Jax's Artistic Journey...

CONGRATULATIONS CIA on winning the SENSUAL ESCAPE prize!

You'll get it in the mail in a few weeks! I'll have a picture of it up when it's ready to go so those of you who didn't enter can see what you missed out on!!

BOOKSIGNING NEWS...

I'll be signing in Dallas at the DARA Conference this Friday. Here's your chance to stop by and say HELLO. If you really love me, you can pick up a book so I won't look like no one wants to purchase them. LOL

Dreamin' in Dallas
April 5, 2008
Plano, TX
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Southfork Hotel

Here's the FLYER, of course I signed up later so my name isn't listed, but I'll be there! :)

I've got to get ready for my trip and will be writing my buns off until I'm on the plane. I won't bring my laptop this time around just because I want to be able to have a real break from everything! I'll post the winner of my contest soooon....

This week has past in a blur and most of it consisted of a blue "hawaiian" drink... although last night our server Alejandro (Chris) gave me a special toxic drink that tasted like raspberry and tanqueray with a splash of soda and lime juice. I would like to commend the 21-year old who had to endure our daily evening binge drinking antics. I have to admit, that I probably had more drinks in one week than I had in a year...yet I was never quite plastered. I'm thinking they threw in more soda than top shelves in each glass! Okay, I ended up with 3 boxes of books and a crick in my neck! I swear they haven't changed out the mattress here since the Ford administartion. How the heck is that possible? I'm now going to have to figure where to put them all.

Well, to recap... the Hyatt regency sucked...the room was small, the bar and restaurant staff was autrocious, the food was over priced and the nightlife was non-existent...hence why the Divas took over the bar on a daily basis (much to the jealousy of those not in our organization)! Can you believe there was nothing within walking distance? Strategically placed around the hotel are a collection of bail bondsman...are they assuming the Divas would require that type of service???

Okay, it wasn't all terrible...I did experience Drag Queen Karaoke (made great friends with the queens and loved the $3 drinks!), danced with a Coyote Ugly, and dined at an overrated YO Ranch Steakhouse...Oh, I got to roll on the floor to a rendition of "Like a Virgin" with my girls and sang off key to everything from Bon Jovi to Abba! The real fun...I got practically raped by a Coyote who thought I was "cute" when I hopped on the bar and danced with them. It's true! She bent me over and tried to molest me..ONSTAGE..I have photographic evidence floating around! I did have a wonderful time at the Diva Dinner and would you believe I teared up!!!!

The highlights also included going to the publisher parties...Penguin had the best cocktail shrimps and apps! St. Martin's was intimate and had Cosmos to die for... Last but not least, Harlequin sure knows how to party! I got to boogey on the dance floor with NORA ROBERTS..that lady can really get down!!

Literacy siging was a memorable experience...I sold out of all my books and CDs...I got to meet wonderful authors and fans. I got to feel like an important part of the literacy program as we raised a little over $52,000 for the cause! Can't tell you how magical it is to help others.

This is a doozy of a post and I'm sure I'll divulge more craziness in the coming days when I get my head together. I haven't slept in my own bed since last Friday..which makes it 8 days ago...not ready to go back to corporate world yet. I'm more than determined than ever that this is going to be my year...

Life is certainly an adventure. I LOVE MY DIVAS! Miss you all already!

I spent three days re-aquainting myself with my brothers and their children. Haven't seen my elder siblings for about 8 years and what a difference time makes. I wasn't sure how things would go but I'm grateful I took the opportunity to see them again. It's amazing how perceptions change. My brothers and their wives were so proud of me being a writer regardless of the genre. It was embarrassing at first to admit I write erotica and although they probably won't read it they were impressed I was in print. I could tell that they realized I didn't turn out half bad. From the goth bad girl who could never do anything right to an accomplished artist. I guess things never appears as it seems and I'm glad for it. Tomorrow I'm going to the convention at last! Will be meeting up with old and new pals and spending a full week immersing myself in the industry I worked so hard to succeed in. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it is to get away from everyday life for a week of comraderie and binge drinking....LOL

This is also the first year Romance Divas is throwing a complete dinner bash which includes sponsorships, awards, music, dancing and FUN, diva style! We've grown so much since the first Diva Dinner and now we're up to 50 people! What will it be next year? I'm sure I'll be more prepared... maybe.

I think the future is bright for my baby organization!

I can tell you right now -- I never plan on eating (maybe not this part) or shopping again. There's a lot to be said about Asian families. My SIL's gave me one look and couldn't help feeding me non-stop, as if I was an Ethiopian orphan! I think I've gained back all of my 14 pounds in 3 days! I also spent so much money I SHOULD FEEL GUILTY!!!!! Sure I deserve to splurge but I realize it's time to buckle down and be responsible. After all, I'm suppose to be penny pinching if I want to get my new company off the ground. While I party hardy, my business partner is working hard on our current project. I feel bad for him. I will definitely toast him first chance I get when I settle down at the bar tomorrow afternoon.. Okay, everything in moderation this year. I just need to save my liver for another time. Well, it's past midnight and I really ought to be sleeping. I sat up making tees for Kristen, Lisa and myself. Of course I f--cked up my shirt on the initial one and ended up getting creative. The spur of the moment improv I re-did totally rocks! (sorry girls) However, I think the ones I made the two gals are simply DIVA-ish... :)

I'm wearing mine when I check in tomorrow....

All right, I'll report my experience if time permits...and if they don't overcharge me outrageously for internet usage! I've got a busy schedule ahead of me so I'll need the beauty sleep....

Reporting from Dallas...Jax out...