Jax's Artistic Journey...

Have you ever suffered an identity crisis? I believe all authors do. Especially those of us who are writing multi-genres. For the past few months I've been working on my YA paranormal and it's really really really good..well, for one, I get to pull in Vietnamese mythology and throw in my own take. I've modeled this universe loosely after several mythologies...and it seems to work in my mind. The worldbuilding is coming along...and it will take me awhile to get everything down in writing but it's all in my head. I'm just ironing out the details. Of course, what I perceive as good can be crap to others, but I promise this isn't like any typical paranormal you've ever read. It's still got a splash of 'moi' and I'm channeling my inner teen. Complete with angst and, God forbid, cute rebel boys. I still have a synopsis and two chapters to finish because I was sidetracked...you'll see what prevented me from writing. Here's a sneak peek at my YA PERSONA. I still have a few items to finish up...including my own photography session. I'm going to do some self portraits with a bit of an edge. For now, I've recycled photos until I can get that bit of my persona to surface.

At least if I sell this series, my underage relatives can finally read my work!

What do you think?

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.

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.

I grew up with a camera in my hand. There was a period I didn't do any photography due to life but I always saw things through the camera lense. Of course, I'm trying to collect more gadgets for my Nikon but when I get a freelance job, there's always a rush of excitement. Regardless if it's headshots, family portraits, children or animals...I love doing it. I wish I had a studio and more time to devote to this. The good news is that my client list is growing through referrals. I've got a couple of really coooool jobs coming up, and some require native costumes, which I'm dying to do.

This morning I wrapped up a headshot for a real estate agent and it was a lot of fun. Men and women photograph so differently. I'm a natural light kind of girl and so I like outdoor shots. Usually I have an assistant but moving to the Sunshine State, I'm going solo. Reflectors are key and when you don't have the help, you just gotta wing it. Needless to say, the pics turned out awesome!

Backdrop plays a major part in good headshots. It can make or break a photo unless it's in studio. At the wrap of my session, I noticed a willing model. She's quite beautiful and a little bit of a Diva. She finally ended up posing for me and I think she's a classic beauty.

I just love photography...I hope to someday be confident enough to take shots that I can blow up and hang on my wall as art...until then, I'll keep taking the purrrfect shot.