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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Serious about your writing?

Serious about your writing?

Take Time Daily To Pursue Your Dream! The only way to become a writer is to write…

If you are like me your day is busy. Every minute of the day is crammed with something you must do.

Yet you want to pursue your dream to write.

What do you do?

Schedule time to write daily.

How?

Strategize!

What?

All I'm saying is free up sometime in your busy schedule and then use that time to write.

For example, if you have a favorite TV show and you watch it. Chances are you got thirty minutes or an hour of time right there that you could spend writing. With this time you could start writing your outline or the first chapter of your book.

Hey but what about my favorite show?

Well think about recording it and then watching it on the weekend or your day off.

If you start pursuing your dream to write today, you make finishing your book a reality.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Let’s keep writing…Next up writing that scene!

Every scene you write should move your story forward and it should do something to your character.

For Example:

Move the character forward or keep the character from having something, a goal, another person, etc.

Every scene should show that the character is involved.

Every scene should be logical.

Every scene should have a beginning, a middle, and end.

Every scene should keep the reader interested, with conflict, villains, alliances etc.

And most importantly every scene should keep your readers interested.

Start Writing!

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Let's Write that Story...Know the first tool to writing a story? The Outline...

Developing Your Ideas Into A Story…

Plan out your story…..First up.... Make an outline.

What is an outline?

It’s the roadmap to use to write your story.

You start your story with your Characters. Remember your characters are the key.

Do you have..... a Hero & Heroine?

Do you need.... a Hero or Heroine?

Who are they? Are they loveable? Unlovable?

Are they at least likeable?

Exciting or Dull?

Do you have conflict? A Plot....Details?

Remember to keep your story on track…

Keep it moving!

So start with your outline? And develop your story.

Oh and now start writing.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

What is Envy?

Shakespeare called it.... "The Green Sickness"

What is it?

Envy!

Envy differs from its twin jealousy because it involves an awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another.

And accompany by a desire to have what they possess.

Why do I mention this?

Think about the character called your villain.....

What is it that they wish to possess but can't have?

Think about it.....Your next villain might just be an envious person.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

He Who Knows...Writing is like Discernment ...You can learn!

Writing is like Discernment

He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not is a fool; shun him.

He who knows not, and knows that he knows not is a child; teach him.

He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep; wake him.

He who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise; follow him.

How are you to know which one to apply, in any walk in life?

Discernment is the answer. Have skill in reading character. Size it up.

Just like a write must do with his characters....

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Do The Math on Selling Your Books!

Here a great article by Dave Bricker about selling books called....

Not Selling Books? Did you do the Math?

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Dave Bricker http://theworldsgreatestbook.com/selling-books/

Am I A Procrastinator?

Who me? A Procrastinator? Oh my!

Do you need inspiration to stop Procrastinating and write?

Wait for it...............Here it is!

"Chase down your passion like it's the last bus of the night. ~Terri Guillemets

Then Hit my Twitter @Jerreece & Enjoy my Blog ~ blog http://bit.ly/1eQ32AB

And Remember.... Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday. ~Don Marquis

Friday, February 28, 2014

2014 Author's Visit Coming Soon! Stay Tune For More Information!

Picture it!

~2014 Conversation with Author J. A. Jackson~

Coming in June 2014!

FREE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! New Book Releases will be topic of conversation! Come and learn about her quirky, unique, Geeky characters, and learn if her books are about anyone she knows. These and many other thought provoking questions await.

Don't miss your chance to engage in gripping conversation with popular Bay Area Author J. A. Jackson and discover why she wrote A Geek An Angel Series and talk about her two new novel releases. All novels set in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Stay Tuned for Location, Date and Time!

Thursday, February 27, 2014

The Point is to Live Everything Now!

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved

in your heart and try to love the questions themselves like locked

rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue….

The point is to live everything. Live the questions now.”

-Rainer Maria Rilke

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

A Few Plot Ideas ~ Yes there are many more!

A Few Plot Ideas

1. Quest

The hero searches for something, someone, or somewhere. Yet in reality, they are searching for themselves.

2. Adventure

The protagonist goes on an adventure, like a quest.

3. Pursuit

In this plot, the focus is on chase, one person chasing another.

4. Rescue

In the rescue, somebody is captured, who must be released by the hero.

5. Revenge

In the revenge plot, a wronged person seeks retribution against those who harmed him.

6. Rivalry

In rivalry, two people, are set as competitors that may be good hearted or as bitter enemies.

7. Temptation

In the temptation plot, a person is tempted by something that may diminish them morally.

8. Love

The love story is the tale of lovers finding one another.

9. Forbidden Love

The story of forbidden love happens when lovers are breaking some social rules.

10. Sacrifice

In sacrifice, the nobler elements of the human spirit where someone gives much more than most person would give.

~Truman Capote said.....

"Finding the right form of your story is simply to realize the most natural way of telling the story.

The test of whether or not a writer divined the natural shape of his story is just this: after reading it, can you imagine it differently, or does it silence your imagination....."

Okay now you got story ideas and plot ideas. Now start writing....

More Places Ideas For Your Next Book Can Come From.....Your Dreams!

Dreams

Did You Know Your Dreams are a great source of wisdom and story ideas?

No two dreams are ever the same.

So write them down as soon as you awake.

Keep a pen and paper(notebook) by your bed, when you wake up write it down.

~Someone once said that everything that comes up in a dream means something.~

Did you know that the writers of Greek and Latin classics related many instances of dream experiences?

What does this mean? That some of the greatest classics of all-time began with a dream.

Remember:

"Dreams are rudiments of the great state to come. We dream what is about to happen." --Bailey.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Story Ideas ~ Where to Find Them!

Did you know story Ideas Are Everywhere? Your next story idea can be found in just about everything.

~Memories

~Observations

~Experiences

~Encounters

~Moods

~Music

~Books

~Scenery

~Relationships

~History

Get the picture. Your story is just a thought away.

Now write down that story idea. Next start writing your story.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Get Into the Spirit of Creative Writing ~ Yep It's Time To Start Writing ~ Today!

"If You want to write, you can.

Fear stops most people from writing, not lack of talent, whatever that is.

Who am I?

What right have I to speak?

Who will listen to me if I do?

You're a unique human being, with a unique story to tell, and you have every right.

If you speak with passion, many of us will listen.

We need stories to live, all of us.

We live by story. Yours enlarges the circle."

-Richard Rhodes, Author of How to Write

Friday, February 21, 2014

What do you think are winning ingredients for a memorable character?

First, your audience must be able to empathize with your main character.

Considering your audience should be priority one!

Next the “meet cute” must be a magical moment & memorable moment. The meet cute is when your hero and heroine meet for the first time.

Next it’s important that you add strong dialogue and keep it real!

Watch for the cadence of dialogue does It flow? It should.

Set the tone of your characters, the story, the pacing and make sure everything flows.

Next check the emotional factor - Is your story compelling?

Now write.

Keep writing

Run with it and make your story a compelling winner!

Sunday, February 16, 2014

The Plot Line! Want to make sure your novel moves forward? Grow Your Characters

If the Plot Line in Your Novel Needs Direction

What should you do?"

Place your characters in situation where they must act, react and move forward.

"Plot grows out of character. If you focus on who the people in your story are, if you sit and write about two people who you know and are getting to know better day by day, something is bound to happen." -Anne Lamont, author of Bird by Bird"

Today is the beginning of the rest of your life....Ponder This

I read this in a book somewhere once....
"Queen Maat is the gatekeeper to the heart. It is said that before men can pass on to eternal peace, his heart must be balanced on the scale of Queen Maat.

On one side of her scale Queen Maat places your heart, on the other she places a feather. The feather are your issues in life.

The feather of Queen Maat contains, truth, honor, justice, harmony and love....If you heart tips the scale you are banished form a peaceful rest and your spirit must work to cleanse itself."

.

Hmmm I sat and wondered is my heart as light as a feather?

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

What is First Class Writing According to The Other Donald…..

To Quote the Donald. ……

”First Class fiction is characterized by memorable characters unique premises, story worlds instantly real, plots that grip even when slow, gorgeous writing, and themes that surprise, challenge and change us.

Not only do we read every word, First Class writing makes us whistle in admiration. Characters are not only likeable and self-aware, but also follow a singular destiny. First class novels shake our way of thinking, challenging us to see the world in new ways.

They confidently break rules, may transport us to unlikely cultures and times, teach us things we knew little about, and always feel utterly unique. Each novel creates its own genre. First Class fiction is imitated but never matched. Its authors are revered and for good reasons.”

http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2014/02/fisking-donald-maas.html

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

CHAPTER 17 OF ~ SAMPLE MY BOOK EXCERPT ENJOY!

SAMPLE MY BOOK EXCERPT ENJOY!

Chapter 17

Whips, lips, hips and other things…..

Later that same night, the moon was a luminant silver glow as Eve made her way to Xavier front door.

Eve reached behind and adjusted her black lace thong before she rang the doorbell.

Music blared from the house. She was sure she heard Creedence Clearwater Revival.

“Whoa, thought it was a nightmare, low, it's all so true

They told me, don't go walkin' slow, the devil’s on the loose”

Xavier Newhouse opened the front door unbuttoning his black shirt. “Baby I’m so glad you made it,” he said waiving her in.

Eve walked in and swept aside her hair signaling for him to take her coat.

Xavier took her coat and let out a breath. “Damn you’re dangerously delicious.” He fought hard to slow down. “Do you want a glass of wine or something?”

Eve stood there in a black lace bra and thong. Her skin was perfect. She wore nothing else but thigh high leather boots. A small black leather whip was attached to her right thigh boot.

Eve took charge of the situation. Her eyes narrowed. Her voice was low like a purr. “You’ve got something I want. And I’ve got what you need,” she said in a sexy drawl, letting her hands cup her breasts. “This is strictly business not pleasure,” she turned and stared at him. “Do you have the fireplace going in the bedroom?” She asked.

“Yes.” “Good, then what’s your pleasure? Whips, Lips, hips or fingertips?” She asked then hesitated. “Oh and I do want the negatives to my photos or all hell will break loose Xavier!”

She led the way down the corridor.

Xavier followed with a wide grin on his face.

In the bedroom Eve closed the door. She walked slowly toward him.

Xavier’s heart was pounding. The moment was intense. His chest clenched. His throat was dry.

Eve walked over and touched his chest and quickly released the buttons from his shirt. “Xavier I’ll take that drink now.”

Quickly Xavier poured from the decanter next to the bed.

Eve intertwined her arm with his. “Let’s drink like they do in the movies,” she purred.

He smiled back hungrily and agreed. He thrust back his head with the heady drink just as she did.

Then without a word Eve leaned over and kissed him. His lips covered hers and coaxed them apart.

Eve eased back against the bed as her tongue crept forward searching for his. Then the kiss broke out of control.

Xavier tore his mouth from hers. His tongue traced down to the valley between her full breasts. He fought to slow down but found that he couldn’t. He took one firm nipple in his mouth and sucked hard. He moaned. He felt like he was under a spell.

“God I want to be inside you Eve.” He was burning with desire for this woman. His cock stained at the walls of his pants.

“Eve…Eve…Please help me take my pants off?”

He froze. He thought he heard a rumbling. He looked back at Eve. His body tensed.

A split second later Eve thought she heard the song again.

Better run through the jungle, don't look back……

The last thing Eve heard was Xavier growling. Before he fell forward on top of her and fell fast asleep.

“Xavier?”

Eve called his name again. “Xavier? Are you alright?”

“He can’t harm you. He’s asleep.” A woman’s voice sliced the air. “Just push him off of you.”

Eve pushed as she was told. She looked to see where the perky high pitched voice was coming from.

A small petite woman stood at the front of the bed.

“Who…Who are you?”

“You really want to know if I’m real, don’t you Eve?”

Instantly Eve scrambled to her feet. “Well yes.”

“I’m not a ghost or a witch,” the small framed woman said. “I’m Matilda.”

“Well Matilda it’s nice to meet you and I’m glad you’re not a ghost or a witch. But you kind of interrupted me….I mean Xavier and I.”

“He wasn’t meant for you,” Matilda said. “He isn’t your type anymore.

Besides, you just came for your photos. They’re in the nightstand under the liquid decanter,” she paused. “So are the negatives.”

Eve walked over and opened the drawer. She grinned wide. “There it is.” She swirled around. “Why did you help me?”

“Oh, didn’t I tell you? I’m Glenda D’Goodwrench-Jackson’s assistant, Matilda. “Now Eve you really should be more discreet in the future. Make sure nothing like this ever happens again. Come on I’ll walk you to your car,” she smiled. “You must leave before Xavier wakes up and wants to finish what he started.”

A few minutes later Eve stood at her car.

Matilda watched as Eve’s eyes sparkled. “I don’t know how to thank you Matilda,” she said giving the small woman a hug.

Matilda watched as Eve drove away.

A laughing voice buzzed the air and cleared its throat. “Oh assistant of mine. Didn’t you forget something?”

“Hmmmm Oh yeah, Eve, I can’t stop Malak from discovering that you’d been here,” Matilda yelled out as Eve’s car drove away.

The chilly night air whipped.

“Oh dear me,” Matilda said shaking her head. “Do you think she heard me?”

“Hump...Hump…Hump. My assistant you have much to learn,” Glenda said as her eyes sparkled with a strange iridescent light. “No….No….I don’t think she heard you. But she’ll soon discover what she needs to know.”

Matilda cleared her throat. “I just hope everything will be okay between Eve and Malak. I hope I didn’t mess things up.”

Glenda smiled wide. Her white teeth gleamed in the moon light. “She is still wearing the pendant Malak gave her. That is good.”

Why?” Matilda asked.

“Because true love never fades and because she is protected by the angels as long as she wears the pendant. I would not fear for Eve.”

“But Glenda what about your love potion,” puzzled Matilda asked.

“Come along Matilda, I can’t tell you everything. Wait and see what happens between the two young lovers.”

YIKES WHAT HAPPENED? FOR THE LOVE OF JUMPING ROACHES IS THIS THE END OF A GEEK, AN ANGEL & THE DECEIVER?

ANSWER: NOPE!

Want to read more?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Q6ICH2 I hope so and I hope you enjoyed the sample chapters above….. I appreciate you and all that you do. And I thank you most generously for your support. Please buy my book and help me support my love of writing and my family.

Thank you again for your support.

Where to Buy Books!

Get the rest of this book at KINDLE for only .99cents A Geek, an Angel & the Deceiver Enter the world of Eve Lafoy- a world of decadent parties, sultry encounters and inhabited by jealously and betrayal. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Q6ICH2 Kindle Price .99cents http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Q6ICH2 ALSO AVAILABLE AT BARNES & NOBLE.

http://bit.ly/18nGMXG - A GEEK, AN ANGEL & THE DECEIVER http://bit.ly/18071V4 The Proposition http://bit.ly/1e5Yimr The Grand Hotel Where to Buy Books!

Available Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, Kindle Store. Lighting Source or just ask to have it ordered it your local book stores. (All Books can be ordered at local book store).

Saturday, February 8, 2014

What do you need to start writing your novel?

What do you need to start writing your novel?

{I’ll be brief, but you can reach each subject to obtain more information.}

• Subject - A simple brief period in time –where your story takes place.

• Characters

• A Plot

• Dialogue and action. This moves your story forward.

• One view point (point of view)

• A fast-paced, grab your readers attention beginning

• A Middle

• A Strong Ending that makes your reader feel satisfied the story was complete and had understanding.

Next begin writing your Novel.

How do you start? Find your jumping off place. What is a jumping off place? The beginning of a novel. Need examples? Just take a look at the opening chapters of a few of the bestselling novels out there, to see samples of “what grabs the reader’s attention.” And then write you own jumping off place. Yours will be better, fresher, and IN YOUR OWN WORDS. Remember you HAVE A Writer’s Mind. Start writing.

You are far more than you think you are! You are a writer!

Sunday, February 2, 2014

What advice would you offer to aspiring writers?

Persevere!

Then never stop believing in yourself.

Next I would say always listen to the voice within.

It is your number one fan and keep pushing yourself to completion of your novel.

Creole Rice

Yeah Good Creole Rice!

1 quart of Boiling Water

1 Cup Basmati or Jasmine Rice

2 Fresh Bay Leaves (Yeah you can use dried whole bay leaves)

1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt

Lil butter to taste....

Bring the water to a boil with the Bay leaves.

Add the salt, stir. Next stir in rice. Don't agitate the rice by stirring too much!

Let it come to a boil, cover yo' pot with a lid lower/BRING DOWN THE HEAT - LO/MED.

Cook for about 11-15 minutes.

Check for tenderness with a bite - (a bite feel is not a crunch sound.)

When it’s tender, drain if needed, pluck out the bay leaves, and serve.

What's the most blatant lie you've ever told?

My Answer:

Not admitting that I was a writer and how much I loved writing.

When the person asked me if I was a writer.

I shook my head, and I lied, and said no.

Worst part of it…..At the time I had published my first book

and didn’t know the person had brought a copy.

Hmmm what webs we weave when we deceive….Our self.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Whew! What News! What Gossip! What Facts! Oh the business of self-publishing looks better and better….Read on!

Oh the business of self-publishing looks better and better….Read on!

First Delilah said. Then Steven Said and then….. Well check out the article! http://delilahmarvelle.blogspot.com/2014/01/an-open-letter-to-ceo-of-kensington.html

The conversation went something like this........Delilah said

"DELILAH: The attitude, which I admire you for publicly expressing, needs to trickle down to the rest of your staff and business practices. Because when I contacted Kensington a few weeks ago, they told me a.) I couldn’t see the Scribd contract b.) I couldn’t be given any other contract details other than that I would be paid my regular royalties. I would hope I’m getting my FULL royalties given I gave you the rights to do so..........

Then Steven said something like this...... STEVEN: *You are telling everyone that you need lawyers and auditors to get answers. That is simply not true. If you or any author has a question about a royalty statement we are happy to provide answers without you having to hire an experts that will cost you money.* http://delilahmarvelle.blogspot.com/2014/01/an-open-letter-to-ceo-of-kensington.html

Saturday, January 25, 2014

2014 Mistress of Desire!

Coming Soon in 2014!

Need Help With Your Next Book Cover? Consider this...I Like Aubrey Rose Design Artist!

Cover Design Our cover design artist, Aubrey Rose, has worked with over a hundred self-published authors, many for multiple books and series. Her latest novel, Me, Cinderella? sold over 4000 copies in its first month and received a publishing offer from Montlake Romance. Recently, one of her boxed set covers hit #5 OVERALL on Amazon, selling over 10,000 copies in its first week and hitting the New York Times Bestseller list and the USA Today Bestseller list.
http://pubyourself.com/cover-design/

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

1 Quart buttermilk

3 tablespoons salt

4 pounds of bone in chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings etc)

5 cups all-purpose flour

1 &1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

5 cups of vegetable oil

In a LARGE BOWL - Whisk together 3 ¼ cups of the buttermilk and the salt together.

MAKE SURE SALT DISSOLVES

Then Add Chicken & coat chicken thoroughly in Buttermilk mixture AND NEXT cover the bowl AND REFRIGRATE FOR AT LEAST 1(ONE) HOUR

After one hour has passed. In another large bowl whisk together the rest of the flour, thyme, pepper and garlic powder

Next Use your favorite Dutch oven, or Cast Iron Skillet, Frying Skillet etc. It is said that the Dutch Over pot works best but you know what your favorite frying skillet looks and cooks like. Pour in ENOUGH OIL for frying (Yep) I’m trusting that you know what ENOUGH IS). Heat skillet to frying temperature. (At the same time you start your skillet or Dutch oven. ALSO PREHEAT you baking oven to 315 degrees) Next remove the chicken buttermilk and then coat it in the flour mixture and slowing place in a couple of chicken pieces heated frying skillet or Dutch oven

Fry over medium heat and turn chicken pieces every four minutes or as they brown, add more pieces to fryer as space allows. Turn chicken every four minutes as they brown to make sure evenly brown all way around. After browning chicken on all sides approximately for 10 minutes DRAIN chicken pieces as they finish on a paper towel and then Place in your OVEN for 10 MINUTES before serving

Your Beautiful Hidden Room .....Why you sit and Write & Create!

I remember, I remember,

The house where I was born,

The little window where the sun

Came peeping in the morn;

- Thomas Hood

Remember!

Within you there lies a wealth of buried treasures.

Stories, poems, recipes, quotes....You know what happy treasures that you possess.

All of this material has been locked deep inside your unconscious, your mind just waiting for you to take the time and write it down.

So what do you do about it? Take some time each and every day to write it down. If you’ve got only a few minutes……..Great! Just do it!

You are far more than you think you are!