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As you all know, I'm finishing my first book.

This past week I've been rounding out my research with documentaries, interviews, and reading several books. I needed to fill in the gaps of my knowledge about the National Security Agency (NSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). I also did some digging into international rebel groups, particularly those in South African countries. Lastly, I did research on conflict diamonds, which included the Kimberly Process and domestic and international laws.

Needless to say I am tired.

I'm certain I have information seeping out of my ears; however, I know it is necessary to deliver a realistic and entertaining story. All in all, things have been moving according to schedule. I have my test readers eagerly waiting for their copies and I find myself scared half to death after watching a documentary about the NSA's handling of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Let me explain....

Black Diamond has a subplot that toys with the tension between the FBI and the CIA. To assist in creating the agency tension between the characters, I decided to watch several documentaries.

I popped popcorn, grabbed a Diet Coke, pen and paper, and settled in for a night of learning. Things were going well until I tried to go to sleep. After watching several hours of footage regarding the NSA's and FBI's handling of the 9/11 I found it extremely hard to sleep. I felt like someone was watching.

I know, it sounds a bit kooky but I felt like that crazy 80's song...you know that one..."I always feel like somebody's watching me..."

Despite my little scare, my research is almost complete, and I'm sure I don't have to spell out why I have decided to watch my documentaries during the day (::laughing::)....
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Caramel Surprise 01/21/2010
 
Caramel Surprise | Romance Short Story | JaNese Dixon | Anthology
Coming May 2010
Writing is a self-generating process. Once you start, it takes on this magnetic life of its own.

I started writing Black Diamond, actually that not totally true, I started writing Intoxicated, which lead to Black Diamond and now I've finished my first short story slated for publication titled Caramel Surprise. (YEAH!)

Caramel Surprise is a romance short story about Sandra James, owner of a quaint coffee shop in Houston, Texas. Sandra is going through "the change" -- not menopause -- when you look around and notice that your life is not quite what you thought it would be. She has a wonderful business, however, she believes it's missing something. She will enlist the help of her best friends to fill the void in her otherwise perfect life.

Back to the think tank I go. Remember,  "Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.” (unknown author)
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Black Diamond | Romantic Suspense | JaNese Dixon | May 2010
Coming May 2010
Black Diamond is kind of official. I have inked a contract to have it published. I'm still in shock. I am starting the editing process and I still wonder how did I get here. I sat to write a novel as a challenge and now I should see my work in print by mid-year.

Check out the new book cover posted on the Black Diamond page.

I have a lot of work to complete before submitting the completed book to the publisher. My plan is simple. Edit. Send copies to my test readers. Then hand a exciting, blood rushing, heart jumping, book to the publisher in April.

Wish me luck.

I have begun outlining my next book. Actually, that's not the full truth. My next full length novel is a work in progress (WIP), I started writing it months ago. I put it down to start "Black Diamond." (It's a long story.)  I plan to take sometime and work on it before rounding out my book of short stories.

Basically, I'm busy and I am full of joy and excitement for what's to come.
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NaNoWriMo was like a cult. I'm being slightly drastic in my assessment but I found that while writing in the challenge I forsake a lot of my responsibilities. (smile) Now, I am facing the consequences. I am now spending time getting my life in order, then I'll jump back into updating my website.

My Website Change

I expect more to come on my website. I want my work to translate clearly on my website, which is why I decided to move from the blogging platform to a traditional website. 

I'm excited about bringing my ideas here, and sharing them with you. 

Writing

I am working hard to outline my 2010 plans. I am writing on Black Diamond and outlining another couple of stories. I've been accepted in an anthology scheduled for June 2010 release. I also have a couple of ongoing offers to guest blog on several blogs.

I'll share more about my plans soon.

Blogging

What do you think of this blogging platform? It's basic, almost archaic but like the intimacy of my words being delivered with little interruption. I may add a snazzy-dazzy blog...may be. 

For now, I will use this blog in the traditional sense. I want to use it to share my voice, my plans, my successes, my failures. Is that too much to ask?

I love visiting the fancy blogs, heck, I build many of them. But as a reader, I mess just visiting and reading posts and finding inspiration. So, I've decided to create an atmosphere that I would love to visit as a reader. It may be plain for some (i.e., boring) and novel (i.e., exciting, new, bold) for others. I reserve judgment. For now, I am enjoying my space. I hope you do too.

More to Come...

Writing, writing, writing. I spent the last week working on several projects for work. I find that I go into extreme modes of planning and research. I dedicated many hours to considering what I want for my career and work as a writer. An author.

It brings to mind my dream board from last year. I put some goals on it and I've noticed that most of them came true. I created the board, and I used it as the screensaver on my computer. However, after a few months I removed it. I decided to print it and review it again. I was blown away at the results of this year.

The New Year is coming soon and I don't plan to make resolutions but written goals. And since I've bragged about this intimate platform, I'll share them here, with you.

What are you plans for the New Year? I'd love to "hear" them.
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