Jax's Artistic Journey...

Finally headed to San Fran! Can't wait to see everyone there and will try my best to post pics or Podcast from the conference if I have time... from the looks of my schedule so far, I'll be lucky if I get to sleep!

See you in a week! :)

Missing this year's conference in San Fran? Don't be sad. ROMANCE DIVAS has an exciting line up of FREE Workshops and plenty of prizes, approximately 76 to be exact.. So stop by at the annual NGTCC aka Not Going To Conference Conference and take part in the festivities. All you need to do is register for free. Then jump right in, introduce yourself, and post away. There are plenty of folks willing to help you out and you might find out what the 'addiction' is that everyone is talking about!

The Romance Divas annual Not Going to Conference Conference will make you feel a bit less deprived! Amazing workshops, a star-studded guest list and awesome giveaways, all on the Diva forum! Don't miss it!

Here's a bit of a schedule update for the Q&As and Workshops...

Wednesday, July 30

Paula Guran, Editor, Juno Books
Q&A on Creating Kick a** Heroines

Laurie Rauch, Editor, Samhain Publishing
Workshop on What Happens After the Contract (aka Editors are People Too!)*

Thursday July 31

Joyce Hart, Hartline Literary
Q&A on Inspirational Romance Stories and the Inspy Market

Sandra Schwab, Historical Romance Author
Workshop on Historical Accuracy and Anachronisms

Friday, August 1

Yolanda Sfetsos, Author of Guarded by Stone
Q&A on Paranormal and Urban Fantasy World Building

Katie MacIver, KatieDidDesign
Workshop on Website Design and Color Selection

Saturday, August 2

Joey W. Hill, Erotica Author
Workshop on Plotting Erotica and Erotic Romance

Rhonda Stapleton, Editor and Author
Workshop on Style and Voice




How about if I list some door prizes?

• What Gwen said" mug donated by Gwen Hayes
• 3-chapter critique of a YA by Simon Pulse author Rhonda Stapleton
• 3-chapter critique of a YA, chick lit, or rom com by Golden Heart Finalist Amanda Brice
• An ebook of your choice from Nell Dixon's backlist
• An ebook of either Second Sight (paranormal romance) or Dragons' Choice (fantasy romance - dragon-shifters) from Debbie Mumford
• Ten dollar Amazon gift certificate from Jodi Henley
• Lush stuff from Seeley deBorn
• e-book copy of Chasing Shadows from Erin Richards
• Paperback copy of Iron Horse Rider OR Smiling Eyes from Adelle Laudan
• Book thongs from Angeleque Ford
• 3 chapter critique from Sela Carsen
• winner's choice of ebook copy of "Not Quite Dead" or "Heart of the Sea" by Sela Carsen
• e-book copy of HEATWAVE by Eden Bradley
• e-book copy of BREAKING SKYE by Eden Bradley
• a box of goodies, trade and paperbacks, bath products candles, etc... All for a fun and relaxing home spa day treat. courtesy of The Midnight Moon Cafe
• 1 download each of Natasha Moore's Samhain books, The Ride of Her LIfe and The Passion-Minded Professor
• a copy of "Painted Soul" by Mary Quast
• e-book copy of HER CINDERELLA COMPLEX by Jenna Bayley-Burke - Samhain
• e-book copy of PAR FOR THE COURSE by Jenna Bayley-Burke - Samhain
• e-book copy of FOUND by Jenna Bayley-Burke - Wild Rose Press
• e-book copy of NIGHT OF INSPIRATION by Jenna Allen - Phaze
• e-book copy of ON AGAIN by Jenna Allen - Phaze
• $10 gc to Amazon from Kendal Corbitt
• ebook Vampire Oracle: Harmony by MG Braden
• Ebook ARC, Art of Sensuality by Jax Cassidy

Plus a lovely bar of wonderful Chagrin Valley hand made soap, Caramel Pralines jar candle, handmade jewelry, Tarot readings, a Lush box for European Divas/Dudes, a $10 fictionwise gc and much more!

Due to my attendance at the RWA Conference in San Francisco, I thought I'd draw names for the contests all at once. So all contest entries have closed.

For the Printed ARC of ART OF SENSUALITY...
the winner is.... INEZ!

For the PDF ARC of ART OF SENSUALITY...
the winner is.... JENNIFER MCKENZIE!

For the Mini Gift Giveaway and includes your choice of an autographed copy of THE LOTUS BLOSSOM CHRONICLES or a PDF CD or electronic ARC of ART OF SENSUALITY...
the winner is.... TERESA BALDERAS! (Please email me with your mailing address)

Thank you for participating for my web & blog contests! As a way to thank those who will be attending the Literacy Signing event, I will host a contest that is available at my section to purchase my book THE LOTUS BLOSSOM CHRONICLES, or just to say 'hello'. Those who purchase my book for literacy will get two chances of winning. Trust me, this is a giveway you won't want to miss! I love the item so much, I'd like to keep it for myself!!!!

Thank you Hunter-Bot for picking the winning names....

I've only been in the romance writing scene since the end of 2005 after my girl friend, Kelly Gay, introduced me to this world. I had been researching online for classes and message boards that would help me with writing techniques and the romance industry. It was a strange transition from screenplays to novels and I had to basically learn the mechanics of writing all over again. I should be a little ahead of the game because my background was in journalism and communications, but nothing prepared me for what I was going to embark on. I recall bonding immediately with my business partner, Kristen Painter, when I met her online through a writing site. Soon, I found myself signed up for RWA and my local chapter the Los Angeles Romance Authors. I had missed the previous conference and it had been Kristen's first year. When she returned, she had such wonderful and inspiring details I knew I had to attend the following year.

A lot happened in between November 2005 and July 2006 for the RWA conference. For one, I had published 3-4 ebooks by that time and my first print book was in the works. I can say I'm lucky because I didn't have those experiences that first timers had where you're lost and confused and overwhelmed. You see, I had Romance Divas on my side. We had been in existence seven months and our reputation had spread, mainly because we had been named Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers on the Web three months into our launch. I think that the moment I arrived in Reno, NV, I had already known so many of the participants whom I had the honor of befriending online. Some had already attended previous conferences and some were total newbies like myself. It helped that Kristen and I roomed together and she showed me the ropes. What I discovered was that although RWA is a conference to meet other writers and get your name and face out there, it's also a professional conference that stirs your creativity. Imagine being with a few thousand other writers with the same goals as yourself. It's a phenomenal mix of people and personalities and so rich with stories. People you can relate to and share in their own struggles and successes. I had never been more inspired to write and even more excited about getting that next manuscript out. The week was a blur and in knowing that the Divas who were there became my extended family made the whole thing so much better. I can say Divas are genuine folks. They were so eager and happy to take people under their wings and guide them to workshops and events. You never felt alone or aleniated. There's a sense of family and community and even though this is now my fourth conference, the family only grows and the bond only tightens. I really believe that every writer who is serious about writing should try to attend at least once. It's so eye opening and really impacts you in the best possible way. I'm most thankful that I am able to participate in the Literacy Signing because not only is this an energizing experience, you're also helping promote reading whether its romance or mainstream fiction...YAY RWA helping to fight literacy!

I was terrified, nervous, sick to my stomach...it's always insane when you send your work out to a reviewer. It's one of those things that you either pray they will love your story or spare you by accidentally losing your book...of course my novel isn't going to be released until November 2008 but the reviews will slowly trickle in. It's never too early to get yourself circulating in the review circuit. Well, some quotes I'll definitely use in my books after the final edits are in, and some quotes I'll reserve for my website...but overall, I can say that this first review is helping me get over the nausea of waiting...anticipating...

Check out JJ Machshev Book Reviews

Can I just say right now...THANK YOU REVIEWERS, I know it's a tough job and I appreciate you doing it!

How much do you really love me? If you want a chance to win the ARC (advanced reading copy) of ART OF SENSUALITY, here's your chance to comment and you'll be put in the drawing. I'll announce the winner Friday the 25th!

If you really love me and have read THE LOTUS BLOSSOM CHRONICLES, please feel free to leave a review on AMAZON! :)

I'm having a good day and thought I'd spread the joy...

I just wanted to say there sure is a lot of incredible talent out there! The song I used is by an artist I stumbled across from Garage Band. This musician is Pamela Martin, and her voice is so soothing...I just wanted to give her a big plug...I hope it gets her some more interest...

Five days later, I am surprised I am sane. I closed my eyes and pressed
'Send'.

My queries and proposals are finally out to the super agents. All of whom I would be lucky enough to have. Hopefully one of them will see the spark of potential. I didn't think I'd be looking for an agent so soon, but sometimes, it just feels right. Timing is everything. I hope that the third times a charm because I spent my whole life with this huge universe swimming in my head and I am very proud of the end product. I never thought I'd be able to revise it one more time, but when it comes down to it, this was what I've always been waiting on...

So, what do I do now? Answer: Focus on my deadlines. Yeah, that's good. I need to keep busy and think happy thoughts....

Well folks--I'll keep you posted.

I am a freak and often like to google my name. Sometimes I just have to know what people think about me. I'm sure most of you do the same thing and don't want to admit it..

well, I happen to come across a really interesting site called ASIAN WEEK and was stunned to see my name--equally pleased that my book was chosen for a summer recommended read...this is a big honor for me because I have been trying to reach out to the Asian market and now it seems that my hard work is finally showing some progress. I am so elated about this news...

THANKS SAM! You ROCK!

Kristen had a really good point on her blog. The cover does not do the actor who plays Edward, Robert Pattinson, justice. If you see his other promotional pictures or movie trailers, he looks a heck of a lot better! Although the makeup artist and hairstylist screwed up big time on this at EW, I figure I'm going to overlook this bit. I am just as excited to watch this...at least the movies that are being releases are becoming more interesting: The Dark Knight, Mamma Mia!, Twilight, Step Brothers, The Mummy, Swing Vote....there is hope yet for the movies...

Also...

Thanks to my buddy R.G. Alexander for showing me this heartwarming YouTube video. It made me kind of teary-eyed! Something I would totally do to raise money for charity!

I had set a personal deadline to finish my proposal and have it sent out by July 17th--I finished today, well ahead of schedule! Now I am moving onto the edit & polish portion of the package. This means I'll be sending out to agents before going to San Francisco with hopes that when I return from conference I will have some kind of news. In the meantime, I'm back at work on my YA novella (thanks to an extension) and then I'm back at it with the LOTUS BLOSSOM IV deadline (still thinking up a title)... time sure flies when you're busy...

Gee, I'm looking forward to THE DARK KNIGHT..I so love Christian Bale. I have always believed he was a good actor and I'm glad to see his success, but I can't help thinking that it's going to be eerie seeing Heath Ledger on the big screen as the Joker. I can't bear to watch any of his old movies: A Knight's Tale, 10 Things I Hate About You, etc...sniff, sniff.

Anywoo, I'm also looking forward to a great 7 months of working toward a successful 2008. This year started off rocky but my Muse decided to return and bugging me to sweat off the writing blues. I am so on Fiiii-A (translation: FIRE). Tomorrow I am spending all day writing with a friend of mine at a really cool Vegan coffeehouse. It can be pretty awesome when you get to do something you love and have fun doing it!

Well...as a way to get me motivated, I finally put together a PDF teaser of the first few pages of my novel ART OF SENSUALITY. For my hardcore fans who are dying for a peek, here's your chance to DOWNLOAD IT from my website!

I'd love to hear your feedback. I'm very proud of this project and it's just a beautiful love story...well, too me anyway. I had a box of kleenex waiting for me at the end of it.. in the weeks closer to the release date I will have a complete excerpt of the last two chapters on my website that did not make the final cut. It's really a shame because it wrapped up a few of the characters storylines. I hope you love it as much as I loved writing it. Yes, every book is a labor of love and this one was the beginning of my journey for me...

I'll have an audio of an excerpt from a scene in this book soon. Hey, I've neglected my podcasting...LOL

P.S. I've included one of my favorite artist's, ALPHONSE MUCHA, vintage art for a little inspiration...

Enjoy!

I've been in this serious slump. I'm really late on this proposal I'm putting together and I've got a series of deadlines...2 books and 3 websites to build. You'd think I'd get in the zone and just do it...but lately it seems a little tricky. Sometimes you tell yourself you're going to wake up and get started at 6:00 AM but it's easier said than done. These days I've been rolling out of bed around 8:00 AM with more sleep than my usual 2 hours a night due to no day job, however, the pressure of freelance work is much worse than a day job, plus writing deadlines, plus additional side projects... Maybe it's the heat getting to me. Maybe my muse ran away from me. Sigh...can someone pass me theirs for a few weeks so I can get on with my writing career? Pretty please.

On a good note: I'm really looking forward to the RWA Conference and I have a lot of things I plan on doing in San Francisco but won't divulge the details until I return. There's always pictures. I get to see my friends and I'll surely be inspired from being surrounded by over 3,000 women at this writer's convention. You know, the best part of all this is the book signings. I love meeting my readers and I hope that I will have readers! LOL -- Authors always fear they won't sell and it's a good thing I've got friends who will be there to mop up my tears! Think positive, think positive... LOL

Okay, time to get serious...

**Jax rolls up her sleeves, cracks her knuckles and gets into writing mode**

I came back to a big pile of work, so I'm going to spend a few days shuffling through the emails, letters, etc....

In the meantime, I'm going to leave you with one of my favourite couples from So You Think You Can Dance...Katee & Joshua...

My niece is five years old and her hair grows exceedingly fast. It hangs to her waist and I often have to practice French braids on her hair. She's been a girly kind of tomboy and digs through her wardrobe for a fashion show whenever I come for a visit. Even if we spruce up her silky locks, she's quick to engage in horseplay with her brothers and her hair winds up looking like a bird's nest. Last Friday she decided to get her hair cut. Turns out she had heard about me trying to grow out my hair for Locks Of Love. Needless to say, she decided to be just like Auntie Jax and told the hair stylist to donate her 10 inches. Now she's styling a cute little bob and will let it grow out again just so she could help other children have hair.

Sometimes, the little things mean the world to me. :)

Here's to putting up with me all these years!!!