CeeJay Cassidy: Books are the new Black

When MySpace first became popular, I was confused when a friend request I received didn’t look like your ‘normal’ friend. A profile picture of what it looked to be a man in an S & M outfit of devil looking attire. Honestly, I didn’t pay to much mind to it when I had seen he was an author. I proceeded to read a little about him and as intimidating as his picture was, he was kind enough to send me a few of his books to read.

CeeJay Cassidy and I have been following each other’s journey since those under rated days of MySpace. Since I have got to known him, our support for each other has grown. Not only have I read the books that he has sent me, but I have related to his ‘characters’ he created. His books are filled with real life experiences that have made me cry and feel like ‘I am not alone’. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did, and please check him out on Kindle and Amazon!

What got you into writing? One day, as I turned 50, I was inspired to write my first novel. It was a story idea that I had 25 years before but didn’t follow up on. I wrote and self published my novel in less than a year although I say the novel took 25 years to write.

Who has influenced you as a writer? Strangely enough I was influenced to be a writer by films. To see the written word transformed into action fascinated me. I always loved a good story and always thought when I saw a bad movie with a poor plot; “I can do better than that!”

What influences do you get for your books? Oh dear! Here’s the proverbial ‘slippery slope’. My erotic novels are inspired by… well… you know! As for my horror novels, I get my inspiration from my nightmares Writing a novel or a script helps me cope with the visions I have.
 
What would you want people to know about your books? I write books that inspire emotion in my readers. I write characters in vague outlines so that my reader can fill in the blanks with their own personal experiences and have a more personal relationship with my characters. You read my novel and you have a feeling that you’re getting an intimate look into the life of a close friend. It’s almost like you’re reading their diary. Now here’s where the center of my writing and my career lies. One of my readers, who got a bootleg copy of my very first novel, contacted me to write her biography. I agreed but she asked that I keep her true identity a secret. It was an odd request, but when I found out she was a survivor of domestic violence, I understood why. We started the project but when the story turned to BDSM, I balked. I had no problem writing an erotic novel. I had no problem telling the story of a woman who endured and survived abuse; but BDSM? I didn’t think so. I was very conflicted. I went to speak to my pastor and ask his opinion. As I entered his study, he was in mid-conversation with his wife and said to her: “Lean not unto your own understanding!” I was hit by an epiphany by that Biblical quote. This novel wasn’t ‘about me’. It didn’t matter how I felt about the subject matter. It was a novel that had to be written and I was the writer with the proper skills to do the novel justice. I let ‘Katherine’ know that I would complete her bio and publish it. That breakout novel was ‘A Tortured Soul – The Unauthorized Biography of Nicholas Anderson’. I am proud to say that over 40 women have gotten out of or redefined their abusive relationships because of that novel. I cried when I got a letter from a reader telling me that my novel saved her life! I later wrote three more erotic novels of abused women based on actual events. (Friends of Katherine) I have also mentored other women to write their own stories of their trials and tribulation. My novels are raw, gritty and sensual. I do not mince words nor do I sugar-coat anything. It’s not my place to censor these women’s lives to make it easier for my readers to deal with. They didn’t have it easy by any means. It is what it is, and as Jennifer X would say: “Put your big girl panties on and deal with it!”

What books have you written? And can you post a link to the amazon site or web site. I have written four erotic biographies, three erotic fantasy novels and two horror novels.
 
A TORTURED SOUL – The Unauthorized Biography of Nicholas Anderson What happens when a woman can control the boardroom but not her bedroom? And who is Nicholas Anderson and how does he use BDSM in the game room to give her back that control? – http://www.amazon.com/Tortured-Unauthorized-Biography-Nicolas-Anderson/dp/1419684337/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255355752&sr=1-1 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Tortured-Soul-Unauthorized-Biography-ebook/dp/B007QF9L16/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1363641341&sr=1-1\
 
THE CONFESSIONS OF JENNIFER X Jennifer Jones is one conniving, cold hearted bitch! Why does she interfere in Katherine and Nick’s affairs? But is she more victim than villain? Only one way to find out! http://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Jennifer-X-C-J-Cassidy/dp/141969202X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255355821&sr=1-1 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QF9IVY

LIVING LA VIDA PUTA She was just a small town girl with a future. Little did she know that one night under the bleachers would change that future forever! How does she deal with that event and the avalanche of pain and heartache that came with it? http://www.amazon.com/Living-Vida-Puta-Times-Latex/dp/1439264457/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343675847&sr=1-1&keywords=living+la+vida+puta Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QPRZFA

THE TORTURED SOUL TRILOGY of PAIN & PLEASURE Three women, three separate lives; all are filled with pain and heartache. Somewhere along the lines, their lives crossed and nothing will ever be the same. But who is Nicholas Anderson and what affect does he have on their lives? http://www.amazon.com/Tortured-Soul-Trilogy-Pain-Pleasure/dp/146093430X/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329175488&sr=1-1-spell Got Kindle? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007PYHH1E UK Links > http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tortured-Soul-Trilogy-Pain-Pleasure/dp/146093430X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344958998&sr=1-1 Or download it on Kindle >>> http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tortured-Soul-Trilogy-Pleasure-ebook/dp/B007PYHH1E/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344970044&sr=1-2

Erotic Fantasy

TALES FROM THE DUNGEON OF PLEASURE AND PAIN Lust and desire play important roles in the lives of average ordinary people. Sometimes a person needs an escape from ‘vanilla’ and need to explore the deep dark recesses of their sexual wants and needs. “Tales From The Dungeon of Pain & Pleasure” graphically tells the stories of these random lives with extraordinary sexual adventures. http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Dungeon-Pleasure-Pain-Cassidy/dp/1479333948/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348724539&sr=1-1&keywords=Tales+from+the+Dungeon+of+Pain Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007P6SD4M

THE WAY OF THE WINTERWOLF Orphaned at birth but blessed with the gift of visions; Native American Sue-Ellen Winterwolf is torn between the man she loves and the man who abuses her. She is nearly destroyed by the life she leads but can her will to survive save her and her family from a life of sexual bondage and abuse? Can one woman overcome all odds that are against her? http://www.amazon.com/Way-Winterwolf-CJ-Cassidy/dp/1479333972/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348410192&sr=1-1&keywords=the+way+of+the+winterwolf Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007PRJCX2

BLOOD LUST RISING Sarah-Ann Payne had a secret that few men knew. She had a perchance for blood. She was born a natural sanguine vampire, but her story doesn’t end there. There are forces in play that she doesn’t understand. There are powerful men that want her, need her… Some want to help her; some want to stop her at all costs. http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Lust-Rising-CJ-Cassidy/dp/1479333891/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348410096&sr=1-3&keywords=blood+lust+rising Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007W5PATC

Horror and Thrillers

"The HarlequinX" (Pronounced 'Har-lee-quin') http://www.amazon.com/HarlequinX-Forrest-Thinner/dp/1479332909/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348722846&sr=1-1&keywords=The+HarlequinX Kindle http://www.amazon.com/The-HarlequinX-Books-ebook/dp/B009CA90NC

Psychosis Y Dementia – A Love Story http://www.amazon.com/Psychosis-Dementia-Story-Count-Begins/dp/1439244685/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349931398&sr=1-1&keywords=psychosis+Y+dementia Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Psychosis-Dementia-Legend-Begins-ebook/dp/B009NMLMYY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349788744&sr=1-1&keywords=psychosis+Y+dementia+-+A+love+Story

What are the next up and coming things for CJ Cassidy in the future? Good question. I have NO idea. I have 9 unfinished erotic novels on the back burner. I’m working on another bio with a woman who endured incest in her life. Presently, I’m focused with my co-writer to get ‘Psychosis Y Dementia – A Love Story’ made into a film. I take my challenges as they come.

And last question, what hand do you brush your teeth with??? Nether! I use a toothbrush! LOL

My Image on Body

B&W Photo: 12 years old

Color Photo: Photo Credit Pinky Photography

From the very beginning as a little girl, women can all relate that we sometimes didn’t feel right in our skin. As a young girl, I was forced to were stupid dresses and have my hair a certain way. But when looking at my brothers, they slapped some jeans on and went on their way. I was told how cute I looked, and how cute my dress was. I would blush thinking to myself, “My brothers don’t get talked to this way.” I don’t think I was thinking feminist thoughts, I was thinking I was no different than my brothers. It wasn’t until recently which I read an article posted by a friend of mine on FaceBook, talking about how we influence little girls when we talk to them. Then it hit me, girls are molded to be something before they can even decide who they are.

As a model, I have always been made aware of my body image whether I liked it or not. When I first started modeling at the age of 12, I went to ‘Dorothy Shreve, Modeling and Talent Agency and School’, based out of Palm Springs. Dorothy was a great teacher; she not only taught the 101 in modeling, but also the ways to conduct yourself as an intelligent young woman. I was told that I never sit up straight, and that my posture was that of an annoyed teenage boy. I didn’t know how to use a place setting at a dinner table; she told me how important it was. She had also mentioned to me to pay attention in school, I just wanted to model. How I finally understand her now…

Skinny, awkward, and gangly, I still hated myself growing up. I wanted to hide in my shell when I was out in public or at school. I hated hearing how skinny I was and that I always should eat something. As a teenager, I ate everything. Anything, if it was moving I ate it. I can remember one year a girl saying to me, “Evina, your actually gaining weight, your legs actually are kinda jiggling. Or it could be the loose skin on your bones.” I could remember thinking to myself, “Why is my body important? I just want to have friends who don’t judge me.” I went on with my school days wondering, ‘why me?’

Now I know, ‘Why Me?”. I know that I was brought here through my struggle with my weight, both disorders and not, that I am here to bring up a topic every woman wants to debate or conquer. Through my years, I have learned to love myself no matter how weird I look. I have never really put someone in a corner and mirrored their weight in their face as a defining moment. I want to tell women out there that you don’t have to be blonde, skinny, black, curvy, or have a million operations (exaggerating) to feel pretty and sexy. You can be anything as long as you set your mind to it.

As a woman, I have felt anger every time someone has pointed out my thin frame and discredit their own body because they don’t look like me. Body image is our own inside job, our own insecurity; it belongs to you, not someone else. Now being in the fitness industry, the first thing I tell the women I work with is, “Your goal is not to look like me, and it’s to look and feel like a better you.” When I talk to women, I want to empower them… I don’t want them to feel less than, women are not. I have crossed many women who have lifted me up and threw me down, and the ones who have lifted me up are the ones who I keep.      

            With my experience now, I have learned that beauty is not souly dependent on what is on the outside of us, nor is it our body type, the diets we eat, or how we do our makeup, those are just accessories. Since I have started going back to school to finish my B.A., I have never felt this sexy and powerful in my life. I encourage women everywhere, to crack open a few books once and a while, take a class or two and take something you would never take in your life. Go to a library and sit quietly while picking up a book you have never read before. Stop reading ‘Fifty Shades of Grey” and pretending it’s you and go out and live a little. Call your girlfriends up and gossip… its ok we all do it. Take a walk, a hike, a bicycle ride, take a chance.

The Journey to Desert Models

Back again to writing after a long brief vacation and I am happy to announce that I have a very special company to not only be a part of, but to also talk about how amazing they are! Drum roll please.... DESERT MODELS AGENCY!

One thing to know about Desert Models Agency is that both the President Krystle Kelley and C.O.O. Terrah Holder (and I) have all been around since the time you had to mail your headshots to look for work. I now have beside me Krystle Kelley herself and will be asking her questions about both her experience as a model and what it takes to be a model in an overly saturated industry today.

What age did you start modeling and what was your first experience like? I had started modeling at the age 14 and my first experience was a fashion show in Mexico with Michael Costello. Which was also the first time both you and I met! It was a great learning experience about how to conduct yourself as a model and how to be prepared when you travel internationally.

Who was your biggest influence being a model? I guess, Claudia Schiffer and her work out video back in the 90's. She had a great white yoga outfit on and was doing about 1000 ab crunches! I just thought she was super inspirational.

What is Desert Models? Desert Models Agency is an elite, exclusive modeling agency headquartered in the Palm Springs Area. We represent Models and other Talent throughout the US, with special emphasis in the greater Los Angeles area. As an exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced team, we ensure our talent is sent out on only the most legitimate and best opportunities in their field. Clients that book through us are ensured of receiving only the most professional, experienced talent, at the top of their game. At Desert Models, we believe that local businesses, such as ours, play an important role in shaping their communities. Accordingly, we maintain a strong level of involvement in community outreach initiatives. We dedicate significant time with resources to inspire the youth and improving our community. We encourage our talent to demonstrate the same amount of public service initiative and community outreach.

What would you say has changed in the modeling industry that has effected you as both a model and a business owner? The internet. It is considered a double edged sward. It can be a great thing or it can destroy you. TFP has also been another factor in the business which has lead models to believe that they have no worth or they want to just get a free photo for their FaceBook profile, which also effects photographers business too. Another thing I see is that people have to do degrading things in order to get attention. Reality Shows, YouTube, are not making supermodels anymore. But if a great looking girl wants attention, she has to do a sex tape to get any. I feel this puts women in a position to be powerless. Supermodels were powerful in the 90's, even with their character defects.

What kind of advice would you give an aspiring model? I would let them know to always come prepared to an audition. I always see girls who come over dressed or just out of character. Less is more for a model, and I don't mean clothes... that's another mistake. Girls and guys, wear appropriate professional, and stylish clothing to an audition. Also, when coming to an audition, HAVE A PORTFOLIO OR COMP CARD! I can't tell how a model shoots with out a picture. From a naturally shot picture I can tell how you shoot and if you're marketable. And TFP (Trade for Print) is fine if your just starting out or you enjoy working with a specific photographer, but you get what you paid for. Know who the models are, by checking out www.models.com. Once you know who the top ten models are and there looks you will know what look is in to be able to market yourself.

And last question... What foot goes first when you put on your pants? (Side Note: We ran to my room to find out) Both my feet go in first!

Thanks again Krystle Kelley for sharing your wonderful experience and classy style!

For any business inquires please contact: Contact@DesertModelsAgency.com

Photo Credit: Joe Stemmer

J. Stemmer Photo Shoot, Third time is a charm!

During the Father's Day weekend of this year, I went to the desert to visit my dad and saw that I actually had some free time to shoot. I really wanted to get a new shoot up and running before the rest of the summer knowing I knowing I wasn't going to make it out for the rest of the summer. I was able to contact Joe Stemmer on simi short notice and shot two ideas his way. With great luck, he was available and we booked a time and date and made it happen. Again, my time with him was perfect. If there is any photographer (and there are many) who I enjoy working out in the desert (Palm Springs area) it's him. Although I had some tech difficulties, he still was ever so patient and prompt with getting the photos back to me in a super fast time frame! I wanted to do something nice for him by showing his side of the story of what it's like from behind the lens of the camera. I interviewed him with a few questions based on his success, difficulties, and experience. Please take the time and read a little from his side! He is truly a talented photographer and his star should shine ever so bright! 1. History of J. Stemmer photography. When did you get the photo bug? I started taking photos early, I was about 18 years old. I enjoyed it, but it was expensive buying film, processing film, and making prints. So, I started taking jobs doing portraits for people. I started the portraits with a 2 1/4 Agfa folding camera, the larger negative would give me better prints than my 35mm I used for most things. That also got me started in the "larger negative" search. I've shot with 35mm to 11"x 14" cameras. Today, I'm digital, but still have (and use occasionally) a couple 4x5 cameras. I still love seeing the image upside down on the ground glass and the controls you have with view cameras. 2. What has been your biggest obstacle in becoming a successful photographer? Like many occupations, staying current in the techniques or styles the people want. Using the right equipment or the current processes to get the looks. Also running a business doing something you love, you need to be able to separate your work from fun. As examples, the digital process has made it easy (and cheap) to shoot anything without consideration of cost. With film, you really had to want the photo to hit the shutter, each time you did, it cost you money. To an extent, digital photography's a great thing. What it doesn't do is force people to learn their craft. I love film, but I have no desire to back to it in business. 3. What has helped you in your continued success? I'm always learning, staying current with the things needed to compete in a very tough business. Whether photo equipment, computer software, or technique, you have to stay ahead of the curve if you want to succeed. 4. What qualities and characteristics do you look for in a model? I look for their ability to act. Modeling is acting one frame at a time. You can usually look at a models portfolio and tell what they're capable of by looking at their face. It takes lots of practice and hard work to be good model. A lot of people what to be models but aren't prepared for the work, being a tall, thin, good looking person doesn't guaranty success in modeling. Models need to be able to "sell" the look and that hard. 5. Describe your experience with our last photo shoot (please be honest: good, bad, ugly): That's pretty easy. It was wonderful to shoot with you, you always give 110%. You arrived ready to go on time, knew what you wanted to shoot, and gave me the looks immediately. Even though it was very hot and muggy, you didn't slow down. Even with the concept I wanted to shoot, you gave more than I hoped for. You're one of my favorite models to shoot with because you work to get amazing results and we don't need all day to get them. We shoot a lot of looks in a short amount of time, that shows you're a true professional.

6. Most embarrassing photography story... :) Gosh, there are too many. Driving a couple of hours to a location and forgetting an important piece of gear (helps me be more creative), labs losing or ruining film that couldn't be shot again, going to a shoot a day early or week early, walking in on models "collaborating" on a personal level, hearing some of the information people share at shoots (about their body parts), or maybe the time I had a long day of shooting and only had time to grab a large burrito for late dinner and paid for it the second day of the shoot. I shot with long lenses that day. :) I again hope that you find this short interview as informative as I did. If you want to further your research about Mr. Joe Stemmer please refer to his web site at www.JStemmerPhotography.com.

Hugs, Love, and Honesty, Evina

Cosmetic Laser Solutions

"WHOA! What kind of razor do you use for your armpits? They are really smooth!" My response to the is I don't shave at all. Than I get a short gasp response and forward to a, "What do you use?" Laser hair removal has been around for quite sometime, about the 1960's is when it first started. There were many trials and errors, especially when it came to the effectiveness of the laser for hair removal. It wasn't until the late 90's where the lasers started to prove their worthiness to consumers. Now, Laser hair removal is a great substitute to waxing, shaving, or plucking those nasty hairs from your body's orifices. I started with Mario at Cosmetic Laser Solutions about 5 years ago. I didn't have really bad hair growth, but I always had that occasional ingrown hair. Mario, with his wonderful manners and expertise, was kind enough to walk me through the process and let me know what to expect. Once we started, I did feel pain, even after I was numbed with an ice pack. However, the more I did the procedure, the less it started to hurt. If you are ever considering getting hair removed in ANY area of your body, I would recommend Mario (for all genders!). Not only does he have the professional knowledge about hair removal but also an understanding of what his patients want! 36923 Cook St Ste 103 Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760) 702-2575

Family, Friend, and worst Enemy.

 

Ever have a best friend that you could do so much with that everything you did wrong would and could be forgiven?

Ever got in trouble with your best friend that you made up false stories together and made up comparing lies?

Ever got in a fight with your best friend so bad that you couldn't imaging her replacing you with another, a)because no one was bad ass enough to protect her and respect her and b) no one would see that value in her friendship?

 

If there is one thing I learned about friendship, it can always be mended. Good, bad, indifferent, friends are not these made up stories, nor are they the simple taking pictures with friends, posting them to Facebook, and tagging them in your photos. Friends can also be someone you have lost contact with for a second because the both of you had to pretend to be adults. Both of you got caught up in your own lives. But once the friendship has been reunited, there is almost  no other experience that could replace it.

 

Krystle Kelley is that friend. Although we have both gone our own ways, we kept our promises to each other we made being young. We promised we never let one stray or fall behind. Krystle has been my rock in my life and has cared for me on many occasions. Career wise, Krystle has started her own agency (Desert Models) in Palm Desert and has given me a profile and has called me her own model. All in all, a great friend.

 

I'm not sure what I have done for her. I have only been there. If anything, friendships like this are one in a life time. Never a chance to be taken.