No time for Goodbyes

It's been six months between blog posts. Not a good thing when those that follow Jamie Tremain wonder what happened. Is it time to give it up and move on to another form of communication? I don’t think so. Life, in all its forms, got in the way. Big time.

2016 started off well with the writing. Liz and I made some revisions to The Silk Shroud and sent the manuscript to the publisher after some blood, sweat and tears. We kept busy with editing another book and plotting of a sequel to Silk Shroud while we waited on the second edit. You need lots of patience in this business.

This was a milestone year for me. January, I had a HUGE birthday and looked forward to other celebrations. Our 50^th wedding anniversary on June 4th with friends and family was special. June 16^th was our 50^th year as Canadians. July, we toasted my dear friend Bertha’s 100^th birthday.

And then things started to unravel. My younger brother Alister, was diagnosed with lung cancer. I made plans to fly to Scotland. He died Aug 23. I was late by two days and did not get to say goodbye.

A week after a very emotional funeral, (he was loved by many) my husband Peter called to say Bertha had died very peacefully on September 5th, with her daughter Sandra by her side. This beautiful woman was my Canadian mother and once more I did not say goodbye.

Reeling with this news I decided to stay longer to assist where I could with the family. Nothing prepared me for the phone call the next day. I had called home to find out how Peter was coping on his own. He never did learn to cook. My grandson answered and said Grandad was in the hospital/intensive care after having a heart attack. I just went numb and with the help of Peter’s nephew I made it home to Canada in 24hours. I went from the airport to the hospital to visit Peter. The doctor had scheduled open heart surgery. Next day I visited the beautiful new hospital in Oakville and we sat for two hours chatting. Hooked up to monitors and tubes, the nurse said he could walk to the bathroom. He told me to go grab a coffee while he changed his gown and brushed his teeth. Those were his last words to me. I'll always remember September 9th. Once more there were no goodbyes.

Why am I harping on about saying goodbye? There must be a moral here somewhere. Say all you must say to your loved ones now. Don’t wait until they are gone. It has been three months since Peter died and it is still surreal.

My writing life will perhaps save me from moping and maudlin thoughts. I've lived long enough to have ammunition to write but never three deaths in three weeks of people I loved dearly.

The second edits are here and Liz and I, as Jamie Tremain, are looking forward to a publishing date very soon. Stay tuned for updates.

Many thanks to my family, friends, the writing community and many of Peter’s friends I had not met, who gave me love and support these last months.

Goodbye 2016, I will not miss you.

Hello, 2017. The best to all of you for a happy and prosperous New Year.

Slainte,

Pam

Fifty Years a Canadian

We were very young. I was twenty and my new husband twenty-two. Twelve days married and we were flying off to a new country that we knew little about. We were told it was cold in the winter and hot in the summer but not much else. After our wonderful wedding, we said our goodbyes to our family and friends.

We were supposed to sail but a boat strike was on so we flew on a Boeing 427 or maybe 707, I think. What did I know about planes as I’d never been on one? Peter had to drag me over the tarmac. I think I cried for a solid hour before I was introduced to a Manhattan cocktail. Now that perked me up as it sounded so exotic. I’ve loved them ever since. I had a look out the window and saw a Rolls Royce symbol on the wing and felt safe so I settled down for the rest of the journey.

Why Canada you ask? Why not? We were young and wanted to see the world. Hitchhiking in Europe had given us the bug to do something different but no one had prepared us for the June heat in Toronto.

We landed in Montreal and took the train to Toronto to be met by my cousin Joe in a ’57 Chevrolet. It looked like a bus as we climbed into the back seat. White with big wings on the back. Red terry toweling covered the seats in case we stuck to the vinyl upholstery. No air in this car.

Peter was wearing a three- piece suit with shirt and tie. We didn’t clue into the fact that he could have removed his tie at least. I was wearing a wool (going away suit) that’s what brides wore from the honeymoon. Pill box hat, (I thought I was Jackie Onassis) and patent leather shoes. We must have looked odd to everyone else wearing sandals and shorts. We adapted fairly quickly after I got over the heat prostration.

We both landed jobs quickly. Peter in the Metro Police department and I in an office as a switchboard operator. After a month, we had our own apartment.

Culturally Canada was different but we soon came to love everything Canadian. There was the usual comparison about how people live, music, politics and other aspects of life. I took to it like water. Not so my husband. He became very homesick. After seven years he wanted to go home. So we did.

This time, we sailed to Southampton on a Polish liner with our first child Erik who was two. It was an expensive move. We were back in our condo apartment in three months. Fortunately, it hadn’t sold.

No, you can’t go home again. The family is the same but all your friends in the meantime have gone on with their lives without you. Some have moved away and others talk about things you’ve never heard of.

New jobs, two more children, a new home in the suburbs and many friends to share our lives.

Canada has been good to us. Its our home and we love it. Yet we still call Edinburgh, Scotland, home. I think that is true of anyone who is an immigrant. I like to visit my home country and see family and old friends but when I come back to Canada it feels good to be ‘ home’.

Our three children gave us five terrific grandsons. Watching them grow up in this wonderful country warms my heart.

June 16^th/1966-June 16^th/2016. Here’s to the next…

Slainte,

Pam

A day in the life of debut author Dee Willson

  Welcome Dee to Jamie Tremain’s blog on the  launch of

your book  A Keeper’s Truth

                  

                                     

Every one of us has a soul. 
Some are new, some old, and a few, the dangerous, are lost. 
But only twelve know why we have a soul at all.
Only twelve remember mankind’s forbidden past.

Jamie:

These words from your book certainly got my attention. Would you share with us a little about these souls and how they feature in your story?

Dee:

Absolutely. I am fascinated with the idea that almost every practiced religion speaks of human beings having souls. It would seem, should one investigate further, that there are new souls, souls with very little past, and old souls, souls who have experienced many lifetimes. There are myths abound about the soul, where it comes from, how and why it returns, but I am most fascinated by the souls that fall off track, the ones who lose their grip on humanity, their purpose. And I love connecting the dots to fantastical details within mythology and folklore, to ancient history and theories. Whether you believe in the concept (of a soul) or not, it’s certainly something wondrous to ponder, and A Keeper’s Truth will get you thinking.

Jamie:

A Keeper’s Truth was not written overnight. For most or us, writing is a long journey. Can you tell us about your road to publication?

Dee:

I wrote the first draft of A Keeper’s Truth in 10 weeks. Don’t be impressed, it took me over 2 ½ years to edit. Writing is one thing, writing well is another. I had a lot to learn. I still do. Writing is a constant process, a lifetime of trial and error, of studying our craft, of finding our (writing) voice.

After A Keeper’s Truth was edited, I took a year to write my second book, GOT (Gift of Travel). It wasn’t the second installment in the Keeper’s series, but a whole new story, and I needed to write it. I needed to know I could take what I’d learned and apply it to a new body of work. And I needed to prove (to myself) that I could write and edit a book within a year, which I did with GOT. Only then I felt I could return to A Keeper’s Truth and see it with fresh eyes.

Even after I agreed to give A Keeper’s Truth to Driven Press, my publisher, the process took almost two years. A cover needed to be created, editing done, marketing organized. Publishing is not a fast game. That said, it’s well worth the wait. A Keeper’s Truth has been 7 years in the making, but I’m proud of what it’s become.

Jamie:

Giving birth to a novel is daunting for most of us. Will you do anything different for your next book?

Dee:

The first draft of A Keeper’s Truth was written quickly, on a high. The story poured onto the page, and I didn’t take a moment to consider structure, plot, character development, etc. I didn’t even know what these things were at the time. For those in the industry, you’d say this makes me a ‘pantser,’ meaning I write by the seat of my pants.

With GOT, however, I’d learned my lesson. I planned ahead, spent months on character development, scene structure, description, dialogue, plot connections, and research to substantiate the details that bring a novel to life. Before I wrote word one of GOT, I had hundreds of pages of notes and research. I’d become a ‘planner.’

Jamie:

You wear many hats: wife, mother, business woman, and now a published author. When do you find the time to write?   

Dee:

Sometimes I don’t!  I try not to beat myself up over it. The guilt is brutal.

When I’m running my business, there is a part of me screaming to write. My characters can be relentless. And when I’m spending time with my kids, there is a part of me missing, my head in my work-in-progress. The housework falls behind.  We eat whatever can be defrosted.

All I can do is try to stay focused. When I’m writing, I attempt to give it my all. When I’m with my kids, they have my utmost attention. When I’m running my business, my writing laptop is tucked away in another room and social media is turned off.

Of course, in reading this back, I notice I didn’t mention my role as a wife. I guess my husband gets whatever is left.  LOL.  Poor hubby.

Jamie:

The road to publication can be fraught with pitfalls. Query letters, the dreaded synopsis and finding an agent or publisher. What have you learned in your quest to be published that you would avoid the second time around?

Dee:

Hmm… I don’t think I would change anything I’ve done or not done. I’ve learned from each experience. Publishing was never an end-goal for me. It was never a quest. I write because I love to write, because there is no other way I’d rather spend my time. Being published is just icing on the cake.

That said, I wish the agent process made more sense. Agents have become the gatekeepers, filters for editors and publishers. This is fine, I suppose, but the system is lacking. For example, an author is told to target specific agents most interested in their work, but it’s almost impossible to find what an agent wants and likes. The limited information out there tends to be vague, not to mention outdated. 

Jamie:

Have you ever considered co-authoring a book?

Dee:

No, I’m afraid I haven’t. I’m not against the idea, but I’m not sure I’d make a good writing partner. I’m bossy and I spend way too much time in my head. I’m sorry to say, I think a partner would eventually get frustrated with me.

Kudos to you, Pam and Liz, for working so great together!

Jamie:

Book clubs, writing groups and social media play a big part in the life of an author today. What is your take on these activities?

Dee:

In regards to social media, my stance is to tread lightly. Social media is a great way to connect with like minds, but it will not make me a better writer, and it hasn’t proved itself a great sales tool. I adore meeting new and old friends online, but my writing comes first.

As for book clubs and writing groups, they’re wonderful places to share the love of books with others. And the glass of wine and hearty laughter that usually accompanies these things is an added bonus.

Jamie:

We met at the Bloody Words conference about five years ago. Did you ever imagine this day would come, or did you always believe it would happen, someday?

Dee:

Imagine what, that I’d live another five years, that we’d still be friends, or that my book would be published?  LOL.  Let’s see… I’m glad we’re still buddies, it’s nice to see A Keeper’s Truth hit the shelves, and I’m really happy I’m still breathing. LOL

Thanks, Dee, for sharing with Jamie Tremain and our readers. We wish you well with your launch and all your future endeavors.

Thanks for having me!

 
                                
Connect with Dee at the following:

Email: dee@deewillson.com

Website: http://www.deewillson.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeniseWillson

Published by Driven Press: www.drivenpress.net info@drivenpress.net

Check back next month for an insight into how Robin Harlick, author of the Meg Harris series plans her next novel.

Talk again soon,

Slainte,

Jamie

It's all in the Collaboration

It’s been two months between posts and I have no real excuses other than, Christmas shopping, Christmas eating and partying, traveling for New Year and more eating and partying. There is a theme going on here and it’s about to stop. There is only one box of chocolates left in the freezer where I hid them. I do not want them! Really!

When I was not working on the edits of The Silk Shroud I was reading. Collaborating with Liz Lindsay as Jamie Tremain. I am drawn to other authors who do the same. Co- authoring is on the rise and ‘big name’ authors are getting into the act. Writing a novel is a mammoth task and sharing the load makes sense, with a few ground rules.

The books I read during party season were all co-authored.

 Melodie Campbell, an award-winning novelist, and author of ten books, teamed up with Cynthia St-Pierre and created the Fashionation with Mystery Books series published by Imajin Books  
Cynthia is also an award-winning author and marketing professional.

     The first in this series came out in 2012. A Purse To Die For. Anyone who knows me can testify that fashion is of great interest to me and I would rather have a new purse than new shoes. But the book languished on my ‘to be read pile’ until the next in the series was published last year. Killer Necklace. I like necklaces too.

     I am hooked on this series. Great characters and sexy, funny dialogue. Is there another in the works ladies?

"A Killer Necklace does not disappoint...hard to put down..."

Lorna Gray, author of Finding Daylight

Award-winning author Gloria Ferris and debut author Donna Warner  have entered the collaboration stakes with their novella thriller Targeted published by Black Opal Books.  Also available at Amazon.

This thriller has it all. An exciting ride to a beautiful Carribean resort. Blue sea and sky and sizzling sandy beaches, handsome men and those mahitos are to die for. Likable well thought out characters had me zipping along with this tension- filled story. I stayed up until the early morning hours to read the conclusion. Hope to see more of Peidmont and Blair.

  

Two authors I have read over many years are the fabulous Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. 

Both prolific writers having written many books together and alone. I follow the Special Agent A.X.L. ( Aloysius) Pendergast series. Aloysius is a law unto himself.

 

2013

       White Fire is my abosolute favourite.

"The best Pendergast book yet- a collision between past and present that will leave you breathless. " -- Lee Child

2014

"Heart pumping action and an intricate plot that pits a vengeful killer against the most interesting character in fiction". -- Suspense magazine.

2015

 I will get to this one shortly.

With today's technology, collaborators do not have to be in the same room to write let alone be near one another.

Melodie Campbell lives in a different town but the same province as Cynthia St-Pierre. Gloria Ferris and Donna Warner are within spitting distance (well maybe 10-15 km's away) and Liz Lindsay and I are 70 km's apart. Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child don't live in the same State. Douglas divides his time between New Mexico or Maine and Lincoln lives in New Jersey.

For Liz and I, using email, Googe Drive to share documents, and Skype is our method of working together.Once or twice a month for a face to face, with lots of coffee and reinforcements also works. 
You do what works for you.  Liz and I had a great day yesterday and have a handle on the edits going forward. One step closer to see The Silk Shroud in print.We'll keep you posted.

Jamie Tremain's calendar is being filled for author interviews  and guests on the blog for 2016. You can look forward to learning all about Dee Willson's debut book A Keepers Truth.

The rest of the schedule TBD.

Talk soon,
Slainte,
Pam

I'm Sold -

On Cruising That Is

I’ve just returned to winter here in Southern Ontario after a glorious week in the Caribbean, and crossing off the first item on my bucket list – taking a cruise.

Many of you know where I work, and each year, top performers are recognized by earning a cruise. This year, my best friend at work, earned this honour and chose me as her guest! What a fantastic opportunity to try a cruise; all expenses paid!  Technically a business trip, there were mandatory events and learning sessions to attend. Nine hundred top performers, plus their guests, and various executives and support teams ensured we had the entire ship to ourselves.

Celebrity - Constellation (our home for 7 beautiful days)

We set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Jan 7, stopping first at a beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic. Sun, sand, and activities for a few hours and then a return to the ship anchored in the bay.

Dominican Samana Beach paradise

Our next visit was to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. I’ve always heard how pretty the island is and the photos I managed don’t do it justice at all! And the shopping – wow! Some day when I’m rich I’ll be back to shop for the fabulous pieces of jewellery on display. Diamonds of every colour conceivable!  My co-worker and I wandered the shops and spent a fantastic day browsing and choosing one or two treasures.

Then it was on to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where we visited the famous Castillo, El Morro.  Lots of walking and mostly uphill, which, for me, was slow going. But we eventually made it. The team of organizers, always wearing red shirts, could be spotted on almost every corner ready to answer questions or point us in the right direction.

Our final stop was in Nassau, but unfortunately only for a few short hours. And the weather was grey and cool. However, we were greeted at the dock by a marching band specifically for our cruise. That was special and the private hotel beach where we attended a business presentation was quite magnificent. I can only imagine how spectacular it would have been with full sun.

Our ship, Celebrity Constellation, provided for every comfort and the service was beyond anything I could have expected. We were fortunate to have a balcony with our stateroom and I spent quite a few hours just gazing out to sea and managing to read two full books!   

One being Targeted by Gloria Ferris and Donna Warner. As their book is set in the Caribbean I thought it appropriate to save it for the trip.  It’s a great read and I do recommend it highly.

Overall it was an experience I’ll never forget. The waters were calm and being gently rocked each night while drifting off to sleep is something I’m already missing. Cruising is definitely the way to go. Next up, for me, would be an Alaskan cruise. We’ll have to see what the future will bring.

Palm trees, sun, sparkling blue water – a perfect combination for a wonderfully relaxing time. Even with work being part of the week, the batteries have definitely been re-charged.

But now back to reality and Pam and I have to get in gear and get our first revision completed and back to the publisher. Enough of this lolli gagging about.

Cruising, for me, gets a two-thumbs up and wistful thoughts about another opportunity. If you haven’t tried it and get the chance, go for it.

Cheers and a belated Happy New Year!

Liz