Diva Jefferson

Hello, readers. I wanted to thank each and every one of you who entered my giveaway for a chance to win a copy of "To Love An Irishman". The winners have been notified. :)

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This new year is bringing changes. I look forward to talking to more of you in the future, including my newest followers. Welcome to The Blog. :) Although, my look will change along with my name, doesn't mean I'm gone. After all, what else would I rather do than write?

Be safe, readers. See you next year!



Happy writing!
Diva J.

So, this is the last day of National Novel Writer's Month and I feel very far from a novelist at this time. I haven't written a single word since November 3rd. Luckily, next month I will hopefully have some "extra" time to do what I love so much.

It's like trying to blow up a balloon with the weight of three books on top.

I admit that I fell to the pressures of everyday life and stopped writing for a month. Technically, I did write everyday, it just consisted of essays and papers. Maybe I'm not driven enough or I've lost my perseverance to get through anything. I know this isn't true, but it is what it feels like. But books aren't going to write themselves and no one else can write what you have in your head.The main reason why I prevented myself from succeeding this month is because I'm a firm believer of creating your best work first and pursuing publishing later. I'm not saying my first drafts are perfect, but I spend the time necessary on them. Even if I write one book a year, at least I'm accomplishing something. I'm happy for the time I do have right now and the over 2000 words I already have in the latest manuscript. :)

I'll be back in the game soon, I promise.

Some quick news:
--Once I get this new Victorian series rolling, I'm changing my name to a pen name to keep my anonymity. So, keep a look out for my new look.
--Last but not least, my fiance and I are already saving money for our wedding next year!

Thank you so much for sticking with me throughout everything, readers. I couldn't ask for better friends.

The winners for my Fall In Love Giveaway Hop have already been notified. I enjoyed reading and responding to every comment. You are all the best!!!!

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Happy writing!
Diva J.

What you can win here: One e-book copy of "To Love An Irishman"

Number of winners: 2

Open to (INT, US or US/CAN): INT

How to enter: Just answer the questions below!

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Happy writing!
Diva J.

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Happy writing!
Diva J.

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Don't forget to visit the rest of the blogs in the hop!!!

Happy writing!
Diva J.

What do you look for in a review?

I love all reviews from my readers. Just supporting me through buying my book is wonderful. My favorite reviews are ones where the reader highlights their favorite parts of the book. Their likes and dislikes (if applicable) are important to me. I could use this input in making decisions in my future novels. If everyone loved the description about Ireland in To Love An Irishman, then I'll try to add more details in my current work in progress.

By all means, if something about the book is not working for you, don't be afraid to tell the author. 
Authors grow with experience.

I'd like to see less references to grammar/spelling and more input catered to content/structure. I've read many reviews where the reader just wanted to let the author know the story contained lots of errors, but said nothing about the story, plot, anything else.

Reviews are very important for authors. They provide unbiased feedback on the piece from someone who is not acquainted with the writer. This input influences future works and can help authors strengthen their voice. 

If you have anything to say about a book, please leave a review for the author on a website where it's available for purchase. (Publisher's site, Amazon, Smashwords, Goodreads, etc.)


In lieu of this post, I'm giving away a copy of To Love An Irishman in hopes *crosses fingers* that whoever wins will offer to write a review for me on a website of their choosing. :) (Please leave your email address in a comment to participate. Winners will be announced on Tuesday!)




Thank you so much for reading!
Feel free to visit the other blogs on this hop to show your support! :)




Happy writing!
Diva J.

Dear readers,
I'm on the home stretch for completing this novel and I'm so excited to announce that it will be part of a series or saga. I much prefer the term 'saga', because it sounds more epic. The problem is I can't seem to come up with a series name yet. (I'll address those concerns later on in the post.) Although, I do have several other books in mind for the saga, The Earl's Son is actually a sequel to another book I wrote years ago.

This Victorian Era saga is about an aristocratic family who are victims of political strife. There is action, suspense, revenge, mystery, deception and above all, romance. I hope you enjoy the novels as much as I do writing them.

My theme for this post is: What is the best writing advice you've ever received?
Believe it or not, after years of talking to other writers, joining workshops workshops, and participating in a critique group, I've heard a lot of great advice on writing. One such recommendation came from none other than my fiance who reads a lot of Fantasy (Jim Butcher, Tracey Hickman/Margaret Wies, etc.) Our relationship involves a lot of conversation and despite his inexperience in my genre, I read him what I've written for the day in hopes to receive an opinion that sticks. So often he'd repeated a phrase which never left my mind. I think about it a lot when I write.

The words I remember most from him were...
Don't underestimate your readers.

It's true. Readers know more than they admit. Of course, a writer could give a whole history lesson on farming (like I did in To Love An Irishman), but it's really hard to avoid describing things that are relevant for a topic without thinking your reader will find the content boring. In my current project, I have several fight scenes where I describe my hero using martial art styles. You'd think most women reading romance novels wouldn't know the actual names of these moves...so, I describe the process. My fiance encouraged me to be more descriptive and hold less back in my writing.

Don't be afraid to open up to your readers. After all, they want the whole experience your novel gives them.
Including, the parts you think are boring.
Description and details go along way. Use them to your advantage.


Please feel free to share your advice in a comment below. Oh, and if you also have recommendations for naming a series or saga, then share those, too. Thank you for reading!



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.

Hello, readers! I just wanted to let you know that this will be another short post. For this, I am sorry. I would really like to get back to giving more detailed writing craft tips with examples, but I've been so busy with wedding planning, college starting, and of course, finishing my work in progress.

Today, I'd love to talk about voice. Unlike what the cartoon suggests, your author voice is not spoken aloud. It is what makes your novel unique. Our influences contribute at least 50%, but what carries your words is actually YOU. There are exercises you could use to help you along, if you still don't think your author's voice is developed enough. No matter what you choose to do in any situation, just be yourself.
Isn't this what I preach all along?

Here are some helpful tips on establishing your voice as an author:
-Write poetry.
-Transcribe conversations you can overhear in public places.
-Copy a couple of pages from a scene by a writer you most admire.
-Write a lot!
-Use music (or whatever else gets your creative juices flowing) to get the words out.
-Know your characters. (Remember the interview I did with the hero from To Love An Irishman, Ciaran O'Devlin?)
-Learn how to self-edit.
(For more information on author voice, please visit this site: Finding Your Voice)


Remember, these tips are intended to help you. Every one has their own method for success. Would you like to share your way of discovering your author's voice? I'd love to hear it in a comment! 


As always, thank you so much for reading.



Happy writing!
Diva J.

As you know, summer is a great time to relax and enjoy the sun. When the weather outside is hot, I love to have a nice picnic near a river or lake. I love watching the sun's rays dance off of the water's surface while I eat a sandwich, sip a nice cold beer, and enjoy some fresh-cut watermelon.

The farmers in my novel, To Love An Irishman, are no exception. Sometimes the only great place to cool off is in a nearby river or lake.

She is left with an offer she cannot refuse...

For a chance to win an e-book copy of To Love An Irishman, leave a comment with your email address below. What is your favorite thing to do over the summer?

EDIT: CONTEST IS CLOSED. Congratulations to the winner, Foretta! Thank you to everyone who participated in the giveaway hop. :)



Happy writing!
-Diva J.

I've heard many people talk about the importance of words in a novel. The way we write them in determines their meaning and could add emphasis to the message we convey. Some writers, especially those who like history, would never let an 'okay' slip from their characters or allow them to respond with an 'awesome'. I know I certainly try not to.

I've always had a fascination with the English language. One of my dreams growing up was to go to college and get a degree in the subject. Every time I am interested in something, I don't stop finding out as much as I can about it. I guess you can say I endeavor to persevere.

Today, I wanted to show you ten words that have changed meaning over the years.

1) Decimate - The original meaning was "to reduce by one-tenth", now it means "to destroy a great number of". Ex: The population was decimated by a plague.
2) Disinterested - This word used to mean "not interested", now it means "not influenced". Ex: ...a disinterested decision by the referee.
3) Enormity - Some know it as "outrageous or heinous character", now people refer to it as "greatness of size, scope, extent, or influence". Ex: The enormity of such an act of generosity is staggering.
4) Fortuitous - It used to mean "occurring by chance", but now means "lucky". Ex: ...a series of fortuitous events that advanced her career.
5) Fulsome - Which used to mean "abundant, generous, full", but now means "disgusting; sickening; repulsive". Ex: ...a table heaped with fulsome mounds of greasy foods.
6) Ironic - Which used to mean "counter to expectations or what is appropriate", but now means "coincidental". Ex: It was ironic that I was seated next to my ex-husband at the dinner.
7) Literally - It used to be confused with "figuratively", but now it is used "in the literal or strict sense". Ex: What does the word mean literally?
8) Notorious - It originally meant "widely and unfavorably known", but now people use "infamy". Ex: An infamous gambler.
9) Peruse - Which used to mean "to use thoroughly", now it means "to read through with thoroughness or care." Ex: ...to peruse a report.
10) Plethora - Its original meaning was "overabundance; excess", but now it means "abundance". Ex: ...a plethora of advice and a paucity of assistance.
(Words found on Daily Writing Tips and in the Dictionary.)

Of course, all these words are listed in the dictionary with both meanings, but when it's spoken in modern-day conversation, you'll better understand their relation to the sentence in which it's used.


Do you know any words that have changed their meanings? I'd love to know your thoughts in a comment below.



Happy writing!
-Diva J.

So, I have a woman in my mind who wants me to write about her. She is from the Regency era and her name is Anne. I know it sounds cliche, but this is how all my novels start. I can't get characters out of my mind, then I write about them. I currently have two works in progress, dozens of novel ideas, too, but when I can't even sleep due to these ideas clouding my head, I don't know what else to do then put them on paper. Usually when I write it down, the character leaves me alone, until the next scene does the same thing. These characters feel like real people. They have emotions, aspects, and personalities. Each one tells me how they want to be remembered, and it's what I write about. I feel like each one is an aspect of me from a past life or experience.

There is a muse urging me every step of the way. Some days, my work in progress does not seem very appealing. Sometimes I'd rather read or write other ideas somewhere else.

Do you ever have a larger than life experience when you write? Like some unknown force is providing you with the information? Does your book literally feel like it's about to give you a hug after you write it? I know it sounds funny, but writing is not a passion for nothing.

There are times when I wish I could pen out a manuscript in a month. The reality is it takes me much longer than that to finish a novel. I think it's because of my writing style and just who I am. I take my time in all things. I'm patient. Oh, and did I mention I'm a perfectionist. One of these days I'll develop a writing rhythm, and words will pour from me like water hurdling down a waterfall.

All good things come in time. I'm a firm believer in this idealism.




Thank you for reading and supporting me through buying my book, To Love An Irishman.
Happy writing!
-Diva J.

I write this as I pen the manuscript for Loch Lomond. One of the two works in progress I'm currently writing. I found inspiration for this novel after listening to a song with the same name. A romance ballad about lost love and the yearning of two hearts to find one another despite extenuating circumstances. The Legend of Loch Lomond is a 30 minute video adaptation created when the Loch Lomond National Park opened. Although, it helps to interpret a lot from the song, there is so much more to tell. This song deserves to be a novel. I want to give it the recognition it deserves.

When I hear the phrase 'know people', I think about lawyers, people with high-standing in society, the insurance companies, or the police. You know, the whole mob lingo involving 'my people calling your people'. It may sound ridiculous, but I actually used to think in order to do anything so awesome as become a writer is that you have to know other writers. Or at least know an editor from a large publisher. The biggest lesson I learned in my writing solitude was that you don't need anybody in your field but yourself.

Like the cartoon states, your people ARE my people. We share in this journey together. As I've said before, no one should look at this as an opportunity to say we are better than anyone else. You are the only one who could make your dreams come true. Not the 1,000 best-selling author friends you have on Facebook. Success depends on your state of mind and your goals in life. Sometimes it depends on help from those around you. But never solely on WHO you know.

No one can write like you do. You are unique.

Of course, always take work for what it really is...if you are serious about your career, always seek knowledge to improve your craft and write every day. This will make you stand out among the rest.


"Be different, stand out, and work your butt off." 
~Reba McEntire

After all, without dedicated readers and support from friends/family, it's much harder to find success in what you love doing. These ARE your people. Cherish them.

Who do you have on your side? Who has helped you the most in your career? Family member, friend, fellow author? Tell us who makes you shine in a comment below! :)



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

Hello, readers! This will be my last Friday post for two weeks. In the mean time, be sure to check back during my book release party and my blog tour for more information about where I will be at next.

For the past two weeks, I have barely been able to do anything but answer interview questions and write blog articles for my tour. I have two works in progress that hardly get a couple hundred words a day put into them.

Sometimes I discover the greatest ideas while brainstorming what to write though. Sometimes I just can't believe where I am today. It all feels like a dream. A menagerie of what could really be happening. Once again, I am inspired by an Irish song. Like the lonesome boatman, endless possibilities surround me. Yes, I could dwell hopelessly on the sea, wondering what could be, but I choose to see the brighter side. Just because you are alone in the marketing/promotion of your books doesn't mean it's the end of the world.

Today, publishers give you very limited options on book promotion, but it's up to you to market your work. This is why authors host their own blog tours, subscribe to similar blogs, actively contribute to social networking sites, create a Pinterest account, etc. It takes many hours to get the word out there, and it's not easy sometimes, but it's worth it. If you feel the same way I do, and wish to reach as many people as possible to share your hard work with the world (or your message), then the time you spend will not be in vain. I want you to have something to be proud of.

What do you believe is your single most useful marketing tool?
Mine is Facebook. Please share your answers in a comment below.

Good luck in all your future writing and promotion endeavors! Thank you for reading.



Happy writing,
Diva J.

As I countdown to the release of To Love An Irishman on March 17th, I reflect on my past rejections. One in particular comes to mind from Harlequin. Believe it or not, that was the first place I queried my first novel. They helped me without realizing it.

Well, like anyone who has achieved success despite their failures, I only aimed to the sky and fell among the stars. Believe me, it sounded better than it came out. When I sent the well-researched query letter, a synopsis, and a partial for The Phantom of Fonthill Abbey to the big name publisher, I felt confidence seeping through my being. I knew that if I didn't try as hard as I can the first time around, then if there was another time, it wouldn't be as rewarding.

Needless to say, they rejected the story saying "Although the plot sounded promising from the synopsis, the story itself was rather slow to get going." I agreed that I am a very descriptive person, and I use detail like mist around my characters. After all, my new brand is 'Beautiful landscapes, passionate love, and regrets of the past.' I absolutely have to live up to it, right?

They mentioned my heroine, Elizabeth, "was a little hard to engage with because she seemed so very young and naive." I loved a woman going into a situation without knowledge of how her actions could affect her world. Now my heroines are too smart for their own good. In which, I love completely!

Then they included 4 tips "to bear in mind for your next submission":
1) Ensure that your story and conflict are character-driven.
2) Focus on the internal emotional conflict of your characters.
3) Use secondary characters to add richness and depth to your central romance but don't let them take over!
4) Read current books from the Historical Romance series as these provide the best guide to what our readers want.

The final words. "As a whole, we don't suggest that you attempt to revise this story. We would advise that you start again on a new story, bearing in mind the points made above."

To tell the truth, not all rejections are bad. Some offer great advice like mine and others will actually empower you to succeed even more. I didn't revise this story, instead I wrote another and another....



Do you have any rejection stories to share? Feel free to tell us in a comment below.



Happy writing!
-Diva J.