All posts tagged achievements

The Liebster Award

I have been tagged by the lovely Kat Ellis with a Liebster Award yay! Kat is hugely supportive of other writers and I know 2013 will bring her much success with her own writing. Thanks Kat!

liebster2

Here’s how Liebster works:

- I list 11 random facts about myself.

- I’ll answer the 11 questions asked of me by the person who nominated me.

- I will then nominate my 11 picks for the award, along with my 11 questions for them to answer when they post a response.

- If you’re nominated, your name/link will appear at the bottom of this post along with the questions I come up with.

- Follow the same format; paste the award badge to your blog, give us 11 random facts about yourself, answer my 11 questions, and choose your nominees…but you cannot nominate the blog who nominated you.

My 11 random facts.

This is hard because I’ve had to do a lot of facts over the past two years and I’m really not that interesting so I apologise if you’ve heard these before:

  1. I don’t drink coffee. I feel I let all writers down by this but it tastes horrible. I’m not all that keen on the smell either.
  2. When I went to Vegas, my cousin and I were asked to roll the dice for two men playing Craps. They won big and gave us a $1,000 chip and bought a bottle of Cristal champers to celebrate!
  3. I don’t like eating starters – most of the food I dislike is used as starters like pawns, mushrooms, pâté, tomatoes.
  4. I had three imaginary friends growing up called Belly, Colic and Jasmine. Maybe it was written in the stars I’d make up people for a living :)
  5. I went to Warwick University and have a degree in Sociology.
  6. The first novel I ever wrote was when I was about fifteen, I wrote it with pen and paper and my inspiration was Sweet Valley High.
  7. The celebrity I feel would be my BFF if we knew each other is Taylor Swift.
  8. My film collection is half girlie romance and half films made for teenage boys.
  9. The fictional character most similar to me is Liz Lemon from 30 Rock. Tis true.
  10. I’m very clumsy. I can’t really walk through doors without hitting the frame as I pass.
  11. I’m scared of fireworks and heights. I’m pretty much a wimp.

Now, here are Kat’s questions:

1. What would be your last meal?
My mum’s roast dinner.
2. Who’s your favourite literary character of all time and why?
Elizabeth Bennet. Pride and Prejudice is my favourite book – Lizzie is smart, feisty and witty but also blind. I like the journey she takes to discover herself and ultimately the love of her life.
3. Have you ever written an ex into one of your novels/stories?
No. They’re not interesting enough haha!
4. What’s the worst pick-up line someone ever used on you?
I never get chatted up, seriously! Only over 70 year olds come on to me (this happens a lot).
5. Which song are you listening the most right now?
My currently top played song on iTunes is Jealous of the Angels by Jenn Bostic. It’s a sad but beautiful song.
6. Paris or New York?
New York!!! I’ve been twice and I love it. Don’t shoot me but I’m not a massive Paris fan *hides*
7. Which book do you wish you’d written?
Harry Potter. I think you know why.
8. Got any tattoos? If yes, what and where?
Yes – on my hip. This is it:
tattoo
9. What made you choose the genre/category you write now?
I chose YA because I loved Twilight so much. My first stories weren’t original enough then I decided to write about contemporary issues, I think my Sociology degree came into play.
10. If you were going to write a completely different genre under a pen name, what genre would it be, and what would be your pen name?
I think the least likely choice of genre for me to write would be erotic fiction but I could have fun with a pen name if I did – how about Honey Fox?
11. Name three things you will do this year.
Get a book deal.
Turn 30.
Eat a cupcake.

Okay I’d like to tag these lovely people:

And these are the questions I’d like you to answer if you wish to take part!

  • What made you want to be a writer?
  • Where do you find the inspiration for your writing?
  • What are your goals for 2013?
  • What’s your favourite quote?
  • Where in the world would you most like to visit?
  • What five things would you take to a desert island?
  • What is your biggest strength and your biggest weakness?
  • If you could met one author, who would you choose?
  • What’s your favourite film?
  • If you went into The Hunger Games, what would be your most useful skill?
  • Which fictional male would you most like to marry?

    • Victoria

    xoxo

    27 Comments
    by Victoria-writes on January 3, 2013  •  Permalink
    Posted in Achievements, blogging
    Tagged , ,

    Posted by Victoria-writes on January 3, 2013

    http://victoria-writes.com/2013/01/03/the-liebster-award/

    Two years of blogging

    Two years ago this week I joined WordPress and tomorrow is the second anniversary of my first ever post. When I started blogging, this blog had a generic name and my profile picture was a cartoon. I didn’t have my name anywhere and no one offline knew about it. I had no followers and didn’t really know what I wanted to write about. All I knew was that I wanted to write something. I’d submitted my first novel to agents that year and I had really caught the writing bug. I just had no idea where it would take me.

    Two years later, my blog has changed dramatically. My name and picture are on it for one! I now have 333 blog followers and I share my posts on Facebook and Twitter so everyone I know could read it if they wanted to. I have declared myself a writer. I have written more novels and decided that I want to make a career out of writing.

    The two biggest changes though have been that I took a leap of faith and took a year out of my job in HR to focus on writing and that I found a literary agent. I really believe this blog played a huge part in this. It has been a real journey accepting that I want to write, sharing that dream and doing something about it. Not only have I been able to vocalise my ambitions on here but I found an amazingly supportive community who have got behind me every step of the way. I have been continually touched by the encouragement bloggers have given me and count many of you as friends.

    This blog has become a home for me to share not only my writing journey but my life.

    It seemed like fate when I found out that I’d been nominated for the blog of the year 2012 award by the lovely and talented Jenny Keller Ford on this anniversary. I’m touched Jenny thought of me for this award but I am always thrilled when I receive a blog award, knowing that someone has taken the time to think of me and this space. So thank you not only to Jenny for this award but to the givers of the awards I have been given over the past two years.

    Blog of the Year Award 6 star jpeg

    I’m not sure my blog is worthy of such an award but I love that Jenny thought of me so I will display proudly!

    Only recently I questioned whether I wanted to be so honest online but the outpouring of support on here and on Facebook and Twitter convinced me that the only way for me to be online is to be myself. This wasn’t always the case. This blog was a secret for a long time and I was really nervous about people who know me reading the things I wanted to say but I’m learning that if I don’t believe in myself then no one will. And I know I’m incredibly lucky to have so many people who believe alongside me.

    So thank you to everyone who follows this blog and thank you to everyone who has supported, encouraged and cheered me along on my journey. You helped me chase my dreams and if I wanted this blog to do anything it would be to encourage others to chase their dreams.

    So I hope you do, and I hope you continue to tell me all about your journeys too.

    If you can dream it, you can do it – Walt Disney

    Victoria

    xoxo

    35 Comments
    by Victoria-writes on December 20, 2012  •  Permalink
    Posted in Achievements, blogging, Personal, Writing
    Tagged , , ,

    Posted by Victoria-writes on December 20, 2012

    http://victoria-writes.com/2012/12/20/two-years-of-blogging/

    The Next Big Thing

    I’m super grateful to have been tagged as the next big thing from three wonderful bloggers – Ruth Ellen Parker, Lisa Kramer and Tori Young. I really appreciate their kind words and support and I’m sure they will have wonderful successes with their own books. Check out their blogs, well worth reading!

     

    In accepting this award, I have to answer questions about my novel and then tag five other up and coming writers. So here we go!

    What is the title of your Work in Progress?
    Sticks and Stones
    Where did the idea come from for the book?
    I saw an NSPCC awareness campaign on TV and I hadn’t read a YA book that dealt with the issue so I decided to try writing one myself.
    What genre does your book fall under?
    YA contemporary thriller.
    Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
    At this moment I’d pick Kaya Scodelario, Aaron Johnson and Alex Pettyfer as the main three characters.
    What is a one-sentence synopsis of the book?
    A teenage girl has been shunned by her friends for cheating on her boyfriend but they don’t realise she’s hiding a painful secret that someone will do anything to stop her from revealing; can she find the courage to face her past before it’s too late?
    Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
    I have an agent.
    How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
    About three months.
    What other books would you compare this story to in your genre?
    I’m currently reading Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. I can see it sitting next to YA titles like this one.
    Who or what inspired you to write this book?
    I wanted to write a story that didn’t shy away from very real issues that teenage girls can face.
    What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
    There’s a line currently in the MS that I could see as the tagline on the cover:
    Some secrets are too terrible to tell. 
    ***********************************
    I’d like to tag these five very talented writers:
    Victoria
    xoxo
    18 Comments
    by Victoria-writes on November 6, 2012  •  Permalink
    Posted in Achievements, Writing
    Tagged , , ,

    Posted by Victoria-writes on November 6, 2012

    http://victoria-writes.com/2012/11/06/the-next-big-thing/

    Daisy award

    Thanks and hugs to Becky over at Blogs-of-a-bookaholic for passing me the rather lovely daisy award!

    The rules for this award are:

    1.) Thank the person who nominated you.
    2.) Tell your readers 7 unusual things about yourself.
    3.) Nominate some worthy bloggers.

    I’m not sure there is 7 unusual things about me so I’ll just give you 7 facts and you can make up your minds as to whether they are unusual or not:

    1. I don’t like sharing – this is probably because I’m an only child or maybe I’m just mean :)

    2. I like to have a cooked breakfast every Sunday – it’s like a ritual. A yummy one.

    3. I have fancy editions of my favourite books mostly Jane Austen.

    4. I spent quite a few years thinking people with tattoos were crazy … then I got one.

    5. My feet are always cold, even in summer. I’m usually in a pair of fluffy socks around the house.

    6. I’m a writer but I don’t make any money from it. Yet.

    7. My bedroom is colour co-ordinated in browns and cream, down to cushions and teddies.

    Now to pass not the award. I’ve picked some of my favourite bloggers who brighten up my day like daises. See what I did there? :)

    Chandara Writes

    Limebird writers

    Rebecca Aberto

    Kourtney Heintz

    Jenny Keller Ford

    Lynn Rush

    4am Writer

    I hope you enjoy reading their blogs!

    What is unusual about you? Go on, tell me!

    Victoria

    xoxo

    Last chance to enter the Joules journal and voucher giveaway, hop over here now!

    23 Comments
    by Victoria-writes on September 6, 2012  •  Permalink
    Posted in Achievements, blogging
    Tagged , ,

    Posted by Victoria-writes on September 6, 2012

    http://victoria-writes.com/2012/09/06/3152/

    Safe haven

    I spent most of the long weekend over here deep in editing mode. I did catch some of the Jubilee celebrations, on TV though not in person. As usual for bank holidays the British weather turned on us and it’s been pretty miserable but perfect writing conditions. While I was absent from wp, I received two blogging awards!

    I received the Lovely Blog Award from Rachel at Lost on Planet China

    and the Reader Appreciation Award from The Other Watson

     

    I’m bowled over by the support I get from my fellow bloggers! You guys always pick me up whenever I’m feeling uncertain. As I typed The End on my story, I was filled with happiness, excitement, relief and a big bag of nerves because it means my story will soon be sent out into the big bad world and that is scary with a capital S! So I’m relieved I have this safe and warm place online to retreat to.

    My other safe havens when things get scary:

    • Curling up to watch one of the TV shows I’ve watched millions of times. The ones that make me all warm and fuzzy are Dawson’s Creek, Gilmore Girls and the one that always brings a smile to my face – 3o Rock.
    • Opening up a book I can get lost in. I’m currently reading the final instalment of the Wings Series by Aprilynne Pike. Hoping for a happy ending!
    • Chocolate. Enough said.
    • Listening to some of my favourite music. Kelly Clarkson is playing as I type this.
    • Making a change I can control and isn’t in the fates of others. I think I might dye my hair again. My current colour is going a bit ginger, I think I might have to go back to dark brown.

    But right now, I shall catch up on my favourite blogs as that always makes me feel better!

    What are your safe havens?

    Victoria

    xoxo

     

    24 Comments
    by Victoria-writes on June 7, 2012  •  Permalink
    Posted in Achievements, blogging, My fave things
    Tagged , ,

    Posted by Victoria-writes on June 7, 2012

    http://victoria-writes.com/2012/06/07/safe-haven/

    Inspiration in its many forms

    Firstly, a big thank you and virtual hug to my lovely blogging buddy Kourtney Heintz for passing me two awards!

    It’s amazing how the universe can turn things around. Yesterday, I was feeling the wobbles. But today, I’m inspiring to someone. Wow. Thanks Kourtney. I love being inspired and I love to inspire others. I was amazed how many of you have felt wobbles too when you’re all so talented and generally fabulous to me so just goes to show how we’re unable to see ourselves and our qualities sometimes.

    I felt pretty sucky about my writing skills yesterday but today I’m editing my WIP and am feeling more inspired to improve it. I can see the good bits, the bad bits and the ugly bits and I’m inspired to tackle the changes needed and hopeful that I can make it something worthwhile.

    To accept this award, I’m meant to share seven things abut me. Instead, I’m going to share seven inspirations as it feels like we all could do with some!

    I hope this inspires you today.

    Please check out my blogroll for the bloggers who inspire me everyday – I hope they will inspire you too!

    What’s inspiring you guys today?

    Victoria

    xoxo

    26 Comments
    by Victoria-writes on May 24, 2012  •  Permalink
    Posted in Achievements, blogging, inspiration
    Tagged , ,

    Posted by Victoria-writes on May 24, 2012

    http://victoria-writes.com/2012/05/24/inspiration-in-its-many-forms/

    Paperclip award

    Many thanks to Hope over at ElvishJesusFreak for passing me the paperclip award!

    The award comes with some questions for me to answer. Here goes!

    1. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
    I actually wrote a post all about this – some of the ones I went through were a vet, lawyer and a journalist. I ended up in HR and now I’m pursuing writing so life doesn’t turn out the way you plan :)

    2. What is your ultimate favorite place to be?
    This is a tough one, I’ve been to some amazing places but to be honest my favourite one is home.

    3. Name one famous person who inspires you. (Just one!!!)
    Right now I’m really inspired by other writers and their journeys so I’m going to pick JK Rowling as her struggle for success keeps me going and I really admire her story-telling, charity work and courage.

    4. Tea or Coffee?
    I can’t let the Brits down, I’ll have to say tea! I don’t drink coffee at all, never have.

    5. If you could be any other person for 48 hours, who would you be?
    The little girl I used to be says a princess just to try it out :)

    6. What is your earliest memory?
    It’s hard to pick just one that stands out. I’m actually quite bad at remembering things, I tend to remember a photo of it instead. But I do remember having three imaginary friends when I was little so I’ll say that one. And look how it turned out – I still imagine people when I’m writing so I got an early start on that!

    7. If you could ask anyone in the world, living or dead, anything, who would you ask, and what would you ask them?
    It’d be nice sometimes to ask about my future but I’m sure I’m better off not knowing :)

    8. What is the scariest thing you have ever done?
    I think leaving home to go to University was scary. As was getting a tattoo. But lately, quitting my job to focus on writing fits the bill.

    9. What is your favorite book?
    Pride and Prejudice.

    10. Briefly explain one of the weirdest dreams you have ever had.
    Last night I dreamt I was in a restaurant with my mum and from the counter up to get food and she followed, leaving our bags under the table. When we came back, they’d been stolen. Mine was a white Juicy Couture bag, which I don’t even own. I was very unhappy with my mum in the dream. Werid.

    11. What one song best describes you? (Feel free to post a link to a Youtube vid)
    I’ve written a post about this song before. It inspires me so I’m going to pick it even if it is from a Disney film :)

    12. Pen or pencil?
    Pen. I haven’t used pencil since school.

    13. Is 13 an unlucky number or not?
    I don’t think so. I don’t really have lucky or unlucky numbers.

    OK bloggers, now I have to pass the award on. I wanted to tag some newer blogging buddies that I haven’t awarded anything to before so here goes …

    Kendel at XJustAnotherTeenBlogger
    ThoughtsAppear
    Rachel at Freelancing to freedom
    Jenny Keller Ford
    Beth at Limebird writers
    Rebecca aka NovelGirl

    Victoria

    xoxo

    30 Comments
    by Victoria-writes on March 5, 2012  •  Permalink
    Posted in Achievements, blogging
    Tagged , ,

    Posted by Victoria-writes on March 5, 2012

    http://victoria-writes.com/2012/03/05/paperclip-award/

    Thank you

    Whenever I feel frustrated or down, I am always guaranteed to smile when I log on to my blog and hear amazing encouragement and support. I love reading comments and seeing that “like” button pushed. I enjoy reading all your blogs and feeling that whatever I’m going through, I’m not alone in it.

    This week was no expection as I recieved two blog awards from the lovely  Bianca over at Glittertheair:

    The awards didn’t come with any rules so I thought I’d take this moment to just say a big thank you to everyone who’s stopped by this blog recently and shown me the love.

    I’d like to pass these awards on to my top 5 recent commenters. I’m so grateful that you guys respond to my ramblings!

    Nancy at Spirit lights the way

    Angelia at Living, Laughing, Loving

    Juliette at Juliette Burke

    Bonnie at Life of Bon

    Lenore  at Lenore Diane

    Hugs and kisses to you all :)

    Victoria

    xoxo

    18 Comments
    by Victoria-writes on January 27, 2012  •  Permalink
    Posted in Achievements, blogging, Love
    Tagged , ,

    Posted by Victoria-writes on January 27, 2012

    http://victoria-writes.com/2012/01/27/thank-you/

    Community

    Health warning for this post: gushing is included!

    Firstly, I want to say a big thank you to three wonderful bloggers who passed me the Versatile blogger award recently - August McLaughlin , Danielle aka AHappyPeach and Mommy needs a Pinot.

    August is a new blogging friend and a great writer, I can’t wait to read more amazing posts from her. Mommy needs a pinot is hilarious and I’m sure she only likes me as I’m British :) Danielle has been a long time blogging buddy and has given me tons of suppport. I almost cried when I read her sweet note along with the award:

    “Victoria/Vicky/Vix is just such a fabulous person. She was one of the first people who I met through blogging. She’s a great gal and aspiring writer. And I am so proud of her, she’s taken her first step into personal branding, she’s got her own domain name. There will come a day when I can say I knew her when.”

    In fact, I consider myself a really lucky blogger in the community I’ve built up here. I’ve had such amazing support from you guys! In honour of that, I have added the awards I’ve had to the bottom of the right side bar so they can displayed in all their glory :) Thanks to everyone who has passed me an award, I really appreciate it!

    As an aspiring author, I’ve also been touched by how much support I’ve had from other writers. There really is a great online community out there for us, which helps as it’s such a tough industry to break into. I’ve had some great advice and encouragement from both unpublished and publsihed writers and it helps to feel part of a team.

    How has the blogging / writing community helped you?

    Victoria

    xoxo

    36 Comments
    by Victoria-writes on January 12, 2012  •  Permalink
    Posted in Achievements, blogging, Writing
    Tagged , ,

    Posted by Victoria-writes on January 12, 2012

    http://victoria-writes.com/2012/01/12/community/

    Blogiversary

    A year ago today I wrote my first blog post. Happy birthday blog!!

    Over the past 12 months, I’ve grown to really enjoy blogging and I’ve become part of an amazingly supportive and encouraging community. I’ve been touched by comments and emails and been shocked that people have read and actually enjoyed my ramblings. I’ve gone from 0 views to over 70,000. I’ve gone from 0 subscribers to 138.

    Most importantly though, I’ve gone from being scared to admit I love to write to fully embracing it. This blog has gone from being anonymous to having my real photo and name on it! It has really helped me realise that my dream is to write and no matter what happens on my book publishing journey, I get to write everyday on here.

    Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me over the past year, I’m so grateful. Wow, this feels like an acceptance speech but hey maybe it is :) I’m looking forward to the next year!

    For those interested, here’s some stats:

    My top 5 most read posts:
    Butterflies
    Kinda loving the Kardashians
    Personal space
    Breathe
    Chasing destiny

    The posts that generated the most debate:
    Americans vs. Brits
    Inked
    This is me
    Sweet
    My best friend is a screen

    Hugs and kisses everyone

    Vix

    xx

    48 Comments
    by Victoria-writes on December 21, 2011  •  Permalink
    Posted in Achievements, blogging
    Tagged , ,

    Posted by Victoria-writes on December 21, 2011

    http://victoria-writes.com/2011/12/21/blogiversary/

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