Diva Jefferson

Today, I'm continuing my 4-part series about love, life, and the pursuit of writing. :)

With midterms on the horizon, I haven't much time to do anything. Every time I think there is a silver-lining in the clouds, they turn dark with rain again. I've almost finished writing an outline for my new story and I'm working on the series bible, which takes a lot of thought. One thing I do know for sure, I think this will be my first and only year of college. I think it's become one of those dreams that have turned sour. After so many years of failed attempts to go, I see now why it wouldn't have been possible as I got older. Too many changes have occurred in my life. I have a sure path now...

Why should I attempt to change what I cannot? I already write for a...living. If you can call it 'meager' without sounding harsh, than so be it. I haven't written in almost a month. And I know exactly why.

College has become my hobby now. I probably take the day job and writing more seriously, though. Actually, if I had my way, I'd take writing and college seriously and not even have a day job. But like Cinderella says "a dream is a wish your heart makes when you're all alone."

Truth be known, the confession I have for today is that, I play video games in my spare time. I'm not talking about Facebook flash games either (although, I did spend a good amount of time on there, too). No, these are Xbox 360 games/console games with controllers and headsets. Although, I've been known to spend hours on these past times, every time I do, I feel like I've wasted time I could be working. Does this make me a workaholic?

If I sit and do classwork, or writing, everyday, I would be miserable. Since I can't afford to go anywhere (unless I don't want to think of a savings account) I have plenty enough entertainment outlets around the apartment. In fact, 4 of my favorite shows have started another season. Of course, I want to watch them.

Sometimes, when I've finished all my schoolwork and I have a day off, I sit on my computer with nothing to write about. Well, let me rephrase that, because there is always plenty of ideas to write about, just not enough inspiration/motivation to get it all out. Like the image says: my brain is so fried that I just waste time online. This was a major reason why I deactivated my Facebook account. Those games are so addicting!

Yes, I can't sleep at night, because my mind goes a million miles an hour worrying if my characters' stories will ever be told. Yes, I daydream at work about other peoples' lives. Yes, I open Word on my computer to write and not a single sentence comes out of me. Yes, I'm human. These things happen. "Life happens to you while you're busy making other plans." (John Lennon) You can't just sit around and expect greatness...you have to work toward it. Luckily, dreams are attainable and they do come true.

Anyways, I will leave you with a final note: Recently, I read an article about writing the best you can, instead of falling under the pressure of making a word count everyday.

Your characters and readers will love you more for taking the time on your work, then rushing through it.

As always, thank you so much for reading my posts. I hope you have gained motivation and insight as your journey continues. You can't put your life on hold for your dreams, but you can at least enjoy it. Please feel free to leave a comment with how you make the time for your writing. :)



Happy writing!
Diva J.

Hello, everyone! There is so much to talk about in the world today. A lot is happening right now and it's hard not to state my opinions on so many pressing matters. Luckily, this is a blog about writing, and I love talking about that!

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.

Just for fun...

Here are the Top 20 Wackiest Trends for 2012:

1. Less Space, More Experience For everyone who thinks less is more, there are now really small capsule hotels, bed and breakfasts, and living spaces. The culture is closer and the bill is lower. As long as you can enjoy sleeping on your dining and living room, you'd thrive well in such a place.
2. Viral Advertisements People love to be entertained. What better way to do it is through an advertisement that will engage them longer?
3. Light Graffiti You read it right. Christmas lights on everything year-round. Digitally enhanced, of course.
4. Minimal Labeling Soon we will see sold-color boxes, cans, and containers with tiny words. You'd think putting on glasses to see the name of a product would be something of the past. People love simplicity. It's cheaper for the companies, too.
5. Fashion For Your Technology A keyboard with bling. A flash-drive with flavor. These flashy items are all making their way to the stores near you. I bet they will cost more than the plain ones, too.
6. Illusion Design Have you seen the glass houses, stair cases built into a wall, or nearly transparent TVs? Well, pretty soon nothing in our houses will be visible. We'll need an object sensor just to see where everything is. Haha.
7. Social Business Buy shoes on this site and they will donate the same pair of shoes to people without them overseas. Sounds great, right? Businesses have realized they don't have to be non-profit to help the world.
8. Plastic Rebellion More photos of REAL people who haven't been photo-shopped. Stars are coming out with their plastic surgery horror stories, too. Pretty soon it's going to be cool to just be yourself. I can't wait!
9. Digital Retail Find out if that purse goes with your current outfit through a webcam. QR codes are everywhere now. All you have to do is literally click for the best deal.
10. Digital Decor Heat-sensitive, and LED lighting wallpaper, paint, and stamps. I remember those glow in the dark planets I used to put on my ceiling. When you turned on a black-light they were iridescent. Cool, huh?
11. Super Hero Reality There are dating websites for adults who love superheroes. Oh, and don't forget to buy some Wonder Woman lipstick before you head off to the movies with your new date.
12. Instant Entrepreneurship Games are teaching kids more and more about how to start their own businesses and make a profit. With all the affordable resources available online for marketing, and e-commerce, even young adults are jumping onto the bandwagon. What ever happened to actually working to get what you want?
13. Eco-Education Classrooms are teaching more and more about eco-efficiency and living green. Remember kids, reduce, reuse, and recycle.
14. Social Fitness Don't forget to update your iPhone with how many miles you ran yesterday. Compete with friends to see if your target heart rates match. It's just another way to tell the world about your life.
15. Ethnic Customs I love seeing people embrace who they are, but don't wear a headdress in public. It looks tacky and you could offend someone. Leave the costumes for Halloween!
16. Comfort While You Wait Bus stops are now featuring IKEA couches and tables for the comfort of their passengers. Oh, and did I fail to mention it's an advertisement?
17. Social Media Fashion Have you ever wanted a necklace that displays the Twitter logo, or a Facebook T-shirt? Show your love with some Facebook Adidas. No, really. People love the dedication.
18. Retro Shops This is cool. I've always loved the style in these places. It makes going out to have a cup of coffee more aesthetically pleasing.
19. Pop Culture Vacations I don't know about you, but I don't want to stay in a hotel surrounded by Batman, Hello Kitty, or James Bond memorabilia. Okay, maybe my fiance will like the Batman room, but it still looks expensive. 
20. iPad Menus You're kidding, right? What if someone isn't an Apple fan? Or can't afford an iPad? I guess they can't order at all.