Jax Cassidy's Blog, page 4

October 20, 2012

Uncertain Directions

“Rejection doesn’t mean you’re not good enough; it means the other person failed to notice what you have to offer.”

Mark Amend


Rockin’ Out to: DARK SIDE by

Kelly Clarkson


* * * *



This year has been the first one in which I’ve received more rejections than in the entire span of my almost 9 year course of my writing career. Unfortunately, it’s a continual process authors have to face in this publishing world. We submit our proposal and we wait, and wait, and wait…then we get the editorial responses…it’s pretty straight forward. Pass or a contract offer.


If it’s a pass from the editor, they want you to write them another proposal and then the cycle starts all over again. I’m becoming pretty good about knocking out proposals but I’m also ready to see that light at the end of the tunnel. Even though I have one of the best agents in the industry, it’s my writing that has to really click with the editors. I’ve come seriously close to getting contracts this year but my timing and luck has been off. Sucks, but what can you do? I know this market is tough and editors really have to be over the moon about a project to want to sign you. Their reputation is on the line and if you don’t sell through like they hoped you would, it’s bad news for the both of you.  Well folks, it’s been a crazy ride, but at the end of the day I still love every aspect of this journey. Heck, being published doesn’t guarantee anything but if I’m going to write, it’s going to be what I truly want to write about no matter what genre.


A friend of mine recently brought up a point about writing in multiple genres. Apparently an editor mentioned it wasn’t a good idea. She believed that it’s better to focus on branding yourself in one specific genre instead of taking on too many different genres. I don’t necessarily agree. I feel that if you can write in multiple genres, you should. Why? Simply because you’re going to pull in those different types of readers for whichever genre you have to offer. Maybe someone wants my contemporaries…maybe someone wants my YA or Paranormal or Historical…I’m opening myself to a diverse readership and if they like my voice, they’ll be more willing to read the rest of my work. I’m sure some authors will agree and some won’t but I know that when I’m doing book signings, readers will either want my spicy books or my super sweet. If I have stacks of both, I’m still going to get a reader. It’s served well for me and I don’t plan on choosing just one genre and limit myself.


Writing is all about confidence, loving what you do, and going out of your comfort zone so you can grow. I thought I’d never write a historical romance but the past few years I’ve entertained the idea of doing it. Next year is my foray into writing Asian historicals and I’m pretty darn excited about it. It’s going to be difficult, I know that right off, but it’s the idea that I am pushing myself to expand and strengthen my writing skills. I don’t have any expectations except writing a story that will resonate with others and still preserve my voice.


This year started out with many uncertainties about whether I should consider retiring from writing, but I quickly realized it was such an absurd thought!  I wasn’t going to let rejections, bad reviews, or anything negative be the weight that sinks me. I’ve worked too hard and I want to continue doing so. I want to write these stories swimming in my heart and soul and whether I’m writing for myself, my family, or my friends…I can never stop writing. It’s like breathing and if I cease to do so, it’s like suffocating…dying inside.


I love my readers and my writing support system. I hope you’ll continue following me to see where my writing career takes me in the next five years! I can’t THANK YOU enough…

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Published on October 20, 2012 05:00

October 19, 2012

Down With Bullies!


Recently a group of authors from Facebook decided to stand up against bullying and they chose today, October 19th, to write a post about their experiences, feelings, and opinions about this after a teen took her own life because of being bullied. Although I was too late to participate with them, I do feel it’s an important topic. I’ve decided to blog about this because I don’t want anyone to ever think that they have no power to stand up against bullies. Whether we’re family, friends, or even strangers…we will stand with you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.


* * * *


I was a runt in the group, loved tagging along with my older siblings, but they didn’t like me following them around. Since I was left with only my baby sis who was no fun at her age, I quickly discovered I had a love of eating so it wasn’t difficult for me to pack on quite a lot of baby fat. That’s the beginning of the many torturous years of name calling in which nicknames stuck until well through elementary school and early middle school years. I was called everything from “fatty”, “chubby wubby”, “roasted pork”…to any of the endless names they call kids who were a little round. But I endured and I didn’t let the power of those words break me.


However, I considered myself lucky.


I’m one of the few who took something harmful and turned it into my strengths. My parents are strong minded individuals and they taught me at an early age that I had to be tough in order to survive any situation. Heck, we’d fled a war-torn country at a shot at a better life so name calling was nothing close to what I’d already seen and experienced as a child.


I was never actually bullied to the extent where I was pushed around or constantly ridiculed—Except for the moments when kids hated me just because of my race—but I did see instances of bullying often at my school. Since I never tried to be part of any clique, I’d see kids get  picked on for not having money, not being considered pretty, not having the right outfits, or not being smart enough…and it always pissed me off. Instead of worrying about what the “cool” kids thought of me, I would be quick to make friends with these outcasts. I would defend them knowing I probably would’ve gotten the crap beat out of me, but I didn’t care. People laughed at my size but they never laughed at my ability to intimidate even the biggest of bullies.


There was one particular instant in elementary school that really sticks to me. It was a time when my little sister had been bullied by a kid who thought she was too nerdy and awkward. When I discovered that she had been constantly harassed by this boy, it made something inside of me snap. Instead of cowering, I stood up to him. I called him out on the playground in front of everyone and told him I would meet him by the tire obstacle course after school. Word spread and by the time school was out, there was a pretty sizable group of kids waiting. Some were there to see a fight, some where there because they were ready to fight alongside with me. Some where there because they wanted to see the bully get his comeuppance. I was prepared, I was ready to face anyone who would pick on someone just because they thought they could. Well…I waited for hours and the kid never showed up. I don’t know if it was out of embarrassment or fear that someone finally stood up to him was the reason he bailed on the fight. Whatever the truth was, I’ll never know. But after that challenge, I didn’t see many instances of bullying in my school because the kids learned to stick together and stand up to these kids who had made their lives hell…


So my experience had a successful ending but there are many teens today who face bullying to the extent that they take their own lives. It’s become more and more widespread especially now that there’s a new platform for bullying. Social media is making it easy to target you anonymously. The gang mentality is easier to incite during heated debates. It’s so easy to leave caustic remarks and threats without being punished. The cyber world is a scary place and more so for those who feel they don’t have the voice or the ability to stand strong. I know words may simply not be enough for someone who has been the subject of years of bullying but what I want to tell you is that you don’t have to try to hide your pain or fight it alone.  There are people who care and love you and they will help you find your strength. They will help you find your voice! We all make mistakes but we have to value ourselves, we have to know when it’s time to ask others to step in and stand alongside with you.


YOU ARE BRAVE.


YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.


YOU ARE SPECIAL.


YOU ARE NOT ALONE.


DON’T EVER BE AFRAID.



*Each authors’ opinions on bullying are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of all participating.




Mandy M. Roth
Yasmine Galenorn
Lauren Dane
Michelle M. Pillow
Kate Douglas
Shawntelle Madison
Leah Braemel
Aaron Crocco
NJ Walters
Jax Garren
Shelli Stevens
Melissa Schroeder
Jaycee Clark
Shawna Thomas
Ella Drake
E.J. Stevens
Ashley Shaw
Jeaniene Frost
Rachel Caine




Kate Rothwell
Jackie Morse Kessler
Jaye Wells
Kate Angell
Melissa Cutler
PT Michelle
Patrice Michelle
Julie Leto
Kaz Mahoney
Cynthia D’Alba
Jesse L. Cairns
TJ Michaels
Jess Haines
Phoebe Conn
Jessa Slade
Kate Davies
Lynne Silver
Taryn Blackthorne
Margaret Daley




Alyssa Day
Aaron Dries
Lisa Whitefern
Rhyannon Byrd
Carly Phillips
Leslie Kelly
Janelle Denison
Graylin Fox
Lee McKenzie
Barbara Winkes
Harmony Evans
Mary Eason
Ann Aguirre
Lucy Monroe
Nikki Duncan
Kerry Schafer
Ruth Frances Long
Julie Chicklitasaurus
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Published on October 19, 2012 07:07

July 23, 2012

RWA 2012

I can’t believe we’re quickly approaching the date for the national Romance Writer’s of America conference. This year it’s held in Anaheim, California at the Anaheim Marriott and there will be approximated 3,000 romance writers. I’m not participating in the actual conference but I will be there to network and meet up with old friends, my agent, and editors. Call it a much needed vacation, if you will. I’ve attended almost every year since I’ve joined the RWA, but this time around I’m going to be writing while everyone is participating in workshops. I’m also there to represent Romance Divas and hopefully pick up useful info for our site since our new re-branding efforts earlier this year.


I can’t believe it’s been almost 4 years since I moved away from Los Angeles! It doesn’t feel like I’ve been gone that long and yet it has been. I’ve missed out on so much…I would love to return to the entertainment industry and hopefully in the near future I can. There’s amazing energy there and plenty of sites to see. My favorite would be the wide variety of cuisines and, believe me, I’m looking forward to visiting my favorite restaurants.


One of the reasons I love attending conferences is that there’s a feeling of camaraderie among writers, a bond so strong that it re-energizes you. I always leave more inspired and ready to push forward. There are so many beautiful and talented women there who are willing to share their stories, give advice and support, and are enthusiastic about forging friendships with you. These authors/writers pull you in and make you feel that you’re not alone…that this difficult journey is a path that is led by one hand holding another through the course of your career. I can honestly say every writer’s journey is different and the ones who achieve success truly work hard for it. Some have written for over a decade, some have written for a handful of years but it doesn’t mean they’ve had it easy.


I started my writing career in 2006 and although most of my works were picked up by small press and electronic publishers, I’m very proud of my accomplishments. It’s been a great learning experience and now that I’m in between releases, I’m spending that time to focus on stories of my heart. Ones that I can indie pub and feel good about. Have total control over. There’s a lot of wonderful women who have influenced me and have shown how powerful it is to be in control. Gemma Halliday has been a huge inspiration and her knowledge and insight really helped me see this direction as something wonderful. My friend Sylvia Day has also proven that hard work, perseverance, and confidence will get you the recognition you deserve. Gosh, I can name at least a dozen New York authors and friends who have fared extremely well in the indie/self pub market and yet they can still balance it with their NY publishing careers. That’s where I’d like to see myself some day.


I realize that interracial/multicultural romance is slowly creeping into the spotlight…but it’s just not there yet because the rejections are coming in hard and fast. Yet, because I feel strongly that there is a need for this kind of diversity in books, I’ll continue to write these stories. Stories that touch readers regardless of ethnicity. Well, if the editors aren’t ready for it…I will most definitely put it out on my own and test the waters. It will only force me to be more diligent about writing for myself and for the editors. Win-win, right?


Well, in a little over 24 hours I’ll be boarding the plane and I hope to be able to share my experience at this year’s event. Hope you tune in!

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Published on July 23, 2012 13:52

July 19, 2012

The Smell of New

I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was to receive my print proof of UNMASKED written by my YA alter ego  J.J. WYNN. The print version will be available July 25th, the day I fly out to California. I’ll provide details when it’s available.


Most people ask me why I went with a pen name but it’s really about author branding. I want readers to know exactly what they’re getting when they pick up a Jax Cassidy book versus a J.J. Wynn book. The voices are slightly similar but the storytelling targets the appropriate age group. I wouldn’t want any of my sibling’s kids to pick up my adult romances. Between dirty words, sensual and explicit love scenes, it would be verra verrra bad if they picked up the wrong book. LOL


I’ve always wanted to write in the young adult genre but was always afraid. This debut book is one of my best accomplishments because it’s something I’m really proud of. I enjoy writing sweet romances because this world is dark enough. I miss those youthful days of innocence and clean fun…I can’t promise all the books will be uber sweet but I don’t think I’d write anything over a PG rating. Heck, I love reading sweet romances whether it’s YA or geared for adults and I hope that readers will enjoy them. I know I still have a lot of growing to do in this genre but the process is what is so exciting. I’ve joined Wattpad and will be writing a free ongoing paranormal story in the next few months called WHEN A STAR FALLS.


I sincerely hope my readers continue to follow me on my writing journey. I’ll need all the support and encouragement I can get!

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Published on July 19, 2012 11:10

June 19, 2012

One foot forward

“On the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow.”  —Friedrich Nietzsche 


Rockin’ Out to: GIVE YOUR HEART A BREAK by

Demi Lovato


* * * *


It’s funny how you can start out with a goal, a plan, a direction…then along the way the road seems to split and you’re left standing at a crossroads.


I should have expected this. I’ve spent well over a decade pursuing my love of writing—whether it’s screenplays or novels—and even though I’ve committed myself 100% to realizing this dream, the journey still hasn’t gotten any easier. I must really love what I do to keep forging ahead, huh? The truth is, there are days where I’m simply tired. Frustrated. Scared.


Writing for the public will always meet with favorable or unsavory reviews. I try not to read any of them because I know it’s an individual opinion. I also know not everyone will love my stories but at least I can say they’re words that I poured my heart into. Being a sucker for happy endings, you’re always guaranteed one in my books. That’s the best part of my job.


I’ve been working simultaneously on two books. One is a contemporary set in a small town and it’s very heartbreaking at times. There’s plenty of humor and heart but it’s been difficult to write. The second is a dark young adult novel which is a modern day fairytale. It’s also a challenging storyline.


As I’m writing these two, I realized just how much I’ve grown as an author. I can see it in my “voice” and the harder it is, I know it’s simply because I demand more from myself. Maybe that’s why my writing speed has slowed…which can be a good thing. I suppose it’s because I put more thought into every word, every sentence. However painful this may be, I will be fulfilled when I’ve put out my best effort and it’s recognized.


I had initially planned on posting more regularly but this year has been a rollercoaster ride. I’ve been working non-stop on freelance graphics, became a Vice President of my writing chapter, and actually took a part-time day job—so my time has been pretty limited. I also blog regularly at Naughty Author Chicks and I spend a small amount of time on my social networks…once I get all my freelance jobs cleared away, I’m going to seriously take time off to write full-time. Somehow, I keep getting roped into adding on more to my plate…maybe I should make it a goal to say “NO THANK YOU.”


In the meantime, I have so many smaller releases coming out this year that I’m excited about. My first sweet YA romance is going to be available at the end of the month. I’m so stoked about it and I hope readers will enjoy it as much as my adult romances. It’s actually a refreshing change for me. Hopefully my readers are willing to follow me into this new genre.


Until next time—for now, I will be hiding deep in the writing cave. I hope to share good news with you in the near future.

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Published on June 19, 2012 06:13

April 25, 2012

Rockin’ Out with My Muse


“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.” —Helen Keller


Rockin’ Out to: WILD ONES, Flo Rida featuring Sia


* * * *


Lately my writing has been pretty sporadic, however, the one thing that’s been a constant this year is my muse. It seems she’s pushing me hard to get words down on paper by sprinkling an overabundance of ideas. I really can’t keep up with her and I know she’s pissed off that I’m going at a snail’s pace. Frankly, I’ll blame it on a thing called life.


I’ve already written a few proposals that were sent out this year and now I’m trying to finish two more before tackling 2 novellas set for release and, yet another proposal that is a genre I didn’t think I’d ever dare attempt. Seriously though, I’m excited about the challenge!


Well, I’d have to say I adore everything I’ve written so far and I hope the editors will too. Unfortunately, once my agent submits the proposals, it’s out of my hands. With publishers becoming more selective these days, it’s even more competitive between authors. This translates to longer wait times. I may not get a response from an editor for 2-6 months (if I’m lucky) while they review the materials and make a decision. This year I’ve probably already gotten a stack of rejections, either because they purchased stories similar to mine just weeks prior (which sucks), or they didn’t like my voice. I suppose my writing isn’t exactly mainstream enough and it’s really not literary enough…so where does it fall? I’m not quite sure, but I do know that when it lands in the right editor’s hands who will just “get” my voice…then I’ll be a happy camper. You see, this writer’s road is paved with rejections but it doesn’t discourage me enough to make me want to quit. In fact, it’s lit a fire under me. At least I know when the day comes that contracts are stacking up on my desk and I’m the one who can pick and choose, I will still appreciate the price of being an author. I’ll embrace the deadlines, the stress, the pressures, the high expectations because that’s what I signed up for…


The reality of all this is that I LOVE writing! I love weaving stories that will make a reader laugh, cry, and fall in love with my characters….that’s why when I get a fan email out of the blue, it is perfect timing, and it’s the most precious thing in the world!!!! The reader is telling me how much they enjoy my stories and I can’t tell you what kind of high that is! Their words inspire me even more and it gives me that extra push to continue penning stories, even when the going gets tough and the rejections keep flowing…


Right now, I’m cranking up the music and will be rockin’ out with my muse. It’s all about the writing tonight…

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Published on April 25, 2012 16:38

February 17, 2012

Artfelt

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." —E. Degas


I've been thinking a lot about art lately…okay, you got me…I've been obsessing over it! I can say my two favorite things could be painting and photography so I've been dying to get a live/work space that I can do both. In between writing, I like surfing the web for home art studio ideas. I have a vision of what I want and I'm totally excited about the prospect of finding the perfect place. My hands are ready to create!


It feels like forever since I showed my work and I've been dying to paint a series of pieces for an intimate showing. Right now, I'm still transient so I can't start a project I won't be able to finish from my current location so I'll just have to wait a tad bit longer.


The hiatus has been good but I miss so many things about painting. I miss the smell, the texture, the experimenting of styles…but what I really miss is the way my hands get dirty with the paints.  I miss how it gets under my nails and on my skin. It's a little erotic, non? Mostly, it's so freeing. I can't explain the exhilaration or the way I lose track of time when I focus. There were days when I would forget about eating when I was on a roll. It's like I'm lost in this world and the inspiration feeds my soul. I can express myself through the colors and images. I especially love doing life size pieces. In fact, the bigger the better but I will happily start off on a smaller scale. My style is more abstract and a little bit chaotic. I can blame it on my love for Jackson Pollack and Picasso as well as those incredible Impressionist masters like Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Cassatt, Renoir, Pissaro, Cézanne, etc….I'm totally stoked about experimenting more with mix media when I start back up again. I have a fascination with wood,  paper, glass and anything that would make the art just pop.


Painting is a rush.



Just thinking about art makes me deliriously happy inside. Writing may be my love but art has been my salvation. It's difficult to explain but both have saved my life. I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't express myself with these artistic outlets…


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Published on February 17, 2012 23:45

January 15, 2012

Life's Soundtrack


When writing a novel, one of the most important things for me is the music soundtrack. I like to make a playlist of songs that help guide me through the scenes. Most authors may find music distracting, but for me, I go stir crazy without it. It's almost like a soothing drug and it keeps me focused. The rise and fall of the beats, the way the tempo changes seem to draw out more of my emotions so I can pour onto the pages…it makes the characters more vulnerable and honest…well, at least that's what I believe.


I don't know when I fell in love with music and sound but I honestly feel the world is a darker place without it. One of my favorite experiences is having the fortune of working with talented music producers who taught me how to write lyrics. I can proudly say I penned a few songs that the artist(s) recorded for demos. Somewhere in my sacred memory boxes—that is now safely locked in storage—holds some of those masterpieces. So learning the beauty of writing lyrics, working side-by-side with the artists and producers in the recording studio, and watching the technicians lay down the tracks was an amazing opportunity. Let me tell you, it's hard work and once you get to hear the song played for the first time…it's a high you can't ever forget. Maybe it's because the words I've written finally has a voice and like writing, the characters are speaking a musical language that I hope will capture my audience. Whatever the genre may be, the hero and heroine is revealing their life's soundtrack on every page.


I hope when you read my stories you'll be able to hear the music, feel it, and let my words stir those emotions within you…which tells me I've done my job…that I've transported you into the story and helped you erase the world around you at least for a few minutes, hours…


This year, I hope to bring more interesting and exciting stories. Stay tuned.


 


 

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Published on January 15, 2012 03:16

January 14, 2012

Life’s Soundtrack


When writing a novel, one of the most important things for me is the music soundtrack. I like to make a playlist of songs that help guide me through the scenes. Most authors may find music distracting, but for me, I go stir crazy without it. It’s almost like a soothing drug and it keeps me focused. The rise and fall of the beats, the way the tempo changes seem to draw out more of my emotions so I can pour onto the pages…it makes the characters more vulnerable and honest…well, at least that’s what I believe.


I don’t know when I fell in love with music and sound but I honestly feel the world is a darker place without it. One of my favorite experiences is having the fortune of working with talented music producers who taught me how to write lyrics. I can proudly say I penned a few songs that the artist(s) recorded for demos. Somewhere in my sacred memory boxes—that is now safely locked in storage—holds some of those masterpieces. So learning the beauty of writing lyrics, working side-by-side with the artists and producers in the recording studio, and watching the technicians lay down the tracks was an amazing opportunity. Let me tell you, it’s hard work and once you get to hear the song played for the first time…it’s a high you can’t ever forget. Maybe it’s because the words I’ve written finally has a voice and like writing, the characters are speaking a musical language that I hope will capture my audience. Whatever the genre may be, the hero and heroine is revealing their life’s soundtrack on every page.


I hope when you read my stories you’ll be able to hear the music, feel it, and let my words stir those emotions within you…which tells me I’ve done my job…that I’ve transported you into the story and helped you erase the world around you at least for a few minutes, hours…


This year, I hope to bring more interesting and exciting stories. Stay tuned.


 


 

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Published on January 14, 2012 19:16

November 15, 2011

Novembertime

"Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be."

–Karen Ravn, Author






It's the mid-way point in November and many of my friends and peers are participating in NaNoWriMo alongside moi. I can happily say that it's been productive and although I'm busting butt, I still have to make sure I don't get totally burnt out trying to perform. After all, I want to write a good story so regardless if I meet the 50,000 word count to win, I'm focusing on the quality. I'm not one to do a rough and dirty draft. I try to be a clean writer so it's less editing work. The real truth is that I hate editing so, hence, the fanatical editing job before I reach the end. I've always worked that way so it will be difficult to break the habit. Right now, I'm at the half-way point in my manuscript so this post is appropriate in timing…


Okay, enough about writing…on to more important things…the holidays are coming! SQUEAL! Can you believe Thanksgiving is sneaking up on us and soon it'll be Christmas. I'll be honest, the holidays isn't about the gifts for me but something more meaningful. It's about being surrounded by family and enjoying each other's company. It's about that happy feeling that accompanies the winter season, when the Christmas trees and lights come up and decorations line the streets. Yes, this kid at heart will always see the magic of the holidays.


I hope this Thanksgiving you'll make more happy memories and pass the tradition on for seasons to come!


Until next time!


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Published on November 15, 2011 22:57