Jax Cassidy's Blog, page 6

E-Book for Charity

The wait is over! My eBook SHIBUYA MOMENT is now available for purchase through the online venues listed below.

I'm proud to announce that I've recruited two talented artists to help me with special projects in conjunction with this release. In the next week or so, I'll reveal the official theme song written and performed by musician Bill Curd from the band CURD. I'm also excited to showcase an audio excerpt of my eBook for readers to sample. Currently, they're still working on this but I promise it'll be awesome when it's ready!

As a way to thank my readers, I'm hosting a giveaway that includes a Japanese goody bag packed full of items that will bring Tokyo to you. I'll put up a photo soon!! Can you tell how much I want to help raise money for charity?

Some items included in this giveaway:

♦ Japanese tote bag

♦ Body pampering set

♦ Japanese pottery

♦ Japanese snacks

♦ Original watercolor artwork painted my me

♦ Plus a whole lot of fun Japanese inspired/related products

*Unfortunately, due to the the high cost of international shipping, this contest is open to US residents only.

To participate, all you have to do is leave a comment and let me know you've purchased the eBook for charity!

 

PURCHASE YOUR COPY NOW!

All Romance EBooks

Smashwords – Coming Soon

Amazon Kindle

Barnes & Noble  - Coming Soon

Read an exclusive EXCERPT NOW!

SHIBUYA MOMENT…

Freelance photographer Seren Takahashi wants to heal her wounded soul after a devastating loss. While embarking on a personal adventure into Tokyo's Shibuya district, she discovers a city rich in culture and vibrant in its exoticness. What she hadn't expected was finding closure and rediscovering the true person hidden inside. When she gives into destiny's pull, her journey awakens a need to live in the moment, embrace her fears, and open her heart to love.

Author's note: All author proceeds from the sale of this story will be donated to the Red Cross and ShelterBox for the relief effort in Japan.

 

Shibuya Moment

The wait is over! My eBook SHIBUYA MOMENT is now available for purchase through the online venues listed below.

As a way to thank my readers, I'm hosting a giveaway that includes a Japanese goody bag valued over $500.00 and packed full of items that will bring Tokyo to you. I'll put up a photo soon!! Can you tell how much I want to help raise money for charity?

To see a complete list of the prizes, including a KINDLE 3G Wifi & Amazon Gift Card, go HERE.

PURCHASE YOUR COPY NOW!

All Romance EBooks

Amazon Kindle

BN Nook

Smashwords

Read an exclusive EXCERPT NOW!

SHIBUYA MOMENT…

Freelance photographer Seren Takahashi wants to heal her wounded soul after a devastating loss. While embarking on a personal adventure into Tokyo's Shibuya district, she discovers a city rich in culture and vibrant in its exoticness. What she hadn't expected was finding closure and rediscovering the true person hidden inside. When she gives into destiny's pull, her journey awakens a need to live in the moment, embrace her fears, and open her heart to love.

Author's note: All author proceeds from the sale of this story will be donated to the Red Cross and ShelterBox for the relief effort in Japan.

 

Shibuya Moment

[image error]I've always wanted to write a story set in Japan but somehow I never got around to it…whether it was because I was waiting for the right timing or the right story for the right characters–I knew I'd eventually use Tokyo as a backdrop. I guess subliminally I was still thinking about it because I managed to create Japanese characters for some of my stories like the child artist prodigy Mac in ART OF SENSUALITY or my sexy scientist hero for SOUL COLLECTOR, a paranormal project that's being shopped around…

It wasn't until the natural disasters hit Japan that I realized how important I needed to write about the country. I've always dreamed of visiting but never had the opportunity. In my mind, I always viewed Japan to be a sturdy force, the mecca of technology and brilliant imaginations that impacted artists like myself. I could name a few dozen friends who were inspired by Japanese animation, influenced by Hayao Miyazaki, awed by movie director Kurosawa Akira…let's not forget Japan's ability to infiltrate the US market (and into the hearts of children everywhere) by giving us Godzilla, Pokemon, and Sanrio products. As a kid, most of my allowance was poured into collecting those cute Hello Kitty characters! Now I collect L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers gear from Gwen Stefani's fashion line…which she definitely drew inspiration from Japanese culture and fashion found in the Harajuku district.

So many wonderful things have stemmed from Japan and when I see the reality, what the citizens are faced with now, it simply breaks my heart. As a writer, I feel it's important to use our voice. We have the ability to take sensitive topics and provide a platform for discussion while educating others. We have the ability to help others through our words. Our voice is powerful and sometimes it's misused to incite controversy–but mostly authors like myself want to provide an escape, to stoke the fires of passion and bring love into the world for our readers…

This short story is important to me, and in essence, it's my love story for Japan. But with all good love stories, this has several layers. It's the heroine's journey, it's a connection of two people who are so different yet very much alike, it's about finding closure and starting over. I hope you'll see the beauty and magic that I see when I think of Toyko…

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SHIBUYA MOMENT…

Freelance photographer Seren Takahashi wants to heal her wounded soul after a devastating loss. While embarking on a personal adventure into Tokyo's Shibuya district, she discovers a city rich in culture and vibrant in its exoticness. What she hadn't expected was finding closure and rediscovering the true person hidden inside. When she gives into destiny's pull, her journey awakens a need to live in the moment, embrace her fears, and open her heart to love.

Author's note: All author proceeds from the sale of this story will be donated to the Red Cross and ShelterBox for the relief effort in Japan.

Available in mid-April 2011…stay tuned for more release news.

P.S. I'll be doing an amazing giveway when this short story is released!

April 2011

SHIBUYA MOMENT…

Freelance photographer Seren Takahashi wants to heal her wounded soul after a devastating loss. While embarking on a personal adventure into Tokyo's Shibuya district, she discovers a city rich in culture and vibrant in its exoticness. What she hadn't expected was finding closure and rediscovering the true person hidden inside. When she gives into destiny's pull, her journey awakens a need to live in the moment, embrace her fears, and open her heart to love.

Author's note: All author proceeds from the sale of this story will be donated to the Red Cross and ShelterBox for the relief effort in Japan.

Available in May 2011…stay tuned for more release news.

♦ March 29, 2011: Talking about being Visually Inspired at Author Kelly L Stone's BLOG.

♦ March 30, 2011: Interview with Tami Snow of Lyrical Lip Service. LISTEN to my interview on her radio show at FateRadio.com

Jeannie Lin is Awesome!

[image error]I'm so very proud of my friend Jeannie Lin and her decision to publish her short story with all proceeds going to the Red Cross to help with the relief efforts in Japan. (Thanks for letting me design the cover!)

Her decision to do this kindhearted gesture made me want to follow in her footsteps. As an author, I feel like this is the most personal contribution I could make. I'm sure most of us feel helpless that we aren't actively there to help the citizens of Japan, but I realized I don't have to be there to do my part. So I've decided I could help the only way I know how: write! However, my great short story reveal will be saved for next week…

BUT, right now it's all about Jeannie and my blatant friend pimpage!

Jeannie's been a good friend and a true inspiration. Her historicals set in the Wuxia period have really breathed life into such a wonderful genre! I had grown up on these sword fighting romances from Chinese cinema but now she's managed to reignite my passion for this genre in her books.

However, those who are familiar with Jeannie's historicals will find a new voice in this short contemporary piece. It's part fiction, part memory piece—which is why I adored it. I have to say the story made me reminisce in those experiences of my own youth. I have to say I loved this different side of her! You go girl!

I hope you'll give it a read—remember, the important thing is that your downloads are going to a worthy cause!

PIECES OF PAPER

A chance encounter brings a hint of romance to a young woman's journey through the streets of Tokyo. This semi-autobiographical short story explores questions of identity and connectedness in the digital age.

Note: All author proceeds from the sale of this story will be donated to the Red Cross for the relief effort in Japan.

To learn more about Jeannie, visit her at: www.jeannielin.com

The Fabulous End

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It's been almost 2 years since I started writing my Paranormal X Project and yesterday was a big milestone in my life…as you can tell by the title of this blog…I finally reached THE END!

Let me tell you–accomplishing this first goal of the year made me feel like all the blood, sweat, and tears never existed. All the self-doubt and horrible insecurities simply vanished once I reached the last line of my manuscript.

The secret? All it took was for me to make a decision to push forward, stop making excuses, and fight for what I've wanted to do since I was eight years old: WRITE.

Of course, "the end" is exactly as this poster suggests, is just a new beginning. Today I started a light paranormal for one of my publishers. Believe me, it's long overdue and has been on my "to do" list for some time. This is going to be one of the first paranormal projects my readers will see from me. However, this novella won't be dark and edgy but I'll be moving into that direction in the future.

While I'm on a roll, this year I'll be writing a category romance. I'll also be stepping out of my comfort zone to write several new genres: Steampunk and Young Adult. I figured with Steampunk I'll be dabbling in the historical arena so it's a win-win in terms of "challenging myself". Can you tell I'm trying to make up for lost time? Humm, I wonder how many words I'll complete by the time December rolls around? I'm looking forward to seeing the results…

Right now I might be swimming in the temporary pool of buzz but I have a feeling I'm going to soon be buried under all the stress and exhilaration of writing deadlines!

[image error]Oh, yeah….Being Irish (can you see my grin?) I'll be wearing green, wishing on a three-leaf clover, and celebrating St. Patty's Day on March 17th. Between the over indulgence of green beer, I'll be sending you this Irish toast.

 

 

 

Luck of the Irish Toasts

May the luck of the Irish

Lead to happiest heights

And the highway you travel

Be lined with green lights.

Wherever you go and whatever you do,

May the luck of the Irish be there with you.

May you have all the happiness

and luck that life can hold—

And at the end of all your rainbows

may you find a pot of gold.

If you're enough lucky to be Irish…

You're lucky enough!

May your pockets be heavy—

Your heart be light,

And may good luck pursue you

Each morning and night.

 

Image ©Conrad Knutsen

March 2011

"Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow." —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dear Friends & Family:

I know I haven't been very active on the site and blog but there's always a good reason for it. I've been writing. Enough said.

This year is going to be a tight one with plenty of books to finish and hopefully some new releases. There doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to get everything done but I'm working as fast as I can. I'm also taking Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote to heart. I'm branching off into new and exciting directions. I'm going to be stepping out of my comfort zone to see if I'm any good at these new genres & sub-genres. It will be interesting. The learning experience will be amazing and I'm already excited about jumping into something new. It's a matter of days before I wrap up my Paranormal X Project and send it on to my agent. It's going to be a real relief to move past such a huge project with all the world-building. But I've mapped out several books in the series already! I'm glad I continually challenge myself. If I didn't, I'd never know if I can do it—maybe I can even do it well. The good news is that I believe I can do it!

Also, DON'T MISS: Smashwords is doing a READ AN EBOOK WEEK event from March 6-12th in which most of their authors are participating. Get some free reads and books at heavily discounted prices for this event. Including my books for your eReader.

Until next month, hope you'll stick around to see what I have in store…

Floating floating

[image error]Being an author has a lot of high and low points. When your writing flows and you're feeling on top of the world, something eventually knocks you down a few pegs. One of the hardest things for an author is maintaining a positive attitude. I've gone through a lot of upheavals but one thing remains constant … my support group. My friends who may or may not be writers. They've kept me from making irrational decisions and they've often talked me off of a ledge. I love that writers have a support group and I love that we are there for each other like one great big extended family. It's one of the reasons why I keep going even when the progress is slower than a snail's pace.

One of the first things I learned early on in my writing career is that no matter how successful you are, how many units you sell, how many awards you've won, or how many readers you secured…you're going to face a period of uncertainty and self-doubt. I've been going through it for the past two years. There were days when I felt like I'm a darn good writer who will grow into greatness, then there are days when I question if what I'm doing is just a silly dream. In reality, writing is hard work and it's a neverending stretch that an author faces, no matter what level of publication. It's when you're knocked down that you have to figure out if you want to get back up, brush yourself off and keep going…or, lay there and wallow in self pity because it's too painful to keep going. Believe me, it's an endless temptation to quit but when it all comes down to it, I want to write. I love to write! AND, I want to tell stories that someone out there will love. I'm sure not everyone will love every single thing I write but at least I've done it. At least I never gave up on my dreams.

I'll tell you a secret…when I think I've hit rock bottom, when I find myself re-evaluating everything—I get that one email from a reader who changes my whole perspective. Their words give me purpose and open my eyes to why I love writing to begin with. They make me stronger because they believe in me and that is what I have to hold onto in order to survive the publishing rollercoaster ride.

Lately, I've been floating. I'm not where I want to be but I'm not where I was a year ago. I'm keeping my head above water and I'm doing my best to finish a secret paranormal project that was due last year. I let myself down in the productivity department but what I'm taking away from this experience is that I have to keep putting myself out there, I have to keep writing because it's the only way I will ever feel complete. I want to look back on my accomplishments and all the projects I've already written with pride. Heck, I am proud. I've written steadily for 4 1/2 of the 6 years I've been novel/novella writing. Not something to sneeze about so the next leg in my journey for 2011 is to stop fearing and start swimming.

No more floating from here on out!

Photo: ©FunnyChill

February 2011

""For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul." —Judy Garland

Dear Friends & Readers:

This month is filled with hearts and love, especially on February 14th. This year Romance Divas offers the 5th Annual Valentine's Day eBook Challenge. We challenged our members to write some FREE READS to share to the world. This is our way of saying THANK YOU to our readers. Unfortunately, I didn't make it on time but I plan on getting a short story up soon.

2011 has proved to be extremely busy for me. I'm in writing and work mode and proud to say it's been pretty consistent. I have to thank my Muse for returning from vacation and keeping me motivated. Even better news is that I am getting back to a regular workout. My siblings and I decided we would get back in shape before the summer. My sister is celebrating a big wedding anniversary and I'm just trying to look good so I can squeeze into a nice formal gown for the RWA annual conference. This year it's in New York City so I have to look my best. After all, it's going to be held at the center of the publishing industry!

The weather is changing to bright skies and warmer weather and see plenty of beach time in my future. I look forward to the challenges ahead as I try to push myself harder than I ever have as a writer. Hope you still have your goals in the horizon and I'll be cheering you on to meet them. Just as I'll be aiming to accomplish all of mine. Until next time….

Enjoy the sunshine!

Woohoo, Year of the Rabbit!

[image error]I've been waiting a long time for this Rabbit (Cat) year to roll around. After all the chaos happening in the world, this Chinese animal sign should be a very calming one. A healing one. It's also very compatible with most of the other animal signs…so this will be a much needed 'good thing' for all of you.

Honestly, I'm going to sit back and see if the doors will magically open up for me in all aspects of my life.  [image error]

In the meantime, I'm plowing through my current manuscript and hoping that in the next week or so I can start on a new one. This year will definitely be a year that will showcase my writing in 3 genres: contemporary, paranormal, and YA. I've got a feeling it may be my most productive yet. And I have a feeling it will also be the busiest year for me business and personal wise. I hope by December I can announce that I've met at least half of what I aim to accomplish. It's good to have goals even if it's not necessarily a New Year's resolution.

Oh yeah, since this is also the month of amour…I may participate in the 5th Annual Romance Divas' eBook Challenge which consists of me writing a short story for my readers to download for FREE. This would be the third year I've participated and it's been very rewarding. I hope I'll get it finished before February 14th! Stay tuned.

Now, if you're a writer and want to participate in this, please visit the above link and learn more about it. I know it's a perfect way to give back to the readers…

In the spirit of the Rabbit Year, may peace surround you and fill you with light in 2011!