Diva Jefferson

Everyone has felt the bite of rejection. It stings for a while and sometimes it's really hard to get over. Luckily, I'm not about to go into the best rejection letter I've ever received, because I've already been there and done that on my post called "Exits and Entrances".

The real reason why I made this four-part series in the first place is to tell everyone about my successes, not my failures. How I've overcome the hurdles in my (short, to some) life and came to where I am today.

No, I'm not a bestseller, but I'm published.
No, I don't make six figures a year, but I'm rich in creativity.

I hope you listen to my words and gain inspiration to find happiness in your life. This is my ultimate goal. I think this is my calling. The only way I can truly help others. Even though I'm currently on a hiatus from writing, I can still encourage other people to make their dreams come true. I've mentioned how you could overcome other people's expectations, how writing can take you away from the stress of everyday life, and how time could affect your creativity. Now, it's time to overcome your own fears and reach your greatest potential.

Yes, it hurts when the people closest to you doubt your ability to reach success, but when you doubt yourself the possible becomes impossible.

In 2008 or 2009 I asked my only friend on the planet to beta read my first book before it became self-published. I sent her the whole novel through email. A couple months went by and I didn't receive a single reply. I wrote her again and she said she was so busy that she couldn't get past the first chapter. The whole time I'm thinking, she must have hated it completely. This friend was an avid reader. She is the person who let me borrow "A Rose In Winter" by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and hooked me on romance. Why would she let me down when I'm trying to become one of those authors she adores?

Let's just say it hurt. I got so emotional about it, I published the book without making sure it was the best it could be. I wanted my estranged family to read it. I wanted my coworkers to read it. I wanted the world to read it. I think it was a cry for attention or at least notice, because after they'd read it I asked for input/reviews, etc. Most of it was positive. They wanted me to write a sequel. Do you want to know why they felt this way? Because I knew them. They cared about my feelings. It became a personal reaction, not an unbiased assessment of my work. Of course, years later, I see every single flaw in that novel and it irks me to know I let this reach so many hands. I'm ashamed, rather.

Then I read the newest book on the bestseller's list and wonder why I can't write like they do. Why hadn't my published book get placed on the list? Maybe I hadn't done as much marketing/promotion as I could have. There are things that I could've done, but so many more things I could be doing.

The fact of the matter is there are things that are in my control and there are things that are beyond my control. Right now, I still write everyday, whether schoolwork or a blog or even a comment. I learn as much about the craft as I can and I take these skills to my own writing to improve the quality. This is all I can do for right now. Until I have a large outreach, this is all I have to do. What I can't do is force people to buy my book and expect readers to find me themselves. Writing is amazing, but it's a career for a reason. You have to build yourself to the top like everything else in life worth having.

So, you wanted the recipe for success? Well, here you go. Never give up, never surrender. Thanks so much for reading. I appreciate every single one of you!



Happy writing!
Diva J.

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.

If you came here, expecting a life story, then please read my autobiography in forty or so years. This is a series of confessions that I will tell you in relation to my publishing journey. This is for anyone who ever picked up the art of writing or anything they dreamed of doing and found discouragement. Sometimes, it comes from your friends and family, co-workers, other people in your profession, and yourself. Personally, I think we are our own worst critics. Since we are the author's of our lives, we take the blame for everything that doesn't go according to plan, and we punish ourselves.

No matter what is holding you back, don't EVER stop what you love to do. Why spend your life wallowing in the day to day or finding another outlet to enjoy yourself? If you believe what you love to do is just a hobby, then you are not driven, and your main focus should be is to find motivation. Success never comes before hard work, unless for some reason, someone did everything for you. I really hope this is not your case, because I have more faith in you than you have in yourself.

Speaking of faith, here is my first confession: The one person in my life I thought would stand by my side, told me that I'd never go anywhere in life and that writing shouldn't be my main priority.

Okay, maybe this person is a generalization of a few people fused into one. Anyone who doubts someone this much, needs to first get their own priorities straight before offering their disheartening advice. The fact of the matter is that I've heard this from many people throughout my life. Friends, family members, significant others, etc. They are pretty much the people I care about the most. Not knowing how they felt about me was one thing, but hearing it was entirely another. Actually, it was the best motivation I'd ever received. Not even a rejection letter could make me this ambitious. It was like receiving a million-dollar cash prize. Well, maybe not that great. :)

Don't get me wrong, you will become emotional and feel lost, but then you consider it a challenge to meet and beat their expectations. And I'm not even competitive. Believe me, I've been trying to overturn everyone's expectations my whole life. I turn all of those doubts upside down.

When you let your past come in the way of current goals, your view of success may change. Yes, you will no longer consider your profession as a hobby and take it more seriously while working for what you need to survive on the side.

I've read a few articles where people wish they could reach success at an earlier age. Others believe youth is wasted on the young (In which, this is true on many occasions.). For those who think they wasted their youth on less productive endeavors, I salute you. Either you worked really hard to get where you're at right now or you had a great time and laughed. When I say this, I'm coming from the perspective of the youth. College, working retail/fast food jobs to pay rent, etc. is a major setback for people my age. I don't have the time nor resources to set my writing career into full motion. I don't have the funds to attend conferences, or the free time to do anything other than write the books. Looking up publishers and agents is very time-consuming. Every time you think you have a working list, another year passes and it's out of date. :)

In order to cope with the day to day stress, I've gone on a few writing hiatuses, (lasting from one to three months) in order to work more hours, go on vacation, etc. And I regretted every moment of it. Well, maybe not the vacation part. Anyways, wherever you are in life, don't give up on your dreams. Luckily, they don't have a deadline and are attainable at any age. I believe in sacrifice, but not at the expense of your whole being. I love writing so much. It's become a part of me more than anything else. I'd be lost without it.

Thank you so much for reading! Join me next time for the Naughty or Nice giveaway hop and another author confession! :)



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.

North & South (2004):
In this adaptation from Elizabeth Gaskell's novel set during the Victorian Industrial Revolution, Margaret Hale is forced to move to Milton, which is in the north. She takes offense to the people, and most of the time she does not agree with the handsome textile manager's, Mr. Thornton's, views. Although their difference in beliefs overwhelm them, there is a chemistry that ignites their passion.


Wuthering Heights (2009):
Given the choice between a life of comfort (with Edgar Linton) and a profound love (with Heathcliff), Cathy's actions have repercussions for multiple generations in this haunting story of turbulent passion and revenge.



Jane Eyre (2006):




Cranford (2007):


Persuasion (2007):

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.

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.

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.

I am an author, a poet, a singer, a musician, an artist, a dancer, and a gamer. I am considered a professional at only one. My talents define who I am, and have taught me something about my life.

As an author, the world is a story.
As a poet, the world is a myriad of senses.
As a singer, the world is a song.
As a musician, the world is a melody.
As an artist, the world is beautiful.
As a dancer, the world is your stage.
As a gamer, the world  is a potential playground.

I know I'm missing a lot of professions and your concept of the above can vary, but I'm just giving you my examples. Some people have to travel to experience the world, while some need only to read a book. Your experiences shape your view on the world and your life. They create the person that is you. Luckily, there can only be one you.

You are talented no matter what others say. Practice will always make you better at something. Knowledge is the key to success. Learn everything you can about something and try it before you say it is impossible. Anything is possible if you try.

Currently, I am working on my final edits. The task is tedious, but I've noticed a HUGE transformation in my book. Every word flows so much more beautifully within the context. The plot actually makes sense! My work has benefited from professional editing and I appreciate the two editors who've worked with me on To Love An Irishman these past eight months. Thank you.

My new website has launched and there is a page currently under construction. The blog tour page. Yes, folks, I will be trying my best to start one the week of my book's release date. I have two-three blogs in mind to contact, but if you know of any more, I'd love suggestions.

As always, thank you so much for reading.



Happy writing!
-Diva J.

Two months have passed since I submitted the first round edits to my editor. It feels like an eternity. I spent over a year writing and editing To Love An Irishman, and knowing I can't do anymore for it right now makes me feel like I'm missing a long lost friend. My writing friends have told me that it takes several months to receive the 2nd round edits, because those require more attention to grammar.

I don't know about you, but a lot can happen in several months. I hope to at least write another book and submit work to magazines. I do have a few short stories that need to be recognized and a website that needs to be completely reshaped. Oh, and did I mention? The day job is an endless shadow looming over me.

With so much to look forward to and to do on a daily basis it's no wonder many writers are stressed out!


According to a study by the Center for the New American Dream, more than 50% of Americans would be willing to take a day off work without pay in an effort to feel less stressed and have more time with their families.


Here are ten ways you can reduce stress at the workplace (or home offices):

1. Eat Right. When you allow yourself to choose unhealthy foods, you are decreasing your energy levels. During your lunch break, don't opt for the first candy bar you see in the vending machine.
2. Drink Less Caffeine. Coffee and sodas increase your stress levels. Choose to drink water instead.
3. Exercise. Just 10 minutes a day of walking could get your blood moving. Not to mention, your mind will get a break, too.
4. Eliminate Noise. It could be very distracting. Invest in some ear plugs or pull out the iPod and listen to your favorite tunes with headphones to decrease the outside noise.
5. Stretch. It helps relieve stiff muscles and reduce the tension that makes you stressed.
6. Simplify the Morning. Lay out the clothes you'd like to wear the night before, pack lunches, or just wake up 15 minutes earlier. Once you're organized, you're more focused on other less-stressful tasks.
7. Think Positive. Reflect on all the good things in your life; everything you have that makes it all worthwhile.
8. Breathe. Stress causes us to take shallow breaths. Just inhale deeply through the nose for eight seconds, then exhale slowly for sixteen. Concentrate on counting out one breath at a time.
9. Rest. Get enough sleep. They recommend for adults to get 6-8 hours of restful sleep a night.
10. Enjoy Life. Do something you love everyday to give yourself something to look forward to.

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.