really had it in for me. I'm experiencing, probably the tenth, wave right now. Ugh.  Now that we covered that little bit, let's talk about something more pleasant. Like, books for example! I will never get tired of talking about books! Well, I've been reading a few very goods lately. 

The Poison Eaters by Holly Black. Genius is all I can say!!! 

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa. I got my hands on the ARC and LOVED IT!!! Congrats to Julie on the official book birthday of The Iron Queen yesterday! Now, everyone go out and get it! 

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton. This book will be published Feb. 15 and I cannot wait for you to read it! I'm still finishing it up and let me just say, a great debut!
I'll be writing reviews for a bunch of books in the near future so keep checking on my book review blog.  After all of that 'catching up' let me tell you about my own writing. Book #2 is more than on the way! I posted the sneak peak at the beginning of the month and let me tell you it gets better! I'm so excited to share this story with you! Its been a blast writing it. Yes, a hard, time consuming, hair pulling, stuff throwing blast. Once its finished, which is soon, it will be worth it all! Well, I'm off to the magical land of, hmm you don't get to know that yet ;)         And yes, I have finally updated my blog layout. I know its pink, and I know I don't particularly like pink, but its Valentines Day theme and I do write romance. I have to at least try to look the part! :)
So long my dear readers! Go read a book or something!  Much love, Valia

Alright, no judging. I needed a break from this cyber world for a little. I know I promised you a sneak peak into next book, well, I wont say how long ago because then you'll remember how truly horrible I really am. But, now that the holidays are over, and I am back full-time to my writing schedule! I will also be coming back to my blogging schedule (and making it better). So today, instead of updating you on all the details of my life I am posting the much awaited, and begged for, sneak peak. Read on!!!
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"You don't understand! Trusting you is harder than jumping out of airplanes!" "Cali, talk to me." "You come into my life, opening doors I've closed off. You let me be special in your eyes and then what? This is where we go our separate ways, Gabe." "Don't they say its only worth it if its worth fighting for? Well, this is me fighting! Sometimes when you meet someone its right. Nothing else, just right. Are you really telling me that you're just letting it go?" "This is not the time or place to discuss this." She turned back to her desk keeping her breathing leveled. Why did he have to make it so hard for her? Why couldn't he understand that she wanted this more than anything, but she knew she couldn't have it? "We don't always get what we want, now do we Gabe?" "I'm not giving up." "It's not really..." "I am not giving up," Gabe enounciated every word as if he was speaking to a three year old. Taking a step forward, he leaned in close and whispered, "You're worth it." Then, without another word he turned and left the room. Cali stood still letting the words sink in and take root in her heart. No one has ever made her feel special before.Cali was typing on her computer when she heard the front door open. She was still confused by Gabe and wasn't exactly looking forward to speaking with him. Frustrated by her own emotions, she shut off her computer and headed for the living room. They needed to talk. Gabe needed to know at least part of the truth, enough to keep him safe. She walked into the living room and stopped. There was nobody here. The front door definitely opened and closed while she was in here office, she wasn't hearing things.  "Gabe?" she called scanning the room for discrepancies. Nothing seemed to be out of place. The uneasy feeling crept up and stayed. Without making any more noise than necessary, Cali made here way to the family room. Glancing around with precision, she listened. Someone was definitely in the house. Chiding herself silently for agencies rules on guns, she crept to the foyer. She could hear shuffling, whether it was of feet or clothes she couldn't tell, but it was coming from the kitchen. Getting there would be a problem of being in the open. Trying to figure out the best way of proceeding, she reached down and removed her shoes. Her socked feet wouldn't be much of a help in a pursuit, but they would keep the creaks to the minimum as she moved across the wooden floor. 
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And that is all you get for now! Relationships, mystery, suspense, and craziness are all part of this book! I can't wait to share the rest with you my dear readers! There is so much more that I could say, but I will stop for now. Or end up writing my whole book in this one post!  Happy readings everyone!!! Much love, Valia

2010 You have been a good year. There is so much you have showed me. So much you have taught me. I've had happy days. I've had sad days. I've had busy days. I've had not as busy days. I've laughed. I've cried. I've created. I've destroyed. I've met people who have become important in my life. I've rediscovered friends who've been there all along. I've learned. I've taught. I've been blessed. There is something about saying goodbye to a year. You never realize how fast time truly flies until one door is shutting. This time in 2009 I was babysitting two little girls with my best friend. At midnight, we watched the ball drop in NY and then went out back and lit sparklers. We wrote out "2010" in the air and took pictures of it with my camera.  No, this is not my own work. New computer - misplaced files :)
I cannot believe its been a year since then. Even though 2010 is over, the memories I'll carry with me are those I will forever be thankful for.2011 You are going to be a good year. I can see it now. I'm not big into new years resolutions but I will make one this year. This year I will be better. At being a Christian, at being a friend, at being a writer, at being a human being. I will work. I will create. I will laugh. I will cry. I will be happy. I will be sad. I will learn. I will teach. And in the end, I will always be blessed.  God is giving me the gift of being part of another year. I will not waste it.  My dear readers, its been an honor having you part of my journey in 2010. I hope you will continue these travels with me in 2011.  Much love,  Valia

My dear readers,  Can you believe it? This is the last Monday of 2010. I cant believe how fast the year has gone by. So much has happened and so much has not. On this last Monday I want to take a journey back to a few happenings of 2010. So read on! First of all, I started this blog this year. 


I've never pictured myself as someone with a blog. Sure, I write. That's what I do. But at the same time a blog was something weird to me. I want to thank all of my wonderful followers and readers for taking the time to visit with me on my humble "blog-abode." It means the world to me!  Second of all, my book was published in 2010. 


I've never even imagined that happening! Ever! And yet, here I am, a published author! To all of you who have read my book, I give the biggest thanks! I cannot express how much it means to me to have you hold my words in your hands.  Third of all, I have met so many wonderful people this year, authors and readers alike. Authors - your support and friendship is the biggest encouragement I could have ever hoped for!


 Readers - you are a blessing to me! I couldn't do what I do without knowing you will be on the receiving end of things. 



Now, I can go on and on. But I better stop. There might be another post before the end of the week (or two) :) 2010 has truly been an amazing year for me and I cannot wait to see what 2011 has in store for me!  Have a wonderful day! Much love,  Valia

Its December 24th!!! Its December 24th!!! I'm truly amazed actually!!! Today was a long and busy day. I had another photo session with a family, and of course went to work. :)
I promised some more Christmas cheer for you, so here is some from my house!




Just a bit of our decorations this year!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas Eve!!!! Love you all!!!

Much love,

Valia

      I cannot believe it is almost Christmas! Time flies with the speed of a flying bullet.  Well, in honor of the Christmas season, I thought I'd share some Christmas cheer with you! 
First of all, I love this new song by Train! The Coca-Cola commercials are my favorite this holiday season. 


Second of all, this song is one of the most beautiful "reasons for the season" songs I have heard. I think more often than not we forget what Christmas is all about. 


In other news, I'm writing! Well, maybe not exactly news but there it is. I'm thinking of teasers on the blog and twitter in the coming year. What do you say? Anyone interested?  Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas Eve - Eve! More Christmas cheer coming your way! Much love, Valia

Good evening my dear readers. As you have noticed, I have been missing...again. Life, it really gets in the way of things. :)
Well, I must say it has been a bit of a crazy 13 days since you've seen me last. Between two jobs, fighting this ever present sickness, and trying to write, I've been a bit...whats the word....overwhelmed? I've also had a few photography jobs lately. Let me tell you, I've missed those! I forget how much a part of me photography really is when the world spins in chaos around me. But I found a few precious moments to get back to one of my favorite activities and took some pictures. Would you like to see? Oh stop begging, you know I'm going to show you some!





  Isn't he the most adorable baby ever??? He's 9 months old and such a perfect model. Didn't cry a bit! I was a complete stranger to him and yet, look at that big smile.  I had another photo session today, this time a family who is dear to my heart. I will be posting pictures a bit later. They get them first, people! :)  Also, a bit of exciting news! Well, exciting for me. My best friend is home for a few weeks!!! I'm actually quite deliriously happy about that particular fact. This weekend we went to see the Star of Wonder put on by Phoenix First Assembly and it was amazing! Especially the fact that I had the privilege of sharing the evening with her! I'm thinking of putting her in a box and keeping her here so she cant go back to school. What do you say? :)  Well, duty calls. Must go finish a few things up before I can call this day officially over! Hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas week! By the way, anyone watching the Lunar Eclipse tonight?   Happy readings and sweet dreams!
  Much love, 
  Valia