Work It Clear Off...

The characters bump and career around like balls in a pinball machine. The lights are flashing and everything is glitzy. It’s all very entertaining. The characters weave a lively dance around Portia, the heroine. Tantalizing Tales is an energetic over-the-top good fun adventure. It involves high drama, despair, soul-searching, the delights of Paris, couture houses, lots of champagne and conciliatory cupcakes, wonderful clothes, shoes and handbags and even a trip to the French countryside.  Written in a clear, chatty way, the most delightful aspect of the book is the language used by the young women. The story is filled with warm-hearted amusement, a romp that is full of energy.

Above is an excerpt from the first review written about my debut novel, The Tantalizing Tale of a Bitter Sweetheart. I remember being ecstatic at the point I first laid eyes on the predominantly favourable review. The words in the carefully formed document danced on the page and gave me a whole new level of motivation to push on with the promotion of my novel. 

I suppose this blog has been, until now, the main manner in which I have shared details about my novel. I began it more as a complementary play-by-play of the writing process and to divulge all the stages that writing and publishing a novel entail. I now see that it has been the prime form of promotion for my novel as well. Thank you to all who are returning viewers and thank you for your messages and enthusiasm about this little project of mine. I am so pleased to announce that this blog has been viewed over 5000 times by individuals spanning the globe. (Almost literally as I've had viewers from all continents but one. Can you guess which?)

As the summer months approach and I'm preparing to bid my crazy class of cuties farewell, I am becoming increasingly excited about what awaits me over my own 10 week holiday away from the world of education. My novel is set to be published by July. However, I will simply release pre-sale on ebook over the course of  July and hold off on a full launch until August.

I have had inquiries, seeing as the time is getting nearer to be able to purchase the novel, as to where it can be found when fully launched. My novel truly will be everywhere books are sold. It will be on the shelves at various independent bookstores across North America by August. I will provide a list of these stores by September.  My print book (hardcover and paperback) will be available for order through Chapters/Indigo and Barnes & Noble (U.S. and UK). Initially my novel may not be on the shelves of these stores, but can be ordered to any location and picked up or can be shipped to consumer homes.  If you perhaps want to wander into an obscure and charming indie bookstore in a far off locale that I may not have had a chance to market to, my novel can still be purchased through such a retailer by way of Ingram. This is the main purchasing database that all book retailers order through. If you indicate that you would like to buy my novel at a location like the example given, you simply need to ask the clerk to order it and they will gladly have it waiting for you within days. Finally, of course The Tantalizing Tale will be available on Amazon.

As for the ebook version of my novel, it will be available in all formats including Kindle, Kobo, Apple Ereader and PDF (but who wants to read a PDF of a 386 page novel? I prefer print, but to each his/her own). This version will also be available through Chapters/Indigo, Barnes & Noble Nook and of course through Amazon.

I intend to have a few giveaway days during the pre-sale month in July of the ebook version of my novel. Please stay tuned for info on that. I will also begin my tour with something that is somewhat perplexing to me, that being a social media/blog tour. This is set to begin in September and will be organized by Chick Lit Plus. check out their website at http://chicklitplus.com/ for some great reads and for more info on this month long event. It is amazing how far technology has brought us, and I am beyond thrilled to have such incredible organizations to assist in sharing info about my novel.

The full launch will take place here in Toronto and will be paired with a fundraiser for my charitable organization of choice, the Because I am a Girl foundation. More details to follow shortly! Finally, my cover will be revealed in two short weeks! That's right, only a fortnight away. I'm awaiting the final product with bated breath. It will be a surprise for me as well.

All, in all, my entrepreneurial knickers are on and I'm getting set to market the butt in them clear off! It'll be good for the waistline, I'm sure.

Please follow the links below to learn more about the Because I am a Girl cause initiated by Plan International:

http://becauseiamagirl.ca/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_AQA1xb4Is&feature=youtu.be

http://plan-international.org/

For copy editing services check out my site by clicking here

Follow me on twitter: Jessica Ashley@City_Rhapsody

Happy reading!

Jessica Ashley Dafoe

The Tantalizing Trailer: The Tantalizing Tale of a Bitter Sweetheart

I got a bit experimental last night and decided to attempt to create a trailer for my novel. Novels deserve a bit of an on the brink teaser too. So here it is!

I hope you enjoy! In addition, the launch of my novel is set back a bit due to design revisions. It will still be a summer reveal, but will most likely be a later launch date than June 28th. Please look out for cover reveals and book tour dates in future posts.

Please follow the links below to learn more about the Because I am a Girl cause initiated by Plan International:

http://becauseiamagirl.ca/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_AQA1xb4Is&feature=youtu.be

http://plan-international.org/

For copy editing services check out my site by clicking here

Follow me on twitter: Jessica Ashley@City_Rhapsody

Happy viewing!

Jessica Ashley Dafoe

What Matters Most: A Tribute to Mom

It's unfortunate that we never truly know how much a loved one means to us until we're faced with the risk of losing them. I of course love my mother beyond words, but it wasn't until a few days ago while driving home from work and I received a text from my wonderful dad that read "Call me A.S.A.P on my cell or at home" that I began to have flashes of all the reasons that this is the case. My blood ran cold. First of all, my father is a hard working man who would not be at home at 4:30 p.m. on a Monday afternoon. He works until 8 on Mondays. Secondly, he rarely texts and never asks to be contacted on his cell. He only ever uses it for outgoing calls. I knew something was wrong.

I parked in my condo's parking garage, raced to the elevator forgetting half of my belongings in my car in urgency to get to an area that had full phone service. Taking a deep breath while attempting to push the negative from my mind, I dialed.

"Jess", he said as soon as he picked up, "You've got to book that flight. That one Mom talked to you about last night. The deal ends today and she wanted me to remind you."

"Ok" I replied, feeling a bit relieved that this was all he was calling about, but something in the back of my mind told me there was more. See my mom is an angel who does everything to help others before even giving a thought to herself. If she wanted me to book that flight and was able to call she would have called me herself.

"You have to do it, Jess," he said again. "Mom's in intensive care. She's very sick." My heart felt like it had been ripped out. I couldn't understand. I had just talked to her the night before. She was fine aside from what sounded like a chest cold. "The Doctor's say they are hopeful they can reverse it. She's gonna be fine but she needs our prayers."

Naturally I crumbled. I wanted to get on the next flight. My dad said, "Don't do this. She's going to get through this. You go book that flight."

"Tell her I love her." I said with heaving sobs while moments spent hearing her over Skype the night before when she told me how proud she was of me, replayed in my mind. All I wanted was to be next to her. Her, the woman who does for others before she ever gives a second thought about herself. All those reasons that I love her beyond words began flooding my mind and I began to become completely undone at the thought of a world and a life without her in it.

Dad said to book the flight and say prayers. I did. But the feelings bouncing around my core, like electricity attempting to escape with no outlet, drove me nutty all night. I felt completely helpless, not knowing the true scenario and what sort of chances she had of recovering. I got the feeling that my dad was in a bit of shock and perhaps was doing his best not to divulge full details to avoid me becoming frantic. I later found out both were true.

Had my doting father, a wonderful and loving husband to my mother, not had his late start day that morning, my mother would have died. An extreme and vicious case of pneumonia that went septic, poisoning her blood and threatening her vital organs, almost took her from us, but she's a fighter and faithful. She pulled through.

My mom, is such an incredible woman  in so many ways and has been such an amazing support to me and my brothers. She steadies me,  knocks sense into me with her wise advice,  encourages me in all that I do, and motivates me to be the best woman I can be while seeing that there truly are no limits. Through my latest writing endeavors my mother and father have been my biggest  supporters, cheering me on with every blog post I write, with every step I take in the publishing process and I would never have the drive and determination  to complete this task  if I didn't have them as my parents. My mother is a beautiful, talented person with an even more beautiful soul and the most giving nature. I only pray that one day I'll be half the woman she is.

 Mother's Day is always a celebration on which I reflect and give thanks to my mother for all of the ways she brightens my life. This year, more than any other, when I say "I love you Mom" it will be more than an acknowledgement of her success in fulfilling a certain role to perfection it will also be a statement with the understanding and realization attached that she is an unwavering part of me and without her there would be a gaping void in my heart and soul that would and could never be mended .

She's getting a bit stronger every day, and I have complete faith that she will be back to her cheerful self in no time. She's receiving wonderful care while in hospital and the doctors and nurses have been unbelievable to both her and my father throughout this hardship.

Everyone be sure to give thanks and love to all the mamas out there!


Please keep my mother in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you,

Jessica Ashley

Please follow the links below to learn more about the Because I am a Girl cause initiated by Plan International:

http://becauseiamagirl.ca/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_AQA1xb4Is&feature=youtu.be

http://plan-international.org/

For copy editing services check out my site by clicking here

Follow me on twitter: Jessica Ashley@City_Rhapsody

A Creature of Habit

It's interesting how much blogging forces you to do a bit of self-assessing and soul searching. I have to say that you get to know yourself on a different level when rambling on about your passing thoughts or feelings in the moment and truly determining your view on certain aspects of all things creative.

The creative is so closely related to entertainment. It's true, when you think about it, all forms of creativity drive the entertainment industry. I have to admit although I enjoy a good art show and a dance recital, a Broadway musical etc...  I'm not much of a movie buff. I'm most certainly a creature of habit and when it comes to film, for whatever reason, I have little interest in giving two plus hours of my time to a movie production without knowing that I'm going to gain enjoyment from those two hours. At one point in the recent past, I went three years without  going to the movies. Instead I began making a collection of DVD's I had already seen and knew that I had loved the first time 'round. Strange right?( And yes, the majority of those are romantic comedies)I suppose when it comes to movies, I don't like the element of surprise. Memories of being scared out of my mind while watching the Chucky series with my older cousins, Nightmare on Elm Street and Pet Cemetary with friends at slumber parties (are they still called that?) help me to understand a little more as to why I like to know the course of events in a film ahead of time. I HATE being frightened. I'm a nervous person to begin with and I really don't understand why someone would want to subject them self to blood splatter and decapitations, bulgy- eyed dolls and melted faces.

 I like to laugh and smile, not crawl under my covers in fear.  Believe it or not, when I really contemplate my reasons for being less and less interested in partaking in the movie-going experience, I think I can pin-point it in large part to one movie. It may seem silly, but The Sixth Sense  had the most bone-chilling affect on me. I remember watching it all alone at my parents' place. They had rented it and I thought "It's got that cute little boy in it. How scary could it possibly be?" I slept with one eye open that night after watching it, and think I even remember checking under my bed for a sickly looking Mischa Barton. The final scene left me breathless. I don't think I took in oxygen for a whole minute after the movie ended. 

So that did it. I lost interest and began reverting to watching the rom-coms I could rely on to bring a smile to my face, along with Sex and the City, of course (Yes I now have the entire six seasons on DVD).  This has become the case with television as well. I haven't had cable in three years and even when I did, I selected home reno shows and lifestyle shows on HGTV or TLC so that I at least felt that there would be a benefit in the info given and I could apply it to my own life.   Similarly to my experience with thriller-type movies,  one night I gave in and watched an episode of Criminal Minds and it had me sleepless for days to follow. Really, who wants to know the premeditated process a serial killer goes through? I sure as hell don't. 

Recently however, I signed up for Netflix as a way to have access to kids movies and educational documentaries that I could show in class. I never thought that this site would become a source of entertainment in my personal life. I was wrong. Having selections at the click of the button gives so much control. When I began using the site, my first selection was How I Met Your Mother. I thought "Half an hour a day isn't so bad and it's a comedy so I won't be left trembling." I enjoyed every episode and watched the first eight seasons in a matter of a couple months. 

Here I am six months past the time I plugged in my details to the site and I've made the step to movie watching. I have to admit that when I decide to watch a movie, whether with friends or on my own, it takes a good twenty minutes to make a selection. I read all the details, sometimes fall into my habitual behaviour of selecting something I've seen twelve times already. But these past couple of selections have edged me on to expanding my horizons. Seven Pounds had me tearing up intermittently throughout. It was so relevant to one of my own student's situations that I was engaged from the first minute. Not to mention the fact that I have a mad crush on Will Smith. 

Just the other night, I discovered a hidden gem. Who would have known that Joshua Jackson would capture my attention so forcefully in any other production than Dawson's Creek? I'm referring to a 2005 film titled Shadows in the Sun.  and to be honest, it more had to do with Harvey Keitel's contributions to the film that I remained captivated. The story of a "has-been" writer who kicked writing to the curb after the death of his wife, harassed by a fear that he had nothing left to say, paired with a budding author (Jackson's character) was a wonderful mix of soul-searching and childish, prankster type interactions, not to mention a stunning setting on the hillsides of Tuscany that would be any author's preferred surroundings.

 It drew my attention to the reality that no matter how young or old, failure is a fear of all. Even those who have experienced great success.  The quote from the film which most resonated with me was when Keitel's character is discussing the inspiration of the creative and says "An artist doesn't choose their art, it chooses them."  He then goes on to say that creative people have to be a touch insane, because the chances of success are minimal, so why not let lunacy be a part of the every day and experience joy in the face of possible failure. I obviously laughed at this but then realized how true the statement is. To be honest, the happiest and craziest people I know are those who have let their art fully choose them and those who have allowed it to become a prominent part of their lives no matter how successful they've been with it. I aim for crazy happiness as my end goal by fully allowing my craft to get a hold of my heart.

Chances are, I'll watch Shadows in the Sun ten more times over the course of the next little while. A creature of habit, I tell you. I'm working on it, I swear.

Please follow the links below to learn more about the Because I am a Girl cause initiated by Plan International:

http://becauseiamagirl.ca/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_AQA1xb4Is&feature=youtu.be

http://plan-international.org/

For copy editing services check out my site by clicking here

Follow me on twitter: Jessica Ashley@City_Rhapsody

Happy reading!

Jessica Ashley Dafoe

A Tale of Two Endings With Great Expectations

From the time I was a teen, the writing of Charles Dickens amazed me. His masterpiece (one of many), Great Expectations,  was the first that captivated and astounded me.  I was a 15 year old avid reader and was asked by my 10th grade English teacher to select a novel for an independent study. Great Expectations sat eagerly awaiting my attention on my parents' bookshelf. I picked it up and dusted it off, eyeing the cover uncertain as to what mysteries were lurking behind the rather bland jacket.

A seemingly heartwarming rags to riches tale on the surface quickly morphed into a sinister and surprising tale of deception and manipulation. The characters, all purposeful, intermingle and ignite the excitement that brings the unexpected ending about. The flurry of emotions stirred up due to the weaving and interacting of characters in the various sub-plots equates to, quite simply, a remarkable effort.

For years, after reading many other of Charlie's novels, A Tale of Two Cities, A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist etc. , I continued to feel simply amazed at how well he integrated all characters and developed each, no matter how menial in the beginning, to hold a more pertinent role as the plot moved forward. I remember contemplating the process  that he would have taken in planning the plot. I resonated on the intricate detail he must have put into his drafts and wondered as to whether or not he knew the purpose each character might have right from the initial stages of completing his manuscript or if he worked each in upon second or third revision. Later in my days at university, I was made aware of the fact that Dickens wrote many of his masterpieces in weekly installments in a newspaper, which perhaps answers my question and sheds light on the fact that he, although I'm sure had a plan, developed his characters as he went and wove plots together in the moment.

I knew that if I ever wrote a novel, I wanted to avoid creating filler characters who had no real purpose to the plot. Inspired by Dickens but unsure as to what direction my novel would take, I set off with only a rough outline in my grasp. To be honest, all that my outline involved was a few scribbled ideas about what my main character would be like and what her end destination might be. I purely wrote and added details in the moment and somehow stayed true to my intended goal. I see each character as being valuable to the plot. If one were removed, events within the novel would be null and void. Gaping holes would be rampant throughout.

I was beyond ecstatic when the editorial reviewer agreed that I had achieved this end when she commented that each character within my novel "weaves a lively dance around the heroine, Portia." I remember saying out loud, "She gets it!"

Now I'm not saying that my talent is on par with old Charlie's, but I do believe that his flawless works became the example for my plot structure. I must admit that it was when selecting the appropriate ending that I hit the first and only road block. I almost went with the "choose your own adventure" ending to avoid making the wrong decision.

I, however, went with my heart and chose the ending I knew that I, as a reader, would most appreciate, an ending that leaves more to be told. A satisfying conclusion intermingling fantasy and reality in balance.

I hope you enjoy it and will continue to follow more tantalizing tales as Portia's journey, along with her lively counterparts, continues.....

Please follow the links below to learn more about the Because I am a Girl cause initiated by Plan International:

http://becauseiamagirl.ca/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_AQA1xb4Is&feature=youtu.be

http://plan-international.org/

For copy editing services check out my site by clicking here

Follow me on twitter: Jessica Ashley@City_Rhapsody

Happy reading!

Jessica Ashley Dafoe

A Rose By Any Other Name...

What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;

                                             

Very true, Juliet, very true. However, I am becoming more and more aware that names are much more important to humankind than to the flowers we select to accent our houses and our gardens or to demonstrate affection for a loved one with.

Our given name is such an integral part of our identity and attached to every important document, every earned certificate and recognized success, every introduction (granted honest information is provided) etc. 

I've struggled over the past few months determining whether or not to write under an alias. I guess what I mean is 'pen name'. I'm no spy or criminal, believe it or not.  The final decision to do just that has not been an easy one. I'm bound to my name and a part of me would love it to be my given name that is printed across the cover of my novel and future writing projects. I've worked hard for the end result so isn't it only right that me as me is displayed for full recognition?

I love my last name,  passed on quite obviously by my wonderful dad. It's a strong name, one that I've signed proudly whether on students report cards or at the courthouse when fighting one of the 300 parking tickets I've acquired in this city (grrrrrr). It's who I am. So why write under a pen name? For a couple of legitimate reasons. The main reason being that Jessica the educator is far removed from Jessica the novelist. I'm not saying that I have a split personality, just that wearing two hats brings forth associative expectations. I suppose it's not the easiest to explain my reasoning, but it's the decision I've made and I'm sticking with it.

The last name I finally decided on after contemplating which of my relatives and ancestors' names best suit the 'Jessica Ashley' of my own, is 'Dafoe' after my great grandmother who was a woman to be admired and who will always be remembered for her loving and enduring spirit.

'Jessica Ashley Dafoe' it is and although it's not my own I suppose it does smell (or perhaps I should write 'sound') as sweet. It is, after all, a part of my heritage. I just need to start working on my signature. Sheeesh, I just perfected my signature for my given name.

Please follow the links below to learn more about the Because I am a Girl cause initiated by Plan International:

http://becauseiamagirl.ca/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_AQA1xb4Is&feature=youtu.be

http://plan-international.org/

For copy editing services check out my site by clicking here

Follow me on twitter: Jessica Ashley@City_Rhapsody

Happy reading!

Jessica Ashley Dafoe

A Pinch of Nostalgia a Hint of Creativity a Load of Determination

While reflecting on my journey from intentional hopes of writing a novel to the end result of actually having it completed and ready for publishing, I've attempted to mentally note the ingredients needed to bring it all about. I'm not a perfectionist when it comes to writing, I'm not a grammatical genius, I don't have the intrinsic and unparalleled ability to write a whole work in iambic pentameter or sing-songy sonnets. My characters aren't overly dynamic and mysterious nor do they embody human nature as one representative creation. Holden Caulfield, Elizabeth Bennet, Dorian Gray, my characters are not. But they are mine and a representation of the facets of life that make me smile and motivate me, daily.

I enjoy finding humour in the everyday, in random situations such as the moment I fall face down on the subway stairs and the majority of the manic crowd scurries and hurdles around or over me, all aside from a young boy who helps me up with a cheeky grin on his face as if to say, "Get it together, lady." I brush off my ensemble, pick up my purse, thank him with a sheepish demeanor and swallow my pride, thankful that I didn't become a tread-marked victim.

I also incorporate emotion and am inspired by what I witness around me; A gentle exchange between a couple at an adjacent table to my own, tears shed over excitement or sadness in a given moment by a friend or acquaintance. I delve into my own experience and, just as an actor does when attempting to get into character, I find myself drawing on past moments in order to relate to the possible emotions experienced by my characters in a created scenario. It's through this vulnerability and by chucking the fear aside of revisiting possibly negative, emotionally charged moments that the best descriptions are created. The characters come to life and are made identifiable, made real. Fear masks creativity. Rip that mask off and just give 'er. Let go and create.

Of course the most pertinent ingredient which allowed this creative spark to result in a full manuscript involved one trait that often is a bit absent from my days, unless a sizable fire is lit under my, by times, lazy  and sizable backside. In the past, when expected to complete a task, of course determination is cranked to the max. However, when I have expected something of myself, ' fits and bursts that dwindle to nothingness' is the more appropriate way to describe its presence in my days.

Determination has been the key to the entire project. Of course some talent or skill is required, of course a creative spark and remaining in touch with experience is necessary, but without the big D, a project like this would be sunk before it ever began sailing.

Fearless determination with a hint of creativity, a pinch of nostalgia and perhaps a dab of wit, a titch of an appreciation for the lighter side of things, a smattering of zeal, a peppering of homegrown nuttiness and I suppose a tidbit of talent; there you have it, the ingredients for a debut novel or any creative project YOU want to get underway.

It's all about the big D! (Get your minds out of the gutter, determination, determination, determination.)

Please follow the links below to learn more about the Because I am a Girl cause initiated by Plan International:

http://becauseiamagirl.ca/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_AQA1xb4Is&feature=youtu.be

http://plan-international.org/

For copy editing services check out my site by clicking here

Follow me on twitter: Jessica Ashley@City_Rhapsody

Happy reading!

Jessica Ashley Dafoe