Jax's Artistic Journey...

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? :)

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…

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

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. :)

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.

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

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!

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!

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!