Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas

Bet the title got your attention! No, I haven’t lost it yet. I wanted to let you know the holiday story is almost finished and ready to go. I’ve been writing the synopsis, thinking about the query letter, and doing final touch-ups on the story. I can’t wait to see my hero and heroine with a new place to live besides in my laptop in a word document. They’re itching to be set free.

I’ve been looking at ebook publishers. I have one in mind and actually wrote to their guidelines, but I want to make sure to check out other options as well. Funny how publishing guidelines differ between publishers. The formatting is similar, but there can be major differences in some things, so it’s important to pay attention to all guidelines, whether it be formatting or content. One thing you won’t see different is their taboo issues. Absolutely follow those. I don’t know anyone who writes that stuff anyway, and I wouldn’t read it.

There’s still the possibility of publishing to Kindle and Smashwords. In that case, it would be up to me to find a book cover. Book covers are so important. Titles are so important. As a matter of fact, I’m trying to ‘holiday’ up my title. When I decided on the title, it actually wrote the book. Really! I had the title then the book. So, it didn’t start in my mind to be a holiday story, but as soon as I sat down to write it, I knew it was going to be. So, here I am, trying to holiday up a title.

Hopefully, I’ll have great news to spread about this book. One way or another, these sexy characters, and the beautiful city it takes place in will find a published home. Till next time, signing off . . .

Technorati Tags: holiday,jade rose madison,erotic romance,Christmas

It's about time for an update since it's been forever since posting last. When you come to a blog written by an erotic romance writer, you expect to find some hot, juicy stories. In time you will, but for now my life is still in transition. Later, after the holding pattern I'm in comes to an end life will be normal again. But for now, please bear with me. In less than three months I hope to be divorced. Till then, it's like I said. I'm in a holding pattern like a jet over LaGuardia Airport.


My alter-ego (I don't know what else to call her) is writing when she can, but sometimes has a hard time sticking with it. Her priority is to finish a contemporary romance she's working on. If you have a pen name, do you sometimes feel like  you have a split personality when you speak from either party? Don't you hate when that happens? That's what it feels like now, because I'm writing this as the "real" writer, but under Jade Rose's name. Confusing to those who don't use pen names, I'm sure, but after all, I'm a writer and I'm used to being in other people's heads, even if they are made up people.But, give me a few minutes and I can get into yours.

I'll get busy as soon as I can to finish my Christmas story and get it out to publishers. When that time comes you can come here and read a heated romance, I promise! Till then, or till whenever . . . Jade

Resolutions or Goals. Which do You Prefer?

I prefer to make goals instead of resolutions. A goal is – Goal- noun- the aim or object towards which an endeavor is directed. A resolution is – noun-- a resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something. As I see it the key word here is firm. A firm decision. Look at determination. You’re determined to do this, whatever it is. But back to a goal. A goal is to aim toward something. I choose to set goals, to have something to aim for. Too many things can get in the way of a resolution. If you set a goal, it’s what you are aiming for.

Goals should be short term. It’s much easier to reach a short term goal. I don’t know about you, but if I think it will take me three months instead of a year, I am more likely to stick with it. When writing, I don’t look towards the end of the book, although that is the GOAL of course. I think of one chapter, one word, one scene at a time. I know I’m going to get to the end of a book, but my goal is to sit and write as much as I can. If I set a goal of 1000 words then I’ll aim for 1000 words, not 80,000 words. Eighty thousand words seems forever to reach, but 1000 words is attainable. No matter what your goal is, make it a short term plan.

If something happens one day that keeps you from your goal then it’s okay. Don't beat yourself over the head. Tomorrow is a new day, and you are close to your goal anyway because you set it to be short term-- reachable. You know it won’t be long before you have met the first phase of it. So, go ahead, set your goals for the New Year. Take it one step, or one day at a time. If you run into a wall one day, then start all over the next day. You can do it; soon you’ll be there. Think about your favorite book. Someone had to take one day at a time, one word, or one chapter. Plan it, think about it, and work at it. Get started!

You can meet your goals—
· Take it slow.
· Be consistent.
· Set short term goals.
· Think positive.
· Start over if you fall.
· Don’t give up.
· Be proud of yourself.
· Reward yourself!

Good Luck!

What is your goal for 2011?