Jax's Artistic Journey...

I'm not talking about what you're thinking...naughty, naughty. I'm talking about finally sending my paranormal proposal to my agent! Yes, I know--and she still loves me even though I dragged on it. How was I to know life would get in the way???

Anywoo, I'm very excited because somewhere between the 9th and 10th re-write I fell in love with the story all over again. I can say that I learned a very valuable lesson about this project: NO MORE PANSTERING! <-- You heard me, I will start outlining from here on out. Why? Because the sucknopsis sucked the life out of me and it's not necessarily easier when you've written the chapters in a proposal. Well, especially in paranormals when you need all the world building done up front so you don't get confused or miss out on the important stuff. I've heard horror stories about readers pissed off at the authors for breaking the rules in their own world so I'm going to try not to do that. But if I do, please forgive me in advance.

You don't know what a relief it is to put yourself out there, in a genre not your own, and feel like you owned it...well, in terms of finishing it with satisfactory results. I'm a contemporary author but this story is really special to me. Why? Because it challenged me on all levels and I lived to tell about it. I'm just nervous about phase two: Nabbing an editor for the project. I really really want to see this thing find a good home and I hope whoever takes it will see this world the same way that I do...right now, I'm just focusing on the single title and not the series because I think I'd have a heart attack if I think beyond that--doesn't mean I'm not already fleshing out the next two books in my head. Hey, gotta be prepared :)

Anyway, I celebrated the proposal sendoff by going shopping and it felt so darn good. Imagine what I'd buy when I get some contracts in! Now for the wait. I must confess...I'm ter-ri-fied. But don't think I won't deny it if word gets out...LOL

I'm sorely lacking on posts, I know...

I'm still pulling my hair out as I work on my current proposal. Man, I didn't realize I would be dragging so much. I am usually the quickest writer I know but lately it's been a real chore. No, I still love writing...I just need to get to that place where everything clicks and I haven't gotten there yet. Believe me, some days are easier than others but it seems like taking a hiatus from writing really kills your writing chi.

I will say that this time of year is my favorite. I've been bundled up in my comfy PJs and monkey sox slippers and sipping on either coffee or hot tea with honey. It makes me feel oh-so happy. Silly--but the little things really make everything better. I'm currently stuck on the over editing portion of my writing. I've freakin' re-written my first chapter 5 times now. I'm officially done....psychologically I'm going to assume I'm avoiding the moving forward part. Maybe I'm afraid of getting rejections, maybe I'm afraid there are hundreds of other authors who will fit their 'trend' and I'll be waiting forever for a response. Even though I know it's a kickass idea, I totally must learn to focus on me. Don't know why I'm getting insecure because I'm normally the type that hits 'send' and move on. Gosh, I'm growing soft. However, I swore I'd start changing things after I lost that bet to Mr. Right. :( But I couldn't help being sick for a week....right, no more excuses. Double or nothing, that's what I told him...

No more time-wasting...got to go hide in the writing cave. Without distractions I may just make it by the end of the month!

First off a big CONGRATS to my friend, and co-founder of Romance Divas with me, KRISTEN PAINTER for scoring a 3-book deal for her Urban Fantasy with Orbit Books. You go girl! It was long overdue!!!! She's in good company with Laurel K. Hamilton, Jim Butcher, Lilith Saintcrow, etc.

This is my second full week of work and I noticed I'm scheduled for 55.5 hours this week. Hummm, seems like this part-time job is really not part-time at all. I'm trying to figure out when I'm going to work on other commitments like web maintenance, book cover designs, and managing new web clients...all while working on my proposal. You see, I've been trying to finish my new proposal before I meet my agent at conference next week. I'm also trying to put together a 5-year plan regarding my writing future. Sounds like pretty heavy stuff––well, it is!

With everything that's been going on, I have started writing freehand again. Strange, but it's kind of liberating. Getting home late every night, I don't feel like being online for more than a few minutes at a time so it's a good change of pace to return to the pen and paper method. The free flowing stream of consciousness allows me to tighten up the ideas once I retype the story on my computer later. Actually, I've been scaling back on just about everything. I shut off all my yahoogroups and stepped away from my local chapters. Kind of like a decompression so I can focus on myself and what I need to do to move forward.

My current WIP proposal is totally awesome. I love the characters, the stories, everything about it because it's based loosely from a true story I heard....it's even more interesting for me. I can't wait to get it written so I can send to my agent. I think this is the one...hummm, I guess I say that about all my stories, but how can I not? I simply love all my characters so I hope it comes through in my writing. Wish me luck...now that Kristen has this killer book deal, I want one!!!! :P

I'm trying to ignore the fact that I'm sick. Of course, I'm taking meds but the sore throat, stuffy head, coughing and ear aches are starting to get on my nerves.






It's easy to get irritable these days but I've been working on the new proposal which I totally adore! I got a name for it BY TUSCAN MOONLIGHT and it's going to be the most interesting book I've ever worked on...not to mention a heckuvalot of research I'll need to do. Involves wine country, food, culture, etc...just reading up on the subject makes me want to pack and go there. I'm counting my pennies and hopefully I will be able to do this next year. Of course, this would mean I'd forgo one big conference...but, if I sell something I hope it'll help me with getting to both! :) I totally miss Europe and I've been itching to go back. I can't describe how incredible it is to travel but maybe I'll be able to adequately write about it in this book!

I can't seem to get this song out of my head! This is TI featuring Rhianna... So, I'm posting because it's so darn catchy! :)

I finished my proposal on Sunday night and, Oh, what a feeling! All I'm waiting on is for my CPs to crit the proposal and once I've polished the darn thing, off it goes to the agent!!! I really really really think this story has a NY feel and I'm hoping the agent I want will see it too. It's nerve-wracking. Most people assume I've already gotten an agent..er, I did at one point..so I'm finally in hot pursuit of someone who will make my life easier when it comes to submitting to the big houses. Yes, I'm so ready and I truly believe the winds of change is coming...and boy do I need it!

Now, I'm moving onto the next item on my deadline list. Finish the YA that has had two extensions. Sigh. I am such the procrastinator! If you really think about it, I was writing other things so it wasn't a matter of not writing. Since finishing the proposal, I feel like I'm ready to conquer this novella. I'm trying to do 10 pages a day but will be happy if I complete more. Thankfully it's not a single title or I'd really kick myself. This is a story for the 2009 launch of the Moxie YA imprint! Woot Woot! I'm very happy and proud to participate and there are two really awesome authors that will debut in this anthology.

Next on my list, finish my novella for the Lotus Blossom Chronicles: Book 4, which will be out in January 2010! As you can tell, I've got back-to-back deadlines and then the great big move to Wilmington. A new start, a new life...and hopefully a big NY contract. Cross your fingers for me!

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 woke up this morning and decided that I'm going to get a super-agent and a NY publishing contract by New Years 2009, even if it kills me. Well, not literally, but you know what I'm talking about...I think it's time to kick my writing career into high gear. After all, I've got 4 print books (soon to be 6 by next year) and 7 novellas under my belt. I think I'm warmed up enough to follow the path that my girlfriends have taken to international publication. 2008 started out very bizarre and exciting! I watched a lot of my close friends realize their writing dreams. Five friends landed 2-4 book deals as first time authors, and 4 of my pubbed friends got offered additional contracts, then there is one amazing friend who landed a screenwriting gig and waiting on a greenlight for her pilot. With the fantastic momentum, I hope to be the next up for something great. I have faith it's my time. I should have been looking for an agent sooner..well, I did have an agent that lasted a full month before I left him, but that really doesn't count. It felt good for two seconds. :) Well, I'm working hard this weekend to get my proposal done for my urban fantasy and I'm really close. I want to send it out in about a week or so. I have decided to get back on schedule and make myself more productive...I know, I should seriously be working on my book deadline, but I'll get it done...I always do.