Hello friend, I hope that all is well. Spring is almost here, yay! Today I walked into the yard and saw the first little yellow wildflower of the year. So cute! A few things I’m excited for this month are warmer weather, the beautiful singing of birds, the leaves on the trees coming back to life after a harsh winter, and being able to go on hikes again without freezing my butt off.

Book Updates

I’m very pleased to announce that Faith Journal: Vulnerability is currently being formatted for paperback and e-book versions. Woohoo! The long-awaited devotional is almost ready for publishing.

The whole thing is based on my life. I discuss sensitive topics such as bullying, friendship, family matters, and so much more. Another unique thing is that I illustrated every single chapter—these paintings mean the world to me. The goal is to change lives through scripture and guided journal prompts. So many people have poured their vision into making this.

Here’s the exclusive cover reveal…

Drumroll please…

Choosing was such a hard choice to make, but the symbolic illustration with the blue background seems to be the best and most industry-accepted. These vines represent life’s hardships with a promise of future growth as the season passes. I pray that this guided journal gets into the hands of millions, but most of all reaches the hearts of tens of millions.

Raleigh Anime Fest 2026

On April 26, 2026, in Raleigh, there is going to be a small one-day anime con. I plan on being there as a vendor selling my original art paintings, my debut novel: Hatred For Bugs, and the newest book: Faith Journal: Vulnerability.

As always, I’m giving away free hand-painted bookmarks with every purchase. They are now laminated—an idea that an amazing friend on TikTok blessed me with.

Anyway, I’m looking forward to meeting a ton of new people and seeing how they will cosplay. Please, if you can, come on by. I’d love to meet you in real life. See you there!

Address for the con: 131 Columbus Ave, Cary, NC 27518

Website for the con: Raleigh Anime-Fest 2026 

Painting Updates

Now that Faith Journal: Vulnerability is going to be published soon, that cleared up a lot more time to create new original paintings. I’m not set on a solid schedule quite yet, but at least two new paintings per month seems reasonable.

Right now, I’m working on expanding my skills with watercolor. I’d like to rely less on my pre-drawing abilities and more on going with the flow of the brush. God puts these ideas into my head. I shouldn’t be making them so stiff. Ultimately, a looser painting looks so much more beautiful, and it’s more fun.

What I’ll Be Doing The Rest Of The Year

Honestly, Faith Journal: Vulnerability took a huge chunk of time to write, edit, and create the illustrations for. I’d like to take a whole month off after it is published to go out into nature, spend time with family, and maybe even do some much-needed spring cleaning (We’ve got boxes everywhere from when we moved here.)

I’ll still be active on social media regardless, and of course, here on Substack.

My brain needs creative rest from nonstop writing and editing back-to-back. They say that it’s important to rejuvenate your creative self. No one can pour from an empty cup.

Stay tuned for more updates, or visit the shop directly using this link: Books and Art Shop

Note: All links on the website lead to Amazon.com

Thank you so much for reading!

Tell me, what do you think of the book cover? How has your year been so far?

Victoria Loria