Jax's Artistic Journey...

THE LOTUS BLOSSOM CHRONICLES:
Siren's Seduction
by Jax Cassidy
Available through Parker Publishing
March 2008

Niko Chow craves solitude. Only fate won't leave him in peace. After losing his wife and unborn child in a car crash, he slips into the dark world of alcoholism. His desire to overcome his addiction leads him to a promise made to a dying friend and into the arms of a seductive chanteuse. Donovan Matthews ignites a passion within him he has long denied. The more time he spends with her, the more Niko finds her spitfire determination and generous heart as sensuous and exotic as the Lotus Blossoms that bloom in his garden. Can she end his internal war and help heal his aching soul?

Here's a shot out to ManCandy on a wonderful 32nd! Hope this year is going to be a successful and entertaining one!

I'm proud to give my readers a first look at the cover of THE LOTUS BLOSSOM CHRONICLES print anthology which showcases my debut novella SIREN'S SEDUCTION. It is set to be released March 2008 where I share the spotlight with author Simone Harlow. I'm estatic to share that this will be the first of many books for Parker Publishing. I'm sure I'll be teaming up with Simone many times over in the future!

I had an enlightening weekend, added with the alcohol consumption and good sushi, and plenty of workload...I'm miraculously still mentally intact. As I scramble to meet deadlines and finish my graphics work it's clear I need to create a schedule. You see, I'm really bad about this sort of stuff. I'm a winger..I wing everything and hope it works out. I take on too much and I know it and yet I do it anyway. This must be deeply psychological. I'm easily persuaded by a good bottle of du vin. A nice vintage with a less oaky taste, the better. Sweet wines are my weaknesses. Red or white doesn't matter because they both get me in the mood...okay, where were we. It's Monday and I started up the day listening to James Blunt live on the radio. The guy has the sexiest voice!!! I think I'm going to try to go to his next concert. I'm in this live music stage where I want to see as much as I can even when I should be saving the money for my intense Bikram Yoga classes. 108 degree heat and bending your body in ways that are unnatural always makes me all tingly inside. LOL

I opened my fridge and realize I have no groceries. Still the same things glare out at me, bottle water, fruit juice, five bottles of wine, two champagne bottles, a stick of butter, some salad dressings and a tub of Korean hot sauce. Hey, I like spicing up my food! Okay...where was I.

I'm swamped. I'm excited about all my upcoming deadlines and releases. I'm ready to take on the world...now, if I could just get some sleep!

It's been a real struggle starting my latest novella. I can say I know the story inside and out, but when it comes to penning the darn thing, no one wants to cooperate! Fortunate for me, the tides have changed! I've been able to...create... yes, I'm finally starting to listen to my characters instead of resisting their needs.

I got a copy of my radio show from last week and I can say I'm proud of it. I played it on my hour long commute to work and couldn't help feeling a bit amazed. It was my first live show and although I thought I sounded like a real dork at times, it wasn't half bad. Who doesn't hate the sound of their voice? I would love to have one of those raspy, sex kitten voices...sign, but it'll never happen for me. Well, once I get the edited version without commercials I'll be able to throw it up on my website for those who missed the original show.

What do I have planned for the rest of the week? A heck of a lot!!!! I know the writing juices are flowing and I'm ready to jump right in and show what Jax Cassidy is made of. LOL

....It's funny how your mind works. I couldn't sleep and finally decided to get up out of bed. I thought it was a good idea to pay my bills online. So for the past hour I've been trying to figure out what the heck I need to pay. Once I figured out how much I would have in the bank account until next paycheck...let's just say, it's pretty uninspiring. Nothing gets you going like a cabinet full of instant noodles and a refrigerator stocked with water and booze. It's very good for the whole "artist" mentality. If you can live simply, it's all the more sweeter when you make it big. NY doesn't know what'll hit them when I get my books picked up! Well, at least I'm channeling the positive energy... LOL

My characters are heartbroken. They've both been through a lot and these emotions are so strong it really gets me down. It's easy to channel everything into the story when there's a lot swirling inside. 2007 hasn't been easy, but it'll only get better. Yes, I'm optimistic things will turn around real soon. I've had a good month and I can't complain....got a lot to think about and what to focus on. This includes all the print books I'll have out. I have a book cover to do and a few web jobs to keep me busy. It's all going to be just great once I can push all those little tasks aside and finally write as much as possible. I've got to turn everything into my publisher the end of September so I need to start picking up the pace.

Well, my hero can wait one more day...yawn...I'm going to try to sleep for an hour or two before it's time to start my work day. At least I'm more involved in the design process. I can finally use my graphic design skills now that my boss has decided he wants me in the creative team...wow, what a big leap. I love presentations! Breaks up the monotony and I learn something! The position change isn't so bad after all....

Just found out FORTUNE'S FOOL anthology featuring Cassidy Kent's MIRANDA WRITES novella will be available in print from Phaze in December!

Another wonderful news to round off an amazing weekend...I've been extremely productive as I work on my novella SIREN'S SEDUCTION for the LOTUS BLOSSOMS CHRONICLES. I'm feeling a bit under the gun, in a good way...

It's time to get back to my writing schedule. Hope the coming months will be equally incredible.....

Right now I can't seem to get the song out of my head...Mandy Moore's cover on Rhianna's UMBRELLA.

I used to whine about not having any deadlines and now I find myself swimming in it. I've got a book out March 2008 and I'm just in the preliminary stages....what does this mean? Am I a procrastinator? No way, baby... I think that my story is equivalent to a stew and I'm letting the ideas simmer until it's perfect, soft, and delectable before I can ladle it out... :) I thought that was a brilliant analogy.

What's up with everyone's weekend? I've got a busy one ahead and I'm sure I'll find time to sleep when I'm good and ready. I think I'll go open a bottle of wine and let my thoughts simmer....

Here's a reminder that I'll be live on CRN Digital Talk Radio...

Wednesday, August 15th, 2007
4:00 PM PST
Tune-in to http://www.crntalk.com
Go to CRN 1 and click on "The PM Show" to listen
Topic: Erotic Romance Writers
Special Guest: Jax Cassidy on romance writing and her upcoming projects

I hope to entertain and inform... Hope you all make it!

I've spent my life trying to be a good person, but once in a while you meet a few people that you can't help feeling sorry for. They live their life creating drama. They thrive on it and aren't able to exist without the conflict and upheaval. I've seen it first hand. However, I'm viewing it from the outside looking in. I'm sure there is a shred of decency they possess somewhere inside but it doesn't make up for the countless times of selfishness, inconsiderateness, and passive aggressiveness. You give an inch and they take a mile. Never willing to see past the "I'm the victim" mentality and in time I find that all the understanding and friendship that I have had for them has now faded. Died away and all that's left is symphathy and sorrow.

There's so much a person can take before it's evident that I'm the smuck who's been used all along. Of course, they'll never see it that way and it really doesn't matter to me how they see it. It's easy to forgive, but a greater challenge to forget,especially the numerous times a person is kicked when they're down and salt added to the wound when they think they have the right to judge. I'm not a doormat. I'm not a person who will put up with that nonsense and I'm definitely not EVER going to stoop to their level. I don't think these types of people are deserving of my friendship and I can only leave the past behind.

I'm moving onward and upward. I'll just let Karma do her job.

After all, life's too short and I would rather spend the rest of it making myself happy!

I'm happy to announce on Wednesday, August 15th, approximately 4:15 PM PST, I will be interviewed on the CRN Digital Talk radio show (Channel 5 - will confirm later) for my book ONE WICKED WINTER (written with Amanda Jean Kelly) and my new solo career!

In other news, I just signed on with Parker Publishing, LLC and my debut book the LOTUS BLOSSOM CHRONICLES (an anthology with Simone Harlow) will be available in 2008!

It's turning out to be one hell of a year! With all the madness, I will have a few book signings coming up and a massive promotional campaign. Watch out world! Jax Cassidy is rising....

Cassidy Kent is at it again....

I'll be signing in the Newport Beach area with 12 other authors including Sylvia Day! As I segue into my new persona of Jax Cassidy...I'll be doing a lot of last minute touring.

If you missed me in Corona, CA.. here's your chance to see me live!

New & Recycled Romances
3:00 PM
143 & 145 Broadway
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Tele: (949) 645-0529

I am a slob. Plain and simple. Many years ago I was a complete neat freak but along the way I have become a pack rat! When I moved into my cozy little studio I didn't realize I had more stuff than anticipated. Two weeks ago I decided to do some spring cleaning and somehow my whole wardrobe ended up on my bed. Soon the stack migrated to the floor, then the sofa and now back on the bed. Last Sunday I decided to be proactive. I managed to donate 4 bags of clothes to Goodwill! It took all my strength not to hang them back in my closet because I adored certain clothes even if I weren't going to wear them. Unfortunately, I still have quite a lot more clothes and shoes to sift through. Most importantly, why did I get these things? Some items still had tags on!!! Some I've never worn more than once. What was I thinking? Now I've learned a valuable lesson. It's good to have restraint when it comes to purchasing clothes! I'm just shop-a-holic and the first step is admitting it! :) The one thing I could not part with are my jeans...let's just say I don't see myself giving them up just yet...

This much needed cleaning will hopefully help my chi. It's been chaotic to say the least but now I'm starting to feel less pressure and more calm. I think everyone should dump the old stuff once in a while. It makes you spiritually more lighter and I can say it's making me more conscientious and I'm glad for it. Thanks Eden for forcing me to do this!

I can't begin to tell you what kind of day I had...

The book signing was a blast! Success is measured by the way you feel when you leave. The BOOK LADIES are incredible and I suggest anyone who visits Corona to go there. It was a reason to celebrate and gave me the fire I needed to get rolling... Thanks Sherri, Jackie & Miriam!!!!

Don't get me wrong, it was the most incredibly bizarre and surreal day. From book signings to drinks at bar Marmont, the Hollywood Hills where the big Brittany melt-down fiasco occurred, to Paris Hilton...leading to a party in Encino...these things you can't make up.

All I can say is there are dirty little secrets I have to leave out in order for me to have material for my next book. I'm too numb to think and my messy bed is calling my name. I'm tucking these memories away for another day. As for next Saturday, just scored an invite to a super industry party next week...schmoozing isn't half bad in Hollywood. Who would have thunk?

All I have to say is that I am totally boycotting CHATEAU MARMONT...can you say snobbery and poor customer service skills isn't going to fly with this girl. I won't even go into that...but if you EVER decide to dine at this restaurant, I'd skip it. Who needs to go to a place where rudeness and unethical "bullshitting" tactics proves that their pretentiousness is truly a reason not to go. Spread the word...CHATEAU MARMONT doesn't deserve to stay open.

It's Saturday, August 4th and I'll be signing from 1:00 - 3:00 PM at THE BOOK LADIES in Corona, CA for their Jungle Book Boogie with authors Eden Bradley, J.M. Jeffries, Sylvia Day, Jenifer Apodaca, April Reign, Verna Hargrove and, if we're lucky, the fabulous Jina Bacarr!

1:00 - 3:00 PM
The Book Ladies
511 North Main Street, Suite 103
Corona, CA
For directions call: (951) 808-4587

Hope to see you all there!!!!

Who or what inspires you?

I can think of a lot of things that keeps the creative juices flowing....

I can tell you that nothing beats the desire to overcome all obstacles in order to succeed for the love of passion and validation. I've been through this writer's journey for as long as I can remember and often I've felt the need to give up and find a real career path. Of course, when it comes down to it...WRITING is my career path..painting and design is incredible as it is, but it's just a hobby. However, storytelling has always been what I'm all about. The only thing I've ever known as a small child and aspire to be good at. My mother was a great storyteller. As a kid I would watch her closely. Whenever she was in the mood to tell a tale, her eyes would light up and her expressions and movements used to mesmerize me. She was the most eloquent storyteller and often so funny my stomach would hurt from laughing. Those days you can't ever forget. Mom paved a path for me to venture on without fear. She taught me that no matter how difficult life could be, she wanted me to keep going down that road like a warrior. She lived a hard life. Every worry lines on her face, every scar, and every callouses proves that she continues to venture on her own path. Mom inspires me...although her life has not turned out exactly as she has wanted it to, she knows that I will continue that journey for her....

Thanks mom for shaping me into the person I am today...

I'm pretty much replacing my smile.

Believe it or not I'm doing a series of jaw work that doesn't involve breaking the jaw, thank you God! So now I have to go to treatments that last 2 hours a session for a few months to correct my mis-alighned jaw. I have what they call inverted TMJ. Loads of fun. On top of that, I have to get braces!!!! No need for names folks... You can say I'm following the celebrity footsteps of getting a new smile in the name of vanity...

I am finally going to share my evenings with a hot stud, candlelight, and a good bottle of du vin...okay, not really. I'm getting the 300 DVD and I can freeze frame Gerry's torso shots...ah..the beauty of a good remote control and a nice glass of cabernet. Hey, when you're single, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to get her fix in. If I had a man like that, I wouldn't let him out the door! Baby! The good news is that he won't care if I'm a slob, I work too much, talk too much, dress in funky PJs or bitch about anything and everything..he'll love me just the way I am. Now that's a great catch!

I'm suddenly craving a tub of Coffee Haggen-Dazs ice cream. Seems like no matter how much OT I make I'm still in the hole. What's up with that? California taxes, that's what! Add medical, vision, and dental and parking fees and that adds up! I have to start loading up on Top Ramen soon.

I look outside of the floor to ceiling windows of the office building and all I can do is think about laying out poolside. I need a beer. 5 PM is around the corner and soon I'll be downing some beer and wine, compliments of my company. It's the incentive to liquor you up so you're so devoted to the firm you'll work through the night. Like a hamster running around in those doo-hickie wheels...never knowing when to stop because the little carrot is being dangled in front of them. Not me, I escape right after the booze hits the table and the wine, cheese and fruit tray is laid out. I have a life, y'know.