Thursday, June 7, 2012

Reinventing Myself...again

When I first started writing, I knew a pen name was a brand for authorsso I chose very carefully. I got my start by teaming up with a friend and we became Cassidy Kent. After a string of successful eBook contracts and releases we decided to go our separate ways. Of course, I had to reinvent myself. I had to make sure my voice would be distinct and naturally me. I used my real name Jax to start a new brand that would allow me to write sensual (erotic) romances and mainstream contemporaries. I've been lucky with building that brand but in time, I realized that I also enjoy writing non-erotic stories. 

These days authors are encouraged to write in different genres but I recall a time when agents and editors discouraged genre hopping. Now with the swift changes in the publishing industry, this means more opportunities for authors...and more chances for me to branch out in my own writing...

I suppose I love the challenge of writing different genres. It's a great way to strengthen my writing style and voice, as well as allowing me to go outside my comfort zone. For years, I've been kicking around a few women's fiction and young adult ideas, but they were put on the back burner while I buried myself in a series of paranormal and contemporary proposals. But I've never forgotten about those concepts and now I can pick them back up. These past few months I decided to just go for it and started my YA proposal as J.J. Wynn. Since YA is new territory for me, I thought I'd test the waters by self pubbing a story that was initially sold to a small press but I ended up holding onto. I've had it on my harddrive for three years and waited until I was absolutely certain I would write in this genre. It's a very sweet love story that is a sort of ode to those G-rated teenage (Sweet Dream series) romances that I'd read in middle through high school. It definitely isn't as dark and angsty as the YA's I'm sending to my agent but it's a story I'm very proud of. The eBook release is set for June 16thbarring any setup issues. By the end of the month it should be available in print. I figured it was the best way to get my feet wet. In addition to the very sweet stories, I plan on releasing some YAs that will be more in line with what I'll be writing...

If you're really curious, you can check out my site at www.jjwynn.com  I'm totally stoked about all this new adventure! Cross your fingers for me...

6 comments:

Wynter said...

Good luck on latest venture. I know you can do it!

Dalton Diaz said...

I'm in awe.
It is funny how one genre can tickle the muse, tho. I always write my best erotic moments after reading a book where I love the characters, but the sex is behind a closed door. I want to know what happens and a sex scene is born!

Casey Crow said...

Good luck in the YA genre! Later this year, I'll be starting my first YA for a project a St. Martin's editor has asked me to write. I'm still trying to decide what to about my pen name, too. Can't wait to hear how everything turns out for you!

Naima Simone said...

Awesome news, Jax! I'm so thrilled and excited for you! Like Dalton, I'm in awe--it takes courage to leap into a new genre and start up a new brand while still maintaining another one. Wow! I have every belief in the world that you will be successful and popular with your YA venture!! Good for you, girl! Sending you a cyber knuckle bump and HUGE hug!!

Jax Cassidy said...

Thanks everyone! I figure it doesn't hurt to try :)

Love all your support! It means a great deal to me.

Paige Tyler said...

Good luck! YA is hot right now!

*hugs*
Paige