2010: A Year In Review
Thursday, December 23th, 2010
A lot went right in 2010, but a lot went wrong, too. That's one of the great parts about art; no matter how it turns out, you learn something about who you are and what you're capable of.
Some of my 2010 highlights include: having my site reach a lot of people in places I've never visited within one year, covering Austin City Limits, exposing my writing to a few different audiences, finding a like-minded and far more logical teammate (Webmaster Dan), and cultivating some amazing relationships with Internet dynamo's such as: Chris Guillebeau, Nick Orsini, Trever Clark, and countless others whom I have learned from and hope to inspire equally within my Internet career.
Some of the low-points were: design issues, the reception of good ideas/posts, and some of my ideas, which just plain sucked. The "Sci-Fi Stir Fry" contest was a bust, and while I'm certainly not opposed to another contest in the future, it would be implemented in an entirely different way. Some other irritants were: the lack of a real SEO-plan, no efficient subscription-based newsletter, my frequency in which I blog and/or update news. While I never want to be the girl that inundates people with useless info, I want the people to know what's new on the site. I want to sponsor and encourage artist's events and be involved in developing that community and publicly discuss the relevance of art as the "ultimate game changer." I think there will always be one hundred things to say about art, so not utilizing all of the available outlets to express that bugs me. We're going to address all of these issues in 2011.
There will always be room for improvement, and that's how the site will grow. My plan for KristinaVillarini.com is to create a larger, more efficient and more meaningful site. I want to create a definitive presence online for artists to develop and share their thoughts... Most of all, I want to kick the "traditional method of creating and sharing art's" ass for the next fifty years.
Happy New Year!
A Mid-December Update
Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
It's been a tremendous year for me, and you guys are largely to thank. Without your interest, I wouldn't have been motivated to continue writing this, and I certainly wouldn't have had the confidence to aim for even larger goals in 2011. You have been a supportive bunch; in lieu of my highs or lows. So, thanks for taking some of your free time at some point in the last 365 days and sharing it with my "little site that could." It means the world.
I've been hard at work (when am I not reminding you all of this?) with multiple sites/projects, etc. and it's been tough at times, but so very satisfying. I can happily confirm that the first chapter of "The Cure" is complete, and it has been sent out to just a few pairs of top secret eyes to peruse and review. Once those come back positively, you can expect to see the first chapter posted on 12/20/2010. Only a little over two months after it was supposed to be posted (that's a vast improvement for me!)!
Some of you may recall a news post regarding an invitation to join a podcast on blogging and that, at the time, I couldn't give much more info away. Well, I now can and I'm excited to share. The podcast is called "The Blogger's Mastermind" and it's going to discuss the many phases of blogging, including technical aspects and different resources available to those who would like to do this (in any capacity) but don't know how. Obviously, I won't be discussing such intense and relevant topics along, so I'm pleased to announce my podcast-mates: Trever Clark, Monique O. Johnson and Emilie Wapnick. If you haven't heard of them, first of all, you're crazy, but it's okay, you will anyway. You'll just be late and thus, unable to say you knew them when. So head over to their site and get reading.
As far as the podcast logistics, we're still working out the very important technical aspects (should the podcast have curtains, guitar solo while we say our introductions or not, hmm...), but as soon as we go live, you'll be the fifth to know.
The next news post will have some updates about events I'm hoping to cover/attend in 2011 around the country, The Identity, and the official relaunch date of the new site!
As always, thank you for everything, and don't forget to write me via the Contact page and let me know what everyone got under their tree this year!
Happy Holidays!
Kris Covers GLAAD
Saturday, November 27th, 2010
As per usual, the surreal opportunities keep rolling in, and I am happy to oblige. I was honored to cover GLAAD's OUTAuction on Sunday, November 21st in New York City's Metropolitan Pavilion. I got to speak to some of the stars of Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York, Atlanta, and their other series, The A-List. It was awesome, and everyone was fantastic. My coverage of the event will be published by CherryGrrl.com soon.
The awesome fan-girl moment for me: meeting Sia Furler. The supremely talented and awesome solo artist, contributor of surreal vocals for Zero 7, and songwriter extraordinaire. She was as fantastic as you can ever imagine, and I'm glad I could support such an important cause. To find out more about GLAAD, click here.
Kris Finds an Original Short
Monday, November 15th, 2010
I dig some digging and found one of my original short stories about my first Gay Pride experience. We're going to put it on the site, maybe until after the holidays, as a gift to my loyal fans and friends. THANK YOU, and as always, please share!
Kris Finds an Original Short from Kristina Villarini on Vimeo.
November News
Sunday, November 7th, 2010
It's been a crazy time for us at the site, as per usual! [Dan and I somehow maintain social and professional lives, despite talking about improving the site nearly every day.] I try to avoid inundating you with insignificant details about what we're working on, because we're usually thinking of--or trying to perfect--something. Luckily, I've got some goodies for you!
Two exciting announcements: First, as of next week, I will be joining the talented folks at BestNewBands.com, covering new and emerging artists across multiple genres. My coverage at Austin City Limits allowed me to see a different side of the music industry, one that I've been advocating for in my work all along; by discovering new artists and speaking to them directly, I was able to not only talk about their vision, but experience it. Writing for a legitimate musical outlet allows me to expand upon that, and this is something that I have been interested in since I reviewed records as a student at Brooklyn College. This gig is a no brainer. I'm thrilled to be a member of their staff, so head to their site and start familiarizing yourself. The second announcement is a little less specific, but equally fantastic. I have been invited to join a "creative blogging super-group" by a blogger I really admire: Monique O. Johnson. The end-goal is to create something super awesome, centered on entrepreneurship and living a life driven by passion. I can almost guarantee that Monique, myself and the other two kick-ass bloggers (who I will announce soon) will deliver. We're creating something new that people will identify with, and we'll be able to provide various levels of life and web experience. As an artist, all you can ever hope for is continued opportunities to grow, and this is yet another that I am humbled by. I will keep everyone posted on the launch of that as well, so be on look-out for more info. Between the new opportunity for BestNewBands, the "super-group" that I'm thrilled to be participating in, writing shorts like a mad woman and having a freelance gig, you may have noticed I've been a little slow on the site upkeep. I assure you all, things will stabilize soon. In an ideal world, I'll be able to blog at least once a week with less frequent news updates, but I'm still learning, so bear with me. It must get frustrating visiting the site and not seeing any new blogs or news, so thanks for coming back.
The New News
Wednesday, October 13th, 2010
As you may or may not have heard, I was at 2010 Austin City Limits covering the event as a member of the esteemed musical press. You can check out my synopsis of the weekend at: my tumblr. My interviews will be posted at some point on this site, but I'm trying to get them included in a new series on CherryGrrl.com, as well. Either way, they will be posted! I had a great time at the event and in the city. Shout-out to Carter and Megan for letting me couch-surf over the weekend.
In the meantime, the newest part of The Cure will be posted on Halloween, en homage to the scariest day of the year!
The KristinaVillarini.com "Sci-Fi Stir Fry" Official Contest
Monday, September 20th 2010
That's right, we've got a contest... Because when I said I'm the "lesbian Ryan Seacrest," I meant it.
We want to get you: our beautiful and talented readers, involved in the process, and we're going to offer you some incentive to do so. Starting September 26th, we at KristinaVillarini.com, are going to be accepting entries for our first-ever, "Kristina's Sci-Fi Stir Fry." (Alright, we never decided on an official name... But I like that one and I'm the absolute power 'round these parts.)
I became heavily inspired by the sci-fi genre over the last few years, reading Snow Crash, The Stars My Destination, A Scanner Darkly, and Fahrenheit 451, just to name a few. I knew I could never write anything that great, and furthermore sci-fi wasn't my genre. I still greatly admire Bester, Stephenson, Bradbury, Asimov, Dick, Adams, etc. and I am attracted to some of the same themes; time, space and loneliness. Then, it hit me... Just because I can't write something that great, doesn't mean YOU can't.
I'm going to let Dan tell you what we've cooked up...
Below are the "Official Rules," and we're looking forward to reading your entries!
1. How to Win:
During the period of September 26th, 2010 and November 14th, 2010 entrants must devise and submit a completely original, post-world short-story with Kristina Villarini involved as a primary or secondary character. Kristina does not have to be the only character, but she may. You are free to do whatever you wish to the character based on Kristina, and while you may improvise, characters that possess elements of her character will be judged positively. The short-story must be under 7,500 words and will be judged on clarity, creativity, and originality.
Entries must be submitted in the body of an email to kristina.villarini+contest@gmail.com with the subject: "Sci-Fi Stir Fry."
2. How Entries Are Judged:
Entries will be judged on originality, creativity, general descriptiveness, overall theme and ease of readability. Deductions will be made for inconsistent grammar, punctuation or spelling. The judge is Kristina Villarini, however a special guest judge will be selected if a tie-breaker vote is necessary.
3. Prizes:
Grand Prize - One (1) Amazon Gift Card valued at $75.00, the winning short-story will be published on KristinaVillarini.com, and co-authorship of a to-be-posted Chapter of “The Cure.”
First Prize – One (1) Amazon Gift Card valued at $25.00 and a hand-signed and individually numbered copy of “The Identity's Guide to New York City: The Places and Things that Inspired the Story.”
4. Legal Disclaimer:
Contest will begin officially at 12:00am EST on September 26th, 2010 and end at 11:59pm EST on November 14th, 2010. This is known as the “contest period.” There is no purchase necessary to enter and entrant [herein known as “the submitter”] may enter as many times as necessary, but each entry will be judged individually.
The submitter understands that all work will be reviewed by the panel of judges to be critiqued. Submitter allows exclusive digital and non-digital rights for entries to KristinaVillarini.com. Once an entry is received, it becomes property of KristinaVillarini.com and its associated sites, such as KristinaVillarini.Tumblr.com, etc. and can be republished without the expressed consent of the author. KristinaVillarini.com will not claim authorship over entries at any point during or after the contest period. Submitter also understands that a submission does not entitle one to a prize.
Submitter agrees to allow KristinaVillarini.com and KristinaVillarini.Tumblr.com to share their name and likeness after the contest period.
Kristina will announce the winners on Friday, November 26th, and she agrees to provide notification and appropriate prize information on that date or within a two week period after the contest ends, November 14th, 2010.
News Update
Thursday, August 26th 2010
Hi everyone!
I've got two really amazing pieces that we have added to the site, and I couldn't be more enthusiastic about them. Some of you may know that I tossed around the idea of having special guests (other bloggers, writers and/or musicians) post on the site, because so many talented people inhabit the interweb and inspire the hell out of me daily. I want to help others spread their message, if it's one of sharing art and media and following your dreams. It is my hope that one day people will look at this site in the same way I look at some of the my personal favorites: Tucker Max, Seth Godin, Hugh MacLeod, etc. who inspired me to stop talking about doing things, and actually do them.
This site has always been "my baby," but now I see an even clearer, larger picture: one where we collaborate, appreciate and inspire each other.
But I digress. So in consideration of adding "special guest blogs," I realized there was an opportunity to talk with those people. Through dialogue, I could learn how they create, what their inspirations are, and what makes them tick... And that was my "ta-da" moment. So, without further ado, head on over to the Interviews section, and enjoy my conversation with the creator of one of my favorite blogs EVER, The Art of Non-Conformity, Chris Guillebeau. Chris is a fantastic blogger and story-teller, and if you have not read his blog, you're really denying yourself one of the best reads you're going to have provided by the Internet. On September 7th, he will be publishing his first book (based on the same name) and he will begin his book tour in New York City, which is something I'm incredibly stoked about.
The second interview is with my new friend and phenomenal talent, Nick Orsini, who runs a great blog, Adorkable. Nick just self-published his first novel, Two Wrongs Make A Vice and is doing it completely DIY. He's currently touring with the book and some cool merch. I expect really great things from him.
Both of these guys are inspirational to me, and I am incredibly grateful to both for sharing their time and this art form with me. Forget those three beers you were planning to buy this weekend, and do yourself a massive favor: go pick up a copy of Two Wrongs Make A Vice, which is available now and preorder yourself a copy of The Art of Non-Conformity. They are sure to be the best things you buy this year...
(After all, my stuff is FREE!)
News Update
Monday, August 16th 2010
Hi everyone!
In celebration of hitting 300 followers, I posted my first video blog. It was shot in my house, spur of the moment, in one take using my integrated webcam and it's rather lengthy. I talked about whatever I could remember: Scott Pilgrim, finally posting the prologue of my zombie story: The Cure, receiving fan mail, etc. If you haven't seen it, it's below.
If we reach other milestones for the site, I'm open to doing this again. Speaking of milestones, the site has been seen in 94 countries around the world... So hello to all of our international friends, and thanks for stopping by!
My favorite topic of the moment seems to be the mythical site redesign. I'm pleased to say it's actually happening. When we launch, I'll do another video blog or a site meet-up somewhere in NYC.
Some people have asked me about Skype. My usernames are kristina.villarini & y2kristinaholic. I have not been on for a while because of a Skype error, but it's handled now, and thanks to Peter F. for resolving the issues.
And finally, your update on The Identity... I am working on it, and there will be alternate endings. I have also decided the finished product will be available for purchase via Lulu.com. It was a tough call to make, but The Identity was my prized possession for over a year, and to let it go and sell it feels like the right move. If it can get the respect/attention it deserves, that's all I could ever hope for.
Vegas, The Spike TV Contest & The Anniversary of KV.com
Sunday, June 27th 2010
Hi everyone!
I'm back from sunny Las Vegas, where I enjoyed a brilliant stay at the Venetian. Thanks to Wendy at Fusion Bar for making me two of my new favorites cocktails: a Hemingway and the 1944 Trader Vic Mai Tai. Amazing! Now that I'm back, I'm ready to get back to work.
So, I'm currently plugging away on a pilot to send in for the Spike TV/Scripped contest. It has to be dark, funny and manly, all things I'm particularly adept at writing... Well, after I read the rules and regulations, I'm hoping to post the pilot here (as long as I can)! That story is named: "The Bullies."
Finally, it was over a year ago when I had a little idea about putting my stories and ruminations on a website for the viewing public. I'm proud of the year we had, with friends supporting the site through Youtube videos, signs and general shout-outs through the Facebook fan page. I would be remiss not to mention the craziest part of this little roller-coaster: the fan mail! I am eternally humbled by everyone who has visited the site and I appreciate you all. I can't really remember when the site went live, but for the purpose of prosperity I've chosen the end of July as our anniversary. Look for a video blog from me (with cake!), and as a thank you, I've decided to post the prologue of that fabled NEW story (and my first foray into horror) for free, right here.
The New News
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
It's been a long time since the last update. I've been working continuously for our great friends: Lookbooks.com and CherryGrrl. Regarding CG, I encourage those of you who are interested in technology to read my pieces, posted every Monday. For the fashion conscious friends and fans, my profile on Lookbooks is here: http://lookbooks.com/kristina-1. If you odn't have a profile, I highly suggest you get one. The site is fierce and I'm honored to work with them every day.
The prologue to my new story, "Zombie Treatment" will be up within the next week.
And check out my Tumblr, for the origin of the Identity this week.
CherryGrrl
Thursday, March 18th, 2010
Kristina is now the contributing technology writer at CherryGrrl, and you can read about the new devices tickling her fancy!
Facebook Fan Page and LookBooks.com
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
You can now read some of Kristina's writing on LookBooks.com, where she will review new collections, Fashion Week, etc. Also, please join the Kristina Villarini.com Facebook Fan Page
Bid on a Date with Kristina for Charity!
Sunday, January 31st, 2010
We put up a link for Doctors Without Border in the hope that this site could, in some small way, draw attention to the relief efforts in Haiti. But when our friends at Henrietta Hudson's, one of my favorite bars in the West Village, said they were doing a "dating auction" with the proceeds going to the American Red Cross, I had to get involved. Their last auction raised over $6,000 for victims of Hurrican Katrina!
On February 4th, I will be one of the special guests up for auction, with all proceeds benefitting those struggling in Haiti. Some lucky guest will win a date with me!
If you're in the NYC area, I hope you will come out and support Henrietta's, and have a beer with me. I would love to have a strong turn-out for the event and I would love to see some of my readers!
Join the Movement!
WEdnesday, January 20th 2010
People on three continents have discovered what I've known since I was plunking away on a typewriter: that I have something to share with this world.
I've said from the beginning that if I created something sincere and I worked my tail off for it, eventually someone would notice. Now, the "Only Kris" army are storming the web with links, the stories, and the signs. They are encouraging, they are vibrant, they are jubilant and they are people I am thrilled to be sharing my work with. If you want to see what the "OK" campaign is up to, check it out..
If you can't make a sign but you want to help us keep this thing running, feel free to give what you can.
Helping out in Haiti
Wednesday, January 20th, 2009
Obviously, we're a small piece of the puzzle as far as assisting with the disaster that has occurred, but our heartfelt sympathies go out to all those experiencing the effects of this crisis.
If you haven't already done so, please give whatever you can afford to Doctors Without Borders.
Friends of KV.com: Stumbledrunk
Wednesday, January 20th, 2009
My good friends, the amazingly talented Francis brothers of Texas, have a phenomenal jam band called Stumbledrunk.
They chronicle their adventures through webisodes, and we'd encourage you to check out the kinds of musical debauchery the boys cook up. You can check them out on YouTube: stumbledrunk. Of course, if you're in Texas, there's no question you should find wherever the boys are playing, and let them know Kristina sent you. They'll probably want to drink with you more.
As far as this webisode, the Stumbledrunk family celebrated one year as a successful band and in the midst of the festivities, KV.com received a humbling shout-out! Cheers, boys!
(If you'd like to skip to the plug, move the cursor to around 2:47, but we'd really encourage you to watch all of their webisodes.)
Tumblr
Wednesday, January 20th, 2009
I've found a few old blogs that were amusing, noteworthy and non-writing related and put them on Tumblr.
You can check out my non-writing related musings there and don't forget to check me out on Twitter!
Only Kris Campaign and Other News
Saturday, January 16th, 2010
It has been a very cool couple of days at KV.com. Aside for having a laundry list of things that will make the site more user-friendly, more content-laden and just plain fun for you, we've also started: The "Only Kris" campaign. Grassroots at its finest.
I dreamt of people feeling intrigued and connected to my blogs and stories and that's why creating this site was so important. I hoped that people would be passionate enough to tell their friends, but some folks have done so much better for the site. People are putting signs up on their Facebook profiles supporting this endeavor and what I'm sharing with the world. It's so amazing that we're going to be putting the pictures on this site to share with everyone. We are in awe at the love and brother & sisterhood.
For those of you still trying to figure it all out, it's simple:
If you support my writing, or creative types in general, make a sign and send it to me.
Show the world who your eyes belong to!
As for me, I have been plugging away behind the scenes, writing press releases and acting as official Editor for Gary Heyward and his novel: Corruption Officer, due out later this year.
We have also put up some new links for you to enjoy, as well as the first five chapters of my short, The Identity is now available as a secure and easy to read PDF for FREE! Feel free to share with your intellectual, existential and lonely friends!
Kristina Villarini Interviewed
Thursday, December 3rd 2009
The brilliant folks at Waking Ideas interviewed me about childhood reading, the explosion of media and technology in society, and the future of literature. You can see that here: http://wakingideas.com/2009/11/kristina-villarini/
Welcome!
Welcome to my site!
If you want "news," as of this moment, you're it. You're officially a part of my history and future... This website is the culmination of a completely inspired life .
The only thing that I admit I'm any good at is writing. My writing, whether via my signature, my stories or my blog, is the heart pulsating through the body of this site. I'm extremely grateful that you've decided to be a part of it. As far as I'm concerned you guys - the readers - are the blood keeping this site alive.
Please look around, and make yourself comfortable. My personal recommendation is the audio blog. (It was originally a video blog, but it looked pretty terrible, so I tried to salvage it.) Once you hear it, everything will probably make sense after that. Hopefully.
'Til the next page,
Kristina