Interview: Cindy Jacks

Every blog needs a little distraction every once in a while. This week The Diaries went to the expert on the subject, author Cindy Jacks. With her Point of Distraction series from Lyrical Press, Cindy has been heating up ereaders and melting hard drives everywhere. Heck, the minute she stepped into the offices, Jmo plopped the A/C down to a brisk 32 and, to all of ours shame, is standing around in his skivvies and waving a Sherrilyn Kenyon hand fan. For Cindy’s sake, I’ve made Jmo put on some pants and told him casual Fridays does not mean we get that casual.

TMD: Cindy welcome to the Diaries. We‘re so glad you could join us. Yes, I know. Just ignore the Spongebob Underoos. Lord knows I have. Jmo put those pants on right now or I’m tossing out your Oreo stash.

CJ: Oh don’t get dressed on my account! I’m digging Jmo’s briefs, though I’m wondering why Spongebob is all stretched out like that. Perhaps it’s best not to ask, lol. Anyhoo, thanks Morgan and Jmo for having me here!

TMD: Cindy we love Ana the heroine from the POD series. She’s a hot hip woman who's always game for...well...a game. As avid followers of the series, we just got to know. Will Ana ever find her man? Or men?

CJ: Well, Ana does burn a hot streak through some of the most eligible bachelors in the DC area (and elsewhere in a couple tales), but by the end of the fourth book, she allows herself to fall head-over-heels for one of them. I’m soooo dying to blurt out who it is, but I can’t. Argh!

TMD: what inspired you to write this series? The whole concept is so refreshing and who can't help but live vicariously through Ana? Is there a specific person or event which inspired each episode?

CJ: It’s funny you mention living vicariously through Ana because she was originally created for me to do just that. The series came from a collection of short stories I wrote to entertain myself and my best friend during my ‘Corporate Whore’ (CW) phase. Like Ana, my job was lucrative, but boring and unfulfilling. Hence the title: Point of Distraction, since I spent many an hour distracted by Ana’s adventures.

Almost all the characters are based on people I know. Sometimes they’re an amalgamation of a few different people. A lot of the side plots and personal touches are also based on true events. For example, in book three, Ana goes to a high school reunion and someone immediate spills a glass of red wine down the front of her dress. That actually happened to me at my ten-year reunion. The moment I walked in the door. So I spent the night with a huge stain on the front of my dress. Or in another tale a young man sends to Ana’s office a bunch of Dragonball Z balloons and a bouquet of porn. Yep, that one happened to me, too. Stressed my assistant out to no end, lol.

Jmo pssst... in Morgan O's ear.

Morgan O: Okay, since you got your pants on. Jmo wants to know if Ana thinks a man confident in his own masculinity to wear Spongebob underoos is hot

CJ: Absolutely! Of course, Jmo would be hot in anything. I am wondering what he intends to do with that tub of chocolate frosting. On second thought, I don’t think I want to know, lol.

TMD: you also have another new release, this one with Freya's Bower; Taking off - The Red Shoe Collection. I know there's a story behind that book. And while you’re at it, we know about your shoe fetish, so you might as well ‘fess up to how much you spend on shoes annually, and how many pairs are stashed in your closet.

CJ: Why yes, the book does have a story behind it. Thank you for asking (wink, wink). A brilliant writer friend of mine passed along a cool writing exercise. The challenge was to write a short story based on a style from a book about the history of shoes. Through a quick internet search (in Google we trust!), I stumbled upon the obituary for famed shoe designer, Beth Levine. The pair of red satin stilettos featured with the article just spoke to me. Yes, it is possible for shoes to speak. In one afternoon of brainstorming I came up with four separate short stories based around the shoes. So I decided to have the shoes travel in time to four separate women in the last fifty years. I sat down to write the stories and in a few short weeks I had The Red Shoe Collection. Thanks, brilliant writer friend!

As for my personal shoe collection, it’s way down from the CW days. I just went to count. Only thirty-seven pairs. Is that a lot?

TMD: This is a little known secret, but Jmo is a big fan of shoes. He's got his eye on a pair of Dior Whisper open toe sandals. If you had to pick one designer to drool over, who would it be? MorganO likes her Halflingers most of the time but picks up sandals for summer. Comfort is where it’s at baby.

CJ: Shane&Shawn hands down. Blahnik of course is a god, his shoes are gorgeous, but never comfortable. On the other hand, Shane&Shawn designs are beautiful and flirtatious and oh-so comfy.

BTW, if anyone would like to buy me an early Christmas present, there’s a pair of black and white open-toe Shane&Shawn Mary Jane’s that I’m longing for!

TMD: we love the jewelry you've designed and is available on your site. How do you manage to find the time to juggle writing, as well motherhood to create such beautiful works of art?

CJ: Sleep deprivation and lots of caffeine, lol. Kidding, kidding. I try very hard to manage my time during the day, stick to a schedule. Of course, I’m not always successful, but my motto is “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” As long as I keep chipping away at the ol’ to-do list, I’m happy. Plus, I’m not capable of just sitting and watching TV. If I do park myself in front of the boob tube, I bust out the laptop or beading supplies and work while I get my Grey’s Anatomy or Burn Notice fix.

TMD: As we well know, authors wear many different hats. What are some of the different things you do as an author to promo yourself and your books? Which ones are your favorites?

CJ: My favorite thing to do is hang out online with my Yahoo buddies. I know it doesn’t sound like promo, but I firmly believe that as a new author, I’ll only build a readership if I build relationships with other readers and other authors.

I also really love collaborating with other authors to make chores like blogging more interesting. Jambrea Jo Jones, Kensana Darnell and I just launch a new blog, Playground Mystique, that revolves around the life and times of our muses. That’s been a riot. You wouldn’t believe what muses get into when their writers aren’t looking!

I also do more formal promo from author interviews to chats to contests, but I always find those events are more successful if I’ve taken the time to get out there and generate some real excitement about things.

TMD: We at the diaries love to hit authors with hard mind provoking questions. This isn’t one of them but it is normal for around here. What’s harder to decide on Mr. Right or the right pair of shoes.

CJ: Oh beautiful shoes! Shoes are easy. I think that’s what’s seductive about them. They deliver on their promises to make you look and feel sexy, they don’t let themselves go just because you brought them home and they don’t leave the toilet seat up. I’ve never met a man as easy to get along with…then again, I hear I can be a weensy bit difficult myself, lol.

TMD: Since you’re all over the net, you’d better pop in a few links and let people know where they can find you and your books. Don’t forget those yahoo chat groups, as many of our readers like to pick up the latest scoop on any little juicy detail out there.

Yes, it’s true, I’m an internet ‘ho. I do get around. Lemme see if I can remember all my hangouts…

Author site: http://www.cindyjacks.com/

Blogs:
http://cindyjacks.blogspot.com/
http://playgroundmystique.wordpress.com/

Lyrical Press titles: http://www.lyricalpress.com/cindy_jacks.html

Freya’s Bower title: http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=133&zenid=867085434aa2a619574c0a9ddf361c8f

Yahoo groups:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lyricalpress/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/playgroundmystique/

MySpace: www.myspace.com/jaxx_c

Whew! I think that’s it, hee hee.

It's been fun, Cindy! MorganO is taking off this afternoon for the weekend, so we hope lots of folks will come to play and keep you company today! The Alaska Chapter of the RWA is having a writers retreat at a gorgeous bed and breakfast out in the boonies. We expect her to come back refreshed and full of fabulous stories! Have a great weekend, everyone.

Excerpts by Cindy Jacks

Point of Distraction: The First Collection
Cindy Jacks
Copyright 2008 Lyrical Press, Inc.

Blurb:
So many men, so little time…Ana's been driven to distraction. First in a series of four collections.

Welcome to the world of Ana Welsh, a thirty-something executive with money, a good career, and good friends. The last piece to the puzzle is a good man. Come along with her through the first three of twelve "episodes" featuring new challenges and often, a new lover.

Meet Miguel, Latino bad-boy and musician who twelve years Ana's junior. Siempre Mia follows the couple as they indulge in a night of glamor, sex, and decadence, but what does Ana do when he starts pressuring her for more than their casual relationship?

In Business with Pleasure, Ana crosses paths with Jonathan Locke, a polished businessman from the UK. He's smart, funny, and has a taste for the finer things…especially Ana. A comedy of errors conspires to keep them from consummating their passion for each other.

The final story, Games People Play, Ana happens into an altercation on the street. Darcy Jameson comes to her aid, strolling in like a hero from a B-movie. This white knight quickly proves to have sexy dark side Ana can't wait to help him explore.

Excerpt:
"So what do you do, Ms. Welsh, when you are not working or tending to the lackey of your boss's business partner?"

I laughed. "I wouldn't think of you as a lackey, Mr. Locke. By the way, please, call me Ana. Aren't you one of the officers of Desmond Group? The CIO, correct?"

"Correct. And by all means, call me Jonathan." He lit his cigarette. "But you didn't answer my question, Ana."

"Okay, Jonathan. You know, I'm not sure," I replied. "It's been a while since I've done much else besides be an executive. May I?" I motioned toward his cigarette.

"Please, forgive me. I assumed that you, like many Americans, did not smoke." He explained his oversight and removed the pack of cigarettes from his suit pocket again, offering me one.

"No worries. I don't smoke habitually," I said, extracting one and allowing him to light it. "So the question is what do I do in my free time?" I confirmed.

"Yes." He nodded, leveling his gaze at mine.

"Well, once upon a time, when I had free time, there was a bar I liked to go to after work called Basin Street. It's a jazz club, but sometimes they have other music, too. Anyway, I like the atmosphere of the place."

"Would it be too forward of me to ask if you would like to go there after this boring thing is finished?"

I could feel myself reddening yet again. Going out with him was not at all appropriate, and maintaining our business relationship was of the utmost importance. Jonathan's company held a five-year IT service contract with my employer. He would make several more visits to negotiate further proposals and assist with major upgrades. I couldn't afford any tension to exist between us or worse, for him to expect professional favors of me because of our personal interaction. Not to mention the double standard that exists, governing proper sexual conduct from a woman as opposed to the liberty enjoyed by a man.

These considerations aside, a certain devilishness rose inside me. With his undeniable charm and Guy-Pearce-good-looks, I was a goner. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach at the thought of stepping out with him. Not to mention my part-time boyfriend, Miguel, was on the road again, which left me free to do as I pleased. I'd been lost in these thoughts when I realized I owed him a response.

"Well… it would be too forward," I said.

"Forgive me, I thought it might be-"

"But," I interrupted. "I think I'm okay with too forward." I flashed him a mischievous grin.

"Are you now?" He smiled down at me, moving in a little closer.

"Yes, I think I just might be."

He leaned down, whispering in my ear, "We must explore this inclination."

"Yes, I believe we must." I nodded, grinning.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taking Off: The Red Shoe Collection
Copyright © 2008 Cindy Jacks

All rights reserved, Freya's Bower.

Blurb:
If any designer could create a pair of high heels with the power to change a woman's life, Beth Levine would top that list. Join the Red Shoes as they travel through five decades, appearing in each owner's life at the time she faces a personal crossroads. Though the heels appear as inactive bystanders in the dramas that unfold, Taking Off: The Red Shoe Collection, just might leave you saying, "It must be the shoes...."

Excerpt:
Her roommate, Emma, stood and watched Rowena inspect herself in the mirror and apply one more coat of lipstick.

“Gimme a once over?” Rowena asked.

Emma’s expression of mild annoyance didn’t match her tone. “Sure, sure.”

Rowena twirled in her red taffeta dress replete with crinolines. Em’s obvious jealousy painted her face. And why shouldn’t Emma be envious? Rowena felt like the It girl.

Blowing out a long catcall, Emma nodded in approval. “You look beautiful. A knockout.”

“Tonight’s the night, Em. I can feel it.”

“Well make sure you’re the only one who can feel it, Ro, you hear what I’m saying?”

“I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself. And it’s ‘Sabrina’ tonight,” Ro insisted, “Sabrina Sullivan.” Rowena felt clever for aligning herself with the starlet of the day by using alliteration in her first and last name.

Emma’s gaze walked down ‘Sabrina’s’ ensemble, coming to rest upon a divine pair of stiletto heels in scarlet satin.“Oh my.” Em pointed at the beautiful shoes. “Those must’ve cost you a pretty penny.”

“All in the name of fame and fortune.” Sabrina pursed her lips and held out her daintily clad foot for Emma to inspect further.

“Are those…?”

Sabrina nodded knowing her friend’s question. “They are. They’re Levines.”

“And where did an unemployed actress get the money to buy a pair of Levines?”

Sabrina shrugged with practiced nonchalance.

Emma shook her head. “Just be careful, young lady. Men don’t give presents like that without expecting something in return.”

“Oh, hush. Drake is just a generous guy.”

“Uh huh.” “And tonight he’s introducing me to the same director that made Marilyn a star,” Sabrina said.

Em’s lack of snide response surprised Sabrina. How many times had the woman lectured her about the evils of the movie industry? Emma loved to call Drake a low-level has-been who preyed on naïve girls. But Sabrina wasn’t naïve. She knew exactly what Drake expected of her and she thought it a small price to pay for fame and fortune. What was the big deal? After all, Sabrina was no virgin.

Of course, Sabrina took Em’s admonitions as sour grapes. At thirty-five, her hopes of stardom were long past her. Sabrina would be damned if she’d end up like that. And she wouldn’t wind up as one of Emma’s cautionary tales either. Smart girls knew how to be discreet and not get into trouble. No way Sabrina was buying a bus ticket back to small town Iowa with a bun in the oven. Oh yes, Sabrina’s course was set. It wouldn’t be so bad. Drake was handsome enough, and he reeked of money, which always turned Sabrina on. And if the director wanted to play too, well, so be it. Nothing was going to stop her tonight.

“I’m leaving, Em,” Sabrina called from the foyer.

“Break a leg, shug.”

Trailer Trash Tuesdays: Cindy Jacks

Smokin' hot! How to get distracted, in a good way!

Author site: http://www.cindyjacks.com/