Jax Cassidy

When writing a novel, one of the most important things for me is the music soundtrack. I like to make a playlist of songs that help guide me through the scenes. Most authors may find music distracting, but for me, I go stir crazy without it. It’s almost like a soothing drug and it keeps me focused. The rise and fall of the beats, the way the tempo changes seem to draw out more of my emotions so I can pour onto the pages…it makes the characters more vulnerable and honest…well, at least that’s what I believe.

I don’t know when I fell in love with music and sound but I honestly feel the world is a darker place without it. One of my favorite experiences is having the fortune of working with talented music producers who taught me how to write lyrics. I can proudly say I penned a few songs that the artist(s) recorded for demos. Somewhere in my sacred memory boxes—that is now safely locked in storage—holds some of those masterpieces. So learning the beauty of writing lyrics, working side-by-side with the artists and producers in the recording studio, and watching the technicians lay down the tracks was an amazing opportunity. Let me tell you, it’s hard work and once you get to hear the song played for the first time…it’s a high you can’t ever forget. Maybe it’s because the words I’ve written finally has a voice and like writing, the characters are speaking a musical language that I hope will capture my audience. Whatever the genre may be, the hero and heroine is revealing their life’s soundtrack on every page.

I hope when you read my stories you’ll be able to hear the music, feel it, and let my words stir those emotions within you…which tells me I’ve done my job…that I’ve transported you into the story and helped you erase the world around you at least for a few minutes, hours…

This year, I hope to bring more interesting and exciting stories. Stay tuned.

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.”
–Karen Ravn, Author

It’s the mid-way point in November and many of my friends and peers are participating in NaNoWriMo alongside moi. I can happily say that it’s been productive and although I’m busting butt, I still have to make sure I don’t get totally burnt out trying to perform. After all, I want to write a good story so regardless if I meet the 50,000 word count to win, I’m focusing on the quality. I’m not one to do a rough and dirty draft. I try to be a clean writer so it’s less editing work. The real truth is that I hate editing so, hence, the fanatical editing job before I reach the end. I’ve always worked that way so it will be difficult to break the habit. Right now, I’m at the half-way point in my manuscript so this post is appropriate in timing…

Okay, enough about writing…on to more important things…the holidays are coming! SQUEAL! Can you believe Thanksgiving is sneaking up on us and soon it’ll be Christmas. I’ll be honest, the holidays isn’t about the gifts for me but something more meaningful. It’s about being surrounded by family and enjoying each other’s company. It’s about that happy feeling that accompanies the winter season, when the Christmas trees and lights come up and decorations line the streets. Yes, this kid at heart will always see the magic of the holidays.

I hope this Thanksgiving you’ll make more happy memories and pass the tradition on for seasons to come!

Until next time!

‎”Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
—Steve Jobs

We are about two and a half months closer to the end of the year and I’m trying to meet my goal of learning something new. I’ve spent a little bit of time working in the music industry and one of the things I loved most was writing lyrics. Of course, some of the songs I’ve written will never be released due to the talent quitting the music industry, but at least I have the tracks archived. It’s a great reminder that I was lucky to have worked with talented producers in New York, had my music listened to by music execs, and I was so close to having a career as a lyricist. But we all know that the road traveled always has intersections leading elsewhere…

Although I’ve had some music training, I never pursued it further. I’ve always wanted to learn the guitar but never seemed to find the time to take lessons. This year I decided I’d learn the basics so that I could play a few notes. I’m sure I’ll get better in time but what I dream of doing is writing music to accompany my lyrics…so this was a great opportunity to put it on my “to do” list this year. Unfortunately, I have very small hands, so my short fingers has made it difficult to play on a regular sized guitar. Thus the delay has led to me in search of a smaller guitar that will fit me just right. While I’m searching for the perfect fit, I’m learning the basics in between all my work load and writing.

I supposed I’m a bit obsessed when it comes to learning. I’m not afraid to tackle things once I set my mind to it and I will do whatever it takes to accomplish the goal. It’s the part of my brain that is persistent so I feel confident I will be satisfied with the end result. Strumming the guitar has this sort of relaxing effect so it really helps me get into the mindset of the character I’m writing about. A rock star who is tired of playing the kind of music his record label wants him to play, when all he would love to do is play the songs he really wants to. This part of my research is always fun–and I get to pick up something new in the process. How I see it, it’s a win-win.

How about you? Have you made a goal this year and accomplishing it?

Until next time, I’ll be cheering you on…