Romance Divas has a lot to be thankful for, including a full group of friends in our virtual universe.

This year we want to wish you and your family a happy, safe, and memorable holiday full of laughter and love.

Thank you to the men and women that serve our country so we could have these freedoms. We hope you will stay safe and come back home to celebrate with your love ones.

We want to thank our members for your loyalty and love and we are happy you are able to grow with us!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Romance Divas

It’s true. My husband has beautiful skin. — Gwen Hayes

It is true. Mr. Royals has nice skin. (but that doesn’t explain the bacne or buttock bumps) — Leigh Royals

Is THAT why Mr. Toni has such great skin? *runs off to fill up on beans* — Toni Sue

You know, I think the Divas may have inadvertently stumbled upon a previously-unknown and un-guessed-at beauty secret, because Hairyman lays some epic farts, and has almost never had a pimple. — Trisha

……collected by Jenna from the Romance Divas Forum

You just wrapped up Fast Draft and you’ve re-read your manuscript. What do you do next? You go to Romance Divas and join in on Candace Haven’s Revision Hell workshop.

All you have to do is register and it’s FREE!

What are you waiting for?

ART OF SENSUALITY
by Jax Cassidy
Release date: November 17^th
ISBN: 978-1-6004-3044-2
Publisher: Parker Publishing

Art was not only a passion of Machiko Barrett, but also a destiny- a way of life she has known since her talent was discovered at 3-years-old. Caught in a turbulent storm of celebrity, scandal, and corruption, she disappeared from the art world only to re-emerge 15 years later. Her sheltered existence is disrupted when she is lured back to her one true passion: painting.

While she struggles to discover her own identity through her art, she encounters a man who opens her eyes to the art of sensuality, and awakens the woman buried deep inside the broken girl.

Jax Cassidy is a multi-published author and has written under the pen name Cassidy Kent. She is Co-Founder of Romance Divas, an award winning romance writer’s website and discussion forum. In between skydiving for charity and campaigning against human trafficking, she enjoys the company of close friends and indulges her caffeine fix at the nearest cafe. An avid traveler and an adventurous spirit, Jax has drawn inspiration from her experiences and often blends the exotic mix of Eastern and Western lifestyles into her writing. When she isn’t locked up in her office penning her latest manuscript, Jax can be found creating abstract paintings for future art shows, or dividing her time between California, Texas, and Florida.

For more information on Jax, visit her website at www.jaxcassidy.com or blog at www.jaxadora.blogspot.com

Since Heather is currently on a US tour, I had the pleasure of speaking with her while she was in NY. She has proven that perserverance, a lot of hard work and determination goes a long way. The proof is in the final product. Speaking to her made me want to return to Paris and brought me back to those years I had the pleasure of indulging. If I had the guidebook then, I would have taken advantage of exploring the city further. She stirred memories that will help me adequately describe in my current contemporary set in Paris.

If you have never owned a guidebook, you might want to consider picking this one up because it works well as both a guidebook and author’s reference book. I’m already looking forward to purchasing her future guidebooks to line my shelf

And now, the interview with Heather Stimmler-Hall….

You have an extensive and impressive background in travel writing. How did you get started and did you always know you wanted to write?

I studied journalism and worked at magazines and newspapers while I was in college, so I have a pretty traditional background as a generalist. I didn’t specifically do travel writing until I was at ELLE.com.

How did you enjoy working for Elle.com as a travel editor?

The world of fashion is very different from the world of news, lol! I liked having the chance to write about travel for such a well known website, but at the same time I also realized right away that I didn’t like combining work and vacation; there’s really too much work involved in researching and writing good travel pieces to be able to relax and enjoy it on vacation. I only write about where I live now.

What propelled you to move to Paris and do private tours?

I moved to Paris as a student, about three years before I eventually worked at ELLE. I went freelance in 2000 and moved to the Riviera for almost four years. When I moved back to Paris in 2004 I felt like I needed a break from my writing and felt the need to connect with the people I was writing for so I got a job giving tours for other companies for about a year before doing my own thing. It seems that’s my professional path in life – work for someone else, decide I can do it better, and voila, I work for myself.

You lead private tours through the city, how are your clientele and their reaction to some of the locales you take them to? Are they specifically requested.

Not sure I get this question. I do custom tours, specifically planned for each client. So there is always an idea from them what they want to see and do. I really enjoy it when they tell me they feel like they never would have experienced the city in the same way on their own.

What made you want to write Naughty Paris? What gave you the inspiration to move ahead with this?

I had a lot of readers of my Secrets of Paris newsletter (which I’ve been writing since 1999) ask me about the naughtier side of Paris, and was convinced a book in English would find an audience. There is already a guide in French but it’s more hard core and written for men. I really wanted to have a female focused guide because I think women have a special relationship with Paris that men don’t. We are inspired by the history, the fashion, the beauty and atmosphere of the city. It’s not just about sex; it’s a city where women are encouraged to embrace their inherent sexiness.

How difficult was it for you to get this book launched? Did you encounter any pitfalls along the way?

It took over three years to do the guide. There were many false starts, changes in the tone and content of the book, a co-author who eventually backed out to work on her novel, and the ups and downs with finding an agent and looking for a good publishing deal. I eventually, as usual, thought I could do it better myself and started a small publishing company in Paris. It took awhile and more false starts, but eventually I got together the team that worked on the book with me, including the photographer (Kirsten Loop from Toronto), the designers (TheBookDesigners from San Francisco) and a team of editors. My friends volunteered to model for the guide, and many friends gave me the encouragement and advice I needed; I’m lucky to have many friends in publishing! Since I ended up doing all of the text in the end, it did take longer than I thought it would, often taking a backseat to my own travel writing and guiding work.

What demographic do you want to target in writing this travel guide since it’s not a typical one a traveler would find?

I wrote it for English-speaking women who love Paris, whether they go all of the time or just dream of it. The guide targets the “Sex & the City” generation of women – 35-55 years old – who are confident, independent, a little sassy, a little daring….women who want to have fun, but still remain ladies, lol!

Your book is amazing and insightful. It’s eloquently written. I noticed some of your venues are private clubs that are quite risqué. Did you do research in these places?

I visited every place before I put it in the guide. That’s a must in the travel industry. Some writers try to research online, but if you want your guide to be useful to your readers, you have to speak from experience. Having said that, “research” doesn’t mean “participating”.

Did you go to the clubs for the first time and what was the experience like? How did the regular clients view your attendance?

I had never visited these clubs before I started researching the guide, and you usually need to be in a couple to visit them. Luckily I found a couple of regulars who know the owners of these clubs, so they got me in and showed me around. People were very polite and respectful. I was often invited to participate – everyone spots the new girl quickly in these clubs – but no one pressures you if you prefer to watch.

Did you know about any of these venues in Paris or was it an interesting discovery through others?

I always knew these places existed. They are in every district in Paris and not at all hidden. I had simply never been inside.

I enjoyed the breakdowns and bits of history. It gives the book a very unique spin. Your observations on the French men are entertaining. What misconceptions would you like to clarify that most Americans might view the French?

I think the American view of flirting makes us assume that sex is the goal, but even though the French love to flirt, it’s not always because they want to sleep with you. Sometimes it’s just for fun, a form of polite flattery.

You are currently on a book tour, how are people receiving your travel guide?

I’ve been getting a lot of good feedback, but obviously most people were more focused on election day, lol! I have three more events in NY, Philly and DC, and there are already a lot of people who have RSVPd, so that’s promising. All of the parties (they’re in cocktail bars instead of bookstores) are listed on my website’s events page (www.naughtyparisguide.com).

I found this travel guide more than just a guide but a reference book. The information is very specific and your research can help bring a reality to the author’s story. As a romance writer, I found this book to be useful in guiding me to research online. What are your tips on how it may help a writer who is researching about Paris?

I would recommend not only visiting, but reading as many contemporary novels set in Paris as possible (unless you’re writing historic romances, of course). French magazines can be helpful, like ELLE and Vogue, if you read French. And if you’re going to mention specific streets and a character’s drive or walk along a certain route, check a map! Dan Brown got a lot of simple geography wrong in DaVinci Code, lol!

What are your plans for the future? Any more Naughty guides?

I’m still working on getting Naughty Paris out there, but I have started looking for writers for Naughty London and Naughty New York. I may also do a special collection of Naughty Paris stories contributed by women who have come to Paris and used the book…if there are any of you out there already, send them to me at naughtyparis@gmail.com

Any advice for people who would like to do freelance writing? How can they get started?

I got into freelancing the old fashioned way, by working first as a staff writer and editor. You can’t work from home that way, but it gives you the legitimacy and the contacts that make freelancing so much easier. It never hurts to take some writing classes in the field you’re interested in as well, but stick with established schools with solid reputations and avoid at all costs any classes that try and sell you the “get paid to travel!” myth. It’s a real job, travel writing, and hobbyists who are just into it for the freebies never get very far.

Any last plugs for your readers?

If you’re in Paris, check the websites, both www.naughtyparisguide.com and www.secretsofparis.com for events. I usually host at least one ladies happy hour each month, and it’s a great way to meet a mix of locals and tourists.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Read, read, read lots of good writing. It can’t help but rub off on you.

  Interviewed by Jax

The Ghouls are out and kids will be knocking at your door in a few short hours…

Hope this Halloween will be a safe and festive one!

Cheers,

Romance Divas

My friend Jeff Rivera’s new book Forever My Lady was released today and I had the opportunity to interview him regarding his first print release through WarnerBooks/Grand Central.

Jeff has lived a fascinating life and his background is quite inspiring. Just read his bio and you’ll understand what I’m talking about. His book Forever My Lady was wonderfully written through a unique voice that is new and refreshing. He’s gotten a lot of rave reviews, including 5 stars by Amazon.com’s #1 Book Reviewer Ms. Harriet Klausner, and his dedication to getting his work out there has garnered him a reputation as someone to keep an eye on.

FOREVER MY LADY is a passionate story of a juvenile deliquent named Dio who is sentenced to prison boot camp. Everyone who he has ever trusted has given up on him except one special girl that promises to stay by his side no matter what, the love of his life, Jennifer. He promises he will turn his life around for her and she promises will never leave him. In fact, they plan to marry one day. But when Dio is released from boot camp he discovers Jennifer is about to marry someone else.

For a chance to win his autographed book, all you have to do is post a comment. Winner will be announced on October 31st!

Here’s Jeff’s recent interview for your enjoyment…

What inspired you to go in the direction of writing romance and not mainstream fiction?
I’m a lover of love. I am a softy when it comes to that sort of thing. I believe in it. I really believe in soul mates, twin flames all that kind of stuff. I don’t want to believe it’s just a fantasy, I think it really exists.
 
Do you get any negative reaction to a man writing romance, which is not the norm?
Not all. I think I’ve received more curiousity about it. As in, how could YOU write about romance. One thing women have to realize is that men have the exact same feelings as women we just have been conditioned to mask our feelings. And it might surprise many women to believe that I know a lot of guys that secretly love love stories and would die for their women or men whichever is the case. I know a lot of men that wouldn’t even think about cheating on their women they’re too in love with them it’s just hard for them to express themselves. 

How did you feel when you got ‘the call’? What did you do?
I felt like I was dreaming, quite frankly. I got the call when I was at my day job and it happened just like I had visualized for it to happen, that’s why I didn’t believe it when it happened. 

You wrote Forever My Lady as a love story. Did you think about writing another genre for your first novel?
I had several stories in my mind to write my first novel but this one kept coming to me in my sleep. It was as if Forever My Lady was alive and begging to come out. Nothing’s worse for a writer than a nagging story.
 
You seem like a rare romantic guy. Why is that?
I am a romantic guy and I love treating the love in my life the way they deserve. Now, I like to be treated well too. I think it should be a two way street but I get a lot of pleasure out of seeing people happy. I guess that’s the good part of being a people-pleaser.

What kind of food do you like?
I love Indian food, that’s my favorite, second to that would be Italian or maybe Mexican food, Soul food is great too.  Just bring on the food. I’m a human garbage disposal (just leave the veggies out I’m very picky about my veggies).
 
What is your ideal idea of a great date?
I think a perfect date would be a great dinner at a nice restaurant with long deep conversations about life and the way it works and where we are in our lives. Followed by hours and hours of passionate, steamy …. laughing!

Where can my readers find Forever My Lady?
They can get a copy of Forever My Lady at Amazon.com, bookstores everywhere or www.JeffRivera.com
 
Who or what inspires you?
My family inspires me and what inspires me just as much is when I visit the schools and see all the young people out there that look up to me in some way that’s what keeps me motivated to keep writing.
 
What are you reading right now?
I’m currently reading (in my stack of books) a book called Ghost Radio along with a bunch of non-fiction books.
 
What advice would you offer to the unpublished romance writer?
I would say choose a genre that sells but turn the genre on its head, make a twist on the genre and choose one that you’re passionate about writing. People can sense when something comes from your heart and when you just want to make a quick buck.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
How boring my life is. Haha! I mean, yeah I do the social parties, the nights out on the town with friends in New York City, the power lunch meetings but other than that I’m locked in my room writing or procrastinating on the computer.

What’s up next in your writing future?
I’m really looking to write more love stories and stuff for young people, it’s what I love.

Interviewed by Jax Cassidy

1. construction worker
2. fireman
— Elaina Huntley

3. actor
4. model
5. doctor
6. sculptor
7. military
8. UPS guy
9. singer/musician
10. Is vampire a profession?
11. athlete
12. personal trainer
13. tennis coach
14. superhero
15. cowboy
16. there is always at least one hunk working the produce dept at grocery stores
– Gwen Hayes

17. Cop
18. An outdoorsman, like a River Rafting Guide.
19. Rancher
— Patricia Parkinson

20. Major League Baseball Player, of course!
21. Cowboy
22. Professional Soccer Player (Becks, anyone??)
23. Policeman
24. Utility Lineman
— Cynthia Hamer

25. Special forces
26. Gov agent
27. Boxer (hey, it works)
28. Mechanics
29. lumber jack
30. CEO
31. hunter
32. carpenter
33. pilots
— Inez Kelley

34. Navy SEAL!
— Dawn Halliday

35. Boys who write are hot too.
– Gwen Hayes

36. EMT
37. Physical Therapist (VERY physical!)
38. Veterinarian
39. Editor or Reporter (Newspaper, Magazine)
40. Architect
41. Agriculture is good, if the crop is sexy (no, not THAT kind of a crop!) like a vineyard owner or orchard owner
42. Chef/restaurant owner - how about a male chocolatier?
43. Bookstore owner
— Word Sugar

44. Lifeguard
45. Bartender
46. Landscape Architect
47. Masseur
48. French/Italian tutor/instructor/teacher
— Ella Drake

…it got a little crazy, Ciar Cullen was challenged to write a story with a professional bowler as your hero. Billy Murray comb-over optional.

…and then Word Sugar got inspired…

LIFE IN THE “FAST LANE”
(New from HarlequinsSpoof Dec. 08!)

When Stud and Busty set out to solve the mystery, sparks fly - will Busty learn to trust again, and can Stud handle more than balls - can they handle TRUE LOVE?!

……collected by Jenna from the Romance Divas Forum

* If you collect names from spam e-mails to give to future characters … you might be a writer.

* If you buy baby name books at garage sales, even though you’re long done with having children … you might be a writer.

* If you consistently and purposely sit in the corner at meetings so you can write in your notebook while they ramble … you might be a writer.

* If the thought of being stuck at McDonald’s Playland without something to write on gives you cold sweats … you might be a writer.

* If you do a rough draft of your grocery list … you might be a writer.

* If you edit your rough draft of your grocery list with a red pen … you might have some disorder that required medication … but you’re probably a writer.

* If you check your e-mail before you check your kid’s homework … you might be a writer.

* If you mark up the school newsletter and send it back with edits … you might be a writer. (Also likely to get stuck in charge of the newsletter.)
—– Lyra Marlowe

* If your car has a blow out in the median of a busy street and all you can think of while you wait for the tow truck driver (because you bought a stupid car with no spare) is that you’re glad you printed out that 300+ pages of edits to work on in times like these
—- Lauren Murphy

* If you can make something as boring as an information technology interview sexually explicit and interesting… you might be a romance writer

* If look at people and automatically begin doing character sketches outlining their whole lives…

* If you spend $50 or more at the bookstore and call that “research”…

* If you sit for hours in the same position on a hard, punishing wood chair and come away excited…

* If your first thought at an evening alone is excitement because you finally can get your writing done.
—–April Morelock

* If you start to get woozy while donating blood and your first thought is, “I have to take notes on what this feels like”

* If you forget your purse (along with wallet and keys) in a restaurant and your first thought is, “Oh thank God, my notebook’s in the car”
—–Aislinn Kerry

* If your partner is jealous of your computer… you might be a writer

* If you find your imaginations coming alive while either, washing the toilet, having a shower or doing something mundane… you might be a writer

* If you see a guy on a Harley and make up story about his life… you might be a writer

* If you get your partner into bed and mentally log what s/he is doing … you might be an erotic writer

* If you plot out how to end an annoying person’s life… you might be a thriller/RS writer

* If you’d rather work with plot-bunnies rather than the dust-bunnies whirling through your house.. you might be a writer *but who can blame you right?*

* If you have spent all day in your pj’s and lived on coffee for the day… you might be a writer.. on a deadline.
—–Jodici Belle

……collected by Jenna from the Romance Divas Forum

After sending out 10 emails and receiving no word, I emailed Crystal Jordan: HELP! So she lined up two faboo authors for me, and then a Tor editor. Then I started receiving replies to my own invitations. SEVEN authors later, we were full to capacity. The workshop was (I think!) a raging success.

Not that there weren’t bumps in the road, but they were smoothed out, and I don’t think anyone felt the pinch. (Okay, well, I might have stressed a little, but as that old commercial used to say “Never let them see you sweat.”) So all’s well that ends well.

It was, however, very strange to sit with these Authors…authors I’ve read my entire life (Piers Anthony!), authors I’ve recently begun reading (Gail Dayton, Robin D Owens) authors I devoured just a few months back (Maria V. Snyder, Michelle Sagara), and an author who I knew by reputation, and have admired for her pioneering - Catherine Asaro. Not to mention an editor for Tor (which is, I’m certain, the Mothership to which I’ll be called home one day.) It was strange for a few reasons:

They’re people. Many of them are parents and/or married people. They each had fears and frustrations. They each worked HARD to get where they are.

And no matter where they are on their writing road…so far ahead I’m eating their dust, most of them…we had things in common. We’re all writers, regardless of where we are on our journey, and that was rather amazing. To realise I’m not a squeeing fangirl in the moshpit, like at a rock concert. Instead, I’m an equal, albeit one who has a long way to go.

THAT is what I hope each member of RD can take away from that workshop, and now, perhaps by reading this post, people who didn’t attend can take it away, too. Regardless of whether you’ve sold or not, whether you’re a best seller or not, whether you’ve eight books or one hundred and thirty-seven…we’re all writers. There is a comraderie there. Do not be intimidated, because we have something The Same.