Jax's Artistic Journey...

Our very own Diva Sylvia Day's book is available from Amazon, buy it! :)

Bad Boys Ahoy!

Oh, those naughty rakes. With their wicked winks, sensual smiles, and bad boy habits, you just can’t take them out in polite society. But who wants to go out when you can stay in...?

STOLEN PLEASURES
Sebastian Blake, Earl of Merrick, long ago fled the responsibilities of his title to become the infamous pirate, Captain Phoenix. But the booty he’s just captured on a merchant ship is a fierce tempered minx who claims to be a bride...his bride, married to him by proxy on behest of their fathers. He could shame his hated family and return his beautiful wife untouched, but no treasure has ever proved more tempting to Sebastian, and making their marriage a true one-in every sense-is his one urgent desire ...

LUCIEN’S GAMBLE
Lucien Remington’s reputation as a debauched libertine who plays by no one’s rules-in business or the bedroom-is well deserved. He gets what he wants, social repudiation be damned. But society can keep from him the one thing he truly desires, the untouchable Lady Julienne La Coeur. Until she sneaks into his club dressed as a man and searching for her irresponsible brother. Suddenly she’s in Lucien’s grasp, his to take, and his mind is filled with the most wickedly sinful thoughts. A gentleman would walk away from the temptation she presents. But then, Lucien has never claimed to be a gentleman...

HER MAD GRACE
Hugh La Coeur never wanted to be the Earl of Montrose. Wine, women, and a hefty wager are preferable to responsibility of any kind. It’s certainly preferable to spending the night in an eerie, neglected mansion owned by a legendary madwoman. The duchess’s companion, the fiercely independent Charlotte, is another matter altogether. Hugh would be happy to spend as many nights in her bed as possible. He knows she’s hiding terrible secrets, but for once in his life, Hugh has the desire to take on someone else’s burden as his own, no matter what the danger...

They’re mad, bad, and totally irresistible...

Rejections: 4
Waiting for editor response: 5
Possibility with re-write: 1

So, got another rejection and although the email was nice, I have to say I was disappointed for a sec. Like all who receives a rejection, I started to wonder..what the heck is wrong with the manuscript? Perhaps if these editors and agents could give me more insight on the weak points, I'd understand and improve, but alas, they don't have time to do that... Well, I think I'll put this manuscript aside and pick it back up when I'm refreshed and ready to do the overhaul.Ghosthunter is my baby and I really feel it will see publication one day. For now, I know I've got to produce more and that's what I'm doing. In a month and a half I finished two novellas and working on a single title..let me tell you, this project is the one... I feel it. It's good, it's dark, it's passionate. All the things I love in a novel these days.

This blog isn't about a b!#@$ session, it's about getting those rejections and not letting it stop me from moving forward. I will perservere.

All Atlantis seeks the Jewel of Dunamis, which legend claims can overcome any enemy. Grayson James, human agent of the ultra-secret Otherworld Bureau of Investigation has orders to keep it from the wrong hands -- or destroy it. What he doesn't know is that Jewel is a woman, not a stone! But once he meets this precious gem, destroying her is the last thing on his mind....

Jewel, part goddess, part prophet, is a pawn in Atlantis's constant power struggles. She needs Gray's help to win freedom and uncover the secrets of her mysterious origins. Gray needs her wisdom to navigate monster-ridden Atlantis. But need blossoms into passionate love as they fight demons, dragons, vampires -- and a prophecy that says the bond between them could destroy them both.

If you haven't ordered this yet, all I can say is...why not?

My gothic novel is dark.

Ghosts, madness, passion, and deep-seeded sorrow... then, love conquers all. Now, the real work begins as I roll up my shirt sleeves and delve deep into the darkness. I have to crawl into the minds of my characters. I usually kick up my 'dark and brooding' soundtrack a notch and really hone in on their thoughts. I feel like a method actor and I think by the time this novel is finished, I hope I haven't slipped so deep ... but what's the fun in writing when you can't live, breathe, feel that character.

Writing is fun and to do it well I think sometimes we have to close ourselves off and go with it. I can't express how much I love this project. Ghosthunter is still my baby, but this one will be the one. It's a newfound joy to write it and I hope the end result will be everything I picture it to be. All writers have their own technique.. so I wonder how you do it? Do you become the character? Do you have conversations with yourself? (I know, I know..I do, too!) Of course, we're not very delusional and can break away from the story to get back into reality... but I'm curious-- tell me how you get into character? How do you write a convincing story?

February is the month of Amour... so, as a way to help make your Valentine's Day extra special, I am spotlighting TJ Jones of Mr. Romance. He'll discuss life after reality TV and what he's doing now on the Spotlight On segment. He also has graciously allowed me to raffle him off.. yes, that's right ladies. He loves us and he wants to help us stay around as long as possible. Isn't he a sweetheart!??

WIN A DATE WITH TJ JONES...

All proceeds go to Romance Divas to help us with our expenses...which actually are a lot.

Here's how to win...

Raffles are $5.00 each and can be paid through paypal or by check. If interested, email me and I'll direct you to the right place. jaxadora@gmail.com

For those outside of LA, you will get an autographed gift basket with plenty of Valentine goodies... unless you are willing to drive or fly in yourself for this date...that's up to you.

For those within the LA and surrounding areas, TJ will spend the day with you, will wine and dine you and make your Valentine's Day (or whenever you'd like the arrangements) something to remember! (**drooling and groping allowed..er, but anything else, I'm not responsible for and I don't wanna know...)

What are you waiting for... you can purchase tickets for the raffle today!

Support a great cause and get some eye candy while you're at it...

I've been cranking out manuscripts with my writing partner. We've just outlined our next novel today and I feel really good about it. We've decided to work on Parisian Skye, but it's gone through a total story re-vamp. It's still a gothic erotic romance, but this single title will be one of my best works by far... er, I'm predicting. We've started writing today and hope to finish and polish this book by the end of February, early March.

Will I sleep, doubt it. I've got deadlines up the wah-zoo, but I'm on a roll and can't help myself. Just neglected this blog in a while and so I wanted to fill you in... yes, I did make the Amber Quill contest on time! Wish me luck!

I love that girl! I was lucky enough to be able to spend time with her last night as she is in LA for work. She scored tix for me to attend the GSN party and let me tell you, we had a ball! Dinner was steak and lobster...we had no idea it was going to be so spiffy. I would have been happy with just hanging out with Candy. However, because it was the Ritz Carlton, you can't expect a boxed dinner. While we ate we saw a presentation of upcoming game shows available this year. They even had a live game show for our entertainment, which was quite silly. The fun really began at the after dinner party in the lounge. There were several games set out and a poker table. We immediately grabbed drinks and seized our seats to ensure we'd be in the game. Candy taught me how to play Texas Hold 'Em and we monopolized the table all night. The best part of the night... both of us left the table as winners and it felt freakin' great! Not that we won anything, but we did get almost all the chips. Okay, maybe after all the cosmopolitans and wine I had, and Candy's bourbon and coke drink of choice, we were feeling really good...Too darn good! Cheers!

We even played poker with the former Miss America (I may be in some pics with her for press purposes jus because I sat next to her--way cool) and even caught a glimpse of Chuck Woolery and Tonya Harding (not together, hehe).

Most importantly, let's not forget the fountain of chocolate fondue....jeez, it was a great night. Oooh, it was like heaven.

Don't worry Lisa, I drank a toast for you for landing your dream agent! Go Lisa Go!! I would have written something more descriptive, but I'm nursing a hangover..please forgive me.

Now, I think you folks need to run out and get Candace Haven's book Charmed and Dangerous. It's fabulous!!!!!!! I can't wait for her second novel in the series. Gosh, it's so much fun and her heroine is kick butt! Now the heros, hubba hubba... Yes, I tried to pry some info from her.. but she wouldn't budge. I guess I'll have to wait for the release. Sigh... you would think after all the bonding.. She'd cough up answers. Hehe. Thanks Candy, you are the coolest cat to hang around with to cause havoc and mayhem! Let's do it again!

Yes, ladies & gents... it's that time of year again and we need to be #1.

Here's the link:
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/

Preditors & Editors has started the annual poll and since Romance Divas won last year, we want to stay on top. Please vote for us in these categories:

Writers' Discussion Forum page
Writers' Workshop page
Writers' Resource/Information/News Source page

If you love us, please keep us on top!

Pass this on...

I’d like to welcome Trace Edward Zaber of Amber Quill Press to Romance Divas!

To help us start off 2006 with a bang, Trace has graciously accepted to run a special column as our resident e-publisher guru to help our members out in their quest for publication. With our growing community, we thought it would be helpful to provide straight answers from an industry professional’s standpoint. For first time writers, he’ll go over the proper way to submit and will cover topics ranging from queries to formatting to first time “boo-boo’s”. He’ll provide insightful articles and initiate topics that will help us in our preparation for submitting to publishers.

We are excited and delighted that he is able to give up some of his time to help shape the future writers of the world. I’m confident his contribution will assist us as we move forward as on our road to publication!

Let’s welcome him to our family!

That Adrienne Kama!

Here goes nothing....

Seven Things to Do Before I die:
1. Be on the NY Times Bestseller (Gotta follow Adrienne's lead)
2. Make Romance Divas a force to be reckon with in the writing world
3. Do philanthropy work
4. Own a house in the Ireland and France
5. Own a cafe or bed and breakfast
6. Meet Gerard Butler
7. Have twin mini-Jax'

Seven Things I cannot do:
1. sing
2. swim
3. play the guitar
4. ski
5. be a supermodel
6. love beans
7. play nice

Seven Things that attract me to my spouse:
1. His love for me even when I'm a bitch
2. His kindness to everyone around him
3. His patience and forgiving nature
4. His romantic streak
5. The self-confidence
6. His drive to be successful
7. His desire for me to have children (he'd make a great dad!)

Seven Things I say most often:
1. “Fuck"
2. “Bloody Hell"
3. “Damn"
4. “You whore"
5. “Can I quit my day job yet?”
6. “You suck"
7. “I'm hungry"

Seven Books I love:
1. The Dark Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
2. The Dark One by Ronda Thompson
3. Wishes by Jude Deveraux
4. An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn
5. A Kiss To Remember by Teresa Medeiros
6. The Three Fates by Nora Roberts
7. Dreams of Stardust by Lynn Kurland

Seven Movies I would watch over and over again:
1. Ever After
2. About A Boy
3. Dear Frankie
4. Pride & Prejudice
5. Reality Bites
6. Phantom of the Opera
7. Notting Hill

Seven People I want to Join in (be tagged):
1. Kristen
2. Lisa
3. Briana
4. Karen
5. Sherice
6. Barb
7. Night Diva

I sent out the novellas and am polishing up my Amber Quill submission... I also have four websites to do in the next few weeks. Whew, I'm a busy gal. Gotta save money to pay off all my dues and to join new organizations! I am a mess. It's a little past midnight and tomorrow I'll wake up bright and early to start my day all over again. On weekends I try to go writing at my favorite cafe called Amsterdam which is only several blocks from my apartment. Although, I should be ashamed for not finishing my painting to bring there. I'm suppose to have my artwork up..but with everything that's been going on, painting has fallen to the wayside. Geez, there are Christmas gifts I still need to mail out.. Sorry gals.. I'll do it soon, I promise. In the meantime, I have been having a productive life thus far. 2006 has proven to be a very busy one and I'm amazed I can still pop my eyes open in the morning. I keep thinking to myself that I'll slow down one day... We'll see.

I'll be sending my finished novella out to a publisher and an agent tomorrow. Yep, I am also finishing up my two novellas this weekend... It's always nice to reach the end and everything starts up all over again. The frustration, inspiration, anxiety, depression...is this an endless circle or what?

I've got several web projects going on and I'm starting to realize my time is quickly filling up again. I'm really penny pinching now to start saving for Nationals. I know it's in July, but it was so much fun I can't wait to experience it again. If you've never gone to RWA Conference it's one of those things that you need to go to. I wish I could go to RT, but we'll see. All these conference fees really add up...along with all my dues.. aaargh. I can't believe I'll be spending about $300 in dues every year! I need to re-think what I want to be a part of. I'm trying to stop using my credit cards... they can get you in trouble. Sigh. Okay, back to writing. I need to make every line count :)