Jax's Artistic Journey...

The Big Blog Move

2010-03-18T13:46:00.000-05:00

I finally did it, I integrated the blogger into my website so that everything is housed in one area. Of course, I'm still tinkering around and I am trying to figure out how to add the Follow Me widget on. There are other things I have to consider like: Should I have a Blogroll? Should I have more stuff on the sidebar?

I'm really starting to like all the widgets Blogger has to offer but I think it's time to have a matching site. What do you think? Are you going to like the change?

Please make sure to change out my blog's URL in your links to the new one: www.jaxcassidy.com/blog

Hopefully I won't regret it because I don't have a lot of time to mess with the software...

Thanks so much for being here for me at blogspot and I'll see you over on the other side... :)

Happy St. Paddy's

2010-03-17T13:57:00.000-05:00

Of course, being Irish, I have to celebrate this particularly green holiday! This year is going to be a small and private celebration. In past years I would go out with buddies and we'd drink so much green beer we'd probably glow in the dark....well, today I'm meeting up with my writing friend and we're not going to be persuaded by the little leprechauns--even if they sing and do a little dance. Nope, I'm going to focus on finishing my edits. I'm gonna be a good girl for a change!

I just realized it's been a while since I wrote a story set in Ireland. I must do it in the near future because it's another setting, besides Paris, that I love writing about so much. Hummm, come to think of it, I actually have a project with an editor that I haven't received a response on since last year...

You know that in Dublin they have an actual festival for this holiday. It usually lasts six days and it's filled with all kinds of fun. Makes me wish I was there so I can put on the green wig.

Well, Happy St. Paddy's and I hope you guys celebrate for me :)

Addictions

2010-03-14T17:25:00.002-05:00

Besides my obvious movie, Korean drama, and shopping addictions...I would have to say the one thing I can't live without is seafood....sushi being the top of my list! I have kicked the soda habit and the red and white meats from my diet...however, being vegetarian most of the time has been good for my body and mind but I think I'd be heartbroken if I couldn't have my fish and lobster once in a while. I have friends who are totally allergic to shellfish and I don't know if I'd be able to cope if I had to give up that one vice! Heck, I even gave up drinking...except for the few occasional social meet ups where I'll have a beer or a glass of wine...but I've come a long way from those days where I could drink most grown men under the table. Maybe getting out of Hollywood was a good thing because at least I know I'm letting my liver heal. :)

Last night's outing with the girls was so much fun. I didn't realize how much I missed events like these so I'm verra happy I found some good friends in town. I've lived in a lot of cities and sometimes it could be lonely not having girl friends around. I guess it's just hard to meet up when most of the women I know have children or family obligations. I think going out once in a while refuels the spirit. We plan on doing an intimate writer's retreat next month at a B&B, even if it's for a day or so, I know it will be a good break from the usual surroundings. I'm actually excited about it. Now I just need to purchase a new lens for my Nikon or get it fixed. I am thinking it'll cost as much as the lens. I miss photography so it's time I stop being lazy and start shooting photos again.

I'm trying to get used to the Daylight Savings and I'm hoping it won't affect my productivity. I'm stoked about sending out my revised proposal this week to my agent. The sooner I get the edits done the sooner I can work on my contemporary. I have so many ideas and I'm just going to have to go down the list. Hope your weekend was awesome...now let's get crackin'!

Writiing weekend

2010-03-13T13:34:00.000-06:00

Whenever I've been away from writing for too long, I feel insecure and uncertain of my abilities. In my head I am the most prolific and creative writer, but in reality, I'm just a kid who hasn't biked in years. Will I fall off or will I take flight and ride like the wind? I guess I tend to bottle up all those awesome ideas within me and I'm a little afraid to uncork the contents...but what should I really be afraid of? Failure? Success? Mediocrity? Hummmm, I won't settle to anything more than my best...which is what I really need to remember. My new favorite word...FIGHTING! (A Korean expression meaning: 'go for it!')

I've missed my weekly writing routine the past 3 weeks so it was so nice to start it up again. I think that even when you want to be reclusive, there's a part of you that needs to be pushed. Needs to have that companionship that will confirm that you have the support system even when you think you don't. Today is extra cool because my friend's birthday is next weekend and we're celebrating with an early intimate dinner as a prequel to the party. We're having sushi!!!! Can't live without my love for seafood!

Back to my current project...I laugh to myself because I am an erotic romance author and yet I must add in more meaty sexiness....yikes! How is that possible to lack sexiness in my storytelling? Makes me realize that we need those moments of imperfection to soar....to ride my bike without holding onto the handle bars. To feel the wind on my face and embrace the exhilaration of facing my fears head on.

My love for Korean drama romances

2010-03-10T08:07:00.001-06:00

Well, my mother purchases all kinds of foreign shows and movies that are dubbed in Vietnamese. I normally would roll my eyes because I never had time to invest in watching these things. But when you've got time on your hands, you become easily swayed. One day I thought I'd spend time with my mom and we started watching...It occurred to me that there's a huge explosion (and demand) for Korean series dramas and it's become very popular in our market. I always assumed these types of series programs are equivalent to Soap Operas, but after watching a few, I have to say I'm really impressed. The Koreans are known for their elaborate locations, fashion, and storytelling. In fact, the more shows I've seen, the more I realized how similar my storytelling is to what I'm watching. Of course, I don't throw in the exaggerated humor but the romance aspect is very much me. I can admit I got sucked in completely! I think that watching these shows/movies has lit a fire under me to pursue screenwriting and the movie industry again. It made me miss being on the movie set, and although I often worked my ass off, I enjoyed every second of it.

It's also a source of inspiration when you're stuck with your own writing. Being exposed to other creative storytelling pushes you to create. Watching these shows made me really reflect and see if writing is what I truly want to do...sure, it's a time suck...but what I gained in return for all those lost hours is the burning desire to write.

These are my three favorite shows: 1. Boys Before Flowers, 2. You're Beautiful, and 3. Coffee Prince

Coffee Prince is by far my favorite. It's about a girl who is mistaken for a boy and decides not to reveal the truth when she gets a job offer to work in an all male coffee house. Of course, she falls in love with the rich owner who starts developing feelings for her but thinks he's going crazy for liking a guy...things get complicated but I really love how the show focuses on the romance, about loving another person regardless of gender. The owner is confused by his feelings because he's a heterosexual male but abandons everything he feels to be with her--which is a courageous step. Like all good love stories, he finally discovers she is female. What I love most about this storytelling is how wonderfully written it is and how it shows a sense of reality to the situation without preaching or going over the top. It's very moving and it made me happy inside (and a teeny bit envious) because I wished I had thought up the concept!

Now that I'm feeling much better, I can't wait to make up for lost time by writing, writing, writing!

Thinking, ramblings, and such

2010-03-04T08:00:00.001-06:00

This crazy weather is kicking my butt. Seriously. Just when I think I'm recovering, I start feeling horrible again. I haven't wanted to do any work except rest but even resting makes me restless. I can't seem to get back into that work frame of mind, and productivity is non-existent it seems--but it appears there's plenty of time to think up new story ideas. Not that I need to add any more to my long list of "proposals to write"...but it keeps me a little sane. I've also lost interest in design work so it's become more of a chore these days than a creative outlet...I shall push on.

Well, this new vegetarian (sometimes seafood) diet I'm on has been really good for me. I've also cut out sodas completely, which I thought would kill me, but it was pretty easy. I now replace anything fizzy with teas, vitamin water, and plain 'ole boring water. I'll eventually cut out more sugar but man, it's going to be hard since I love to sweeten up my coffee and teas. Baby steps. I'll get there once I start running again. I just don't want to chance it until my foot heals completely. I kept pushing off my X-rays so I'm wondering if it's worth going to get it done at all. We'll see.

Thankfully, today I'm feeling more like myself and will be working on graphic projects. Since my hiatus from writing I've been thinking more and more about my Young Adult (YA) stuff. I'm really excited about doing them and can't wait to jump in once I've gotten all my current projects out. A lot of it has to do with watching all the Manga stories turned into Korean Romantic Comedies. It's been inspiring and it's something I'd love to write because anyone would be able to read it, not just for adults. Hopefully I can start on the brainstorming in a week or two. I've also been thinking about pursuing screenwriting again. I really miss it. I was wondering if it would ever fade away but the screenwriter in me is nagging me to seriously work on something for tv or film again. I've always loved writing romantic comedies and dramedies so I know it's a goal for me this year. I can most definitely do it but I'd have to sacrifice a lot of my social life. I kind of get anti-social when I'm juggling different projects. I'm ready to buckle down or else I won't have anything releasing in the near future which is kind of scary. I always wonder if my readers would forget me or be annoyed that I'm not writing fast enough. I won't think about it too much. At least I can say I am ready to get back on the saddle again...finally!

Speaking of movies--I'm really looking forward to the July release of BEASTLY. It's basically a modern day retelling of Beauty & The Beast. I totally adore Alex Pettyfer who plays the lead role...makes me feel sort of like a "cougar" for finding him attractive! Oh, to be 20 again!! LOL I've added a short featurette about the movie if you haven't heard anything about it...

Hopefully this is and will be a productive week for you!

Photo credit: Vanessa Ho

Time suckage

2010-02-25T00:00:00.002-06:00

Still feeling craptastic but I still have an optimistic outlook on everything thanks to this quote from Thoreau. It always makes me warm and tingly all over and I totally agree with him!

Besides having bad sinuses, feeling not so good, and fighting other long-term ailments...I'm particularly pleased that the new vegetarian (sometimes seafood) diet is working well for me. I just need to get more supplemental vitamins. I can tell that the change in my eating habits is doing wonders for me mentally but it may have been a bad time to start something new. That doesn't mean I don't plan on staying on track--I am going to very disciplined about it. On the writing front, I haven't been as productive as I'd hoped but I managed to get all that other freelance stuff done...just at a much slower pace. Snails pace to be exact.

While being laid up, my mom's obsession for Asian Dramedy series has rolled over into my life. There is nothing better than this type of time suckage. These silly shows take you on an emotional rollercoaster. If you've ever seen these types of shows which is basically a soap opera or RomCom tv series, you'd understand how easy it is to get roped in. I can't explain it but the silliness mixed with love story (emotional and passionate) and over-the-top humor just
makes being sick kind of fun. I know, I'm a dork. :) I never thought I'd enjoy these shows but I'm pleasantly surprised.

Okay, time to rest up. I need to save the energy for the big deadline push this week. No time to stay out of commission for long. Duty calls.

Bundle up & have a cup of tea!

Ack! Ick!

2010-02-20T21:15:00.003-06:00

Nothing soothes a sore throat better than a spot o' tea with lemon...and lots of honey. I've been feeling my immune system starting to crap out. Although I've taken preventive measures, I think the yo-yo hot and cold weather has really screwed up my sinuses and everything else. It doesn't help that I don't sleep much and I'm up at the butt-crack of dawn to shuttle kiddies, run errands for the parents, and working my bum off on graphic projects--yeah, it does take its toll on the body--but I've decided I'm just going to stay in bed tomorrow and recuperate. I'm definitely going to be doing edits and then I'll start working on another sucknopsis before starting my proposals. Recently, I've been brainstorming with the nieces, boycrazy and indiechick, about which YA story I'll be writing and I think I found one. Originally I was going to re-work my paranormal YA but now I'm going to do a contemporary because they're a huge fan of Japanese teen angsty/romance anime and Korean dramedies. I caved in and told them I'd do a sort of rags-to-riches/Cinderella tale.

Right now I feel 50% certain I'll be going to RWA Nationals and hope things will work out so I can up the percentage...I had originally planned on attending some smaller conferences but a part of me felt sad about missing this particular one. I've been attending Nationals annually since joining RWA 5+ years ago. What sealed the deal was speaking to some friends of mine and realizing it's one of the few events I'd see all my friends in one place. Of course, I'm going to be penny pinching every day until then. I believe, on average, I've spent a little over $2,000 each time. This includes: registration, airfare, hotel, food & outings. Hey, I never said conferences were affordable, things certainly add up! That's why authors save for these events because it pays off in the long run. I've met amazing people and so many contacts with editors, agents, publishers, and especially readers. I love signing at the Literacy for Life event just so I can see my readers face-to-face. It's the most amazing experience. So even if I have to forgo getting a new pair of jeans or blingy, sexy stilettos, it's definitely worth it.

I am feeling the wave of weariness so I'm going to turn off the lights and hopefully get some peaceful shuteye. Yes, I need to recharge my batteries so I can have the energy to be productive.

Hope you're bundled up and keeping positive (and productive)!

Free Reads

2010-02-14T16:40:00.006-06:00

It's that time of year again when Romance Divas offers it's Valentine's Day Free Reads. This year I've got a short contemporary up and it's HOT HOT HOT!

I'm very proud of the story called UNINHIBITED because it's my second short that's written in first person. I adore the story because it's funny, sexy, serious and filled with emotion...or I think it is. LOL

UNINHIBITED is about a passionate chance encounter between two strangers at an art show that turns into more than they bargained for. Lucian offers her one night of pleasure with no strings attached, but Kennedy discovers one night isn't enough to satiate her desires for him.

When she musters up the nerve, can he accept the new terms her heart has set for him?

I hope you'll tell me what you think of it because when I'm writing for readers, it's all me--from the story, formatting, to editing--so please forgive me for any typos or grammatical errors. After re-reading the story a few dozen times, you tend to overlook the obvious :)

Hope you enjoy it! HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEARS and HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Why aren't you

2010-02-13T07:59:00.003-06:00

Why aren't you at Dark & Stormy Romantic Suspense to read my interview???? If you've been there, THANKS!

I'm talking about Paris and how it influenced this story....

There's still time to win my eBook BRUSH STROKES.

Oh So Good

2010-02-09T15:00:00.002-06:00

I'm not talking about what you're thinking...naughty, naughty. I'm talking about finally sending my paranormal proposal to my agent! Yes, I know--and she still loves me even though I dragged on it. How was I to know life would get in the way???

Anywoo, I'm very excited because somewhere between the 9th and 10th re-write I fell in love with the story all over again. I can say that I learned a very valuable lesson about this project: NO MORE PANSTERING! <-- You heard me, I will start outlining from here on out. Why? Because the sucknopsis sucked the life out of me and it's not necessarily easier when you've written the chapters in a proposal. Well, especially in paranormals when you need all the world building done up front so you don't get confused or miss out on the important stuff. I've heard horror stories about readers pissed off at the authors for breaking the rules in their own world so I'm going to try not to do that. But if I do, please forgive me in advance.

You don't know what a relief it is to put yourself out there, in a genre not your own, and feel like you owned it...well, in terms of finishing it with satisfactory results. I'm a contemporary author but this story is really special to me. Why? Because it challenged me on all levels and I lived to tell about it. I'm just nervous about phase two: Nabbing an editor for the project. I really really want to see this thing find a good home and I hope whoever takes it will see this world the same way that I do...right now, I'm just focusing on the single title and not the series because I think I'd have a heart attack if I think beyond that--doesn't mean I'm not already fleshing out the next two books in my head. Hey, gotta be prepared :)

Anyway, I celebrated the proposal sendoff by going shopping and it felt so darn good. Imagine what I'd buy when I get some contracts in! Now for the wait. I must confess...I'm ter-ri-fied. But don't think I won't deny it if word gets out...LOL

February is the new January

2010-02-04T07:00:00.004-06:00

It's February and the month of amour! It's also the approach of the Chinese New Year and the year of the Tiger. I guess that would mean celebrating two holidays on February 14th.

But as much I would like to snap my fingers and make everything perfect with the world, the truth remains that all the fixes will come at a snail's pace...Well, this weekend we're having our 'Bon Voyage' party for my brother-in-law. He's deploying to Afghanistan for a year...we're just hoping there's no extensions at the end of that 365 days. The tensions are high but all I can do is be proud that he's serving our country and pray that he'll return safely to his family. So instead of moping and feeling stressed, we're going to make sure he'll have a great time. I'm sure it'll make the deployment a little easier.

This doesn't mean I don't have priorities. I've got quite a full plate and feeling a bit overwhelmed, actually. I just need to step back and take a deep breath before jumping in. For now--I'll dream of that secluded paradise where peace and calm exists, where ideas flow freely and accomplish everything without the pressures of life.

Well, on a fun note, I'm sharing my horoscope with you...

The Pig

Known to be sentimental creatures, you have to learn to put off your sentimental ways to find some unexpected successes in your line of work and your love life for 2010. The alignment of the stars will bring you utmost luck for the coming year so expect some monetary windfall coming your way. It is important for you to stay away from carbonated drinks in the upcoming year for you will be vulnerable and open to intestinal and digestive problems. However, besides that, 2010 might prove to be a healthy year ahead for you.

Read your horoscope HERE.

Much needed sanity

2010-01-30T07:00:00.003-06:00

I've been going through this diet change and a part of it is trying to drink less coffee. I've started drinking Chai lattes again and it is not only yummy but makes me feel less jittery and hopped up on caffeine. I guess it doesn't help to aggravate your ulcer but I've been eating and drinking things that are bad for me for YEARS. LOL

With the approach of the Chinese New Year's on Feb 14th..I've decided to change up my entire diet. Primarily: 1. For personal reasons 2. To purge all the yuck from my system.

Have you ever felt heavy inside and can't put a finger on it? Well, I've felt that way for too long. It's the physical, mental, and lack of spiritual weight that I can't seem to shed. You know what I mean? I'm sure you've been there. With the pressures of family, economy, life, work, etc...it impacts a person in so many ways. It's easy to crack and not just that single split either..but the one that branches off in a zillion directions, one stemming out from the other. It becomes a crutch that we carry and accept. I woke up one day and realized I can't live my life wondering when the glass with finally fall to pieces and I decided I want to do something about it. So in order for me to get back on track in all facets of my life, I am going to have a lifestyle change starting on Chinese New Year's. For the next year, I'm going to eat right, exercise, and recharge. If everything goes well, I may continue this for much much longer....

This weekend will be the last one to truly indulge! This morning I'm going to be meeting up with my writerly buds and we're going to hit it hard. Then afterward, it's time to party with my girl Katie who is going to fit me into her busy schedule. We're going to get some drinks and watch a chick flick. I think we need a good laugh so I'm excited about WHEN IN ROME. Josh Dumahel will just spice up the party.

I'm expecting that by the end of 2010, I'm going to achieve the results I'm working toward. It's also a test of my strengths and I'm really excited about it. Life is too short and I want to make every second count.

Who's with me? :)

Lots of Stuff

2010-01-28T07:00:00.007-06:00

My dear readers, before we get started, I really need you to vote if you want to get my freebie on time :)

What genre would you like for a Valentine's Day Free Read?

1. Contemporary
2. Paranormal
3. Young Adult
4. I don't care, it's free!
5. How about...(insert your suggestion)

**I had a poll up but it didn't want to work for me, so please provide your answer in the comments while I look for a better poll.**

Want to know tidbits of info about me like: Who is my favorite author? What celebrities I'd cast if my book was made into a movie? Go read my interview...

Greta Wheeler of I Do Not Want To Wait, I Want The Book Now (the book review site with the mostest) has been kind enough to interview me. She's the sweetest gal in the world and I'm giddy with excitement to be featured. Those interview questions were tough but I enjoyed the challenge! THANKS! **Oh, and they're going to give away my eBook novella BRUSH STROKES to one lucky winner....

Total friend pimpage...

One of my best girl friends has a new release out and I'm totally proud of her! If you like a Smokin' HOT read, you should check out this novella or any of R.G. Alexander's backlist.

*Warning: Explicit sex, magical dresses, mind-reading rooms and mind-boggling threesomes.

Buy from MBaM!
Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Red Hots!
ISBN: 978-1-60504-887-1
Length: Novella
Publication Date: January 26, 2010
Cover art by Tuesday Dube

Something magic this way comes…

Wicked ³, Book 1

Callie has always known the Abbotts were different. Witches, though they call themselves “Magians”. They are her second family. Harrison Abbott has been her best friend since they were children. Tucker Abbott, her life-long crush. And their brother, Tyghe? A magical pain in her backside.

When the Abbotts need her human perspective to solve a mystery, she doesn’t hesitate. Especially since it means getting everything she ever wanted. A chance to be one of them, to have magic, even if it’s only temporary.

Someone is attacking young women at Triune, a ritual that helps Magians find their perfect threesome—the match that will complete their magic and their hearts. Callie expected to be dazzled by her first glimpse into the Magian world, but the bone-melting desire between her and the Abbott brothers isn’t part of the plan.

Nor is the decades-old secret that makes her the target of a killer…

Rad Research

2010-01-26T09:30:00.004-06:00

As a teenager I hated doing research and I tried to avoid it at every opportunity! Funny how in my writing career I've discovered research is the most important thing necessary to bring a story to life. It's the extra ingredient that brings flavor and life into your simmering stew. It's also the hint of sweetness that glides across your taste buds so easily that you can feel every perfect explosion of luxurious grapes and know they were made especially for that vintage bottle of wine...

My current contemporary proposal is set in a fictitious vineyard surrounding the city of Montalcino. My wine of choice is the exclusive Brunello, roughly translated as "nice dark one", a red wine that is ranked among one of the world's best wines. It is normally reserved for the affluent, or stowed away for special occasions. I must admit--I've had a taste of 'said wine' and it's worth every penny....I'm salivating just thinking of it.

When I think of wineries and vineyards, I think of centuries of tradition. I think of pride and loyalty. I think of passion and love. There's something extraordinary about the wine making process and something so sexy about learning the philosophies and culture of these people. They live and breathe wine like writers approach their craft and writing. Wine is their life. It's magical and it's the reason I am so drawn to the world I've created in this story.

My research usually begins with a single photograph and from there, the image expands into something wonderful...and I am able to recreate the very world in which this story is set. I chose the name di Ponti because it, in essence, means "bridge". The story centers around a hand-built bridge that separates the original villa to the now prestigious empire of Brunello di Ponti. There is so much history that is pivotal in tying the past to the present and it will take two people from different worlds, with the same passions, to bring peace to a town that has been beaten down by strife and sorrow. It's got a hint of magic like Under The Tuscan Sun meets Chocolat.

I really feel like this is the story that I've always wanted to tell. I'm happy I can immerse myself in Italy and get to fall in love with the di Ponti and Campo family all over again!

These photos are the vision of this story in my head: 1. Di Ponti vineyards, home of the hero Luca di Ponti 2. Di Ponti bridge, where the family folklore takes place 3. Villa Campo, where the whole story begins for the heroine

Happy-Joy-Joy

2010-01-22T20:34:00.004-06:00

I've been working on this paranormal, Project X, for seven long months...lots of stress, anger, weeping and frustration because I wasn't sure I would ever see the end of this thing. It's bizarre because I really love this story and the world building but it was truly a test for me. I don't know why it was so difficult to get it done but I suppose a part of my brain feared failure. I have always pushed forward like a warrior on anything I truly wanted to do, but this particular time I was uncertain whether this was the right project for me.

There are so many stories I want to pen. Most of them contemporaries but I am not afraid of change. I am not afraid of trying new genres or testing my abilities. I think in working on Project X, I learned that I create my own limitations. If I had just buckled down and written instead of fretting over things I can't control--I would have been in a better place sooner. Tonight, I was able to send out my pages to be critiqued and edited. I'm really proud of myself and my accomplishments. I think this is the first awesome milestone of 2010 and I wouldn't have done it without the support of my friends and Mr. Right.

Tomorrow I start back up on the Italian story I'm so in love with. Hopefully this year I'll see these projects find a happy publishing home. :)

The Muse be with me

2010-01-19T17:42:00.006-06:00

I've been writing consistently...and then there are spurts of procrastination. I'm one of those authors who live for the streak of magic that flows through my fingertips as I type. I either feel it that day or I don't. I don't try to force myself to write and when I know I'll be stuck with no progress, I do something else. I'm a firm believer in Muses and I know I've commented about mine in the past...I think she's a smart cookie because she makes me work when I don't want to. She makes me angry enough to draw from my frustrations and emotions. She likes to test me during my darkest hours. She's the creative part of my brain that I need and I know she needs me just as much because I'm there to tell the stories in our heads. Hummmm, I sound like a schizo...LOL

The past two years have been both trying and exciting when it comes to my writing. I'm constantly pushing myself to write in different genres. Out of love and out of necessity. Why, you ask? I need to expand my horizons and discover what I'm good at...to find the organic voice I've been looking for. Of course, I'm my toughest critic and my biggest fan. You have to be because sometimes the only person you can rely on is yourself. You make the judgment calls when it comes to what you write and only you can develop who you want to be as a writer.

If you've been writing...give yourself a round of applause. You deserve it.

Friend Pimpage, Savannah Stuart

2010-01-19T14:17:00.006-06:00

If you like hot and sexy erotic contemporary suspense, check out my friend's newest release. She's one of the coolest people I know and is also one of my writing buddies. If she's a new author for you, I recommend you check her out! :)

MIAMI HEAT by Savannah Stuart is now available from Loose Id!

What’s it about?

When Madison Dubois witnesses a terrible crime, she goes to the only place she knows she'll be safe, Detective Rafe Jackson's house. Rafe has been in love with Madison Dubois for longer than he cares to admit. Unfortunately for him, she views him as a big brother. When she shows up on his doorstep terrified for her life, he has no choice but to keep her safe. Undeniable sparks fly when they're forced to share a roof but unless he can keep her alive, their relationship might not have a chance to even start.

Click HERE for purchase info.

Click HERE or HERE for CONTEST info. And feel free to re-tweet or blog the contest information!

To learn more about Savannah, visit her website: www.savannahstuart.com

Movies and Romance

2010-01-16T08:00:00.002-06:00

I may not have read many books in 2009 but I sure have seen a lot of movies in the winter months through the start of 2010. Whether it was renting DVDs obsessively or going out with friends and family, I discovered a new way to get inspired. I suppose my love for the movie industry has always helped me to become a visual storyteller. What's not to love about seeing your hero and heroine delivering your lines so convincingly and passionately. Fine, it works in my head :)

One of the most romantic movies I've seen is the YOUNG VICTORIA which stars Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend. You'll love the chemistry and the gorgeous costumes. History couldn't be more interesting and after getting to watch the advance screening, I actually thought about penning a historical--right. Maybe next time. I whole-heartedly recommend this movie because it is simply fantastic. A romantic sleeper hit if you give it a chance...c'mon, just do it.

Okay, I caved into AVATAR and it's another example of romance in movies. Maybe the general public is starting to grasp how sellable a good love story can be...perhaps they'll even turn to more romance books. I've had the fortune of meeting James Cameron in person and he's a nice guy. Quiet and a bit reserved but friendly. During the buzz of the movie I've heard that he was a total jerk to a fan...but I wasn't there and that's what TMZ likes to showcase. Who knows, but I will tell you I enjoyed this movie for the sexy Sam Worthington. It had some issues that could be easily overlooked--but it's indeed another entertaining movie.

I'm going to have to say that I'm a big PRIDE & PREJUDICE fan. I'm with TEAM DARCY all the way so any version of the movie I will love. When I heard about LOST IN AUSTEN a few years ago I hunted for it but it was only available for the UK. I finally got my hands on a copy and I totally adore it! It's witty, fun, and takes the story to a whole different level. Another recommend that I am certain you Austen fans will find enjoyable.

I'm not kidding when I say I've seen at least 50 movies so I'm only touching on a few of them. What I discovered during my lull was that these movies that made me happy helped me to get back into the writing frame again. Sometimes your mind just doesn't want to create and it's not from lack of wanting to write. Sometimes your mind is telling you that it needs to be fed and by watching movies, it's a great way to subliminally influence you to create. Besides, it doesn't matter where you get the inspiration, it just matters that you're allowing your mind a little bit of breathing room to re-energize. I've produced more in the last few weeks (however sporatic) but at least I'm writing...which is really the key. One foot in front of the other will get me a completed proposal, short, etc.

I hope that when you're in a funk that you take time to do the things that will inspire you again. It might be easier than you think. Stress tends to be the blinders that limit you from seeing the endless possibilities flowing around you. It's there, you just got to open your eyes to it.

Happy Writing!

BRUSH STROKES Release & Contest

2010-01-10T09:00:00.001-06:00

The day has finally come for the release of BRUSH STROKES!!!!

For the special day, I've been invited to the Smutketeers and they've got an interview up with a chance to win my eBook ARC :)

I'm sure you're very excited about my release....and because of this, I have a contest designed just for YOU, my lovelies. I'm only going tell you that part of the prize includes a signed printed/bound ARC of BRUSH STROKES, a nice piece of original art, and a chance to have their first name used as a character in one of my future projects. (I would love for the winner to send me a photo of them posing with the prize so I can post up…)Hint, hint.

How to enter and other stuff:

* Purchase my eBook BRUSH STROKES when it’s released and email me at jaxcassidy @ gmail.com (no spaces in the email) to let me know you did it and I’ll put your name in the drawing twice! I’m trusting you on this!

* If you have purchased any of my previous releases (even under Cassidy Kent) email me and let me know which one and what character(s) you loved most and I’ll add you in the drawing.

* This contest will close at the end of day on January 31, 2010. One lucky winner will be randomly chosen and I’ll announce who they are the first week in February.

NOTE: This prize applies to any winner in the US. However, an international winner will receive a gift certificate to Amazon along with 5 eBooks of any stories from my backlist.

Thanks for celebrating with me!

Buzz about BRUSH STROKES

2010-01-05T12:00:00.003-06:00

On January 10th, my novella BRUSH STROKES will be available and I'm just as nervous about it as when my very first project was released. This story is very dear to my heart for many, many reasons. It's a short I've been wanting to write because it allowed me to showcase the sexy Paris I remembered. And...it was a chance for me to write about art. I can never have enough art in my stories and it may be a while before I do it again.

However, the most important reason why I love this story is because I wrote this once-upon-a-time when I considered hanging up my writing hat (one of many occasions)--luckily, I finished the story and was happily rewarded with a contract of representation from my current super agent. This taught me a valuable lesson about perseverance. If I hadn't taken the initiative to send my submission to her, then I would have let this once in a lifetime opportunity pass me by. The lesson for all you aspiring authors out there....NEVER GIVE UP.

What have I been up to? Besides indulging in movies and catching up on reading (which that's for another post)...I'm happy to report I've been writing again. A little more frequent than usual, but a little less than I would like to. Baby steps, right?

Now it's bragging time...maybe these review will help persuade you to purchase my upcoming release...Hope you add it to your list! If so, please let me know what you thought of the story. I'll be doing a giveaway this weekend...so be sure to check back!

4.5 Blue Ribbons at Romance Junkies

You Gotta Read (highest rating) at You Gotta Read Reviews

4 Cups at Coffee Time Romance

On to other excellent news... I just discovered I won an Ariana 2010 award for my cover design of CRICKET'S MOON for Awe-Struck Publishing! What a great honor.

It's already feeling like a good start to the new year...lucky me!

Happy New Year 2010!

2009-12-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

I've never wanted a year to end quicker than in 2009! I can actually say I LOATHED it for so many reasons. Now that there are only a few days left...I am feeling the tension of not achieving my goal this year. I've always met my publishing goals, no matter what, but this time around I have failed. A part of me is very pissed off I allowed this to happen--however, the other part of me knows I have tried...Perhaps in the scheme of theme I'm just a month or two behind schedule...yet, it's still positive thinking, especially since I have a release come January 10th! HOORAY!!!! All is not lost. I've just got to line up some promo time...ahem, if you'd like me to be a guest on your blog, you know how to reach me. LOL

I don't know about you but I've learned a heckuva lot this year. Most importantly, I learned who my real friends are and how important it is to believe in myself. There are things I'd like to change and there are things that may never change, but I can only try to keep living life and being the best person I can be. I know that we all have our faults but at least I know mine. I have a really good feeling that this coming year will finally get me back on the right path. Honestly, I feel like the Universe has thrown every obstacle at me and I survived it. Woohoo! Maybe I need to make myself a t-shirt or something. Hummmm....I'm still feeling the side effects of the crappy year but I HAVE NOT BEEN BROKEN. My spirit is just as strong as ever, in fact, even more-so. I feel blessed for everything that I have...my family, my friends, my support team. Everywhere I go, I notice that there are so many people who are less fortunate than I am. Even when I feel like I've fallen into the deepest, darkest pit of nothingness--I am still very blessed that I am healthy and alive. I have a roof over my head and I have faith that everything will work out in the end....call me optimistic, but it's true. It will happen.

Here's wishing everyone good health, much happiness, and lots of success in 2010! And if you are one of the lucky ones who have all those things...please give back. Please do one good deed that will cause a chain effect that will touch the lives of everyone who have experienced it.

Now run along...HAVE FUN. BE SAFE. And enjoy the rush that will accompany the ringing in of the New Year!

Happy happy holidays!

2009-12-25T07:00:00.008-06:00

Every year my youngest sister has a family holiday party at her house. She's one of those Martha Stewart types and lives for any event that require decorations, crafts, and an elaborate Christmas buffet feast. She loves to cook as much as I do and she breaks out the chocolate fondue fountain for these special occasions. I can usually be found around the booze and honey baked ham section to distance myself from the crazed frenzy that comes with a dozen kids racing for the presents underneath the Christmas tree. Next year I'm investing in noise reduction ear muffs.

We always have our dinner a day early on Christmas Eve since our siblings like to travel Christmas Day. Go figure. Well, it works out pretty good because we still have leftovers and those who aren't traveling will be able to spend time together, like going to the movies. Can you say SHERLOCK HOLMES? Oh, right. What was on our menu? It was pretty traditional eats. I must say the fried turkey was AWESOME this year! It was so juicy and well-seasoned that my mouth is still watering just thinking about it. We also had yummy green bean salad, rice pilaf, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet honey rolls, cranberry sauce, sweet golden corn, and for dessert: velvet cake cupcakes. **Groans** I think I gained all my weight back. I can't help it that food is my crack. LOL

Well, every year we also take family pictures. I'm the personal photographer and I get the job of making sure everyone has their portraits done. This year is extra special since my brother-in-law is deploying to Afghanistan for 18 months starting February. There's still a possibility that once he's there, they may extend his stay for another 24 months. We're very proud that he's going to be defending our country but deep inside there are always fears...we'll all be praying for him and hopefully he'll be safe, get his job done, and return home as soon as possible.

Okay, gotta get ready for the active day...

MERRY CHRISTMAS! I'm wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season. Extra special thanks to all the men and women out there serving our country. We'll be thinking and praying for you!

Movies and Men who make them

2009-12-22T07:00:00.002-06:00

It's been a tradition for me to watch THE HOLIDAY since it's release and although it's not a classic, or the best romantic comedy I've ever seen, it's always entertaining and has a happy ending that I adore. I like the two storylines but the main reason I love the movie is simply...Jude Law...and of course, the character he plays. C'mon, he's cute as pie and oh-so charming to boot--so how can you not love him? You have to admit the English have a great arsenal of leading men....Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Ralph & Joseph Fiennes, Clive Owen...I can't have enough of them!

Oh, yeah...this movie always makes me crave spicy tuna rolls so I had to go out and get some yesterday before my movie :) We watched HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE MORGAN'S? It was more dramedy than comedy. There were a few good one liners from Hugh but the main focus in the movie was about the couple trying to resolve issues in their relationship before they decide to divorce. It was a decent movie but I don't think I'd be able to watch it again like I would THE PROPOSAL.

OMG, I have to tell you--my nieces and I rented the HANGOVER and I wasn't so sure I wanted to watch it. I'm not a fan of gross humor but this movie was so freakin' hilarious I couldn't help laughing non-stop. Now I know why I love Bradley Cooper so much! He plays the best jerk and he's terribly pleasing to the eyes. I was a big fan since Alias and I'm glad to see his career has taken off.

Since I've been home I've spent more time renting movies and catching up on all the old ones I've missed. It's a lot of fun while I'm re-decorating my room and it helps make the time pass. Sometimes it's good to separate yourself from writing because I'm able to see the different character archetypes and story pacing in the movies I've seen. It's a sort of writing exercise and it makes me think. I'm a big fan of romantic comedies because even when my stories are darker, the underlying hero is always very gamma...a mix between alpha and beta. I want these male leads to be strong, funny, sensitive, smart, and chivalrous...they are more real to me than if I were to write a hero who is chauvinistic or a wuss...which often I have a problem with in some of the books I've picked up in the past. I like the bad boys just as much as the next guy, but I'm more apt to go for the guy who makes me laugh and will pull out my chair at dinner or walk me to my door at the end of the night.....

What kind of heroes do you write about?

Time flies

2009-12-16T19:00:00.002-06:00

I've been horrible about posting regularly. I really can't believe Christmas is just around the corner and I still need to send out my holiday cards...will do it first thing tomorrow--check! I know, it's been on my 'to do' list for weeks now but I'm noticing the list has grown longer with each passing day. No way am I feeling sorry for myself. I need to re-organize my life but I know things really won't settle down until 2010. Sigh. It's fine, I'm adapting.

I've been doing a lot of cooking lately. Mostly traditional Vietnamese cuisine and it's been fun. I think my family never realized I knew how to cook. Yes, I'm a bit spoiled in the family because mom always cooked for me. I need to start documenting the recipes because I don't know what I'd do if she wasn't around anymore. I've got a project I'm working on that I hope to give to all my sisters next holiday...well, I've got another writing session planned on Saturday and this time I am going to really kick out some words. I'd say the last few get together meetings have been a little too relaxed so from this point on I'm coming in with a working mindset.

My agent sent me a lovely card and it made me all mushy inside. She is the best!!!! She always know what to say to make me feel better. I gush about her all the time but who doesn't love an agent that really really cares about her authors. That's gold to me! :) Now, if only I can produce more proposals and faster. I have a feeling my work schedule will shift into overdrive next year...I just believe that next year will be MY YEAR! It better not let me down!

I've got darn Christmas Carols running around my head. I need to catch some zzzzzz's--still can't seem to have a regular nights sleep but I'm sure it will happen some day.

Passion propels

2009-12-08T17:00:00.000-06:00

I've spent a lot of time away from writing this year. Not intentionally, but because there's been so much happening in my life. I feel like I can't even catch my breath! Now that I'm temporarily settled in the sunshine state, I'll be able to meet up with my writing pals again :)

In fact, I've got a lunch writing date set up tomorrow and then on Saturday, I've got plans to meet a small group for some writing and gossip fun. It's going to be good for me because I've been isolated for so long. I'm looking forward to this and glad that my passion for writing can finally be unleashed. I had periods of total unproductivity but the tides are changing, I can feel the shift, and I'm ready to jump back in the game. I know a lot of my writer pals have been trudging alongside me but I'm proud they've met their deadlines and goals. In fact, several of my friends have recently scored some juicy multi-book contracts--but I can't disclose any of the details (but I'm dying to tell). At least I get to scream with them via the phone or through the email. It's exciting to see their hard work pay off and equally awesome that they shared the news with me while their projects were undergoing negotiations...it's like living vicariously through them!

See that saying "Passion propels your dreams"? I totally agree with that statement. Why? Because when you're a writer you need that fire, that passion to propel you. You need that passion to drive you forward even when the going gets tough. I know I sound like a broken record but once you lose that passion, you lose that confidence and you lose the desire to write. I may go through those writing slumps, however, the passion has never burned out and I'm lucky for it. In fact, my love for the written word grows stronger because of those unforeseen breaks in writing. It's like a prisoner being starved so long that their appetite becomes voracious when they're freed. I love that exhilarating rush, I love the passion that overtakes me when I'm working on my story. I can feel the electricity flowing through my fingertips. Maybe it's a small sprinkle of magic, but it just reiterates my belief that passion does indeed propels your dreams in more ways than one.

Well, I've got a handful of hours left to enjoy my time off...even though technically it's not really time off...but tomorrow I'm back on my writing schedule and then I'll be biting my nails all through the holiday season and new year to see if NY will love my latest project. Hopefully my readers will too if I get a 2010 slot!

It's all a blur

2009-12-02T17:00:00.001-06:00

Life is whizzing by...in a blurry mess...and I'm completely lost in time. I've been house sitting and my sixteen year old niece is staying with me so I'm having to get up at 6:00 AM to drop her off then shuttle her home at 2:30 PM. I feel like a total soccer mom and a walking zombie because of lack of sleep. I need to write but I haven't had a chance to catch my breath since my arrival. The only good thing about all this is that when I get ready for bed at night, I get to catch up on some delicious reading. It's a wonderful escape and I'm happy to feel any kind of excitement about reading again. I guess as writers we get so wrapped up in the stress and the deadlines that it affects every facet of our daily lives. I've missed reading. I used to devour at least 5 books a week, no kidding and soon it was 1 or 2 books a year. Sadly, I hadn't realized how much I missed out until now. I'm glad that I've made it a habit to read a chapter or two the last few nights. I'm currently reading Lynn Kurland's WHEN I FALL IN LOVE, a historical romance which is outside of my own writing genre. She's one of the few authors I totally adore and will auto-buy. I don't know what it is but her characters are so wholesome and fun. Maybe it's the predictability factor but it's a great comfort for me...much like Jude Deveraux's time travel books, Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series, and Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series...I want to write these kinds of characters that will whisk my readers away and I hope by reading again, I will learn how to really breathe life into my characters...

Here's a good question for you readers....

What are you reading? How does the book make you feel?

Off to bake some sugar cookies. Yep, it's true...I am baking. :)

Brush Strokes cover!

2009-11-28T19:59:00.004-06:00

I've got a cover for my January release! My publisher tells me it's the first release of the new year so I'm totally stoked...and stressed...about headlining 2010! That means I need all you lovely people to purchase my novella. It's a great short read and plenty steamy. The more word of mouth the better so if you folks can help me spread the word, I would be extremely grateful! :)

I've made it to sunny Florida and trying to settle in. There's nothing but chaos with all the kidlets out of school for the holiday break but luckily they'll be starting back on Monday. I'm house-sitting for my sister next week so there will be plenty of quiet days ahead. I will be using all of that time to write! Mostly, enjoying the hot jacuzzi....Woohoo! I am enjoying my mom's home cooking so there are advantages to being near family. I'm still hoping I'll eventually make my way up north. I've always been drawn to the New England states so crossing my fingers something awesome will happen and I can move there. Mainly because I am a huge seafood freak so any chance to relocate there would be a dream!

Okay, I haven't slept more than two hours so I'm going to catch up on some much needed zzzzzzzzzz's.

Here's just a little reminder of my upcoming release....

BRUSH STROKES
Amber Heat (Amber Quill)
Release Date: Weekend of January 10, 2010

For Sage, attending the Parisian sex club, Plaisirs Sombres, was the ultimate fantasy. So when the conservative gallery assistant is cloaked behind the velvet mask, she never expected to be the object of the club owner's desire. Spurred on by D.S. Gregoire's erotic and sensual brush strokes of the exclusive club, she gives into a brief liaison that leaves her breathless and wanting.

For Damien, known to the art world as D.S. Gregoire, his art has always been an adrenaline rush. But when an exotic and mysteriously uninhibited 'sex club virgin' enters his establishment, he is willing to break his club rules for another taste of the dark pleasures she brings him.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T07:00:00.004-06:00

I'm going to share the festivities with Mr. Right and some dear friends of his, including their adorable children, two cats, and a dog.

I have to admit, the holidays are special to me for so many reasons...but I'd like to wish all my friends, readers, lurkers, and followers a wonderful, safe, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Live Life

2009-11-20T17:55:00.006-06:00

Once again I'm packing up and moving temporarily to my second home in Florida. I know my girlfriends are excited about my return, and I am too! It also means there will be less time for myself with family buzzing around but I'm going to be way too busy job hunting. The biggest change for me will be getting back into Corporate life and interacting with real live people again! In a crazy sort of way, I'm happy about it. I was starting to feel like my only friends were figments of my imagination. Trust me, I'll miss living in my pajamas and sock monkey slippers but my bank account will thank me. How else am I going to afford going to conferences and paying for membership dues? It adds up. That's not including my book buying addiction...

Besides, working from home has been awesome but I'm learning that I thrive most when I'm with people, just as much as some people thrive on drama. I need to keep my mind going, fueling my spirit, and I'm hoping it will get me to focus. When you're working a nine-to-five, you appreciate writing so much more. I'm actually looking forward to prettying up and straightening my curly mop of hair again. I want to slip on those strappy heels because they're too delicious to be lining the floors. When my wardrobe has mostly consisted of a dozen sweats and a handful of pajamas, you start feeling kind of unsexy. Yes, your heard it right...so I'm going to change all that. With 2010 in the horizons, I'm going to get back on track physically and mentally...and then I'll be ready for NY and what's in store for me...

Just as the quote says...

I'm ready to live life again!

Change is near

2009-11-18T09:54:00.002-06:00

Sometimes change happens. Change could be a good or a bad thing depending on how we interpret it.

From changes to the publishing industry to changes in our own personal lives, it's either unexpected or planned. But one thing I know for sure, change happens to me more often than not and I think I've learned to adapt to it. How I see it, it's unavoidable and if I put up a fight it would only make things more complicated. I've had enough complications so I'm just going to ride change and hope that it'll lead me to a calmer place.

Appreciating Your Muse

2009-11-15T21:20:00.005-06:00

Simply: I've been taking my muse for granted.

She used to hang around, excitedly filling my head with all kinds of creative ideas, and providing countless sleepless nights. I thought that she would always be a part of my life and never considered a time when she would abandon me...well, that time came a few months ago. I woke up one morning and realized she was nowhere to be seen. For days I worried she had enough of my stubbornness and took a sabbatical. When the days turned into weeks, then months--I knew there was a possibility she would never return. So I begged and pleaded but she refused to acknowledge my existence. What is a girl to do?

I sulked for a while and fell into a wormhole of depression but during that time without my dear muse, I found myself. I wish I could say that I did it all by my lonesome...but the truth is...I had a little help from my friends. What I discovered was that my muse contains elements of each one of my dear friends. While I was in search of one single entity, I hadn't expected that she had been waiting for me to wake up from my dream and see the truth for what it is....

Thank you dear friends for sending my muse back home to me. Without you guys, I would still be lost in that forest, devoid of creativity :) YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

And this project will be my love story to you all.

Just thinking

2009-11-12T13:08:00.000-06:00

You know how much trouble I get into when I think... Well, it's not just about writing all the time....

You see, I've always loved the entertainment industry and having the opportunity to work on movie sets with actors, producers, and directors...there are times I really really miss it. Sure I worked long hours but the fun was in pulling practical jokes on each other or finding silly things to do to stay awake. There was one Disney show where we tried to put a rubber duck in almost every scene...until we got caught and reprimanded. It was such a hoot. Or the time the Costumer renamed me "Donna" and everyone kept calling me that for the whole duration of filming--which was weeks. After a while, I actually started answering to that name when the director called for me.

Then there were some not so much fun times when I was a PA (production assistant). I hated the early AM calls and folks treating me like their very own personal work slave--but, most often, there were lots of amazing people and perks. All you can eat junk food, yummy catering, hanging with celebrities, learning the whole film making process...all the things you would never have had the opportunity to unless it was under these circumstances.

Growing up I did a lot of acting work, PA work, and audience work. What is audience work? Actors who get paid to fill space in a tv show audience...these range from pilot shows to pretty big talk shows. Yes, it's an awesome gig and you get a chance to hear some amazing live musical acts.

When I moved away from Hollywood, one of my dirty little secrets was browsing through entertainment forums and reading all the comments. I like to catch up on things I've missed. Let me tell you, people are downright vicious. I don't know why I read them but I did, even though they were a total time suck. Often they're pretty funny, scandalous, and oh-so ignorant! It made me realize that no matter what I read, there's always going to be that handful of people who hate themselves, hate their lives, hate everything--and they get a total adrenaline kick just being a**holes to make themselves feel better. Why do people do that?

C'mon folks, you don't have to comment hatefully just because you can.

Yeah, I quickly grew tired of all the controversy. It was starting to get to me and some threads just left a bitter taste in my mouth. I had to ask myself "why do you read them when they get you all riled up?"....what a great question! I know everyone is entitled to their own views about things but if these same hateful people, with so much passion and conviction about their beliefs, would apply all that emotion into something good...the world would be a better place. Hey, I used to be quick to shoot off my mouth (I sometimes still do) but with age, I've learned to curb my tongue. Thinking before I speak...or at least being as tactful as I can. It's gotten me out of a lot of situations that could have exploded and I'm thankful that I was able to take away from those situation some semblance of patience and maturity.

These days I spend a great deal of time thinking. Writing. Working. Planning. I supposed near the end of the year we all re-evaluate things, we all make some sort of resolution for the next year. If thinking helps us to step away from the sticky situations in our lives...I think it's a good thing. Less B.S. and more time to be creative.

On another note: I'm pleased to announce that I got my first official review for BRUSH STROKES at You Gotta Read! I totally adore them!

Warning signs

2009-11-10T11:21:00.007-06:00

If everyone was provided a warning sign about challenges lurking ahead, we would avoid those things that would have shaped our future, and potentially affect the person we are now.

Lately, I've been seeing a common trend among folks: lack of motivation, depression, stress, anger, tension, etc. It's not just author friends but those outside of my writing circle, the stranger at the grocery store, the check-out clerk at the mall, the driver who is in a rush to get somewhere...and it's giving me a lot of food for thought.

I'm normally an upbeat personality type and though there are moments when I fit into the group mentioned above, I try to center my energy into the positive. Believe me, there's been times when I'm raising my fist to the sky and asking, "Why me?" but the simple answer is that the Universe knows and things--good or bad--happens for a reason. I won't lie, I've had a very good childhood and adulthood, but I've also had a very tragic and painful one as well. It's never stopped me from dreaming or aspiring to do more. It's never stopped me from following my heart. So, during this time of so much trials and tribulations, I thought I'd point out a few things for you to think about...things that have helped me wake up in the morning and push forward even when I would have much preferred to wallow...

Life isn't easy, if it were, we'd be bored silly. I've always believed that these challenges in our lives really show us what kind of person we are. Just as much as the relationships in our lives impact us. Especially people who have come and gone. People who have stayed for the long haul. People who we've encountered who taught us a thing or two about ourselves during the transitions in our lives. People we've lost connection with because they were there for different reasons in our lives. The fact remains, we need people. AND they need us just as much because when we can show them a bit of positivity, a small amount of strength, it may be just what they need to keep moving. Imagine what a bundle of positive vibes can do for one person, times a dozen, a hundred, a million...one person does make a difference.

When it comes down to it, I've got plenty of flaws, but I do believe in the good in all people, and I do believe that when we make an effort it will show along the way. We may not always do the right thing but we learn from it. Every day we are growing and life is simply a learning process. When we think we know it all, we don't. We're not perfect. We make mistakes and there will be times in our lives when we feel lost and confused, but that is the time when we are reflecting on everything and forming a solid foundation of who we are. Just remember that during these trying times, we shape the lives of people that we know, that we'll never know--but someday when we least expect it, someone we've interacted with in our past will say to us, "Thanks for changing my life." We may scratch our heads and wonder what we've done. We may even pray that it was a good life change for them, but the bottom line is, that person will remember what you've done. Perhaps they'll do the same for someone else by passing it on...

Every now and then I have the need to ramble, to inspire myself. If more people stayed positive, even when they're surrounded by so much negativity, we might cause a chain reaction that could warm the world.

Here's something to think about:

♦ Don't worry about what "may" happen today, tomorrow, or in the near and distant future. It's wasted energy. We can't control these things, so why dwell on them.

♦ Never believe anyone who says, "you can't". Yes, you can do anything you set your mind on. If you succeeded, you've proven it's possible. If you failed, you've proven you tried and understand your limitations.

♦ There's something out there greater than all of us. There's someone out there who loves each and every one of us, no matter who we are.

♦ When we see bad examples, we don't have to repeat them. When we create good examples, we can spread them.

♦ Be true to yourself. Embrace your flaws just as much as you embrace your accomplishments. The two teaches you a valuable lesson on what you need to improve upon and what you are capable of.

♦ Forgive yourself. The hardest person on you, IS you.

♦ Believe in yourself. Without this, it's the only crutch that's between you and unlimited possibilities.

♦ When you think you're all alone in this world, you aren't. There are billions of people out there. There are billions of chances to be a friend and to have a friend. There are billions of chances so we shouldn't think that we're going it alone.

♦ It's never too late to change.

♦ Life is too short. Live each day full of passion. Live each day full of purpose. Live each day full of love. Live each day as if it were your last.

November's Excerpt Monday

2009-11-08T14:00:00.006-06:00

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–just a writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.

***

Wow, it's time for another Excerpt Monday. I've missed a few but I'm trying to get back on track...

Well, I wrote this story sometime last year and it's one of the pieces that I wanted to create a sensual and passionate ambiance. My storytelling is very visual in my head, since I was a screenwriter in my previous life, and I wanted readers to feel like they were visiting the exclusive venue, not just reading about it. This is just a small snippet, but I hope you'll get a feel for what I'm talking about. One of the best things about being a writer is to be able to pull in memories...this one has sprinkles of my life in Paris and my love of exotic, sexy art. Doesn't mean it's based on experience, but I don't kiss and tell.

Since this is a new sale, the cover isn't available yet. It'll be the first thing I do when I get it, though.

***

BRUSH STROKES by Jax Cassidy
Publisher: Amber Heat (Amber Quill Press)
Release: January 2010

For Sage, attending the Parisian sex club, Plaisirs Sombres, was the ultimate fantasy. So when the conservative gallery assistant is cloaked behind the velvet mask, she never expected to be the object of the club owner's desire. Spurred on by D.S. Gregoire's erotic and sensual brush strokes of the exclusive club, she gives into a brief liaison that leaves her breathless and wanting.

For Damien, known to the art world as D.S. Gregoire, his art has always been an adrenaline rush. But when an exotic and mysteriously uninhibited 'sex club virgin' enters his establishment, he is willing to break his club rules for another taste of the dark pleasures she brings him.

Here's a short excerpt:

“Tu comprend le francais?” The rich voice interrupted her thoughts.

Sage turned in the man’s direction and felt the wind knocked out of her. Oh my God. He possessed the most beautiful lucid ocean blue eyes beneath the exquisite black mask. His lashes were thick and dark as coal, which only enhanced their beauty.

She licked her lips, slowly assessing the striking face that belonged to a dark-haired Frenchman dressed in an all black ensemble. A work of art that almost resembled the characters in the paintings. She shivered at the vision of their naked bodies pressed against each other, legs entwined as sweat glistened from the aftermath of lovemaking.

She swallowed, her eyes dropping to his shirt that was loosely unbuttoned to expose his throat, revealing a deep tan and a hint of muscled pectorals. A soft glimmer of silver around his neck caught her attention, yet the pendant was hidden beneath the dark material. He cleared his throat, easily switching to English to accommodate her. “May I buy you a drink, mademoiselle?”

Her eyes returned to his face, still at a loss for words. She nodded a demure affirmative response.

“Ah, may I safely assume you are a Cosmopolitan kind of woman?” His accent was distinctly French, slightly diluted, with a mix of British, proving an educated breeding and a strong grasp of languages.

She nodded again and he smiled, flashing perfect pearly whites.

“I see that you are unaccompanied. It’s not customary to allow a single woman entry without a chaperone. You must be an exception, non?”

Sage struck a seductive pose and blinked exaggeratedly.

He laughed a throaty laugh at her silent game. “Fair enough.”

Her lips curled into a seductive smile.

The sexy stranger waved the bartender down and ordered their drinks, ahead of the queue of waiting customers. He must be a regular. Maybe even an influential client.

So who could he be?

She bit her lower lip trying not to let her imagination run away with her. The man handed her the blush concoction in the tempered Martini glass.

He raised his scotch as if in a toast, speaking in a hushed tone for her ears alone, “Ne le buvez pas, belle enchanteresse.” He tipped the glass toward her and took a long swallow.

Was he testing her French skills? She acted as if she did not understand his words and took a slow sip. His rich baritone echoed through her. Do not drink that, beautiful enchantress. What kind of game was this Frenchman playing? Inside, she was smiling at her own trickery.

The man set his glass down and leaned in to cup her face, startling her with his frankness. His mere touch burned her flesh and scorched her body with a fevered desire. He peered into her eyes, as if he was trying to reach into her soul. Her gaze stayed on his lush mouth, watching his lips move seductively. “À moins que vous ne capituliez à mon contrôle....” The deep timbre of his voice resonated through her at his obvious proposal. Unless you are surrendering to my control.

His closeness, the heat of his touch, and his enigmatic charm made her grow wet with need.
Yes. Yes. I want to surrender to you! Her body screamed. She wanted to be taken, to be ravaged right here. Right now.

He closed his hand over hers and guided the glass to her lips. Sage drank the cool liquid and the alcohol coated her throat, sliding smoothly, spreading easily through her system.

He gave her a provocative smile and dipped his fingers in her drink, pulling out the cherry before setting the glass aside. He held the fruit up by the stem, dangling it before her. She paused, then parted her lips in acceptance of his offering.

***

Links to other Excerpt Monday writers

Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

Hate me if you want

2009-11-06T22:35:00.002-06:00

I can't help that I totally love LOVE this MadTV skit about Emo Elmo from a few years ago. I want one of these! For some reason, it's so screwed up that it makes me bust out in laughter.

They say laughter is the best medicine and when something can provide it...especially during these difficult times...I should take laughter where I can get it. Enjoy!

Procrastination is thy friend

2009-11-05T12:25:00.005-06:00

The first step is being able to admit you're a procrastinator....

Well, can I help that I am addicted to:

1. FarmVille
2. Twitter
3. Web surfing
4. Email checking
5. Coffee drinking
6. Finding an excuse not to write
7. Blogging
8. IM-ing
9. Streaming shows you've missed
10. Procrastinating

Ummm, I'm gonna stop right there because I know I can go on forever. Unfortunately for me, I have a person who will whip my butt (and she'll enjoy it too) if I don't give her page counts tonight so I'm getting off the computer and actually going to try to make my daily writing goal...My accountability has turned into finding someone who will enforce it :P

Yes, I'm going now!

What's your choice of procrastination? Spill it!

Thoughts

2009-11-04T13:55:00.006-06:00

Don't you hate that?

Yeah, I certainly do.

I feel like I've fallen into this big dark pit where creativity is just above ground and no matter what I do, I can't seem to find a way to climb up. Well, it's been like this for some time and there are moments when I think I've found a way out but only manage to skin my knee on my way tumbling down. Oh--believe me, it's not the storyline or the characters. Something I just can't seem to put a finger on...

Last night I saw a really wonderful documentary called By the People: The Election of Barack Obama. I thought it was a brilliant film that gave a lot of insight into "the" man and his family. It showed the softer side, the human side, the side that reveals that when you believe in yourself and your vision...the possibilities are endless. I think that people are placing too high of expectations for President Obama and he's doing the best job that he can given the circumstances. You can't snap your fingers and expect the world to automatically become perfect...especially trying to clean up eight years of messes created by someone else. It's absurd!

Okay, where is this leading? I'll tell you what really creases me...I was watching the View this morning (which I don't often do) and I totally wanted to smack Elisabeth Hasselbeck. She needs to get the boot from the show because she's totally the reason why I don't watch it anymore! Basically, she was doing what she does best--bitching about the crappy economy and the Prez. If you hadn't noticed she's loves hearing herself speak. She rambled on about how Obama hasn't fulfilled his promises, yada yada yada. Frankly, I feel it's people like her who is causing Americans to find fault in a newly appointed President. It's the reason why there is so much anger, mistrust, and lack of understanding. It's selfish, self-absorbed people like her who probably enjoys dividing the nation just because they have a forum to do it...

Trust me, I'm not often vocal about politics but after seeing such an amazing documentary and then seeing something so jarringly stupid, it makes you wonder why things fail. People like her have already set us up for failure when we should be supporting the one person that 'the people' elected. President Obama's win marked a huge milestone in this country and showed us that color really doesn't matter. His win took us by surprise and was utterly refreshing, historic, and one of the reasons why America is so great! Heck, I was teary-eyed when he won. Trust me, I didn't think I'd ever see something like this happen in my lifetime--and it gave me hope. Hope that times were changing and that we could all band together to stamp out outdated views of what an America should be.

Bottom line: It's still early. We need to have patience, we need to support our president and we need to remember that we will get through this. Can't you see it? The economy is getting better. Jobs are slowly opening and the stimulus is starting to make a difference but everything takes time. It's like planting seeds and expecting flowers to bloom when you blink your eyes. Nature/Life doesn't work that way. We have to nurture and wait and when we see the fruits of our labor, it's the best reward!

Enough politics--I know that everyone goes through their ups and downs but we should never lose focus on what we want to achieve. We should never quit working hard to reach our goals because when we reach that pinnacle of success, it will have been all worth it...but mostly, we'll appreciate it all the more.

Even now, when I'm buried in all this personal muck--I never lose sight of the endless possibilities ahead of me...

Part of the package

2009-11-01T11:31:00.003-06:00

Contrary to the excitement of getting published, the true fun really begins afterwards. NOT!

Usually print releases are a year out, but in the world of ePublishing, it's expedited...most often ePublishers purchase only completed projects so besides the short turnaround on editing, you're going to have to be your own marketing and promotions department. That's not to say that print publishers don't require you to promote but if you want that extra push, the extra buzz to stay visible, you should do it anyway.

I spent a good part of the morning just emailing to review sites. Not all of them will review my book but that's the chance you take when you query. Promotions can be a number of things but in my experience, I've had better luck when I get reviewed. I think it's because some sites have a different readership and a new opportunity for visibility whether it's a good or bad rating. The readers will have a chance to decide for themselves if they want to read it for themselves based on your blurb and cover.

Of course, I always feel the added stress after I send out my books for review. Every author hopes a reviewer will love their stuff, but if they don't, you have to be prepared to take the negatives with the positives. It's a nail-biting wait but when you get that one reviewer who adores your writing, you get to walk on cloud nine for the rest of the week. Personally, I don't view smaller review sites any differently than larger ones. I try to pick sites that give constructive criticism. I avoid those sites that specialize in author bashing. Can I just say I LOATHE THEM? For one, if these sites proclaim their love of reading, why do they go out of their way to ridicule the authors who have poured so much love into their creation? Just between you and me, they don't do the publishing industry any favors nor do they help a romance author's cause. In the beginning of my publishing journey, I was reviewed by a very popular international romance review site. She proved that she didn't really read all her submissions. She gave a low rating but 50% of the facts were incorrect. When I sent her a nice email about her inaccuracies, she banned me from ever sending her a submission. Isn't that kind of her? Since then, I decided that my time could be better utilized sending books to sites who truly love romance and reading. I often like the reviewers take on the book and it helps me to understand how to improve in my storytelling. Believe it or not, a review has the ability to teach you or inspire you.

As a writer, one good review makes a difference in how we feel about ourselves. It also shows that people are excited about our work and they respect our storytelling--and that's all we could ever hope for. To me, readers and reviewers are precious. When I get an email from them, I feel as if they want to connect with my characters as much as I do and I never grow bored of discussing my works with them. In all honesty, it's the little things that has the biggest impact.

So this post is to THANK ALL MY READERS AND REVIEWERS...

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T14:33:00.002-05:00

This is one of my favorite holidays but this year I've promised myself that I would write and get my proposal done...the one that never ends...before I can enjoy any more days off. It's a tough project and I am committed to getting it finished no-matter-what!

Which leads me to committing myself to laying off the internet except for research reasons this weekend ... maybe parts of next week. However, I will only be online to post on blog days at various places but I am going to buckle down and avoid everything and everyone otherwise. Drastic times calls for drastic measures so I'm grounding myself...sort of.

Wish I was going to some kind of fancy party--ooh, I love dressing up--but I'll be okay about missing all the fun this year because it will be a party for me when I can finally shut up about my proposal and totally brag that "I SENT IT OUT".

Watch me.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN. Please be safe and have fun. Just stay away from the vampires and werewolves this year!

I'm on top of the world!

2009-10-27T21:19:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I've shared awesome news but today I wanted to kiss the folks at Amber Quill Press.

I SOLD! Yes, I sure did. I've got a short erotic contemporary that will be available the weekend of January 17th 2010 (unless it's moved up)! No cover yet but as soon as I get one, it's going up! :) This is a quick, exotic, and sexy read that I hope will keep you turning the pages. I totally loved writing it because it contains memories of Paris mixed with my love of art. I hope you'll put this short story on your TBR list. I'm glad I'll be starting the new year with one of my beloved publishers!

Every sale is a special one and I'm just enjoying the high...

BRUSH STROKES

For Sage, attending the Parisian sex club, Plaisirs Sombres, was the ultimate fantasy. So when the conservative gallery assistant is cloaked behind the velvet mask, she never expected to be the object of the club owner's desire. Spurred on by D.S. Gregoire's erotic and sensual brush strokes of the exclusive club, she gives into a brief liaison that leaves her breathless and wanting.

For Damien, known to the art world as D.S. Gregoire, his art has always been an adrenaline rush. But when an exotic and mysteriously uninhibited 'sex club virgin' enters his establishment, he is willing to break his club rules for another taste of the dark pleasures she brings him.

Must post

2009-10-24T10:30:00.004-05:00

I'm sorely lacking on posts, I know...

I'm still pulling my hair out as I work on my current proposal. Man, I didn't realize I would be dragging so much. I am usually the quickest writer I know but lately it's been a real chore. No, I still love writing...I just need to get to that place where everything clicks and I haven't gotten there yet. Believe me, some days are easier than others but it seems like taking a hiatus from writing really kills your writing chi.

I will say that this time of year is my favorite. I've been bundled up in my comfy PJs and monkey sox slippers and sipping on either coffee or hot tea with honey. It makes me feel oh-so happy. Silly--but the little things really make everything better. I'm currently stuck on the over editing portion of my writing. I've freakin' re-written my first chapter 5 times now. I'm officially done....psychologically I'm going to assume I'm avoiding the moving forward part. Maybe I'm afraid of getting rejections, maybe I'm afraid there are hundreds of other authors who will fit their 'trend' and I'll be waiting forever for a response. Even though I know it's a kickass idea, I totally must learn to focus on me. Don't know why I'm getting insecure because I'm normally the type that hits 'send' and move on. Gosh, I'm growing soft. However, I swore I'd start changing things after I lost that bet to Mr. Right. :( But I couldn't help being sick for a week....right, no more excuses. Double or nothing, that's what I told him...

No more time-wasting...got to go hide in the writing cave. Without distractions I may just make it by the end of the month!

Slow in coming but I got it

2009-10-21T12:30:00.006-05:00

Why does the EUREKA moment feel like such a labor intensive journey?

Mr. Right and I were driving around town on his day off. He decided to ask me about my writing progress. I was reluctant to discuss it with him since I've been stuck for a few months now. I'm in what authors call the 'ick' zone--y'know, when everything reads like crap. I couldn't seem to get into the storyline hardcore like I used to because there was too much churning in my head. In fact, I was having sleepless nights from not being able to shut down my brain before bedtime. I told him about my world building and at a stop light he turned his head, pushed his sunglasses down his nose, and peered at me.

Mr. Right: You know what you need to do?

Me: What?!

Mr. Right: Keep it simple.

I pouted.

That was the end of the conversation.

Not the one in my head, mind you, but at least it dawned on me that he was right. If anyone knows me, I'm the most stubborn soul and I can argue for days on any topic...but in this case I knew it was a losing fight.

When I think up a storyline I tend to build my universe like I would in a high concept movie. My ideas take on a life of its own and when it does, I want to put everything I see in my mind's eye into the manuscript. I want to fill in enough details to help the reader understand what I'm seeing...but as readers, no one wants to have to learn about the world--they want to live it.

A part of maturing as a writer is understanding and accepting defeat. I realize that to be a successful writer I need to think like a reader again. I need to make the world I build more intimate and believable. Mostly, I need to keep it simple. I'm one who totally hates re-writes but I know when I do start over I'm going to do it right the second time around. Now that I've caught up on all my graphics work, I must do the thing that I've been pushing aside. I'm going to finish my proposal so I can finally send it out. I'm hoping that this eye opening words of wisdom from Mr. Right will help me get a contract by the end of the year! That's my goal and I'm sticking to it.

Now go write....

Still breathing

2009-10-15T13:42:00.008-05:00

People have been passing the bloody cold around like it's candy. Mr. Right brought it home from work last week and while I was nursing him all weekend (and most of this week), I could feel myself feeling not so Jax. I personally enjoy being healthy because I love being obsessive and work like a fiend. It's a natural part of me... Unfortunately, I had to endure all kinds of crazy aches and pains and congestion. Not to mention that it only added to additional body pains I already have to live with but that's another story. I'm hoping that I'll be back to normal by the end of the week because I still have a heck of a lot to do!

Funny how much television you watch when you're laid up. I watched several documentaries and one was on HBO about Maurice Sendak who wrote WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE. It was a brilliant piece and really gave insight into the artist/author. He's so tortured, says it like he means it, and there's a deep pain and vulnerability to the man. It really made me think about artists and authors and what we share inside our own projects. Watching this documentary made me more eager to see the actual movie that was written and directed by Spike Jonze. Coincidentally, Spike is doing the interview in this and he's adorable! I hear WTWTA movie is a great adaptation that really shows the essence of the book. You can tell that he'd do it justice because of the visible friendship and camaraderie he has with Maurice. YAY, SPIKE!

I was pretty much caught up on all my reality tv dosage. I'm not so sure I should have watched Hell's Kitchen. I knew Gordon Ramsay would go for the underdog...but DAVE! C'mon, I couldn't stand him nor did I have any sympathy for his constant whining throughout the season! He broke his own bloody wrist washing a firetruck! HE was a total jerk during the last food service by acting like a wannabe Gordon Ramsay. There's no respect for it. As much as I have a love-hate for KEVIN, I truly saw how professional he was by keeping his cool during his food service. I was literally yelling WTF so many times that Mr. Right had to laugh...dear Gordon did it to me again! Last year it was DANNY and I about boycotted the show. Don't you all see a resemblance to the two guys who won? I realize that Gordon may see some special spark in the two men he's chosen but for goodness sakes, they look like they wouldn't know what to do at a five star restaurant if it hit them in the face! At least attempt to be savvy! Don't get me wrong, I love the underdogs but when I see professional chefs acting like morons and still win the love of the viewing audience ... I just have to shake my head and let it go or I'll have an aneurysm for over thinking it. Anywoo, I'm going to consider seriously if it's worth watching next year when I know Gordon will disappoint me, yet again...

Okay, I'm rambling but it's simply that when I'm on some sort of meds I feel the need to be vocal. LOL -- I'm going to spare you all and shut up so I can get back to whatever I was doing. But on a happy note....I did get to see THE PROPOSAL and it's a delicious eye candy movie. I totally love Ryan Reynolds even more than I do already. These RomComs are so formulaic but I can't help loving them anyway. It's all about the way it makes me feel when I'm down and icky...I get all warm and fuzzy inside and oh-so emotional. Colds + RomCom = Crybaby. I think the hormones like to be stirred and I get all weepy at the drop of a hat. Not that I cry often but sometimes it's good to, y'know.

On that note, I need to try to get some work done today even if my head is in a haze and all I want to do is eat soup and sleep!

Passion

2009-10-10T10:56:00.015-05:00

When I think of passion, beyond the pages of my novels, I think of other creative-types and what drives them to make their dreams a reality. Being such an art lover, in all forms, it's always nice to be able to share things in common with your partner. Lately, Mr. Right and I have really been enjoying documentaries, especially fashion ones. We've talked about the 'Valentino' documentary for a long while and decided to pick it up at Blockbusters last night. I have to say, it was one of the most beautifully made movies I've seen in a long while...

The movie VALENTINO, THE LAST EMPEROR gives insight into one of the most beloved designers of our time. It showcased his passion for life, his art, his gorgeous creations. The story didn't just focus on his fashion empire, but also about his love affair that spanned 50+ years with his partner, Giancarlo Giammetti. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and was engaged to the end.

There was so many interesting facets of the movie, especially seeing Valentino's seamstresses hand-stitch every gown just from his renderings. I was deeply inspired. I could imagine how amazing it would feel to put so much love and detail into each piece. Although Valentino was the face of the documentary, without Giancarlo, there would not have been an air of intimacy to the film. Without seeing both points-of-view, we would not see that the brand is spectacular because of both of them working side by side. They poured their passions into building the empire...and they poured their hearts into their relationship.

The highlight of the movie for me was seeing Valentino do all the hand-sketches of the designs. He was the sole creator and he didn't use assistants like other fashion houses who have a team to create their designs under their umbrella. I totally adored Giancarlo's business savvy tactics and the behind-the-scenes drama in order to make sure everything ran smoothly. Most of the time Valentino was oblivious to the inner workings of the company and the couple's bantering was hilarious and endearing.

What did I take from the movie? I totally related to Valentino because he was so passionate about his designs that he often neglected the responsibilities that lay beyond the fashion. He walked among the clouds when it came to his vision and his art...which I most definitely do. I could see Mr. Right being my Giancarlo. He always walks alongside me in every facet of my life and is the one who brings me back to reality.

This movie was a reminder that sometimes achieving success doesn't have to be a sole venture. Success comes quicker when you have that support system, when you allow someone you totally trust--who is your other brain, your conscience, and your anchor--to help you along. I've always been a stubborn person but it's not so bad when you can share your space with someone who completes you. In the past, when I felt like there was no one around that understood me...there is now...and that's when I see the passion and the force behind what drives a person to make things happen.

Motivation

2009-10-07T12:37:00.007-05:00

It's funny how easy it is to lose momentum and then...motivation. I had to laugh at the text on the picture I posted.

I'm not a lazy person, honest! And I definitely care or else I wouldn't choose writing as a career. I guess I'm the type of person who wants to do too many things at once...which is the curse of an artist. I am currently trudging through this paranormal and as much as I love love it, I'm letting a lot of my fears and anxieties get to me. The market is tough right now and unless you've established yourself pre-economy dump, then you've got more to prove to the editors if you want a slot for 2010 and beyond. I've got a paranormal circulating and it's gotten a handful of rejections so far because it's not vampires or werewolves. It's too complex, it's not what they're looking for. Well, it makes an author's life difficult when they want you to go outside the box and do a storyline that isn't the typical and when you present it, they don't know what to do with it so they pass. It's about the sure deal, the sure reader pick and if our stories don't fall into what's hot right now...you better hold onto that manuscript for when the trend swings another direction. Why am I rambling about this? Well, I've pretty much forgotten about that paranormal series because I know once I've got a product that will sell, I'll eventually get to pick that Project X back up again.

Right now, I'm putting on my fast draft hat because I've got a bet to win. As I was going through the storyline in my head and fleshing it out even more...I thought I'd start sharing some tips to get a writer going....I think I'm the only one so far in my Los Angeles chapter LARA that has ever finished writing a novel in two weeks so I still hold the record even though I'm no longer with them...that's why I'm going to share my secret with you...

1. Write as if your literary career depends on it. -- Basically, put yourself in a position where you give yourself a deadline. Maybe a month, maybe three but write without re-reading or editing. When you stop for the day, don't look back because tomorrow you're going to keep going from that stopping point. No peeking until you reach 'the end' because once you stop, you might as well forget finishing.
2. Leave out details and subplots. -- The point is that you want to write out the story so you shouldn't dwell too much on the details and subplots. You'll have time to fill in the holes during the editing process. I'm one of those authors who like to over-edit and can't seem to shut off but when I am able to, I've surpassed my writing goals. Your head will naturally write down the most important parts even if you don't realize it. The point is that if you dwell too much on the subplots you'll forget the writing part. It's okay to take notes on your notepad of things that need to change like inconsistency, new h/h names, or general things that must be included but don't let the notes make you lose the momentum.
3. Be realistic, be wise. -- Everyone's got a life whether you're a mother, have a day job, or going to school..but you have to pace yourself. Carve a little time out of each day and make yourself stick to it. Make it your 'career' and you know what office hours you want to keep. Don't make unrealistic goals like you're going to finish in a month when it will take you 6 months to a year to complete due to all those personal and outside obligations. Make wise choices and as much time as you can dedicate to writing is a step forward. Don't be discouraged because even if you write 1-5 pages a day, that's progress.
4. Believe in yourself. -- If you miss a work day or two, it's bound to happen. Don't be so hard on yourself because you can always make up for loss time. The important thing is to have faith in your writing and your abilities. If you don't believe in yourself or your writing, why write? Look, we all have those bad days but by allowing yourself to stay in that mindset isn't going to make you a better writer. It takes plenty of practice, plenty of rejections, and plenty of tough-love ahead to get you to that place you're finally comfortable with. I've written a little more than a handful of books and I still haven't reached that place. I know it takes time and if you really really want to be a writer--YOU HAVE TO WRITE!

Good luck! I'm heading back into the writing cave. Yes...I will stay off social networks for the next week....ok, at least I'll try. :)

No More Distractions

2009-10-03T16:08:00.009-05:00

I've been consumed with graphics and web stuff. Besides re-designing my website, I just finished up Romance Divas as well. It was loooooong overdue, let me tell you.

But distractions keep coming...my good friend Gemma Halliday just had a bouncing baby boy late last night and I'm excited to be an auntie! I'm also happy to report mother and baby are both doing well :)

Then there's going to be a giveaway at Nikki Duncan's blog on Sunday where Joyfully Reviewed is sponsoring the event. My book THE LOTUS BLOSSOM CHRONICLES is among the ones they're giving out.

On the writing front...I know...I was supposed to start earlier this week but design got in the way. So, I'm starting my schedule Monday--pronto! Looks like I'll be locked up in the writing cave because I have a deal with Mr. Right that I'll be done in 2 weeks. That's including the polish. I work better under deadlines and I will totally be gloating when it comes true--You know it!

Things are looking up now and I'm going to ignore the distractions so it's gonna be a whole lot better. I'm excited about picking up my paranormal because the heroine is SO Kick-A$$ that I wish I was her. The hero is a yummy Japanese science geek which I kind of modeled after Agent Zero (Daniel Henney) in Wolverine. For some reason, I have a good picture of the heroine in my head but no celebrity image comes to mind. She's a sassy Frenchie with lots of sarcasm and fashionable to boot! Okay, as I keep the dialogue going...I will let you all know if this project lands a home in the very near future...which would only mean I will be perpetually under the gun to write. Hummm, not so bad really. But then there's the five other projects I have right behind this one....

Enjoy the changing season...slip on those UGGs! (I know I will...)

Design, Pimage, and More

2009-09-29T23:09:00.004-05:00

What have I been up to, you ask? A heck of a lot, actually... I've been trying to catch up on web work since my trip. I've even spent way too many hours integrating my "old school" website into a WordPress and I've been obsessed with learning...shocking, I know! It's time I keep up with technology if I want to stay in the game and honestly, I wish I had put aside more time in the past to study all these things which would have saved me a lot of work. Well, now I know and I'm basically cramming info in order to get up to speed. The cons of the insatiable desire to learn is sleepless nights and plenty of caffeine pumping through my veins....gosh, I can fully admit I have issues. I guess I operate better when I am taken over by the weird obsessiveness. It absolutely thrills me and I find confidence in being able to succeed at the difficult tasks. Silly, but I kind of feel smart. I guess it's the inner geek in me and I've always embraced that. Now--if only I poured the same amount of hours into my writing, I would be a happy camper.

Believe it or not, I've created a writing log and I've decided to use the accountability method starting tomorrow. If I can force myself to produce 5 pages a day, I'll be done before I know it. It takes a good break to get you all revved up to write again. Yes, I've decided that I will get this proposal (which my agent is anxiously awaiting) within the next two weeks. It's going to be tough but it's now sink or swim time and I would love to hear news of some NY contract before the year is out. If I can only get the hot little pages into her eager hands! Through all the ups and downs of the past year, I must praise my agent who is the most amazing woman in the world! She's patient, kind, generous--the cheering crowd I need most during these crazy time. She's a great mentor and I truly, deeply respect her...but most of all, I love the fact that she believes in me and my work so I think that sealed the loyalty deal! Yep...I've got a lot riding on this project and so I must finally step away from everything else for a few weeks and focus, focus, focus....

On another note...my dear friend Crystal has a new release. You should totally get it because she writes good stuff!

"Naughty or Nice" in Under the Covers anthology, by Crystal Jordan

Dayna Sharp has the perfect job, the perfect man…the perfect life. So why is the prospect of marrying Mr. Wonderful so perfectly boring? It’s a question Dayna can’t shake when she brings her fiance home to meet her spectacularly un-boring family–and finds herself pursued by a bad-boy bearing gifts that could burn a hole in more than her Christmas stocking…

Read an excerpt here!

Now I write!

Smells like Fall

2009-09-26T11:00:00.001-05:00

I woke up this morning bundled up since it's been chilly the last few days. Thank goodness for my reliable Keurig coffee maker that makes the perfect cup every time or else I'd be a zombie.

I've really been trying to fight not learning Wordpress better but I've decided to cave in because I like the prospect of just designing a website my clients can maintain themselves. Of course, there's always a few who will still require my services but I'm happy to do it because I get paid the maintenance fee. Yes, always the business woman. So I've recently been obsessed with learning the CSS and generating a webpage from scratch. I bought an eBook that teaches me how to type in all the content based on my vision. I'm only a couple of chapters in but I'm learning a lot. It's going to require a lot of patience but I hope to be able to produce economical websites for people that I can churn out faster. I totally idolize a few of the designers out there for their artistic and design abilities. I would love to be Frauke at CrocoDesigns because I'm in awe of her talents. My friend at Austin Design Works is pretty good too. When I couldn't take on clients I used to refer them because I'd rather send folks to someone I know would do a good job. I think it's professional courtesy and because if someone's good, they should be mentioned. :)

Hummm...If I had stayed in the graphic design field in college instead of going into journalism, I'd probably be pretty good at--however, I tend to get distracted--hence, I went in the direction of creative writing. It isn't as stressful for me to write because story ideas flow naturally in my head. I'm more troubled by my inability to get on a regular schedule these days. When I'm disciplined, I'm really really good. But when I am lazy--er, preoccupied--I tend to let it drag on...which is not a good idea. These days my distractions are in the form of purchasing writing craft and motivational books that I may never crack open. I'm so weird that way and can't help loving books! I read an interesting blog post on Romancing The Blog about an author/reader who can't get into reading books they would normally have snatched up. I've been going through the same thing for the past 2 years...I can't recall the last book I've finished. I buy all my friend's books when I can afford it, but I mostly skimmed through them. I'm so bad about the attention problem because I think I should be working instead of reading...perhaps everything that's happening in the world has subconsciously affected me.

Okay, I plan on writing at least a few pages today so I better get my butt in gear or else I won't have anything to hand over to my agent. Not a wise idea. :) Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I know I'll be spending it...writing.

© Photo !ZEROsilencer

New temporary headshots

2009-09-23T11:10:00.006-05:00

I have a personal photographer. Chandler's my 15-year-old niece who is extremely talented! Every time I come home for a visit she does new headshots of me. This time around, it was rather rushed so I wasn't able to get all the shots we needed. Luckily, we found a swampy part in our neighborhood that was a great backdrop if I had attempted to do some gothic-type look. I think I had a dozen mosquito bites from that day and swelled up due to an allergic reaction. I was praying not to get some kind of foul disease because of those pesky bugs. Yes, I made it alive but it took a few days to heal. Anyway, I'm always impressed by how the younger generation is embracing their passions. All of her friends are SO talented and fashionable. It's amazing to see how savvy they are. Although Chandler is an artsy teenager, she's uber smart and she's been clocking college credits for an early graduation ever since I can remember. I love her drive, it reminds me of, well, me. :) We've always gotten along because of our creative streaks and I hope someday we'll get to work together on business ventures. Hopefully sooner than later...

Okay, out of all of the pics from that day shoot, these were the three I liked the most. I'm really picky about my smile, heck, with my entire expression and poses... When it came down to it, I think if I had fixed my hair and chosen a different wardrobe, I would have really liked them better but it's all trial and error. That's what I get for having her fix my hair. LOL

What do you think? Which one do you like best?

The best ever!

2009-09-21T20:02:00.007-05:00

Mr. Right decided to celebrate my birthday. We started out with sleeping in, then lattes at Starbucks and onto the Angelika Theatre where they showcase indie movies. I was thrilled to be able to see THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE documentary about Vogue and Anna Wintours. I'm a big fashion geek. I love clothes, watching fashion shows, and just daydreaming about my perfect collection if I were a designer so it was fun to watch a movie I know Mr. Right can appreciate. After all, he started out in fashion design school but along the way he decided to get his Fine Arts degree instead. He's so creative and because of this, he's very supportive of everything I do. Sometimes you just need that hand to hold, the reassurance that I can do and be anything I want to be. Mr. Right's a good balance in my life because he's the rational and responsible one, while I'm the compulsive/impulsive one. Our relationship is built on friendship and laughter. That's why it's so important for me to make compromises and push forward even when I don't want to. He's truly my anchor...

I must admit, last night Mr. Right made me weepy. After picking me up at the airport and grabbing dinner, I came home to a wall-sized present with a big red bow. Once he unwrapped it, I was speechless...

See that painting above? Mr. Right painted it for me while I was away. He wanted me to have something I'd always remember. This abstract painting is so beautiful and amazing that I'm wondering how he's going to top this next year. Yep, that's my portrait...it's from an author photo I use for almost all my promotional efforts. He did it free hand and I get all warm and fuzzy just looking at it. It's going to be the first painting he'd have to hang in my office and just the thought of it makes me so happy. Every day I'm amazed by his thoughtfulness and as I think about the future...I'm excited about what it holds for us.

How exciting!

2009-09-20T08:17:00.006-05:00

I can't believe I'm packing again! I'm certainly taking back more than I brought and still a little miffed the skycap overcharged me on my luggage...and I even gave him a good tip! :( Didn't find out until after I had arrived here but now I know to ask what the prices are. Anywoo, it's a hot Sunday and I've got so much to do. I'm ready to sleep in my own bed because with all the kids trying to sleep in my room, I often find myself on the floor. Sigh. It's always difficult to leave when your parents are giving you the guilt trip. They'd love to see me move back but I personally want to try out different cities. The US has so many gorgeous cities and full of unexpected goodness. I hope Mr. Right finds a job that will take us up north. Always wanted to live in the northern states so hopefully we'll get the opportunity to. In the meantime, I'm not looking forward to all the work that awaits me back home. I figure I'd take a day to decompress and then jump right in. After all, I have goals to meet if I'm to sell my paranormal...

**BREAKING NEWS**

Kelly L Stone, the author of TIME TO WRITE, recently interviewed me for her second book for aspiring writers. The book is called THINKING WRITE: The Secret to Freeing Your Creative Mind, and it's about how to use the power of your subconscious mind to maximize your creative output and attain all of your writing aspirations. It even comes with a CD with 4 meditations for writers, including one on how to give the perfect pitch to an agent or editor.

Apparently the book was in such demand that her publisher released it early! Go check it out, I know I will :) I feel so proud that my quote will be included along with a lot of other successful and talented authors. It's one of those SQUEE moments

Freebies

2009-09-17T09:41:00.004-05:00

Since I'm not going to have any releases coming out soon, I'm wondering what kind of freebies people enjoy to keep the author fresh on their mind...

1. Free books
2. Free reads
3. Free excerpts
4. Free jewelry
5. Free chocolates

Heck, does anyone ever download my free reads? I'm just curious. I've been pretty busy the last few months but I'm running out of ideas to make my blog more entertaining. I have 23 AWESOME followers but there hasn't been a spike and wondering if there are more lurkers than those wanting to follow me.

Basically, what's the best way to entertain you people? Should I get some celebrity interviews or somethin'? I must think about how to liven up this place.

Let's get the party started.

Distractions

2009-09-14T18:35:00.003-05:00

Between hospital stays, hyper kids, and lack of sleep...I am finding no time to sneak off to write.

I miss my muse. She has decided to take a brief vacay while I am struggling to get back into the zone. It seems that she has been annoyed by my love of watching video streaming of my favorite shows and the constant need to run to Taco Bell for a strawberry Frutista. What can I say, it's hot as heck and I deserve the sugar?!!! I miss my bed. I miss Mr. Right. I miss the peace and quiet. Unfortunately, I stay up late and get up at 6:00 AM with the rest of the kids who have a habit of sneaking into my room as if I needed to be woken up. Gotta love the little ones.

At least I'm able to catch up on movie rentals and tv shows. Has anyone seen the new Melrose Place? I don't know if I like these studios re-doing beloved shows but I will give it a go. However, I will say I like The Vampire Diaries so far. The writing was a lot better than I expected. Man, the CW is all over the teenage demographic. I'm curious to see if they can stretch out the love affair between the h/h. I'm watching as many shows as I can during the late night hours because once I get home...there will be no tv time again. Oh...did I mention my family got me hooked on Farmville on Facebook? It is the coolest thing but I'm sure I'll grow bored in a few weeks. Everything's a phase for me during the lull.

Well, mom is home from the hospital and I need to go see if she needs anything...I am glad I have this time to be with her. Glad she's finally home!

Nothin' special going on...

2009-09-09T21:00:00.002-05:00

It was just another day. I didn't get much sleep last night and spent time editing my pages and adding a page and a half. I left the hospital around 1:00 PM and did some errands. Still doing renovations and can't believe I'm making such progress. In between lack of sleep, recovering from a cold daze, and all the manual labor...I'm doing pretty good.

I celebrated today 09.09.09 with lattes and leftovers in the fridge. For my big dinner at 8:00 PM I had drive-through chicken tenders and a coke that I took with me to the hospital. No going out and dressing all fancy--just trying to make it through another day. I know when I get back from the Sunshine State I'll be celebrating my belated B-day with Mr. Right. He's got something special planned and I will be able to sleep in for a few days. That is really going to be the best birthday present ever!

I'm definitely exhausted but starting to feel positive about my current project. Now all I have to do is be able to stay focused and awake long enough to write it. Truthfully, best case scenario is being able to doze off without the beeping of the monitor keeping me up! :) Okay folks, I'm going to wrap up the day by watching full episodes of Top Chef that I've been missing...and whatever else I can find online because I haven't had TV time in a long while...........I'm outtie.

Home renovations

2009-09-07T21:00:00.003-05:00

I've been able to spend some time with my family these last few days and it's always a bit chaotic--never a dull moment. Well, mom goes in for surgery early tomorrow morning and then I'll definitely be out-of-pocket for a while. I had planned on staying at the hospital but now need to recuperate because I've managed to catch a small cold. Sniffling, sneezing, stuffy head...all the usual symptoms but I'm making an effort pitch in around the house. Even in my drug induced state I decided to help with home renovations. My parents have lived in this house for over a decade and it's in dire need of home improvements. Being the OCD personality that I am, I decided to spend the day cleaning, scraping, and re-sealing/re-grouting the bathroom. I have plans to finish the paint job my sister started and then paint the door to give it a fresh look. Tomorrow I'm re-designing the living room and hopefully it'll be a pleasant surprise before mom comes home. I wanted it to be a calming and refreshing place for her to hang out when she has to do her round of intense physical therapy. If I have time I'll try to make my way through the rest of the house, otherwise it's at least a good starting point for my siblings. Yes, I should be resting but I feel like there's too much to do. Blame it on HGTV and their darn home renovation shows. I've had the itch to do some manual labor ever since I got hooked on them. It's kind of empowering. Hopefully the cold is really an allergy attack and then I'll be able to be with my mother through the recovery process at the hospital.

Before I kick back and relax...so I wanted to give a shout out to one of my best girl friend's...HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA! Wish I was there celebrating with you just like old times!

Happy shiny new...

2009-08-30T11:09:00.008-05:00

I've been secretly tinkering with my WEBSITE during breaks in writing and graphics work. I finally spent an hour or two yesterday to finish up my re-design. Of course, I'm really old school and use actual design before importing and tinkering on dreamweaver. I really should be upgrading to Wordpress but I've been too busy to really dissect the software. I know how to change images on a pre-created template but it's a matter of learning all the CSS and language to give the look a polish finish. It's about making everything more seamless and easy to upload on the run. For now, I do all the uploads on all the changes from my home office. I'm one of those computer girls who learned everything through reading about things and then trying them out. I don't have formal training so I'm a bit slow. I'm an artist, not a code developer so I get lost at times. One of my goals is to get more savvy with Wordpress in 2010. I want to be able to get all my websites up to par and it would most likely be less time consuming than the work I do now. This can only be good for my new clients as they'll be able to get better rates...the bonus is that they'd be maintaining their own sites unless they choose to have me do it...which I'm fine with that too.

I know, it's all about change and going with it. There's a lot of things I am quite innovative about but web design is something I haven't really chosen to move forward on. I guess in my mind I enjoy the old school techniques but if I can produce more and faster and provide a slick design...I should really start learning it. A brain can only hold so much at a time but if worse comes to worse, I'm paying someone to give me a quick tutorial. At least I wouldn't have to be digging around and can save all that research time for my books!

Anywoo, I'm usually over at Hooked on Romance on Mondays but since I'll be with my family most of September, I'll have awesome guest bloggers in my place. You really should go visit them. I know most are giving away books so don't miss out on freebies!

Oh...There's going to be awesome September 1st releases!

My dear friend Kristen Painter has her first novel ALL FIRED UP released through Samhain Publishing. It's a wonderful book and I had the pleasure of reading it many eons ago in it's original form. I loved it then, and I still love it now.

BLURB:

Desire can heal the coldest heart—or burn it to ashes.

Alrik Gunn knows from bitter experience that change isn’t always for the better. From the woman who annihilated his Viking clan to the goddess who tricked him into centuries of slavery, betrayal has dogged his existence. The Goddess of Love is going to let him avenge his family, but for a price. As a Phoenix—a merchant of change—he must grant a human woman three chances to change her life.

When former Irish dancer Calleigh McCarthy tosses a carved-bird statue that belonged to her ex into a roaring bonfire, she unwittingly summons an honest-to-god Phoenix. A sexy, irresistible Viking who offers her an unbelievable bonus—three get-out-of-her-crappy-life-free cards. She’ll take it, even if it means guarding her cautious heart against the dark pain behind Alrik’s eyes.

Alrik has vowed never to let love sway him again, but Calleigh’s innocence and kindness throw him off balance. Yet even as his need for revenge fades and his love for her grows, he is bound to let her make her choices without interfering.

One wrongly chosen word, and any chance for happiness—for either of them—will go up in flames.

Then there's my friend Louisa Edwards whose debut book CAN'T STAND THE HEAT is already garnering great reviews. This is one of the juiciest books you'll ever read! I totally love anything to do with food and a studly younger version of Gordon Ramsey only makes it yummier...I got a freshly printed copy in my hands a week early. I guess Walmart was so excited they put it on the shelves...my gain. :)

BLURB:

For sharp-tongued food critic Miranda Wake, the chance to spend a month in Adam Temple’s kitchen to write an exposé is a journalistic dream come true. Surely Miranda can find a way to cut the hotshot chef down to size once she learns what really goes on at his trendy Manhattan restaurant. But she never expected Adam to find out her most embarrassing secret: she has no idea how to cook.

Adam’s not about to have his reputation burned by a critic who doesn’t even know the difference between poaching and paring. He’ll just have to give the tempting redhead a few private lessons of his own—teaching her what it means to cook with passion…and doing more with his hands than simply preparing sumptuous food.

Let me know what you think of my website re-design. :) Inquiring minds wanna know.

Social Networks, ramblings, and giveaways

2009-08-27T10:00:00.004-05:00

Promotion is a big part of an author's life. How will anyone know your name or your work when they've never heard of you?

Face time at book signings is a great way to connect with readers but that's just a small portion of marketing and promotions for an author. Live events are all about forging friendships and building relationships, often it's a way to help readers put a face to a name...and it's a way to meet others in the publishing industry.

I'm lucky I got involved with the World Wide Web right at the beginning of the online boom. Those days, I had assumed we'd have hover crafts in the year 2010...funny huh? Of course, I'm still learning and always trying to find new ways to network. Even when you've published, there's only a small percentage of promotions your publisher will do and the rest is all up to YOU. It's dizzying to see all the many promotional opportunities available to us these days. I remember when MySpace was the 'it' thing to register for. Now it's Facebook and Twitter. All these accounts require a lot of time and patience, even then, it is always a work in progress.

Recently I became more aware of GoodReads and as a very OCD type personality, I hate not figuring out things. I'm pretty tech savvy but as much as I like them...I'm finding out it's not as user friendly as it should be for authors. It's not only frustrating to spend hours making everything perfect, but also tiresome. I finally decided to step away for a breather. For one, when you register there's no option to choose the type of account you want: reader or author. Then, there's the problem of having multiple pseudonyms...you're not given an option to add in those books to your list. Couldn't they make an easy bridge to link your names and details? Maybe I'm just not getting it. LOL

Trust me, I'm grateful for all those intelligent and dedicated developers for creating all these social networks. It's given us a way to communicate and socialize with those from all walks of life. But with all that's available...what are your views on these options?

Seriously, do you read blogs? How do you know which ones to come back to? Or are you a skimmer like I am sometimes. Between writing, freelance work, and life...I find it difficult to read my friend's blogs every day. I kind of feel guilty about it but I do make an effort when I can, even if I don't always comment. That leads me to wonder what would help me acquire more followers? Is it the draw of a contest? Is it excerpts, guest bloggers, or just the fact that the person is entertaining? I want to know because I want to reach out to the masses. Especially when I'm writing different genres and hoping to gather different readerships that may like one type of genre over the other. Sure, I write erotic contemporaries right now...but I have paranormal, young adult, and women's fiction projects in the works. Do readers find it difficult to read a multi-genre author? What about the various social networks...for instance, which do you like and what seems to work for you? What other ways do you promote? What are your pet peeves? And what do you, as readers, like to see from authors?

Gosh, I'm inquisitive today...but in this day and age of technology, I think it's important to hear what others have to say. It's all a continual learning process and I'm eager to be accessible to my readers because, without them, there would not be a me for others to discover.

Well, speaking of networking. My friend Marcia Colette is guest blogging at Hooked On Romance and she's talking about her latest paranormal release: STRIPPED. And if you pop by, you'll get a chance to win her ebook.

Well, I'm getting back to writing...otherwise there won't be any future releases for my readers to put on their list!

Sun shines through

2009-08-26T10:39:00.004-05:00

Seems impossible to miss the craziness of life but when everything falls apart, one by one, like puzzles on the floor--I'm able to pick up the pieces and put them back together.

I've been stumbling through each day and I didn't think I'd have the desire to put my heart into my stories again. Somehow I felt like my heart was missing. Not in the love department, but in the one that requires me to figure out if writing is what I really want to do for the rest of my life. I kind of had to feel my way through all the things I love most like a blind woman searching for answers. I've had a lot more downs than ups but yesterday I 'snapped' out of it. I've pretty much isolated myself while I worked through all these things rolling around in my head and what I see is a bright one if I could just survive this. I know I can because the sun still shines even when I'm sitting in a darkened room watching my cursor pulse on the screen.

My characters are talking to me again and they're demanding I write this thing. Funny how much I missed those voices, those images...well, if not for their liveliness, I wouldn't have a story to tell. Maybe I closed myself off because I believed that if I didn't have to deal with them I could focus on those 'responsibilities' but it's like shutting out the part of you that makes you feel alive. I guess the lesson I learned is that you can focus on both as long as you can compartmentalize--juggle all those things that matter most. I'm feeling good and I am proud I took charge of my own head for a change. 15 pages isn't a bad start and I'm hoping by Monday I'll have my proposal in good shape to send to my critiquers. I'm nervous, because when you've got National Best Sellers asking and wanting to see what you've got...it's daunting, exhilarating, amazing. I guess if I can impress them, I might just be on the right track. Yeah, I need that kick in the pants.

No, not divulging my story yet...because when I do, I'm going to show you all the bells and whistles. I've got something up my sleeve. Now to figure out what I'm going to call the series...that's rough.

Okay, hump day is now work day and I've got at least 15 pages to produce.

Woot--I'm back in the game!

The can't kick it blahs

2009-08-21T17:53:00.006-05:00

Seems like another lifetime where creativity and inspiration just sprung from the ground with every step I took. These days it's as if the focus has shifted and I can't seem to grasp one solid sentence that makes sense. I've turned my attentions to cooking, art, music, and fashion...but deep in the back of my subconscious, there's a voice nagging at me to get anything written. No—it's not writer's block. I've said it often enough I don't believe in it...I think it's a matter of hitting a brick wall and figuring out the best way get plow through it, or jump over the hurdle.

For me, I've got a lot going on inside my head and it seems like it's getting more crowded by the day. Can't seem to shut off the feeling that someone snuffed out this candle of wonderment and enthusiasm. Okay, it's really not that drastic. I'm just trying to figure out who I want to be as a writer. I'm still shaping my career and I believe it's the self-doubt that's killing my writer's buzz. Sounds stupid, but it's one of those things that I need to figure out soon! I mean—I've found my 'voice' as a writer...I just need to convey it in two different languages...one for the mass market and one for me on a personal level. Maybe this new project is tapping into a deeper, darker side that I'm not too sure of. Maybe it's not tapping into the right place at all and it's causing confusion. So instead of feeling sorry for myself, I've stepped back for a few days and let all these ideas simmer. It's harder to prepare a plan of action when I'm the type of person who likes to do three things at once. I know, lack of focus has been my personal weakness for a long time...at least I can admit it.

Okay, so I figured I'll be gone for most of September and wifi will be spotty where I'm going. That's probably why I haven't been too hard on myself about the writing schedule. I know that during my absence I'll have a heck of a lot of writing time. If I can't come out of this with at least 2 proposals and a novella, I'm just in bad shape. As a motivation...and reward, I'll have to do something extraordinarily special—well, at least Mr. Right is going to do something amazing for my birthday when I return from my trip. I think that maybe I will come out of the blahs in time to prove to the publishing industry that it's "game on"!

I've been very bad...

2009-08-19T10:21:00.019-05:00

PART DEUX: So I went to the MOMA in Fort Worth and had an awesome time! Of course, the collection was a lot smaller than I thought it would be, but the architecture totally made up for it. It's breathtakingly beautiful and you could tell the Japanese architect TADAO ANDO poured a lot of love into the structure. I could gush about how amazing the place was. If it were a mansion, I'd gladly move in!

Okay, so I'm not really supposed to be photographing the exhibit, but you know me--I'm a rebel that way. I couldn't help it. Really! I don't know when I'll get a chance to go to this museum again so I made darn sure I would get this documented. Thankfully my accomplice became pretty skilled at the art of sneaky photography by the end of the day!

So come with me as I make my way around the museum....

One of the first pieces I came upon was this beautiful sculpture called BOOK WITH WINGS by Anselm Kiefer (Germany). Okay, who doesn't want to feel like an angel once in a while. I have to say, it's too bad we couldn't use the flash on our camera but I'm pleasantly pleased with sprouting wings :)

You have to admit how amazing this looks! Look at the scale of the piece ASCHENBLUME, also by Anselm Kiefer. It's magnificent with the intricate details and layering. Boy, I love layering techniques because that's what I do best when I paint.

I've always been wild about Jackson Pollack, so it was a treat to see several wonderful pieces from him. I was blown away. Crack ART! I'm going to own one of his paintings one day! Because if I hadn't discovered him at a young age, I would have never started painting in the first place! Yes, by this time I was itching to pull out brushes and a canvas and start painting in the space. But fortunately for me, my sanity came flooding back when we got reprimanded for taking pictures.

This was a totally cool ladder that reminded me of ALICE IN WONDERLAND for some reason. I adored it. I'm sure it took the artist forever to reach the end. Since I was kinda worried about getting caught taking photos, I missed the plaque. My apologies to the artist that I couldn't give proper credit.

I have to admit, modern art isn't just about paintings, photography, and sculptures. It's also about artistic expressions...mainly stuff I couldn't begin to decipher.

There was a special exhibit going on where the artist used animation techniques and large collages. This particular exhibit held screens in a darkened room, projecting a short movie and in one room it focused on a dancing nose! I was not digging it. I know, different strokes for different folks...but I DON'T GET IT! I'm pretty open minded...but maybe I don't understand all this modern art. I love the classics. I love being able to stare at some incredibly created art pieces for hours on end...but sitting on a bench watching dancing noses and strange imagery isn't my cup of tea. Explain this one to me, art connoisseurs! Pretty please.

By this time I was looking for the EXIT.

This piece by Robert Rauschenberg is called WHISTLE STOP. I noticed some of the patrons giving me dirty looks but c'mon, you'd have done this too. It was so much fun to be part of the artwork!

An art exhibit isn't just the same without seeing an Andy! I'm going to have to try this technique someday. I've decided that it would be a fun project. What a happy, vibrant feel to this piece! The painting just popped, hence the magic of Pop Art.

Okay, I could go on and on but I'm just going to leave you with this very thoughtful sculpture (sorry, didn't get the artist's name on this piece either).

I'm glad I had the opportunity to see all the art and it's so revitalizing. It's like going to conference and jazzing you up to write. I can't put a finger on the feeling but I left with an amazing high and a determination to build my own art--yes, it's time to crack the whip on my writing and I think that the visual inspiration will most definitely rev me up.

To the museum

2009-08-18T11:20:00.004-05:00

Mr. Right surprised me today. He's got Mondays and Tuesdays off so he's taking me to the Museum of Modern Art in Fort Worth. I'm so excited! I haven't been to the museum in a while and he thought it would spark my imagination and give me some much needed motivation. I suppose I could be stuck at the computer all day but this is a way better alternative, that's for sure....

Isn't this place lovely? It looks like a piece of art!

I'll be out and about but can't wait to tell you about this fun excursion. In the meantime, it's only Tuesday so you better WRITE!

Life inspired by cuisine

2009-08-15T20:30:00.001-05:00

Mr. Right took me on a day date and we watched this amazing movie. I knew I'd love it but I never knew how much it hit home. I related being in my 30s and feeling as if I didn't know what direction I should go in life. I've always found comfort in food and writing. I'm one of those people who likes to experiment in the kitchen and I tend to throw ingredients together to create something uniquely me. Something I'd want to eat and often the risks were rewarded with yummy Jax cuisine. Thankfully. :) In my head, cooking is like art. It's full of colors and textures and depending on how you work with the items and techniques, they can draw different emotions out of you.

Back to the movie...Julie & Julia is a good example that inspiration can come in different forms. For Julie Powell, her motivation came from a desire to finally complete something in her life--by cooking her way through Julia Child's cookbook--she was able to prove to herself that she could accomplish something.

**If Meryl Streep doesn't get an Oscar nod, I would be really surprised**

As writers, we are constantly talking to our characters. They are, in essence, a living, breathing person in our eyes. In Julie's case, Julia was her mentor, her guide, her support as she cooked meal after meal. Of course there are trials and tribulations, annoyance and discouragement...but she didn't give up. She learned from her mistakes and she learned what she was capable of. I think that blogging was a big motivator and factor. By making herself accountable, she was forced to continue on. For me, it would be meeting my page count goals or I else I would be extremely disappointed in my inability to perform...

When I wrote my first book, I didn't think I could ever finish a novel. I felt so many emotions and often I doubted myself. It's easy to give up, but it takes a brave person to keep going to the end. If I hadn't finished that first manuscript--I would not be where I am today. I would not use all those lessons to improve upon in the future. I would not have a reason to continue if I had not tried regardless of those who didn't have faith in my efforts.

I was speaking to a friend of mine who mentioned that they needed validation. Yes, it's great to have friends as a support system but sometimes we need to get confirmation from outside to make us feel accomplished. What I discovered the past 4 1/2 years is that it really doesn't matter what others think of you. It's really what you think of yourself. It really comes down to one important thing...YOU. I have spent so much of my life trying to please others. Trying to take all the advice and yet at the end of the day, the decision is ultimately mine. If I believe that I am a good writer...really believe...others will too. Writing takes talent and hard work. You can have talent and if you don't have the work ethic, then it's not going to help you. You don't have to have talent, but if you have the patience and tenacity, you will be accomplished. I think that often those who are the most talented take the little things for granted. I've seen it firsthand.

It's when you get kicked down that it becomes a true test of who you are. Nothing easy to achieve is as meaningful as those things that are fought for.

Without the hardships, I would never have learned how strong of an individual that I truly am.

Hump day fun

2009-08-12T10:33:00.002-05:00

Mr. Right spent about 4 hours hanging out with my 4 older brothers at the BBQ dinner outdoors. I basically abandoned him to hang out with the women inside to help handle all the 10+ kids ranging from 2-18 years old. It was exhausting and made me relieved I didn't have kids of my own to deal with. Gotta love their energy--but, man, they wiped my butt out! I must have gained so much weight with all the food feasts but now it's back to the grind and work obligations. Yes, I was terribly proud of Mr. Right for getting along with everyone and catching a glimpse of my insane family!

Today Mr. Right has a day off so he's finally taking me on a partial day date. We're going to see Julie & Julia and spend some quality time together. Then I'm going to take a few hours in the evening to work so I am not totally swamped this weekend. Wow, life does pass quickly when you're busy!

Okay, I've got to get ready and I'll report back on what I thought of the movie. SQUEE--so excited!

It's a Family Affair

2009-08-11T14:40:00.004-05:00

It's one of those spur of the moment family reunions. My siblings attend an annual Catholic retreat in St. Louis, Missouri every year and this year they decided to make it a family road trip. For the last three days I've been spending it with my siblings and their children. We've had a feast at various brother's homes and yesterday I brought Mr. Right. It's the first time they've ever met him so I made him extremely nervous about the customs and proper etiquette. He was all nerves by the time he made it through the door at my second oldest brother's home. There was at least 25 people which included adults and children in one place. My sister-in-law made a traditional hot pot of duck stew with Asian veggies. It was scrumptious! I haven't had authentic home cooking in a while. Tonight my oldest brother invited us all to his home for a steak and BBQ dinner as a way to include Mr. Right into our mix. It's such a sweet gesture because I think they really like him. I feel a sense of relief, after all, he's the only Caucasian in the mix and it's just funny to see him try to interact with a traditional family. It's reminds me of those big Italian families...we have enough people to make up a clan! I hope we'll survive the chaotic evening. Mr. Right may be a little overwhelmed with the amount of family I have, but that's not everyone, I'm afraid :) He's taking it better than I've expected and he has no clue of what he's getting himself into!

Excerpt Monday -- 4th Edition

2009-08-10T06:00:00.006-05:00

It's Excerpt Monday again and feel free to learn more about it HERE! This idea was created by two members of Romance Divas, Bria Quinlan and Mel Berthier. "Excerpt Mondays" is the chance to showcase an author's work by making it available for readers. There are authors of all different genres and heat level ratings from G to NC-17. Be sure to check out the guidelines and calendar for future dates!

I am providing the excerpt of my current release to get new readers a chance to sample a snippet of RALEIGH IN RIO, the second novella in the SUNSWEPT anthology. Hope you enjoy it!

SUNSWEPT by Cassidy Kent
Release Date: June 2009
Publisher: Phaze Publishing
http://www.Phaze.com
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: R

SUNSET KEY…

Freesia Daniels, personnel specialist and consummate planner, wasn't prepared to get the boot from her company for possessing a heart. When she decides to return home from Boston to the sunny beaches of Key West to lick her wounds, she discovers her heartbroken past has finally caught up with her in the form of Zachary Gray, her childhood sweetheart. He lures her to his island getaway and lands them smack in the middle of a raging hurricane. Lightning doesn't often strike twice, but this storm might give them both a second chance at love.

RALEIGH IN RIO…

Raleigh Campbell just learned that her five year marriage was a sham. To cheer her up, her friends take her to Rio during Carnivale to celebrate her 30th birthday and pending divorce. Little does she know, she’s not the only one her soon-to-be ex has cheated on.

Private investigator Cristo Santiago has been assigned to watch Raleigh's every move, in search of twelve million dollars of embezzled corporate money, and that's landed him in the hot waters of obsession. His love for Raleigh is sealed under the starry Rio sky, but can he find the missing money without losing her trust?

DOLCE & DIANA…

Diana Radford’s divorce settlement includes three million dollars and an island resort off the coast of Grenada. Although not classically educated in the culinary arts, she possesses a rare natural ability to create brilliant Italian/Caribbean fusion dishes. When she is selected by the reality cooking show, Fighting Chance, she can’t turn away the opportunity. Win or lose, this is much needed press for her restaurant, “Dolce”.

Culinary celebrity and reality show host, Chance Kohler possesses arrogance to rival his talent. After helming several 5-star restaurants in the States, he is disappointed to discover his opponent is an ex-waitress with no formal culinary training. From the moment they meet, this fashionista whets his appetite and leaves him craving for second helpings. If he loses, his career is on the line and he must survive the fierce but tasty competition…while the whole world watches.

EXCERPT of RALEIGH IN RIO...

There were two types of people Cristo could read like an open book.

One, a liar.

He spun her around and pulled her back into his arms.

Two, a woman oblivious to her own seductive power.

He brushed his knuckles across her cheek, caressing her soft skin as he memorized her face beneath the dim glow of the moon. Perfection.

Raleigh needn’t work too hard to seduce him anyway. All she needed to do was look at him and he could see the longing in her eyes. Could feel her need to be touched and be held, to fill the loneliness that she hid from the world. A flash of memories seized him. Images of her balled up on the floor in tears while he watched on helplessly through a damn monitor. He hated those days, hated not being able to console her, reach for her or wipe the tears away.

He felt the same way, too.

Cristo expelled a ragged breath as a familiar scent filled the air. Brunfelsia grandiflora, known as Kiss-me-quick. An ironic chuckle escaped his lips over the appropriate name of the purple and white plants. Even if he were to get what he wanted, it would have to be brief.

Sadness washed through him. How long must he push his wants and needs aside until he had nothing left to offer any woman? Hell, he had spent so many years devoting his life to his work that he hid from relationships when his lovers demanded more. Instead of a warm body lying next to him at night, he clung to cold case files, buried in the lives of others who sought to hurt and destroy one another. With his ability to uncover the truth, he had finally discovered what he had been missing through uncovering Raleigh.

As the sensual love song floated to a leisurely halt, Cristo grazed his lips across her brow. He had to end the night before he compromised his mission, or worse, allowed her further into his heart. His stomach knotted when she smiled up, licking her lips in anticipation of another kiss.

That settled it. Time for him to walk the guileless seductress to her hotel room, kiss her chastely on the cheek and finish his evening in his boxers, curled up next to a case of Brahma and the remote control. The thought of spending another night alone definitely didn’t appeal to him as much as seizing a few extra minutes in the company of his midnight fantasy.

Dinner had been polished off eons ago and he couldn’t recall a time when he had a more refreshing conversation with a woman. The more he learned about Raleigh, the more he wanted his fill of her, to learn a lifetime of details about her in the span of a night. He had to take something of her with him for those long, chilly nights. Yes, he wanted to know if her reality truly compared to the profile he had memorized from her files.

Cristo tightened his hold on Raleigh. His only regret was finding the woman of his dreams now, under these circumstances. He wished they had come together during any of the dozens of times in his life when he could have committed to someone and hadn’t.

How would Raleigh react when she found out the truth about him? Would she give him a chance to show her another life outside of the prison of her failed marriage? Or would she walk away more wounded and broken than when she started? Could he risk it all and gamble on one night?

Like two teenagers at a forbidden prom, they continued dancing skin-to-skin and a sudden wave of warmth spread through him as Raleigh threw her arms around his neck.
Not wanting the night to end, he grasped for any reason to be with her. “Care for a walk along the beach?”

Raleigh slipped out of his arms to gift him with a smile that made his chest constrict. “Excellent idea. However, I’d rather prop up my feet after walking in these heels for ten hours. A nightcap at my place, instead?” She ended the question in a smoky voice that lured him like a siren.

Staring at him through the thick lashes of her hooded eyes, she waited expectantly. Had it been a figment of his imagination, or had he seen a flash of slow mounting fire within the ocean depths?

Cristo’s head gave him a hundred and one reasons to say no, but his heart urged him to take what she offered. He’d be a fool to walk away from her, for he might never have the opportunity again and regret was a bitter road he didn’t want to revisit. Time to take action before he lost the nerve.

He took a step forward and reached out for her, cradling her head with his palm as he drew her to him for a kiss brewing with fervent desire. When he finally tore his lips away from hers, he was anxious to finish where they had left off in more comfortable surroundings.

“What was that for?” she asked in a husky, satisfied voice.

“I wanted to make sure this wasn’t a dream.”

She slid her arms around his neck. “Let me show you that you are fully awake.”

If you liked the excerpt above and want more, please visit the participants of Excerpt Monday this month. Just remember, you'll get to choose which excerpts you want to read by checking the genres and ratings that you're interested in. Enjoy!

**All links have been updated as some were incorrect. :)

Mel/Alexia Reed Urban Fantasy (R)
Bria Quinlan, Rom Com (PG)
AJ O'Donovan, Poetry (PG13)
Stephanie Draven, Paranormal Romance (PG 13)
Heather S.Ingemar, Dark Fantasy/Poetry (PG13)
Babette James, Fantasy Romance (PG 13)
Cynthia Justlin, Romantic Suspense (PG 13)
Kaige, Historical Romance (PG 13)
Julia Knight, Fantasy Romance (PG13)
Ansha Kotyk, Middle Grade Adventure (PG13)
Adelle Laudan, Contemporary Romance (PG 13)
Jeannie Lin, Historical Romance (PG 13)
RF Long, YA Paranormal (PG13)
Caitlynn Lowe, Epic Fantasy (PG13)
Shawntelle Madison, Paranormal Romance (PG 13)
Crista McHugh, Contemporary Erotic Romance (PG 13)
Bria Quinlan, Rom Com (PG)
Leigh Royals, Historical Romance (PG 13)
Megan S., Paranormal (PG13)
Dara Sorensen, Historical Paranormal (PG 13)
Bethanne Strasser, Historical Romance (PG13)
Melissa Aires, Futuristic Romance (R)
Melissa Blue, Contemporary Romance (R)
Jax Cassidy, Contemporary (R)
Christina DeLorenzo, Furturistic Sci-Fi (R)
Maya Doyle, Parnormal Romance (R)
Ginny Glass, Paranormal (R)
Amber Green, Romantic Suspense (R)
Cate Hart, Paranormal YA (R)
Kinsey W. Holley, Erotic Romance (R)
Ali Katz, Erotic Paranormal Romance (R)
Aislinn Kerry, Fantasy (R)
Inez Kelly, Fantasy Romance (R)
Cherrie Lynn, Contemporary Erotic Romance (R)
Mel/Alexia Reed, Urban Fantasy (R)
Rebecca Savage, Romantic Suspense (R)
Fae Sutherland, Contemporary Erotic Romance (R)
Stephanie Adkins, Paranormal Erotic Romance (NC 17)
Evie Byrne, Erotic Historical Romance (NC17)
Ella Drake, Erotic Contemporary (NC17)
Dawn Montgomery, Erotic Paranormal Romance (NC17)
Lauren Murphy, Erotic Romance (NC 17)
Kim Knox, Erotic Paranormal Romance (NC17)
Emily Ryan-Davis, Historical Western Romance (NC17)
Kirsten Saell, Erotic Fantasy Romance (NC 17)
Jeanne St. James, Contemporary Romance (NC 17)

Dum-dum-dum...the Dreaded Synopsis

2009-08-08T08:25:00.000-05:00

Of course I would have to find the most boring image for this topic.

To me, writing a synopsis is like pulling my toenails out, one by one. Believe me, I've lost a toenail before and it ain't good...after days of groaning and griping, I asked a few of my friends for advice. Wouldn't you know it, I got so much support and help so now I'm well on my way to finishing up the sucker. Once I got started I was amazed to discover that everything just clicked and flowed smoother than expected. I'm going to need a tight editing on it but otherwise, I'm halfway done.

I am not going to get any real writing done until tomorrow because I just found out my siblings are in town visiting. Looks like I'll be tagging along as they tour the city. It's going to be good to see family because it's been well over 5 months so it's just time. Hopefully this will involve lots of shopping and eating. Being almost the youngest, I sometimes love that role :) Who doesn't love being the pampered younger sis?

Just a reminder, on Monday is Excerpt Monday and I'm going to have a never before published snippet of RALEIGN IN RIO from the SUNSWEPT anthology for Phaze Publishing. Hope you'll come back for a read!

I can't believe...

2009-08-06T16:09:00.007-05:00

John Hughes died.

Sniff. Sniff.

I grew up on Pretty In Pink, Ferris Bueller, Breakfast Club...gosh--who will make such great cult classics as those again?

About eight years ago I worked for a director/producer in Hollywood who really made me love John Hughes even more than I already did. My boss had worked with John on a number of projects including Some Kind of Wonderful. I think I totally related to those movies at a young age--I was all angsty and going through puberty so those movies made me feel better about myself. One of the best things about working in the movie industry is that you get firsthand info from the people you work for. It was so nice to hear stories about the set, the actor who was originally supposed to be the lead actor before they picked Eric Stoltz, the antics, the craziness--I even got to touch an original script! ...But most of all, it made me feel like I was taking part on a John Hughes flick. I never got to meet John, which is a shame, but I never stopped feeling proud whenever I came across one of his movies.

What a great loss! I know that everything he did will still be around for years to come...I've always embraced my inner geek since the moment I discovered him!

Ready for the weekend!

2009-08-05T06:00:00.002-05:00

Mr. Right came home from work last night and gave me the mail. I had purchased a large Atlas of Fashion Designers book because I wanted to be inspired. I've been longing to sew and create, but didn't have the motivation--until now. But before I had a chance to crack open the book, he handed me a Barnes and Noble bag. Inside was a copy of "Julie & Julia" I've been eying. Since I've seen previews eons ago, I've been dying to buy the book...so in that brief few seconds, I reminded myself just how awesome he truly is! It's the little things he does that make me so happy and he's given me a lot to laugh about. Not trying to be too sappy but he was truly meant for me! In every way and I know I've got some jealous girlfriends out there who will be the first to admit it. They've even told me so. (Hands off, he's all MINE!)

I know most of you are sick of me praising him but he's just amazing....words are not enough to express how I feel.... Sometimes I look at him and I can't breathe. I can't seem to focus because he has a way will making me feel like the most important person. Special. He is so good with the art of negotiating and verbal communication--it took me a long time to have the patience I do now..but honestly, he's brought the Zen in my life.

Funny how these thoughts assaulted me just from the simple act of giving me a book...it may not be diamonds or expensive cars...but it made me appreciate him all over again. Even when the going got tough I managed to stay focused and positive. If he wasn't there to tell me the things I needed to hear without sugar coating it, I wouldn't be who I am now. So, every once in a while I like to yell from the rooftops that I have a man who is the epitome of what 'chivalry' is all about. I couldn't ask for anything more...

On that note, he's taking me for date night on Sunday so we're going to just enjoy being together. To me--that's what romance is all about.

The Chosen One by Abigail McKenley

2009-08-04T12:16:00.006-05:00

I'm pleased to announce that my good friend, Abigail McKenley, has just released her first novel THE CHOSEN ONE. You can find the book at Parker Publishing or as a Kindle download at Amazon.com.

Seriously, I'm really thrilled and excited...it's been a long time coming. Check it out!

Here's the awesome blurb:

Worldly and sophisticated, Rachel Penniston thought she'd seen it all. That is, until she entered ‘The Palace’ a club where a sign warns visitors that they must be ‘comfortable with nudity or open sexuality.’

When Clinton Scheff arrived at ‘The Palace’, the last thing he expected to do was find the woman of his dreams.

Rachel is determined to put their encounter behind her. Achieving success has been an uphill struggle, besides should anyone find out, both their jobs and their reputations would be in jeopardy.

Suddenly the calm of their everyday existence is shattered and Rachel and Clint find themselves in a fight to save not only their careers, but their lives.

What they didn’t know is, before that night at ‘The Palace’, Rachel had already been chosen.

"When men began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful and they married any of them they chose."

Genesis 6: 1-2

Praise for 'The Chosen One'

"Abigail McKenley is fresh, hot, and intelligent. Gripping and suspenseful, her debut novel will keep your heart racing and the pages turning to the very end." ~Jax Cassidy, Author of ART OF SENSUALITY

"Having had the pleasure of reading 'The Chosen One' in its entirety, I can say in all sincerity, Abigail McKenley is a talented fresh new voice in romance." ~Dyanne Davis, AWARD WINNING AUTHOR

"With blazing hot characters and an engaging story, Abigail McKenley is definitely one to watch for!" ~Seressia Glass, AWARD WINNING AUTHOR

Productivity = :)

2009-08-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you, but I'm mentally tapped out. Working on the computer is tough enough when you have writing deadlines, but compounded by all that other stuff that requires computer time--you get major brain, eyes, and neck strain!

So, I've been doing a lot of listening to music...watching music videos...and I've managed to discover a few new voices in rock, folk, and country. It appears that one of my all-time favorite songs HOME has been covered by just about everyone--but there's something kinda sexy about Blake Shelton singing with his smooth country twang...I'd almost forgotten about this cutie-pie until my friend Gwen Hayes mentioned him on twitter. That brought back the country in me...Thanks! :)

If you haven't had enough of me...I'm over at Hooked On Romance talking about SEEING. I think I did a fairly decent analysis on how writers 'see' and what is the best way to utilize this amazing gift in our storytelling. If you don't think it's a good bit of advice, you can come back here and tell me how much I suck. I'll give you that. :)

...As you start your work week, just remember that there's no place like....

Saturday at Killer Fiction

2009-08-01T11:33:00.004-05:00

I'm over at Killer Fiction talking about professionalism. Gemma Halliday is full of awesomeness so she allowed me to blog there today.

As far as what I'm up to, trying to catch up on web stuff and spending time with Mr. Jax. He's making me breakfast as I type. :) Since it rained yesterday, we're postponing the lawn maintenance and just going to enjoy the day. I feel like there's so much to do and so little time. I have mapped out a writing schedule starting next week and I'm going to make sure I hit deadline. I think it's time to shift into high gear and get this writing career started. After all, I want to see some books on the shelves next year or the year after...

Gettin' Pampered

2009-07-31T10:23:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I've pampered myself. Besides the occasional pedicure, I haven't gotten a haircut or anything. Today, I decided that I need to do that. I'm going to get layers in my hair (which is long overdue) and get a mani/pedi. I'll even throw in extra for a longer reflexology session! I would have opted to go to a spa, but I think I'm going to wait until I finish my proposal and I know that my agent will love it. It's going to be a celebration so then I would feel I deserved the spa...not because I just want it. LOL

The last week or so I've been going over my priorities and decided that it's time to focus on writing again. I won't lie, this paranormal proposal is kicking my butt. I have to think dark and I have to write dark and sexy. The premise is awesome, but I want it to be more than awesome. I'm wanting it to really launch me in a new direction...It's really juicy and I hope that readers will love it...

Onto other news, this weekend is my 20-year HS Reunion. I'm really bummed out about missing it but I'm sure everyone's going to have a great time. Gosh...I'm showing my age. Anyways, I'm hoping they'll have a 25 or 30 year one which I can participate in. Here's a shout out to VBHS Class of '89! Hope everyone will enjoy the weekend festivities!

Is it me?

2009-07-27T13:40:00.002-05:00

I'm thinking that it's been forever since I last posted...of course, it has. Wow...I hate neglecting my blog. I scream at my author friends about keeping up and engaging their readers...here I am--SLACKER. Well not really. As I mentioned, my part-time job has become a full-time and then some. I haven't touched any of my proposals and the only time I've been online is to check email or update websites for clients...even then, I run out of time and have postponed.

Today is my official day off. After conference wiping me out, I never seemed to catch up on my sleep. My schedule is all off and now I'll be packing those boxes again for another move. Everything's on hold until we get a confirmation of something good in the works. I'm crossing my fingers it's one that will require me to go north....nope, not going to divulge anything...knock on wood. In the meantime, I am excited about my new paranormal proposal. I had pitched it to my agent at conference and she's excited to see what I do with it. I've been plotting the story in my head since I haven't had time to write anything down. I'm also working on a story idea for a Harlequin Blaze. Okay, it may take a while to write..but I am totally going to try my hand at it. :) Yes, I've got big dreams and hopefully by the end of this year I will be able to celebrate with all my friends and readers. :D

Yes, I'm also going to be posting regularly starting next week. Be patient with me....

I'm back...at least physically

2009-07-20T10:43:00.005-05:00

Yes, conference always wears me out...in a good way. I'm feeling rejuvenated in terms of spurring my desire to write. It's so amazing what you take away from a conference and the memories that you'll carry with you. I loved hanging out with old friends and acquiring new ones. I love the feeling you get when you're surrounded by such accomplished authors. I mostly love that I am among good company. All these talented women are on the same journey and it's just an incredible feeling to know that, as writers, we are not alone.

I'm going to recap the conference but I need time to decompress. My mind and body is on overload...however, I'm blogging at HOOKED ON ROMANCE about the erotic market. During the Passionate Ink party, Laura Bradford of Bradford Literary Agency discussed the erotic market, compiled from information from the editors themselves...hope the info helps. Feel free to forward the LINK.

Excerpt Monday -- 3rd Edition

2009-07-08T23:12:00.009-05:00

It's Excerpt Monday again and feel free to learn more about it HERE! This idea was created by two members of Romance Divas, Bria Quinlan and Mel Berthier. "Excerpt Mondays" is the chance to showcase an author's work by making it available for readers. There are authors of all different genres and heat level ratings from G to NC-17. Be sure to check out the guidelines and calendar for future dates!

Well, I am providing an excerpt of one of my Work In Progress (WIP) that I started several months ago...I love Europe and I love focusing on the romantic elements that are found in these gorgeous destinations. Now add in my obsession with wine and Italian cuisine--combined with my desire to write about the beautiful Tuscany countryside--this was a delicious project that had to be written...unfortunately, I had to put this project on the back burner until I finish my current proposal set in sexy Seattle....

Hope you enjoy the first look!

BRIDGE TO MOONLIGHT
by Jax Cassidy
**UNEDITED**
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: PG excerpt rating (Complete manuscript will be R rating)

Blurb:

When talented architect Darcy Nguyen travels to Tuscany, she expects to find the bright, idyllic villa of her late friend’s childhood, tucked away in a historic Italian vineyard. Instead, a pall has fallen over the valley and its residents, and the handsome Luca di Ponti risks losing the winery his family has owned for generations. Despite herself, Darcy becomes drawn to the proud, stubborn Italian, and finds herself leading a crusade to save the vineyard while breathing life back into the valley.

CHAPTER ONE

The arched bridge that connected the abundant di Ponti vineyards to the modest Villa Campo reminded her of an old and weary traveler daring her closer, as if eager to relay the tales of its existence. Wild vines snaked out between the cracks and crevices of the irregular square stones, spreading across the surface to hide the true beauty of the once magnificent structure.

Sadness washed over Darcy Nguyen at seeing the lack of upkeep—yet, there was so much potential...

She frowned at her inability to disconnect from work to vacation mode. For Heaven’s sakes, it’s Tuscany! At least try to feel excited. How could she? She had always envisioned visiting the Campo home with her dearest friend Vinessa at her side. Not like this, not under these circumstances.

Darcy heaved a heavy sigh and re-positioned the leather Louis Vuitton travel bag in her hand. Okay, so things didn’t get off on the right footing with the airline losing her luggage and the driver not speaking a lick of English, but she finally made it here. That’s all that mattered. Right?

“Yes. It can’t get any worse.” She felt suddenly better, walking purposely across the uneven bridge to reach her destination.

She froze upon seeing the solid umber and white-washed stone construction with its Mediterranean terra-cotta roof tiles, and sandstone columns. Could see the wilted and deadened flowers mixed with weeds springing up from the soil, could see the dreary streaming tears of dirt and soil leaking from the walls from months of neglect. With every step, every click of her heels, she felt the sorrow seep through her bones, coating her with the memories of loss. Yet her conscience quickly reminded her that death was not the end.

In fact—as she scanned the panoramic view of the lush rolling hills and inhaled the crisp morning air that smelled sweet with ripened grapes—by being here, Vinessa was alive and leading her here, to this place, to live out the dream that was painted into her head since a teenager.

Darcy blew a loose tendril of hair from her face, eying the overgrowth of shrubbery and feral foliage growing along the walls of the Campo villa, which left her itching to do some much-needed landscaping. This wasn’t the picture she had imagined in her mind’s eye.

She took the steep steps up to the main door and gave the wooden door a good knock. She waited patiently without receiving a response. Strange. She tried again, pounding loudly for good measure. The seconds stretched on so she hummed a popular tune she had heard on her iPod and tapped her feet to the rhythm.

Where were they? Growing impatient, she hoped their wires weren’t crossed regarding her arrival date. Mistakes happened all the time even if the Campo’s had assured her they would be home. Perhaps they couldn’t hear her from out back. She decided to poke around the property in an off chance they were working and lost track of time.

Darcy dropped her travel bag and matching LV purse on the wide steps before heading around to the back of the villa. She stopped short of the dried vine covered pergola and frowned. Seeing the state of the residence tore her up inside.

Vinessa’s death had slowly killed her parent’s will to continue on. What a damn shame! Villa Campo was all that her friend had ever talked about and if she closed her eyes, she could almost hear the whispers of youthful laughter as children played nearby, could smell the aroma of lavish Italian home cooking, taste the excess of rich Chianti offered at the festivities.

Darcy licked her dry lips as an overwhelming thirst assaulted her. The sun was rising higher and the temperature was soaring alongside. She couldn’t wait to rid herself of the thick jacket and sink into a cool, relaxing bath.

She cleared her throat, speaking loudly, “Good morning! Buongiorno!”

Silence greeted her in return.

“Anyone here?”

Still no reponse.

Well, hell! She assured herself that the couple must be held up in town and were running late. How could she explain their lack of hospitality? Since this situation was out of her control, she needed a distraction. What could she do to pass the time?

Her eyes swept over the depressing surroundings and an idea formed in her workaholic’s mind. “Fine. I’ll just make myself comfortable. I’m sure they won’t mind.”

Darcy made her way back to the front door and unknotted the bright striped Burberry scarf, slipping it into her purse. She proceeded to roll up the sleeves of her crisp white blouse, all the way to her elbows. Her eyes made a quick sweep of the parameters and locked on a row of lackluster potted flowers that hung on the wrought iron hooks along the sloped stairs. Aha!

She wasn’t one to waste time and tackled the project with enthusiasm, much like everything she did in her life. As she replaced the once lifeless plants with the new ones she had carefully plucked from a nearby garden, a soft breeze blew through. She shivered as a sensation spread across her flesh. Turning her head, she almost believed someone was watching her. When she hadn’t spotted anyone, she relaxed. A smile crept across her lips and she had a feeling Vinessa approved of her task.

Luca di Ponti stepped back further into the foliage and watched in fascination as the exotic woman wiped the sweat beads across her forehead with the back of her delicate hand. She appeared to be skilled, meticulous at her task. Sometime during her efforts to re-pot the deadened flowers, he had gotten an eyeful of her toned calves underneath the conservative pencil skirt as she stretched and flexed.

She must be the one.

His brows knitted together in annoyance. Mostly at himself for enjoying the view. He would telephone the potential American buyers to remind them that the villa was to be left alone. Was this woman not informed of the explicit details of the terms?

He realized how absurd his disposition was, hiding like a schoolboy afraid to be detected by a pretty girl. Luca untangled himself out of the hiding spot and straightened up. He tugged at the end of his lightweight dress shirt and ran a hand through his hair, stopping in mid-action. As if he should be concerned about his appearance! She was the one trespassing on his property.

Luca puffed out his chest ready to speak his mind when he was silenced by her actions. The woman slowly unbuttoned the top few buttons of her blouse and fisted the collar, flapping it in and out as she tried to cool down. Her movements were innocent yet so sensual...so mesmerizing.

He shifted in place, his sleeve soon caught in the branches and he let out a loud curse. The woman's head whipped up, her caramel eyes connected with his for a brief second before she shrieked and lost her balance. He rushed toward her in an effort to break her fall, only to witness the magnificent way her rump firmly landed on the wide step with a loud 'thump'! A part of him felt guilty for contributing to this mishap, but the other masculine part was suddenly wishing he had been that step caressing her buttocks, easing her pains.

“Signora. Are you well?” His hands darted out to pull her into a standing position.

She quickly slapped his hands away and rubbed at her bum. “No thanks to you, I might possibly have a bruise or two.”

The nerve of her! Instead of a grazi, she scowled and chastised him.

His lips twitched and he tried another approached. “You're welcome. I—“

“How dare you! You gave me a fright and now you expect me to thank you. I’ll have you know you're trespassing on private property," she spat out.

Did she just make him feel unwelcome on his own land? He should be shocked at her comment yet he couldn't help being captured by her beauty, the way her cheeks grew a deep rosy color, the way her voice sounded husky and delicate all at once.

Who was this American and what was she doing at Gaspari Campo's villa?

This woman with her elegant visage and frigid demeanor very much intrigued him and he soon found himself weaving an unstoppable lie even before he said the words, "Excusi, but I work the grounds. My apologies for the scare, Signora." He paused, his eyes locking on her as he asked, "How could I make it up to you?"

For more free excerpts, visit:

Mel Berthier, Urban Fantasy (PG 13)
and
Bria Quinlan, Rom Com (PG)

Joining us this week:

Kinsey W. Holley, Paranormal (PG)
Caitlynn Lowe, Epic Fantasy (PG)
Dara Sorensen, Paranormal (PG)

Babette James, Fantasy Romance (PG13)
Christina DeLorenzo, YA (PG 13)
Nika Dixon, Romantic Suspense (PG 13)
Bryn Donovan, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Kaige, Historic Romance (PG-13)
Julia Knight, Fantasy Romance (PG 13)
Adelle Laudan, Contemporary Romance (PG 13)
Jeannie Lin, Historical Romance (PG13)
RF Long, Paranormal (PG13)
Rebecca Savage, romantic suspense (PG 13)
Crista McHugh, Paranormal Romance (PG 13)
Leigh Royals, Historical Romance (PG 13)

Jax Cassidy, Contemporary Romance (R)
Maya Doyle, Paranormal Romance (R)
Cate Hart, Paranormal (R)
Ali Katz, Historical Erotic Romance (R)
Inez Kelley, Romantic Comedy (R)
Aislinn Kerry, Paranormal Romance (R)
Elise Logan, Fantasy Romance (R)
Cherrie Lynn, Paranormal Romance (R)
Alina Morgan, Urban Fantasy (R)
Vivienne Westlake, Erotic Historical (R)

Stephanie Adkins, Erotic Romance (NC 17)
Evie Byrne, Medieval Paranormal Romance (NC 17)
Kim Knox, Erotic SF Romance (NC17)
Lauren Murphy, Erotic Romance (NC 17)
Kirsten Saell, Erotic Romance (NC 17)

Writing in increments

2009-07-06T14:30:00.002-05:00

First off a big CONGRATS to my friend, and co-founder of Romance Divas with me, KRISTEN PAINTER for scoring a 3-book deal for her Urban Fantasy with Orbit Books. You go girl! It was long overdue!!!! She's in good company with Laurel K. Hamilton, Jim Butcher, Lilith Saintcrow, etc.

This is my second full week of work and I noticed I'm scheduled for 55.5 hours this week. Hummm, seems like this part-time job is really not part-time at all. I'm trying to figure out when I'm going to work on other commitments like web maintenance, book cover designs, and managing new web clients...all while working on my proposal. You see, I've been trying to finish my new proposal before I meet my agent at conference next week. I'm also trying to put together a 5-year plan regarding my writing future. Sounds like pretty heavy stuff––well, it is!

With everything that's been going on, I have started writing freehand again. Strange, but it's kind of liberating. Getting home late every night, I don't feel like being online for more than a few minutes at a time so it's a good change of pace to return to the pen and paper method. The free flowing stream of consciousness allows me to tighten up the ideas once I retype the story on my computer later. Actually, I've been scaling back on just about everything. I shut off all my yahoogroups and stepped away from my local chapters. Kind of like a decompression so I can focus on myself and what I need to do to move forward.

My current WIP proposal is totally awesome. I love the characters, the stories, everything about it because it's based loosely from a true story I heard....it's even more interesting for me. I can't wait to get it written so I can send to my agent. I think this is the one...hummm, I guess I say that about all my stories, but how can I not? I simply love all my characters so I hope it comes through in my writing. Wish me luck...now that Kristen has this killer book deal, I want one!!!! :P

Kicking back

2009-07-02T11:00:00.007-05:00

Wow, time suckage...I've been having long days of training and getting back to work will take some getting used to.

I was off today so I tried to squeeze in all my urgent errands into just a few hours. My simple black dress is at the seamstress being altered for RWA and I even did a little shopping...

Too bad there's no R&R in my future...but I will be pleasantly surprised when I am able to indulge at a spa again. Okay, I hope to get a few pages written before the night is over because it's been too long since my last writing session. I have lots of great concepts and now it's time to finish the darn proposals...

Well, I've got a lot to plan out for the conference including sight seeing, agent meeting, publisher parties, and all the fun that comes with seeing friends. It's going to be good for me and I'm hoping that I will be ready and packed by the time I make it to the airport...

Gotta get back to the things on my priority list. Hope I'll be blogging again real soon. :)

My Long and Short Reviews SPOTLIGHT

2009-06-28T14:35:00.001-05:00

I'm over at HOOKED ON ROMANCE on Monday and talking about 'surfing'...it's going to be a good start to pep up your week. Don't miss our July 6th Guest Blogger, USA Today Best Seller, NALINI SINGH. She's going to be stopping in all day to answer your questions! :)

Also, I'm scheduled to be Spotlighted and blogging at LONG AND SHORT REVIEWS from Monday through Friday. If you want more inspirational blogging, you'll find it all week long and will be eligible to win my SUNSWEPT eBook.

I'm sure this is going to be another productive week for you. Enjoy the nice weather. I have to tell you that 108 degree weather here makes me want to hibernate indoors. However, I'm certain my day job will keep me plenty busy and I won't even notice :)

What have I gotten myself into?

2009-06-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

My buddy TechGirl is so good at manipulating me.

You see, we are two peas in a pod. We love volunteer work (whenever possible) but she's waaaay ahead of me in those endeavors and she motivates me to make a difference. She's good for the soul! TechGirl has coerced me to set a goal to travel with her to Africa next year. She works with a non-profit called The Slate Foundation (one of a zillion organizations she's with) and is a part of the team to create a sustainable design for the school room. She's also going to help build it with her group if all goes well on the funding end. Where do I come in? I'm going to tag along as a teacher..or chef...and pitch in where I can. If it's going to be green-lit and the plans are concrete, I will be off in the wilds for a few weeks and roughin' it with her. So excited about getting my hands dirty with manual labor, living off the earth, and just doing something to help others. That is, if I can get everything ironed out in the 'personal obligations' department...this trip would be a complete dream! Of course, I will document the adventures of Jax & TechGirl!

Here's sprinkling sunshine on you for the rest of your week...

Comfort words

2009-06-23T11:10:00.004-05:00

<---See those awesome words? I've always loved them and they put a smile on my face. In fact, I would say I try to live by them. There's no greater joy than believing in a better tomorrow...

Well, I finally found a part-time job that will utilize my graphics and photography skills. Once I accept the offer I'll be in the world of the working class again and it's going to take a little getting used to. I've been spoiled the last two years trying to be a full-time writer. Unfortunately, my timing was a tad bit off. If not for the lousy economy, things would have moved faster for me but I am just going to go with the flow. I'm really not discouraged because I might as well pick up a trade while I'm waiting for NY to come calling. In the meantime, I'm still writing and with the 9-to-5, it's going to light a fire under me. I still plan on getting some eBooks out and maybe by that time my agent will give me some much needed awesome contract news. I'm finding that it's going to be a much needed challenge.

With the new scheduling, I may be blogging much less but I hope my life will be much richer.

Monday rambles

2009-06-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

I'm over at HOOKED ON ROMANCE and talking about romance. If you want to pop by for a Monday visit at my other blog home, please do. I need the love. :)

Wishing everyone a happy week ahead! Make sure to enjoy the beautiful weather if you've got it. If it's still raining in your neck of the woods, sounds like a great time to grab a book from your TBR stash and curl up with a blankie. I suggest some chamomile or green tea (add some cream) accompanied by those yummy shortbreads...

Luv Ya :: Friendly Blogger Award

2009-06-19T06:00:00.004-05:00

Wow, what a great Friday! I'm honored that my friend KWANA passed this award on to me and I'm still doing the happy happy dance, and feeling all tingly inside. I guess my ramblings aren't too boring after all...thank you everyone who visits my blog, whether you are a voyeur or a commenter...I Luv Ya! It's the reason I keep going....

"This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

Just so you know, it's really hard for me to narrow down the 8 people from the list of all the wonderful and talented friends I have that also deserve this--but know it's not for a lack of luv. :) I chose these folks for their commitment to their craft, even when life gets in the way of their art..but they prove that they can overcome anything!

Jeannie Lin
Kelly Gay
Nikki Duncan
Kelley Nyrae
Marcia Colette
MG Braden
Ember Case
Dara Edmondson

Don't break this pattern, so please pass along to 8 other friendly bloggers!

On the writing front, doing good. I wrote a few pages on my short story. Yes, I'm producing as fast as I can so I hope to be able to give you guys some happy submission updates if the publisher decides to pick it up! Hey, I need some more book releases--can you blame me? LOL

Have a great weekend everyone! I'm going to be hanging out with friends on Saturday and laying poolside. Gotta keep the tan intact for conference... :P

Interviews, personal deadlines, and then some

2009-06-17T16:10:00.006-05:00

This image was calming so I thought it was a good lead into my ramblings today...

So I've been going to a few interviews since I'm looking for some extra cash. Mainly I need to build up the savings again and tuck away some for a nice Eco-home. Let's not forget the absorbent amount of money for promotions and conferences. I took almost 2 years off to write full-time and it's not exactly paying the bills yet--so I'm getting back to Corporate America to build up my 401K. The economy seems to be picking up ever-so-slightly and I'm very optimistic...however, it's daunting when there are group interviews and about 30-50 candidates vying for the same position. It was an interesting experience and right off the bat about half of the candidates were recently laid off from their jobs. It's a jarring realization but I'm hoping there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. It's strange to be wearing suits again because I've been living a sort of Bohemian existence but all that's going to change. My mind keeps wandering to something more artistic but either I'm underqualified or overqualified. Oh well, I will make the most of whatever I finally score.

With the move I had a lot of catch-up work to do. I'm finally back on track and ready to write. It seems like forever since I worked on a story but now I'm more re-energized than ever. I've got several proposals that are twirling in my head and for the first time in a while I'm excited. :) Woohoo! I hope to finish my short story to send out to an editor in a week or so, which was delayed because of life, but I know it's got real potential.

Next, I am going to get creative again. I let my camera sit out for too long so my fingers are itching to take a day trip around town to take photographs. I'm going to make artwork with the images and perhaps get a little inspired in the process. Whenever I watch those interior design shows on HGTV, I feel like I want to jump up and renovate. Unfortunately I'm renting a place so I will reserve the enthusiasm for my next home which will be a condo or townhouse. I am thinking big on the Eco-home once I can sink a lot of money into doing it right :)

Okay, enough rambling, I am going to write.

P.S. Don't forget to visit HOOKED ON ROMANCE because Thursday Catherine Spangler is guest blogging. She's awesome ... so you paranormal lovers should stop in! Besides, you'll get a chance to win her current print release TOUCH OF LIGHT.

**Art piece by digital artist Kaycee Kennedy**

Excerpt Monday -- 2nd Edition

2009-06-15T17:23:00.004-05:00

I'm participating in Excerpt Monday again... Go visit the the main site HERE! This idea was created by two members of Romance Divas, Bria Quinlan and Mel Berthier. "Excerpt Mondays" is the chance to showcase an author's work by making it available for readers. There are authors of all different genres and heat level ratings from G to NC-17. Be sure to check out the guidelines and calendar for future dates!

I am providing the excerpt of my current release to get new readers a chance to sample a snippet of DOLCE & DIANA, the last novella in the SUNSWEPT anthology. Hope you enjoy it!

SUNSWEPT by Cassidy Kent
Release Date: June 2009
Publisher: Phaze Publishing
http://www.Phaze.com
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: R

SUNSET KEY…

Freesia Daniels, personnel specialist and consummate planner, wasn't prepared to get the boot from her company for possessing a heart. When she decides to return home from Boston to the sunny beaches of Key West to lick her wounds, she discovers her heartbroken past has finally caught up with her in the form of Zachary Gray, her childhood sweetheart. He lures her to his island getaway and lands them smack in the middle of a raging hurricane. Lightning doesn't often strike twice, but this storm might give them both a second chance at love.

RALEIGH IN RIO…

Raleigh Campbell just learned that her five year marriage was a sham. To cheer her up, her friends take her to Rio during Carnivale to celebrate her 30th birthday and pending divorce. Little does she know, she’s not the only one her soon-to-be ex has cheated on.

Private investigator Cristo Santiago has been assigned to watch Raleigh's every move, in search of twelve million dollars of embezzled corporate money, and that's landed him in the hot waters of obsession. His love for Raleigh is sealed under the starry Rio sky, but can he find the missing money without losing her trust?

DOLCE & DIANA…

Diana Radford’s divorce settlement includes three million dollars and an island resort off the coast of Grenada. Although not classically educated in the culinary arts, she possesses a rare natural ability to create brilliant Italian/Caribbean fusion dishes. When she is selected by the reality cooking show, Fighting Chance, she can’t turn away the opportunity. Win or lose, this is much needed press for her restaurant, “Dolce”.

Culinary celebrity and reality show host, Chance Kohler possesses arrogance to rival his talent. After helming several 5-star restaurants in the States, he is disappointed to discover his opponent is an ex-waitress with no formal culinary training. From the moment they meet, this fashionista whets his appetite and leaves him craving for second helpings. If he loses, his career is on the line and he must survive the fierce but tasty competition…while the whole world watches.

EXCERPT of DOLCE & DIANA

**This excerpt contains a PG excerpt although the book SUNSWEPT is an R rating containing explicit sex and meant for those over 18 years of age.**

The sound of her stilettos clicking always calmed her nerves during an intense moment. She didn’t have to look to know the cameras were rolling, scrutinizing her every move. She watched enough reality television to know the viewers never missed a beat.

Diana forced herself to ignore the dozen or so crewmembers moving silently around the room while she prepared the chicken. Once the meat was marinated, she popped the baking dish into the oven with satisfaction. All that was left was the dessert and in four hours she would be serving one of her finest creations to an audience of unknowns.

To kick off the first official day of filming, Diana wanted to be a little daring. Her secret weapon was the latest craze, known by the mainlanders as New World cuisine. She wanted to get everyone’s heart racing and opted for a menu of spicy shrimp and lobster soup, mixed greens with mango salsa dressing, poulet a la Creole and for the grand finale, grilled plantains with brown sugar rum glaze.

The kitchen seemed exceedingly quiet now without her staff. Diana had sent them off to prepare the dining area, also allowing them adequate time to dress for tonight’s live event. In truth, she needed a bit of silence after a full day of frenzied hustle and bustle in the kitchen.

Her nerves must have rubbed off on her crew and the usual cohesiveness of their work routine turned into little kitchen spats and unnecessary mistakes. Not a good start for her day, but she was certain this type of reality would serve well for the producers.

Diana let out a sigh of liberation and pulled off the lid to her main dish. The sweet, pungent aroma of curry and coconut arrested her senses and immediately warmed the kitchen, and her stomach, with its intense bouquet. The mix of star anise and saffron added to the unique blend, which demonstrated the powerful union of Caribbean and Asian.

Her delectable combination would certainly be the highlight of any outdoor summer dining extravaganza. The complexity, yet simplicity of the meal made her think of a forbidden sensuality that would ignite the taste buds.

Sweet and spicy.

Just like her first encounter with Chance Kohler.

As if she had conjured up the phantom with her thoughts, Diana caught a glimpse of bronze skin peeking out of a short-sleeved, pale blue dress shirt. How long had he been watching her without her knowledge?

Diana frowned at the sudden invasion of her space, especially despising that smug look on his handsome face, the way he crossed his arms and leisurely leaned against the refrigerator door.

Diana wondered how many sit-ups he did each day to get that washboard stomach, accentuated by the arms he folded against his chest. The fabric practically molded to him, showing off his lean, muscled body. Definitely a man well kept. She had the sudden urge to rip those tiny little buttons off of him and lick each exquisite ridge as she made her way down to his…

Oh, my. She needed to squelch that thought before it went any further.

“I’ve never seen anyone work the kitchen in three-inch heels before.” Chance straightened up and eyed her Michael Kors stilettos with interest.

Diana struck a model pose. “My kitchen is where Haute Cuisine meets Haute Couture.”

A movement off camera caught her eye and Chance turned in the direction of the producer, Albert Lundgren. The overweight bald man with a white goatee stood behind the cameraman. Apparently pleased with her comment, he threw a thumbs-up sign at Chance and mouthed, “They’re gonna love her.”

Awareness jarred her at the sight of the cameraman. Of course, she had initially felt intimidated and conscious of his presence but as the day rolled on she had forgotten the man’s existence.

As if Al had spent enough time behind the scenes, he glanced at his watch and let out a silent curse. With a quick wave, he strode through the door with his lumbering gait.

Chance shrugged his shoulders and walked over to the stove to get a good peek at her sauce. He leaned in for a sniff and gave her a boyish grin. “Smells to me like you’re making curry with a vat of chili peppers. Very interesting choice for a first presentation. Risky, Red. Very risky.”

Her brows furrowed together at the nickname he had taken the liberty of creating for her. Nicknames denoted intimacy and they were far from friendly, let alone on cutesy abbreviated terms.

Diana shut the lid on the pot with a clang and moved toward the cooking island. She wasn’t about to let him get a rise out of her. She pulled the cutting board closer to her before responding. “I suppose you wouldn’t pull a move like that? And the name is Diana, by the way.”

“I’ll keep it in mind, Rrrred.”

He rolled the “r” in such a way it sounded sensual to her ears. Perhaps the heat from the kitchen was getting to her head after a twelve-hour shift on her feet. Or maybe her hearing had been temporarily impaired by the boisterous conversations of her kitchen staff before she dismissed them.

Diana snapped in irritation, “Shouldn’t you be moussing your hair or flexing in front of a mirror or something?”

“Is that a sexist statement? Isn’t there a disclaimer in our contract to play nice?”

She reached for a stainless steel Masahiro knife and started to dice away on a cucumber from her vegetable basket. “If you think snooping for a bit of an advantage is playing nice, you might want to step back because I’m wielding a sharp object here.”

Chance walked over to the opposite side of the island to face her. He gave her a lopsided smile. “Okay, okay. I’m actually more fascinated to learn where you picked up your sloppy technique.”

Diana grabbed a handful of the chopped cucumbers and threw it into an empty bowl with a vengeance. She glared at him and waved the knife in the air while she spoke. “Sloppy? Excuse me, but your less than adequate manners are sloppy. As long as I create dishes that satisfy the palate and score me some points, I’m sure no one will give a hoot in hell about my technique.”

He stepped back and raised his hands in mock surrender. “Whoa there. You’re as fiery as those pretty red locks of yours. If you aren’t careful you may just win my show by default.”

Her hand stopped in mid-air and she glanced sheepishly at the knife and back at Chance. Embarrassment stained her cheeks at her unconscious movements and she busied herself with her chopping task to cover her reaction.

Diana placed the knife on the cutting board and deposited all the cucumbers in the ceramic bowl before going to the sink to wash her hands. She wiped her hand on a dishtowel, her back facing him. As she mentally prayed for Chance to leave her kitchen, a realization dawned on her. “I know what you’re doing.”

“What exactly is that?” There was a hint of curiosity in his tone.
“You’re trying to throw me off my game.”

“I suppose you learned that line from MTV?”

She fisted the dishtowel tightly in her hand. “You’re such an a—”

Diana whirled around from the sink to confront him without noticing how close he stood to her, and she collided with his solid chest.

“Tsk. Tsk. Cameras rolling,” he leaned in and whispered, giving her a look that could heat the kitchen without an industrial stove.

She blinked several times in awe of his liquid silver eyes staring hotly back at her. They were too beautiful to be real and she couldn’t help being sucked into the vortex of Chance Kohler.

Wake up, Diana. Don’t fall for the pretty boy bullshit.

Her body tensed in agreement with her conscience. “Fine. If you plan on being a nuisance, you might as well be a useful one. Why don’t you clean up.” Diana tossed her dishtowel onto his head, biting back a smile before swiftly moving away from him. She wanted to start on the dessert while the curry simmered.

Chance let out a throaty laugh. “The host of the show is now reduced to cleanup crew.” He pulled the cloth off his head and tucked it into his back pocket before he started collecting the dirty bowls and utensils. He brought the items to the sink while Diana pulled out plantains and ingredients for the rum glaze from a nearby shelf.

The oven beeped and she knew the chicken was ready to go. Diana’s shoes clicked loudly across the tiles until she reached the oven.

She slipped on an oven mitt and pulled the door open, sliding the rack out a few inches. Before she could reach for the hot pan, Chance placed a hand on her wrist.
His fingers were gentle and his touch seared her skin with an erotic awareness.
“Allow me.” Chance slipped the oven mitt from her hand with a slow sensuality. The simple act made her body hum with a desire to throw him against the refrigerator and finish this game he had begun.

Diana tried to quiet her own sharp intake of breath, not understanding why this man made her feel a revitalized sexuality she hadn’t known with Will. Her mind raced to find answers that couldn’t be explained with Chance so near. She turned abruptly and marched off toward the curry simmering on the stove, while Chance transferred the chicken onto a plate.

She stirred the sauce with a wooden spoon, focusing on the task, but unable to brush away the thought of his eyes, those lips, and the hot looks he gave her. As much as she hated to admit it, she wanted him in an awful way.

God, how was she going to avoid temptation when the man was always literally within arms length? Diana closed her eyes to calm her jumbled nerves when she felt his fingers swipe a lock of hair over her ear. She held her breath, her heart pounding against her chest as his warm lips made contact with her skin.

His mouth burned a path up her neck and she knew her will was too weak to push away her body’s needs. Chance turned her gently toward him to access her lips. His mouth latched onto hers and the tender kiss soon deepened when he thrust his tongue between her parted lips. Diana fell into the fiery duel of exploration and the erotic touch of tongue-to-tongue made her panties dampen in response.

As Chance took her unawares, the once tender kiss turned brutal, almost angry? She should push him away, but the punishing kiss further excited her. His actions spurred her on and she returned some angry kisses of her own! The fire between them blazed on and his velvety tongue did things to her no man had before. Like knotting cherry stems with one’s tongue, his moves could be mastered by few.

He deepened the kiss and all senses flew out the window. Diana longed to touch him, to feel the solid mass of his chest she had devoured with her eyes earlier. With impatience, she tried to wrap her arms around his neck and froze in horror when she realized she had knocked the plate right out of his hand.

They both looked on and the shock on his face made her stomach tighten angrily. She didn’t know which angered her more: the thought of losing her main dish or the fact that yet another man had taken liberties with her.

Diana couldn’t tamp down the emotions boiling inside of her any longer. “I knew you were out to sabotage me. Get the hell out of my kitchen!”

“I didn’t mean—”

She lunged at him, pushing against his chest with all her might. “Get out of here. Get out!” She yelled as a fat tear rolled down her cheek.

“Please get out,” she squeaked softly, so soft she didn’t think he had heard her.

He gave her a pained expression and left the kitchen without apologies, without excuses, without another word.

Want to learn more about me? Visit:

www.jaxcassidy.com
www.jaxadora.blogspot.com
www.hookedonromance.blogspot.com
www.romancedivas.com

Excerpt Monday links:

**Heat Level ratings are listed next to the links or can be found on the Excerpt Mondays site, so please check before you read in the event some stories may make you blush.**

The Hosts:

Mel Berthier, Urban Fantasy (PG 13)

and

Bria Quinlan, Rom Com (PG)

Joining us this week:

Christina DeLorenzo, YA (PG 13)

Bryn Donovan, Paranormal (PG)

MG Braden, Contemporary Romance (PG 13)

Babette James, Fantasy Romance (PG 13)

Cynthia Justlin, Contemporary Romance (PG 13)

Kaige, Historical Romance (PG 13)

Adelle Laudan, Contemporary Romance (PG 13)

RF Long, Paranormal (PG 13)

Crista McHugh, Paranormal (PG 13)

Dara Sorensen, Paranormal (PG)

Evie Byrne, Historical Romance (R)

Grace Draven, Fantasy Romance (R)

Cate Hart, YA- Paranormal (R)

Aithne Jarretta, Paranormal (R)

Inez Kelley, Contemporary Romantic Comedy (R)

Aislinn Kerry, Paranormal (R)

Kim Knox, Erotic- Sci-fi Suspense (R)

Cherrie Lynn, Erotic- Contemporary Romance (R)

Alina Morgan, Urban Fantasy (R)

Stephanie Adkins, Erotic- Supsense (NC 17)

Ella Drake, Sci-Fi Romance (NC 17)

Annie Nicholas, Sci-Fi Romance (NC 17)

Kirsten Saell, Erotic – Fantasy (NC 17)

Counting Down

2009-06-14T20:42:00.003-05:00

I can't believe in a matter of weeks I'll be in Washington DC! I finally got my dress, although it's a simple black dress, yet it's so verra lovely...unfortunately, it needs to be altered because of my petite build. Now, since I'm getting my seamstress to work on it, I'm going to do some creative re-design to to make it a one-of-a-kind original. :) Why not tap into my inner fashion designer? I know Norma Kamali will cringe but a woman knows what parts to accentuate and what parts to conceal. LOL

I'm figuring out ways to make some extra cash before the conference. It's amazing how much money a person spends at these events...I don't even want to think about past expenses. This year everyone's on a budget so I don't feel so bad about being conservative. I think the more you attend conferences, the more you know what to expect so I am feeling good about what to focus on this year. I've never been to DC so hopefully I will have a little time to do some sightseeing. It's going to be a photographer's dream trip. I'm lugging my camera so I'll be ready for those Kodak moments. There's definitely going to be a lot of high points, including seeing some of my best girl friends...and a few new girl friends I only know virtually. It's going to be a great time. Hopefully I'll even have a chance to pitch some of my projects to prospective editors. I hate pitching and I know I'll be a dork if I have to, but I'll be prepared. Gosh, so much to do including some promo items. Maybe I should make a list.

I guess I'll start at the top of the list... 1. Finish Project X proposal and get ready to pitch!

Food Fetishes

2009-06-10T17:39:00.006-05:00

Hi, I'm Jax--and I'm a food-a-holic. Yes, it's true... I LOVE TO EAT. I've always been influenced by traditional Vietnamese cuisine. I'm sure I mentioned my father was a gourmet chef and served Presidents, Generals, Ambassadors and top military officials ... my mother is a natural at soul cooking and she has always been a bold experimentalist when it comes to my homeland cuisine. No wonder, I get my risk-taking attitude from her. Did I mention she was infamous for making moonshine in her youth? The best at it too! I can't believe I admitted to that, but it's one of those things that you have to say, "Mom is kick-ass!".

Ahem. Yesterday was an interesting day which included the Top Chef marathon, doodling in the sketchbook, a tornado passing through, and catching up on emails. Yes, I had a productive day. I'm thankful to be back online and maybe that spurred the creativity on.

Okay, so when you're watching amazing, mouth-watering cuisine as an all day food-a-thon, it really is SO inspiring. It's an explosion of senses even if I'm not actually tasting the food. It's culinary crack! Seriously, I started thinking about how easily I am mesmerized with all this--especially because I believe food, art, and writing to be interconnected. Well, each project requires skill, hard work, imagination, and a high degree of love for what you're creating. The end result is usually a masterpiece and whether you're enjoying the meal, eying the artwork, or finishing the last word of the written manuscript--everything is absorbed and appreciated because of those emotions it invokes. As a writer, I truly believe that when you find yourself stuck...go outside the box. Not just think it. Do something challenging and artistic whether it's painting, knitting, baking, or photography because what you'll discover is that you're opening up to the creative part of your brain. By doing something other than writing and researching, you're exercising your mind and tapping into areas outside of the conventional thought processes and techniques you've learned in books, workshops, etc. Some things you can learn but some things are best to experiment. I've found that when I paint or draw or sew or cook, I start to plot better. My concepts become more solid and I see the manuscript as a colorful trail that will lead me to a better product.

Today, I'm working on Project X at Starbucks but my mind still conjures up the visual images I absorbed from yesterday. A mental break goes a long, long way...

Arrgh. It just gets better!

2009-06-09T10:05:00.003-05:00

**UPDATE: I'm such a dork! I guess exhaustion and lack of sleep causes stupidity. I finally called the help center that runs the onsite servers and it was a simple fix. Man, if I had called them yesterday, I would have never had to bug my computer friends over something so silly! A lesson learned.**

Thankfully I have my laptop so I can still access the internet, but my bloody desktop--my main 'puter--is having difficulties connecting with the internet even though it is connected to the wifi. :( Sounds like a simple solution but it's taken me about 6 hours with no results. It's as if it's teasing me with the fact that my wireless USB works but it's not allowing me entry. I'm just peachy at the moment. If anyone knows, I'm an OCD type personality who likes to solve the issues even if it takes days...but I know when I'm whipped. I need a professional to take a look, and lucky for me, I have a few friends who are genius with computers...I'm just happy that they're going to try to walk me through it over the internet and phone. You know, when things appear like it's turning around THUMP! the Universe is laughing at me all over again. I must be the most insane person or else I know cosmically that I am approaching greatness because my tolerance threshold is starting to wear thin. Sigh.

Today, I truly hope I get this darn thing working...otherwise I will be stuck transporting data from one computer to the next in order to get information up for my clients. Sniff sniff. And I was going to write today....now I will be losing precious time.

You're right. No pity parties. I will suck it up and hope that my life will vastly improve before I become a jaded and bitter author....LOL

On a new adventure...

2009-06-06T09:28:00.005-05:00

I've done a lot of soul searching lately. Moving really does have this weird affect on me and it puts me in a totally different zone. While I packed and sealed boxes, I thought about all the things I want to pick back up and create. I miss painting, writing screenplays, film making, going to museums, going to the beach...as I start prioritizing things in my mind, I'm setting goals for myself and what I hope to achieve, what I want to work on that will add to my life. I have always had a love of travel and luckily so does Mr. Right. As a way to focus and work toward my goals, I've decided to think smart, produce more, and make these things happen. I'm generating a checklist for my 5 year goals and I am hell-bent on a major book deal this year. It was on my pseudo 2009 resolution but now it's time to get down-'n-dirty. It's time to say 'no more ms. nice gal'--and it's time to kick some butt! I've had these dark clouds follow me for way too long and I've had enough of it. So, I've started researching, plotting, finding ways to make things happen. I'm not going to sit around and let whatever outside elements get me down, I'm going to turn the wheels that will get me to my goals faster.

I know, these are very profound thoughts for a person who is packing, but sometimes the only good time to do these things is now. I'm already gearing my mind for success and I know, come December, I will do a recap that will include contracts, stability, success, and a solid footing. It's time that I stepped up and fought back instead of allowing my insecurities to limit my progress.

Offline until next week...I'm outtie.

Transition period

2009-06-02T17:24:00.004-05:00

Yep, sometimes it's good to move. I know, I just got here but if it's time, it's time. I must have 50+ boxes in the living room and I have a handful of office furniture. It's amazing all the crap I still keep and will have to go through when we get a permanent living space. I SO want an Eco-friendly, sustainable design home...it feels like so far in the future but it's going to happen damnit! :) Yes, I'll buy my own land and build my dream home without those darn HOAs. When I do, I'm going to throw a kickass housewarming party!

Okay, so I'm really exhausted and I have 3 more days to pack. Mr. Right decided that we should take the afternoon off to go see UP! Finally!!!! I have been so excited about that Pixar flick. It's the kid in me! Also, we found movers and after weighing the costs, it's better than having to rent everything individually and relying on just the two of us to get all the boxes and furniture hauled out. Back-breaking work should be passed onto stronger, younger folks. I'm feeling too old and after all the packing and lifting, it's hard on my body....I know we should ask for help, but we don't like asking friends and don't want to put them out. It's one of those things...although I have to admit, my friend Mark and Eden Bradley basically helped me unpack and pack all my stuff in LA while I was at work-- YOU GUYS ROCK! And then there's my buddy Nikki Duncan who helped me move into this place the first go-around, bless you! Heck, I've been there where I've helped people move several times and they never reciprocated the favor...but when you don't have to ask and they just do, those are totally awesome folks! No wonder I love them so! :) Memories, good times.

Have you ever looked around and felt that you have so much more to do even though you packed up about 85% of your stuff? I'm going through that right now. I'm getting all anxious and nervous which is stupid but I'm hoping that when I'm out of here, I will find some relief. Everything's going into storage because who knows when I'll move into a more long-term home. I'm just glad we'll be in civilization again! I totally love that. I can be minimalistic and I think I'm going to try to focus all my energies the next few months to create awesome projects!

Okay, got to finish packing! Special THANKS to everyone who purchased SUNSWEPT! It really does make a difference! :) Spread the word. LOL

It's finally HERE!

2009-05-31T10:59:00.007-05:00

SUNSWEPT is finally available through www.PHAZE.com! This is what the full cover flat looks like (pre-bar code) and I'm just so stoked about it! As I've mentioned before, I really enjoy these stories because they are fun contemporaries. The heroines are smart and a sassy, and the heroes are just plain sexy...

This is the very last CASSIDY KENT print book being published. So in purchasing the book, you're also helping eBook/Small Press. We don't get as much coverage like NY does so the power of word of mouth and supporting me will go a long way. This book is in available in Trade Paperback and goes for $12.95. I suppose they might have eVersions of SUNSWEPT in the near future and will most likely be available on Fictionwise for you hand-held eBook lovers.

Thanks so much to all my friends and readers for traveling that road with me!

Here's the book details below for those who want to do some much needed book Pimpage...

SUNSWEPT by Cassidy Kent
a 3 novella anthology
Publisher: Phaze Publishing
Purchase Link: http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Sunswept/exact_match=exact
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release: May 31, 2009

SUNSET KEY…
Freesia Daniels, personnel specialist and consummate planner, wasn't prepared to get the boot from her company for possessing a heart. When she decides to return home from Boston to the sunny beaches of Key West to lick her wounds, she discovers her heartbroken past has finally caught up with her in the form of Zachary Gray, her childhood sweetheart. He lures her to his island getaway and lands them smack in the middle of a raging hurricane. Lightning doesn't often strike twice, but this storm might give them both a second chance at love.

RALEIGH IN RIO…
Raleigh Campbell just learned that her five year marriage was a sham. To cheer her up, her friends take her to Rio during Carnivale to celebrate her 30th birthday and pending divorce. Little does she know, she’s not the only one her soon-to-be ex has cheated on.

Private investigator Cristo Santiago has been assigned to watch Raleigh's every move, in search of twelve million dollars of embezzled corporate money, and that's landed him in the hot waters of obsession. His love for Raleigh is sealed under the starry Rio sky, but can he find the missing money without losing her trust?

DOLCE & DIANA…
Diana Radford’s divorce settlement includes three million dollars and an island resort off the coast of Grenada. Although not classically educated in the culinary arts, she possesses a rare natural ability to create brilliant Italian/Caribbean fusion dishes. When she is selected by the reality cooking show, Fighting Chance, she can’t turn away the opportunity. Win or lose, this is much needed press for her restaurant, “Dolce”.

Culinary celebrity and reality show host, Chance Kohler possesses arrogance to rival his talent. After helming several 5-star restaurants in the States, he is disappointed to discover his opponent is an ex-waitress with no formal culinary training. From the moment they meet, this fashionista whets his appetite and leaves him craving for second helpings. If he loses, his career is on the line and he must survive the fierce but tasty competition…while the whole world watches.

The Light Shines On

2009-05-29T12:55:00.008-05:00

We're reviewing final plans on our move next month. We haven't narrowed down the exact date yet but I know I'm going to hate it either way. Moving is such a pain in the backside and because I've done this so darn much, I'm only wishing that the next big move, after this temporary one, will be into my dream home. Always being in transition is only exciting when you're traveling through Europe or some exotic country but not like this. When the big move happens, I'll be out-of-pocket until all the necessities are installed but I hope to be back up and running quickly. Without my T1 line I'll be screwed and going through serious withdrawal.

On the bright side, my new project is coming along better than I thought. It's such a different voice and it's my first attempt at a single title first person piece. It's going to be TOUGH, but I like the fact that I'm going out of my comfort zone. Maybe it's about time I go a little darker, and I'm loving it. My snarky persona really shines through in this project which I kinda dig. Usually I go over details with close friends but this time I've decided not to tell anyone about it. Maybe I'm getting superstitious but I figured if you're going to be in that cave, you might as well get used to the dark alone. So you see folks, I do see the slivers of sunlight peeking through the dreary clouds. I'm still keeping the faith that everything will turn out the way I hope it would.

Until next week, happy weekend and I hope you get a lot of YOU time. It's nice to take time out for yourself even if it's a few hours. Life's short...take advantage of every second!