Diva Jefferson

Well, I've joined the workforce again. I'm working days at a fast food joint and doing schoolwork/promoting/writing by night. I feel like a vampire. I haven't slept a full-night's sleep in days. Even when I literally pass out at a decent bedtime hour, I stay awake all night fretting/thinking.

For the past two weeks, I've been so busy, I didn't even remember to turn in some assignments. I know what you're thinking, I shouldn't have gone to college when I had so many other responsibilities, but I'm not going to allow lack of time to come in the way of my dreams. There is no excuse. Besides, I wanted to do something to make myself happy, because the wedding I planned 6 months for, didn't happen. (Don't worry, we're still engaged.) This is the main reason why I got another job: money. Other than the 20 hours plus of classwork/homework for 2 classes, college is great. I could write essays like nobody's business. :)

If there is such a thing as writing withdrawal that is what I'm experiencing right now. Without writing, I'm completely lost. I love it even more than college. Even more than playing video games. I want it to be the only thing I ever do right in my life. But without a roof over my head...writing would be very hard to do, indeed. Do you want to know why I write in the first place?

The truth is:
I write to escape from reality.

I'm not saying everything I've experienced (so far) is worse than anyone else, but to me, to what I want from life, it could've gone very different. By now, I'd have a Bachelor's Degree in English and I'd be on the next plane to Ireland/England to teach some type of writng/reading course at one of their schools. Or maybe I'd just travel the world teaching people to read. Either way, I'd get around.

Of course, if I never embarked on my current path (life is funny that way), I probably wouldn't have the best fiance in the world. Although, we swear that we'd find each other no matter what. :)

Good thing there is such a genre as "Historical Romance", because it's saved me a lot of traveling remorse. Every book is an adventure in a time/place I haven't visited yet. It takes me away from the day to day struggle. I just hope I could do more for my readers than write a blog once a week. :)

Last week, I talked about priorities and what people think is more important than writing, this week I vow to write no matter how much time I have. I. must. write. book. two. no. matter. what.

I'd love to hear your confessions. If you have any to share, please put them in a comment below. Thank you for reading!!! Until next time...



Happy writing!
Diva J.

When I feel unmotivated, I turn to music. When everything in the world seems to go wrong, I put in my favorite CD and let the melody show me the magic in the air. Although, I'm a very big fan of punk rock, specifically alternative, I listen to more and more instrumental lately. Of course, my guilty pleasure is Celtic music.

Today, I needed an intervention. I awoke early and for some reason couldn't move myself into action. I had emails piling up, content to write and other miscellaneous tasks to perform, including the creation of this blog.

From left to right: Button Accordion, Bodhran, Fiddle, Concertina, Guitar, Flute, and Uilleann Pipes.

As I listen to Ronan Hardiman's: Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance soundtrack from the actual production, I think about my family. I haven't seen anyone in my immediate family for a few years now. Listening to this music, reminds me of my grandma who took me to the show. Her birthday was today and for some reason I feel her presence all around me. It's like she never left. In fact, she just moved closer to where I live. I remember watching the Lord of the Dance with her and afterwards, we hailed the attention of the Irish dancers (especially, the gorgeous male lead). They were friendly and we told them how great the show was. They offered their 'thanks' and went toward their hotel rooms. I've been listening to the CD ever since and I can't get enough of the lively feeling I get from all the instruments. It inspires me to live happier, to lapse back into time and imagine a peaceful world.

Ireland is rich in literature that understands a soul's yearnings, and dancing that understands a happy heart. 
– Margaret Jackson


In my novel, To Love An Irishman, one of the main things that bring the couple together is Celtic music. The ceili, or group of musicians--traditionally, up to ten (called a band) who specialized in creating music for dancers--arrive and Ciaran cannot wait to show Aveline how to do an Irish jig. Drums, fiddles, flutes, and pipes are what they're most known for. Some modern bands now include guitar, piano, saxophone, snare drum with woodblock, double bass, piccolo, and even banjos. These bands gained wide popularity during the 1950s/60s. Ceili bands gain promotion through competitions and festivals still going on today.


If I ever get to visit Ireland, I intend to embrace the Celtic folk music scene.


Music helps me write by:
--Setting the mood, tone, or scene of my novel.
--Opening my mind to more creativity.
--Taking me away to a different time and place where all anyone had to tell a story with was an instrument and a voice.


Do you have a passion for music? What kind of music inspires you to write? Feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!



Happy writing!
Diva J.

What you can win here: An e book copy of To Love An Irishman!

Number of winners: 1

Open to: Everyone!

How to enter: Just leave a comment below naming YOUR favorite drink and be sure to include your email address!

Saint Patrick's Day was made an official feast day in the early seventeenth century, and has gradually become a celebration of Irish culture in general. The day is generally characterized by the attendance of church services, wearing of green attire, public parades and processions, and the lifting of Lenten restrictions on eating, and drinking alcohol, which is often proscribed during the rest of the season. 
Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador and in Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora, especially in places such as Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Today, St. Patrick's Day is probably the most widely celebrated saint's day in the world.

Originally, the color associated with Saint Patrick was blue. Over the years the color green and its association with Saint Patrick's day grew. Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St Patrick's Day as early as the 17th century. Saint Patrick is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish, and the wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs have become a ubiquitous feature of the day. 


Okay, enough of this blathering! Here is the answer...

Since around the ninth or 10th century, people in Ireland have been observing the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick on March 17. Interestingly, however, the first parade held to honor St. Patrick's Day took place not in Ireland but in the United States. On March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as with fellow Irishmen serving in the English army. 
(Information about St. Paddy's Day was collected from wikipedia.com and history.com.)

As you can tell, this is a trick question. Although, people have been 'observing' the feast day as a religious holiday for many years, they did not actually 'celebrate' it until the 18th century. :P

Things You'll Need:

• Large Skillet
• Sauce Pot (optional)
• 1 Head Green Cabbage
• 1 Medium Yellow Onion
• 1/2 lb. Thick Cut Bacon/ Canadian Bacon
• 2-3 White Potatoes
• 4 Cups Vegetable Stock or Chicken Stock (your choice)
• Sharp Knife
• Cutting Board

Preparation:

• Remove core from the green cabbage and coarsely chop the remaining cabbage leaves.

• Chop potatoes into 1/2" cubes.

Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Melt butter in the sauce pan set on medium heat. Add onion and bacon. Saute for 8-10 minutes until onions become translucent and bacon begins to crisp.

Step 2: Add chopped cabbage and potatoes. Continue to saute for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Pour in vegetable stock. If necessary, transfer ingredients to a larger stock pot if saute pan is not large enough. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 5: Serve.

Of course, everyone's tastes vary. You might find adding chicken stock instead of vegetable stock tastes richer. I prefer Canadian bacon instead, due to the lower fat content. If you try the recipe out, please feel free to tell me all about it!



Where was the first St. Patty's Day celebration held?
Now it's GIVEAWAY time! Win a free e-book copy of To Love An Irishman when you comment below with your answer to the question. (Don't worry, all comments will qualify for the contest. The question is just for fun.) Winners will be posted on Wednesday, the 21st, along with the correct answer.

Thank you so much for sharing in this special moment with me!!!
Next stop today is Ravencraft's Romance Realm. See you there. :)

Don't forget to join me tomorrow for Blog Tour, Day #2 on Happily Ever After Thoughts.


Happy writing,
Diva J. :)




Purchase To Love An Irishman from Black Opal Books today!

Also available at:
Amazon - Kindle
B&N - Paperback/Nook

Over two weeks go, I found myself in an old city. My decision to go to Charleston was spontaneous. That Friday evening a hotel room near town was booked and I was setting out on the journey the following Saturday morning. Although, the almost four hours on the road (due to traffic) was uneventful, my GPS turned me onto a one-way street going the opposite direction and a car honked me out of the road. Scary!


So I checked into my hotel room, brushed my hair, and took the road toward the Aquarium. Right beside is a ferry ride to Fort Sumter. Missing the last tour for the day, I found my way to Hwy 17 and crossed the large bridge to Patriot's Point where I took the last ferry ride for the day. Then I toured Fort Sumter, touching brick that has been around since the Civil War. Amazing.

Later on that evening, after finding a parking place, I walked down the street heading for one of two Irish pub and grills located in the same building. I heard music playing from an upper terrace and chose Molly Darcy's. I ordered a pint of Guinness and corned beef and cabbage. Soon I discovered the musician was a Dublin, Ireland native. He'd only been in town for four weeks and he loved Charleston. Then one pint turned into two. The food was delicious. I told the Irishman that I'm a writer, my book takes place in Ireland, and he told the owner who said he'll buy it for his wife. I exchanged email and phone numbers with the musician and the owner. I thought the night couldn't get any better!

Two pints turned into four before my eyes (thanks to my flirtatious waiter whom insisted he accidentally poured another). I was introduced to a man who shares my ancestral last name of Foley. He told me we are from the mountains of County Kerry. So we all sang Irish ballads with fuzzy minds, stood with hands on our hearts for the Irish anthem and laughed all the while. I couldn't imagine a better time or place for anything. I felt renewed, spirited. Wonderful!

But the night ended too soon. The next day I found myself waking early for free breakfast and to check out of my hotel. I went on a carriage ride through the city. I felt at peace for almost two hours as the clicking hooves went up and down the narrow streets and the Irish tour guide told us of a life lived long ago. Next, I found myself parking on Queen Street and I walked for over a mile to the museum. I bought a three ticket pass to the whole history museum and two houses. I spent almost two hours reading texts, admiring early furniture, and gawking at Civil War period clothing styles.

You can find this architecture style in my upcoming novel "To Love An Irishman".

The return trip home was very sad, indeed.

Sometimes life steps in and tells you where to go. My decision to go to Charleston was too spontaneous to believe otherwise. It's like the publishing world. Every time you turn around, there is something new to learn or to experience and sometimes it happens so fast you don't know where you started. Red flags are never spelled out in easy terms. You have to do your homework and research every thing about the industry. I'm anxious to receive my 2nd round edits. It took me almost a month to complete the first and that was no easy task. Everything takes time to come to fruition. Dreams are made to be worked for.

Make sure where ever life leads you, you are well-prepared for whatever comes. You never know, you could be having the time of your life drinking pints and singing with a group of Irishman in Charleston.

Never give up on life. You never know where you will end up next!






Happy writing!
Diva J.

A journey is not an adventure without leaving the confines of all you dream and turning those dreams into a reality.

A week ago, for three nights, I dreamed of a vacation in Ireland. Each trip began with a long flight and continued when I went gallivanting through the lush, green countryside. I never went home. I blame such an imagination on the publishing contract I just signed for my novel, "To Love An Irishman" View Book Trailer Here.

You might ask if I have an agent and the answer is 'no.' By the time I wait for agents to read the queries I sent, months will pass and my book's release date will be extended. I love my small press. The other authors are encouraging, the editor is nice, and the acquisitions department is very helpful. Agents have lives and mid-year everyone is already filled up with clients and readying a book for release before summer vacation.

You're an independent person if you feel more capable and more empowered when you do something alone.You are proud to say you work hard for everything you have and want from life. You never give in and you never wait around for others to make a decision you could easily make yourself. Okay. Maybe I'm exaggerating a bit with the 'never' part. You've experienced your fair share of break downs, but you know what you want from life and you set goals to accomplish it.

What sets you apart from others? Your ability to make better judgments in life? Your personality? Your determination or lack there of? Your smile?

"I haven't a clue as to how my story will end. But that's all right. When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, you don't conclude the road has vanished. And how else could we discover the stars?" -Unknown


Find something that makes you totally unique from everyone around you and use it to your advantage. If you particularly like your smile, do so often, people will deem you as approachable, and genuinely want to read what you have to say.

Readers love to relate to their authors as much as they relate to the characters in a book. If you live in and write about South Carolina, then you will have readers who live there. While others live halfway across the world. No matter how your related, some will only see a picture and a small blurb on the back of your book. Others will hear you speak at a conference or take you out to lunch or see you at the day job. Readers are everywhere. An author's professionalism is the key to leaving a good impression, but behind those fancy clothes and eloquent manners, is a person. Wherever you go, whatever you do, never forget who you are. A professional writer who knows what she or he wants from life (to become successful at doing something they love) is someone who stays true to themselves, always.

While on your life's journey, confidence could become your favorite trait. If not, like me nine times out of ten, at least you have another goal to set and reach.

Thank you for reading.



Happy writing!

-Diva J.

When you imagine your life in terms of what is going right, what stands out to you the most? Your family, your job, the fact you wake up everyday or the fact you have food on your table and a place to live? I believe everyone has at least one thing to be thankful for. Life is a gift in itself.

"The difference between fiction and reality is that in fiction everything has to make sense." -Tom Clancy
This quote couldn't be more true.

Like everyone does one time or another, we tend to think life is falling short of our dreams. Reality is not as fun or not as enjoyable as a month-long adventure gallivanting about the wild west on the back of a mustang with a handsome cowboy beside you or eating dinner with a doctor at a villa in Rome or (if it strikes your fancy) winning the Super Bowl with your dream team. Whichever dream inspires you to pursue life, it is a dream worth having indeed. But I've realized the hard way that those dreams can alter your reality. Sometimes you hope for so much more from life than you are receiving. When what you have is way more than enough for you to handle.

An exercise that works is to take time from your day to reflect on life's little blessings. If you created your time chart from last post, then you must know if you have time to use or not. Just take up to 5 minutes (no more) and look at all the good around you. According to experts, it helps to quench unhappiness and inspire a more positive outlook on life.