Today please help me welcome the talented Jax Cassidy to the blog.
I love spending time with other writer friends because it’s so easy to talk to them. Well, simply because my non-writer friends don’t necessarily understand the mind of a writer. There’s also a comfort level knowing they don’t judge you when you have a conversation with your characters in public.
Recently, I’ve stepped outside my circle and have made friends with non-writers. It’s always interesting to me when they ask about my profession. I love their awed expression after I tell them I’m a romance writer. I really don’t know what goes on inside their head but the reactions have always been positive…so there’s a bit of relief. In fact, most of the time, they’re impressed that I’ve finished a book and it’s available for the world to purchase. I have to say it does give me a sense of accomplishment because they’re genuinely supportive that I’m the creative one in the group.
I love the diversity of my friends and enjoy answering questions about writing and the industry. It makes me happy that I’m able to share my knowledge about the myriad of genres and everything that I’ve learned first-hand about publishing.
However, I can’t help but feel that every so often there are a handful of folks who have wild perceptions about me being an erotic author. I can see it in their eyes the questions whizzing around in their brains. Is my sex life as kinky? Do I practice what I write? Am I as promiscuous as my characters? Does writing erotic romance equate to being ‘easy’?
Heck, in the beginning I felt oddly uncomfortable. Yet, the more I experienced that kind of reaction, the more I was able to handle the situation. You either own it or you retreat to your comfort zone, your safe circle. Maybe I’ve been exposed to this type of curiosity for way too long so I’m not going to run from it. In fact, writing sensual romance has made me grow as a person. I’m not embarrassed about embracing my femininity nor should I repress my desires and needs. There’s nothing wrong or embarrassing if I had an active sex life. Whether it’s kinky or not, that’s my prerogative as long as I’m responsible about it and I’m not hurting anyone else. Of course, real life isn’t always as exciting as the romances we read. That’s why it’s called fiction.
I realize I can’t change people’s perception of me but I’m not going to sit idly by while they judge me without knowing the true me. That’s when I’m grateful for the opportunities to educate people about romance, the different genres, and all the ups and downs of publishing. The more inquisitive they are, the more I’m able to give them insight into my world. It’s truly a great conversation piece and I’m proud of writing about love and romance. I’m sure that in the next ten to twenty years I’ll still love what I do. I’d never be ashamed of writing books that will help people escape for a little while, address subject matters that needs to be discussed, or bring back the intimacy in their lives.
The idea that I’m able to share my love of writing, to share my stories to people who have never discovered romance until they’ve met me is an awesome feeling. If I can get others to branch out and give romance fiction a try, I’m certain I’ve just influenced a whole new group of readership that may someday introduce my world to theirs.
ABOUT JAX
Jax Cassidy followed her dreams to Paris, then Hollywood to pursue a film career but managed to fall in love with penning sexy romances and happy endings. She writes contemporary, paranormal, & historical romances and is Co-Founder of Romance Divas, an award winning writer’s website and discussion forum. Jax is also known as one-half of the retired writing team of Cassidy Kent. She is represented by Roberta Brown of the Brown Literary Agency.
www.jaxcassidy.com
FLOURISH will be available October 2013 through Raven Books. More information about the book is available at www.jaxcassidy.com
5 comments:
Great post, Jax. It always interesting to hear how other authors respond when people ask them what they do or what they write. I agree, you've got to own it! :-)
Nice to meet you, Jax. I understand what you mean about the "comfort level." Other writers get our madness.
When someone asks me how I do my research (always followed by a snide "he, he"), I tell them I use the same method Gene Roddenberry used to research Klingons: my imagination.
Thanks for stopping by Tracey, David, & Ruth! It's nice meeting you all, too.
Ruth--your response gave me a giggle. I'll have to try that next time. LOL
Tracey--"Owning it" is the only way to show your confidence and love of what you do :)
David--our madness makes us very special. ^-^
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