Jax's Artistic Journey...

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. :)

We're reviewing final plans on our move next month. We haven't narrowed down the exact date yet but I know I'm going to hate it either way. Moving is such a pain in the backside and because I've done this so darn much, I'm only wishing that the next big move, after this temporary one, will be into my dream home. Always being in transition is only exciting when you're traveling through Europe or some exotic country but not like this. When the big move happens, I'll be out-of-pocket until all the necessities are installed but I hope to be back up and running quickly. Without my T1 line I'll be screwed and going through serious withdrawal.

On the bright side, my new project is coming along better than I thought. It's such a different voice and it's my first attempt at a single title first person piece. It's going to be TOUGH, but I like the fact that I'm going out of my comfort zone. Maybe it's about time I go a little darker, and I'm loving it. My snarky persona really shines through in this project which I kinda dig. Usually I go over details with close friends but this time I've decided not to tell anyone about it. Maybe I'm getting superstitious but I figured if you're going to be in that cave, you might as well get used to the dark alone. So you see folks, I do see the slivers of sunlight peeking through the dreary clouds. I'm still keeping the faith that everything will turn out the way I hope it would.

Until next week, happy weekend and I hope you get a lot of YOU time. It's nice to take time out for yourself even if it's a few hours. Life's short...take advantage of every second!

Remember when I said I was going to work on my short story? Change of plans.

Ummmm, I need to pick back up on my Project X because I need to get it finished....so, today I will be starting on Chapter 4 and hopefully by the end of the month I will reach THE END. That's being optimistic. If I do meet my deadline, I'm aiming toward a good polished manuscript by late-April. The heat is on and I'll be a little manic, a little grumpy, and will require a whole lot of coffee. Fingers crossed that I won't go nuts by that time....I do love a good challenge.

Now, if only I can kick my twitter, facebook, and blogging addictions. It's going to take all my willpower to go into hiding....the curse of the internet makes an author's life miserable...well, there is the research...Fine, I will be good and leave the fun stuff to after office hours.

Just promise to fill me in if anything good happens.