Jax's Artistic Journey...

BOO!

I've been scaring my nephew for a few days now. He's had to witness his auntie in her various PJs for the past three days with frizzy hair, no makeup, and bags under my eyes that could give Frankenstein a run for his money. Such is the life of an author.

I'm nearing the end and I have exactly a little over ten hours to finish this thing. Then I can finish packing, then I can be dropped off at the airport to take my flight. Wow, this is me every deadline...believe it or not. Procrastinate much? Well, I don't really procrastinate. I'm more of a multi-tasker and throw in a little ADD and you have me. I tend to take on more than I can handle. My mind works at such a rapid rate I can't seem to stop. For instance, I'm on break from writing since 7:30 AM this morning and yet I'm still typing on my blog. WHAT'S MY PROBLEM? I guess it's the curse of the overacheiver...

While the kids all gather at the house for the annual 'trick-or-treat' festivities, I'll be still in my jammies staring at the screen and clicking away on the keyboard. I hate being anti-social but this is one of those times when I got to get used to deadlines because it's going to be a big part of my future.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Be safe, have fun, don't eat lots of candy because I won't have any Alka-Seltzers for you! :)

I've decided that deadlines are a form or dance. You've got to learn the technique, the dance steps, the fluidity of movement when it comes to meeting a deadline. Sure, you know you've got months to prepare and months to keep a schedule so you aren't rushing at the end...but every author knows how easy it is to get sidetracked, or inundated by life and other smaller deadlines...so the months become a matter of weeks, a matter of days. What do you do? You gotta dance like your life depends on it. You gotta keep in your mind that just because you're cramming, you shouldn't sacrifice quality and you've just got to make sure every word counts.

I took dance classes as a kid, even though I had two left feet. But it never stopped me from continuing to dance and in time, I wasn't half bad. I'm one of those authors who do my best work under pressure. Don't know why it is, but my emotions really come out and my characters pour out their souls for a good story. So, while I am freaking out at deadlines, I am still comforted by the fact that I will meet it. Twirling and gliding to the rhythm of the words that tumbles from my fingertips. Under this pressure, I feel at peace and I am happy to know that I am able to do what I love best...write.

Another great musical find from this up and coming artist...

COME ON GET HIGHER by Matt Nathanson

My friend Jeff Rivera's new book Forever My Lady was released today and I had the opportunity to interview him regarding his first print release through WarnerBooks/Grand Central.

FOREVER MY LADY is a passionate story of a juvenile deliquent named Dio who is sentenced to prison boot camp. Everyone who he has ever trusted has given up on him except one special girl that promises to stay by his side no matter what, the love of his life, Jennifer. He promises he will turn his life around for her and she promises will never leave him. In fact, they plan to marry one day. But when Dio is released from boot camp he discovers Jennifer is about to marry someone else.

Jeff has lived a fascinating life and his background is quite inspiring. Just read his bio and you'll understand what I'm talking about. His book Forever My Lady was wonderfully written through a unique voice that is new and refreshing. He's gotten a lot of rave reviews, including 5 stars by Amazon.com's #1 Book Reviewer Ms. Harriet Klausner, and his dedication to getting his work out there has garnered him a reputation as someone to keep an eye on.

For a chance to win his autographed book, all you have to do is post a comment. Winner will be announced on October 31st!



Here's Jeff's recent interview for your enjoyment...

What inspired you to go in the direction of writing romance and not mainstream fiction?
I'm a lover of love. I am a softy when it comes to that sort of thing. I believe in it. I really believe in soul mates, twin flames all that kind of stuff. I don't want to believe it's just a fantasy, I think it really exists.

Do you get any negative reaction to a man writing romance, which is not the norm?
Not all. I think I've received more curiousity about it. As in, how could YOU write about romance. One thing women have to realize is that men have the exact same feelings as women we just have been conditioned to mask our feelings. And it might surprise many women to believe that I know a lot of guys that secretly love love stories and would die for their women or men whichever is the case. I know a lot of men that wouldn't even think about cheating on their women they're too in love with them it's just hard for them to express themselves.

How did you feel when you got 'the call'? What did you do?
I felt like I was dreaming, quite frankly. I got the call when I was at my day job and it happened just like I had visualized for it to happen, that's why I didn't believe it when it happened.

You wrote Forever My Lady as a love story. Did you think about writing another genre for your first novel?
I had several stories in my mind to write my first novel but this one kept coming to me in my sleep. It was as if Forever My Lady was alive and begging to come out. Nothing's worse for a writer than a nagging story.

You seem like a rare romantic guy. Why is that?
I am a romantic guy and I love treating the love in my life the way they deserve. Now, I like to be treated well too. I think it should be a two way street but I get a lot of pleasure out of seeing people happy. I guess that's the good part of being a people-pleaser.

What kind of food do you like?
I love Indian food, that's my favorite, second to that would be Italian or maybe Mexican food, Soul food is great too. Just bring on the food. I'm a human garbage disposal (just leave the veggies out I'm very picky about my veggies).

What is your ideal idea of a great date?
I think a perfect date would be a great dinner at a nice restaurant with long deep conversations about life and the way it works and where we are in our lives. Followed by hours and hours of passionate, steamy .... laughing!

Where can my readers find Forever My Lady?
They can get a copy of Forever My Lady at Amazon.com, bookstores everywhere or www.JeffRivera.com

Who or what inspires you?
My family inspires me and what inspires me just as much is when I visit the schools and see all the young people out there that look up to me in some way that's what keeps me motivated to keep writing.

What are you reading right now?
I'm currently reading (in my stack of books) a book called Ghost Radio along with a bunch of non-fiction books.

What advice would you offer to the unpublished romance writer?
I would say choose a genre that sells but turn the genre on its head, make a twist on the genre and choose one that you're passionate about writing. People can sense when something comes from your heart and when you just want to make a quick buck.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
How boring my life is. Haha! I mean, yeah I do the social parties, the nights out on the town with friends in New York City, the power lunch meetings but other than that I'm locked in my room writing or procrastinating on the computer.

What's up next in your writing future?
I'm really looking to write more love stories and stuff for young people, it's what I love.

They say voting is a privilege. Yes, it is indeed. As a US citizen, I feel that it's my duty as an American to do this. Lucky for me I got an absentee ballot and all I need to do is fill it out and put it in the mail. Which I did and I have.

This is one of the biggest elections in a loooooong time and my voice counts. Every voice counts. I'm glad I did it and I won't tell anyone who I voted for. It's my right to privacy and it's my personal choice. Just as it is yours which I'd never ask. With the two choices we did have, I wasn't pleased by either and thus I made an educated decision based, not on the media hype, but based on my own personal research. Yes, sometimes you have to kick aside all those doubts, lies, campaign ads, and commentaries to make a well thought out decision. I've always been an Independent and I've voted for both a Republican and a Democrat at one time or another, not based on their political parties, but always on how strongly I felt after researching their stances on issues. Mainly based on past records and whether I feel that their leadership record was sound.

I'm not one of those people who is political savvy, and I don't try to pretend to be either. Maybe that's why I've left politics out of my blogs until now.

The bottom line regarding this post is not what my political views are...The bottom line is that we have the voice, the power and the ability to make a difference. AND, we need to exercise our rights as good citizens by voting. We can complain all we want about who we don't like but if we aren't at the polls and we aren't voting because we don't like our choices, then we shouldn't be complaining if the person we didn't want make it to office. So often we forget the importance of every single person making a difference. WE ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

VOTE because it is a privilege.

Today I've decided to make myself productive. How? Well, I'm going to enjoy what I'm writing without focusing so hard on story, character development, dialogue. I'm taking a page out of Fast Draft and putting a twist on it. My problem is the internal editor. I need to shut her down and just write for writing sake. I think I'll time myself to see how many pages I've written during that timeframe. Then I can figure out how many hours I need to write to meet my deadline :) Maybe I'll allow myself a 10-15 break in between, unless I'm on a role. I'm going to see my productivity level after that point. In past years I used to write 20-50 pages in one whole day! Yes, folks, it's true. These days, it kills me to write 10. I suppose it was easy when you didn't have life poking at you, but I'm going to try to re-capture that flow. It's all a mental process and if I can learn to shut down those things running amok in my head, I should be able to get in the zone.

Okay, off to make my pot of coffee and then I'm going to write!

Sometimes I feel like screaming. Just because. Sometimes your scenes are stalled, sometimes people annoy you, sometimes you want to disconnect from everyone and everything.

I get this way sometimes.

Today, is one of those days. A friend of mine mentioned she'd love to be locked up in a mountain cabin...I've had those thoughts. I can be reclusive, I can live off canned foods and the outdoors. I'm not fearful of growing my own garden to survive...but, of course, it's just ludicrous thinking.

Don't get me wrong. I love my stories, I love writing--but some days you just can't seem to grasp what it is that's bothering the heck out of you. Maybe I'm tired. Maybe I need a break. Maybe I need a drink or two or three. Hummm, maybe I just need to step away for a few hours and then start with a fresh perspective.

I took a day and a half for a short mental break. Ended up doing a ton of arts and craft in a small amount of time, but it was fun to be able to get my nieces and nephews involved. Kids are a handful but they're pretty darn creative!

Now, I'm back to work. Focusing hardcore on my deadlines so it might be a few days before I post again. I plan to get the first project out of the way by next weekend. I've got a book signing on the 25th and very excited about that. I love meeting people and fellow authors. They're always so cool and inspiring! Then the weekend after I'll be traveling for a mini-vacation and a writing retreat so I'll be gone for a little over a week. It's going to be much needed, that's for sure! I'm mostly excited because I'm going to be meeting up with childhood friends I haven't seen in almost 20 years!!! Yes, we re-connected recently and it was really great. Can't wait to walk down memory lane...I'm more excited about the R&R part of my trip...still daydreaming about it. LOL -- I'll bring my camera and take pics of the getaway. I miss my photography!

Oooh, my coffee is ready and I'll need to get some caffeine in me before I am in any shape to be productive.

Short stories are coming pretty easy for me. Not the writing process, per se, but the actual storylines are just popping into my head at the strangest times and I HAVE TO WRITE the stories. It's exhausting. I shouldn't complain about my muse...I love her, but I'm tired! If she was only poking me about writing, it's one thing, but she's making me do CRAFTS. I haven't done them in years. I've been working on it for the past 6 months tossing ideas on what I want to do to earn extra income off my artistry--of course, she gave me a big push most recently.

I can tell you what I'm doing is verra good and I hope that you'll even order one of my pieces..but that's for another day :)

Hope everyone is happy and writing...I do have to share with you some music now. I love ballads and this one is really good. I'm a fan of Marie Digby even before she got picked up. I had stumbled across her music and thought she'd get a record...and she did! You should check her out. Thanks JamaicanChick for making me watch YouTube for the past hour!!!

Inspiration always comes at a time when you need it most. This month has been very interesting to say the least. I've re-connected with friends from my childhood and I've managed to write more than I have in months.






Most of all, I've been inspired by those who have touched my heart...the survivors of breast cancer, the survivors of cancer in general...and those I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to. With October being such an important month...I am mostly inpired because all these people have the strength and courage to overcome and fight a good fight. I've learned from them and when I feel the weight of the world, I think of how blessed I am that I am healthy and able to help others...

If you noticed, I've put a link up to the breast cancer store. Don't forget to click on the button, it's free and it helps to give free mammograms! Just do it....I know there are so many charities and causes out there that are worth helping, but this one is very dear to my heart.

I think I will. Thank you very much.

I'm writing this really steamy short story and it suddenly occurred to me that--I'm damn good! I don't often look at my stuff without cringing or wondering if it needs more editing, but lately I've discovered something new about myself...I have a natural ability to write sex scenes. And they're pretty HOT! :) Considering I write erotic romance, you'd think I already knew I could execute it well. Most of the time I hoped but the more I write, the more I develop, I can actually see my growth as a writer. If the scene makes me blush, terrific! I guess sometimes writers take things for granted. I'm talking about our own abilities and as I mature as a writer, I am getting used to telling myself that I'm proud of my achievements, no matter how small or big. It's always hard to judge our own work but when we can, it's truly a milestone.

I think I'm going to grab a bottle of wine and try to finish this really juicy story about exclusive sex clubs, masquerades, and Paris. It's really a titillating tale!

The morning didn't start off so sexy because I was on my hands and knees weeding the garden. Not a fun thing. After the exhausting work, I had the desire to try to figure out what Halloween costume to make in case I attend any parties. That's when Gemma Halliday's Killer Fiction blog gave me an idea. Ever since I watched the movie Legend, years ago, I loved that black wedding dress Lili wore and I've never been able to find a clear enough photo. Fortunately for me, I remembered Tangerine Dreams had a sketch of the costume on the back of their Legend CD. Et, Voila! There you have it. I've decided to make the dress for the RT festivities to wear at the Vampire's Ball. It would work out nicely if I could execute it. I think I'm going to add my own Jax magic to it :)

This brings me to a conversation I had with JamaicanChick. We were discussing costumes and such and she exclaimed, "you're holding out on me! I didn't know you could sew." Of course I do, silly! Not saying I'm a pro like some of my other friends, but back in the day, when I wanted to be a fashion designer, I apprenticed for an Italian designer. He was everything I had envisioned a fashion designer to be: pompous, arrogant, temperamental, unpredictable....Needless to say, the stint was short-lived because I didn't want to be a slave to fashion, literally. Especially when everything you produced was creative, fresh and tres chic...yet, you get no credit whatsoever. I didn't like where that was going. Maybe if I had stuck around I would be able to enter Project Runway by now. Maybe I would have done Fashion Week and traveled to Italy a hundred times over, maybe I could of hit on those hot male models...ahem...anyways, the future is now and I am just a crappy seamstress when I get around to sewing...where was I? Oh, yeah...

In past years I've been, Raggedy Ann, a witch, a fairy, Wednesday from Addams Family, The Crow, Bjork, vampiress, China Doll...this list goes on. My most recent excursion was in 2007 in which I was a burglar with Gemma playing the detective. That was a lot of fun. I even got a phone number out of the outing with a guy 13 years younger than me! Sorry, I am so not ready to be a Cougar yet. :/

This year looks like it's going to be an indoor event: me glued to the sofa watching some crappy movie on Lifetime and wishing I was in LA going to some glitzy parties, totally lushed up and dancing on the table....sigh....

Breaks are the best time to do some daydreaming, better yet, do something fun to get your mind off of writing and deadlines. I normally surf Flickr for some inspiration. Let me tell you, I love that site! I'm inspired by how many amazing photographers there are out there. Some of the pictures have often left me breathless, and a little envious. I've had dreams of setting up a photography studio in my home and someday it'll happen...but for now, I will just settle for part-time experimentation. I'm still considered an amateur but I plan to make up for lost time. This hobby has never died for me and I hope someday I'll be able to do a showing. I might just work on it and see what I can come up with. Until then, I'm just going to tinker around and continue stalking the photographers I am obsessed with...

Okay, I hope to show you my progres as I learn and grow...

This is my first attempt at making photography an art.

I call this Mona Retro. Thanks Julie & Scott for loaning me your cat. She's just gorgeous! :)

Now I'm going to turn off the lights and stare out the window at the rain. It's so beautiful and the sound always brings a calming peace in me. I'm going to take five.

It's a beautiful sunny day and I've been writing until I feel carpal tunnel coming. While taking a break, I decided that my blog looked a little boring...all that black is supposed to be 'mysterious' but 'sexy' is in right now. So, I took the liberties of sprucing it up a tad to reflect my new mental direction. As you can see from the header, like all authors, we aspire to make it on the NY Times Bestseller List...ahem, I figured it wouldn't hurt to throw up the wish list in case the Universe is listening. Maybe the change in environment will bring in more traffic, maybe it won't. Either way, I like this new look...for now.

Here's where I get all philosophical. You can tune me out at any time... :)

Change is scary but most often it's very good for the mind and spirit. I'm impulsive/compulsive/spontaneous by nature, if I don't like something..I change it. If I want something bad enough, I get it. Sometimes you just need change to let yourself know you're alive and there's a whole lot of living to live. Give it a try. Throw your friends for a loop. Don't feel like doing the dishes, hop in your car and drive to the beach. Tired of your hair, cut it. You get the picture.

When you are scared of change, you let things pass you by. I'm a firm believer in working hard to get what you want but sometimes the safe bet isn't always the best bet. Sometimes change just happens and you can't control it: you drift apart from your friends, you make new friends, you move, you jump jobs, you fall in love, you follow your heart and make something happen...I believe that all these things are meant to be...you may not see it that way, but you will. Sure, most people want to be in control of their lives but what I've learned the past few years is that you'll be faced with change no matter if you want it or not. You just need to learn to accept it.

Now go out there and make a change!

I finished my proposal on Sunday night and, Oh, what a feeling! All I'm waiting on is for my CPs to crit the proposal and once I've polished the darn thing, off it goes to the agent!!! I really really really think this story has a NY feel and I'm hoping the agent I want will see it too. It's nerve-wracking. Most people assume I've already gotten an agent..er, I did at one point..so I'm finally in hot pursuit of someone who will make my life easier when it comes to submitting to the big houses. Yes, I'm so ready and I truly believe the winds of change is coming...and boy do I need it!

Now, I'm moving onto the next item on my deadline list. Finish the YA that has had two extensions. Sigh. I am such the procrastinator! If you really think about it, I was writing other things so it wasn't a matter of not writing. Since finishing the proposal, I feel like I'm ready to conquer this novella. I'm trying to do 10 pages a day but will be happy if I complete more. Thankfully it's not a single title or I'd really kick myself. This is a story for the 2009 launch of the Moxie YA imprint! Woot Woot! I'm very happy and proud to participate and there are two really awesome authors that will debut in this anthology.

Next on my list, finish my novella for the Lotus Blossom Chronicles: Book 4, which will be out in January 2010! As you can tell, I've got back-to-back deadlines and then the great big move to Wilmington. A new start, a new life...and hopefully a big NY contract. Cross your fingers for me!

When I think of Paris, my heart skips a beat and all the memories come rushing back. I have been in love with the City of Light since I was a little girl filled with dreams of becoming an artist. Even then, I knew what I wanted to do. Of course, being an artist extended to more than just art...it encompassed writing, film, and music.

Since my current proposal is set in Paris, it was only fitting to walk down memory lane. It's been a few years since I've last visited but I can close my eyes and remember every vivid detail. From the smells, to the sounds, to the taste...I can conjure up the experience without faltering. Some things you can't erase no matter how long it's been. I'm sure much of the city has changed over the years and perhaps the restaurants and bars I've frequented have moved or shut down, now replaced by new architecture and ambiance...yet I'm certain if I were to return, I would be equally impressed by the view.

Winters in Paris were the highlight of my stay there. I loved those long walks along the streets leading to Tour Eiffel, Eiffel Tower. Lights were strewn in the bushes, around trees, along lamp posts and you knew this would lead up to a festive holiday season. It's not considered the most romantic city for nothing. The vibe totally morphs into something so beautiful and what you feel can never be bottled up because it's intangible, priceless—you need to experience it for yourself. I can smell the sweetness of the coffee, can imagine how every cappuccino or espresso I've downed still tastes like because every cup was a perfect one. Yes, that alone was a drug...

What's not to love about Paris? Seriously. From the haute couture to the incroyable musee, you can never grow bored of what this city has to offer. On weekends it was fun to take the bullet train to the countryside and bathe in the beauty of the landscape. There's an old world appeal mixed with the modern sophistication that reels you in and I can't recall not loving anything I've seen. Even the dirtiest of arrondissements, sections of Paris, could not make me love it any less. It's an eye opening adventure and knowing what exists outside the city limits and knowing how easy it is to visit other European countries—the sensations could often appear sensual, exotic...erotic. Being in Paris makes you feel beautiful. It's a state of mind and no wonder it's considered "Naughty Paris".

Just thinking about Paris makes me feel warm all over. Living there was a dream come true. Those were the best days of my life and someday soon, I'll be back for a visit. Maybe even purchase a little place of my own to build new memories....

I love my new WIP, a contemporary romance set in Paris!

And...

I love characters full of baggage. People who seem to have everything stacked against them, yet their perserverance keeps them rolling forward. My heroines are terribly flawed. They are either a perpetual rollercoaster type personality or completely sealed in a glass box looking out. Why do I write these types of characters? Frankly, because I understand them. They are pieces of me. Pieces of friends and acquaintances. Pieces of those I observe and hear. Yet beyond the walls my h/h build around themselves, I can see their beauty. I can reveal that shimmering light that breaks through the dark clouds and when I am satisfied that the world sees them too, then I know it's one damn fine story!

I truly believe writing is a therapy. It allows us to explore our own fragile state and provides us with the right tools to either move beyond who we are....or leaving us with more questions. It's not necessarily a bad thing. It powers us up so that we can create more and as our words are spilling onto the pages, the weight seems to lift off our shoulders. When I don't write, when I am frustrated and seem unable to find my way through the dark tunnels that some perceive as 'writer's block'...I feel a sadness wash over me because words are my light. Words are the flames that will lead me back. The stories are the colors that slowly blossom in our mind's eye to comfort us and stays with us to warm our souls.

I love writing. I am blessed I am able to paint this picture for my readers.

Every now and then comes a movie that just grabs you and this is exactly the type of movie I wanted to make if I were a director....speaking of which, the director Mark Pellington captures perfectly this pseudo fable about faith, hope, and miracles. It stirs up the idea that perhaps miracles can happen if you believe and don't question it. HENRY POOLE IS HERE stars Luke Wilson and an amazing cast that adds to the flavor of the movie. I'm a big fan of indie films and a bigger fan of anyone who can make one that really touches you on an emotional level. It's pure brilliance! The soundtrack isn't bad either. Makes me want to write an indie flick now....

HENRY POOLE is HERE is a comedic drama about a disillusioned man who goes hiding in placid suburbia only to discover he cannot escape the forces of hope. Returning to the middleclass neighborhood where he grew up, Henry chooses to live in indulgent isolation. Real life, however, refuses to cooperate with his plans. Nosy neighbors interrupt him with curious visits and prying questions. Then the situation escalates as a stain on Henry's stucco wall is seen to have miraculous powers. His last-ditch hideout becomes a shrine; his backyard turns into an arena for passionate debate about faith and destiny. Seeking anonymous oblivion, cynical Henry Poole instead finds himself right at the center of the human comedy. A modern-day fable, director Mark Pellington's new film investigates the unexpected wonders of the everyday. A faithless man finds hope. A hopeless man finds love. Whether backyard miracles are real or triggered by hope and belief, their personal effects are permanent.