Q&A with Jax Cassidy!

For Sage, attending the Parisian sex club, Plaisirs Sombres, was the ultimate fantasy. So when the conservative gallery assistant is cloaked behind the velvet mask, she never expected to be the object of the club owner’s desire. Spurred on by D.S. Gregoire’s erotic and sensual brush strokes of the exclusive club, she gives into a brief liaison that leaves her breathless and wanting.

For Damien, known to the art world as D.S. Gregoire, his art has always been an adrenaline rush. But when an exotic and mysteriously uninhibited ’sex club virgin’ enters his establishment, he is willing to break his club rules for another taste of the dark pleasures she brings him.

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Jax, Thank-you for agreeing to an author interview today.

Thanks so much for inviting me, Greta!

Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself?

Before I wrote romance, I dabbled in acting, screenwriting, event planning, public relations, comic book modeling, music management, etc… As a creative person, I think it’s important to take the leap and experiment, even if it takes me out of my comfort zone. I love traveling and try to incorporate exotic locales into my writing as much as possible.

Besides being a freelance artist and graphic designer, I’m also Co-Founder of ROMANCE DIVAS, an award winning writer’s website and discussion forum. I’m a firm believer in giving back to the community whenever possible. Whether I’m actively involved with writers or charities, it provides a sense of purpose in my life.

How long have you been writing?

I’m going to sound like every author I know, I started writing as soon as I was able to string two sentences together. My mother is a great storyteller so naturally I was drawn to weaving stories. I wrote romances even before I knew what it was. If it weren’t for my middle school teacher who planted that seed into my head, I would have never pursued writing. I don’t think teachers get as much appreciation and recognition for their efforts. Thanks for the push, Ms. Cherry!

What is your writing process like?

Most authors have a routine but I don’t necessarily follow one. I pretty much write whenever I feel like writing. If I’m stuck I try to find a creative outlook like painting, graphic design, or crafts.

I’m an idea person. Whenever something triggers an idea, the entire story shapes up in my head then and there. I’m a true organic writer aka panster. I normally don’t write a synopsis or outline until after I’m done with the project, but I have been known to do it for the more challenging storylines. I guess I’m a rebel that way. I used to never brainstorm with others but nowadays I do it with my other half. Can’t beat having a personal editor!

Can you tell us about your newest release Brush Strokes?

This is probably one of my favorite short stories. Since Paris was my first international home, I enjoy using it as a backdrop whenever possible. I love writing about Europe, or other exotic settings, and I do my best to give my readers that jet setting experience.

Brush Strokes is about a conservative heroine with a hidden promiscuous streak and a brooding artist who is a combination of Mr. Darcy and the Beast.  Two of my favorite leading men. The story takes place in an exclusive sex club that is loosely based off of a real one in Paris. I took liberties in making it even sexier than it is.

You can find details about the release, blurb, and an excerpt here: http://jaxcassidy.com/books/brush-strokes/

Do you have any other books releasing this year?

At the moment, I don’t have another release set but it doesn’t mean there won’t be. 🙂  Stay tuned.

What are you currently working on?

I just wrapped up a paranormal series my agent is shopping around. I will have a contemporary and a YA that will be added to her plate as soon as I get it written. This is the year where I’m planning for the future and not faced with deadline hell as in past years. I’m also going to write a few paranormal novellas that will feature shape shifters, vampires, and psychics with an Asian flavor.

Where do you get your ideas for your books?

I get ideas from the real life, news, magazines, television, movies…just about anything really. Sometimes I have more ideas than I can write but it doesn’t mean I won’t try to attempt as many as possible.

As an author, you must be an avid reader. What books do you enjoy reading? Who are your auto-buy authors?

I used to be a voracious reader. I guess one of the pitfalls of being contracted is that you spend more time writing and less time actually reading. I have a huge TBR list and it takes me a few months to get through a book. I enjoy contemporaries and historicals. I don’t read many paranormal books but when I do I’ve read Sherrilyn Kenyon and Karen Marie Moning. I’m a big fan of Lynn Kurland and her time travels, which is always an auto-buy for me.

What books are on your keeper shelf?

I’m a book hoarder. There are too many authors that I adore so I can’t just name a few. However, I can’t live without Pride & Prejudice.

What was the first romance book you read or the one book that has stood the test of time for you?
Gosh, I believe the very first romance I read was an excerpt of Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’  A ROSE IN WINTER in Cosmopolitan magazine. That’s the one story that got me hooked and fascinated about this whole genre. I would have to say that the first romance book I read cover to cover was one I lifted from my then sister-in-law during summer break. The Harlequin category was Satan’s Master by Carole Mortimer and I still have it today.

If your book was made into a movie, which actors would like to see as the lead characters?

Hummmm, that’s tough. I would have to say Gerard Butler as Damien and Maggie Q as Sage.

If you could switch lives with one of your characters who would if be & why?

I love all the heroines I write but I’m particularly fond of Diana in DOLCE & DIANA in the SUNSWEPT anthology. Secretly, I love to cook and growing up in the restaurant industry it was easy to dream about opening my own restaurant on a tropical island. I’d love to wake up to a killer ocean view and just enjoy each day in tranquility.

When you are not writing or reading, what do you enjoying doing in your spare time?

I don’t paint nearly as much as I used to and I miss doing art shows. I’m an abstract artist but I also love creating whimsical lifestyle art that empower women. I also enjoy photography but mostly I’m an adrenaline junkie. I’ve done everything from bungee jumping, skydiving, snorkeling to indoor rock climbing. I’ve slowed down a bit the last two years but I hope to be able to do more fun things in the future.

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?

What can I write to get you hooked? 🙂

Where can readers find you on the internet?

Website: www.jaxcassidy.com
Blog: www.jaxadora.blogspot.com
Social Sites: www.romancedivas.com
www.twitter.com/jaxcassidy
www.facebook.com/jaxcassidy

***Leave a comment answering Jax’s question for a chance to win a download copy of Brush Strokes! Good luck 😀