To Write Or Not to Write - That is the Question

 

July 25 2025

To write or not to write -  that is the question.

I have used this analogy many times but it's usually about cleaning the house or exercising. Maybe not eating that slice of pie in the fridge I most certainly don’t need.

Now writing…. The muse most of us really need is a gun to our heads and someone saying…

But, there are so many distractions. Or excuses. I’m talking about myself here. My writing partner Liz does not have this problem. She must be clairvoyant as she always knows when I’m slacking and I get a subtle reminder to get the lead out or fingers to the keyboard.

But, I have appointments and my friends I’ve not seen forever want to go for lunch or shop. And then it’s the weather. It’s too hot, it’s too cold, it’s too wet. Oh, there’s the doorbell. One of my neighbors dropped in for coffee or if it's later in the day a glass of wine.

So, what does this have to do with my writing life ?

I’m sure I must write a short story, at least in my head when I have a shower and as I potter about the house I’m always thinking of plots and characters. Discipline is what I need and stop procrastinating.

I was brought up in a newspaper world and now listening to the news online or television is a priority for me. We are in the middle of great upheavals in the world and it gets distressing to hear all that is going on. So I’ll give myself 20 mins in the morning to catch up so that I don’t have my head in the sand.

The publishing world is not immune to changes as more people read online, but I do believe that hand held books will never go out of fashion.

Now that Jamie Tremain is in collaboration with Gloria Ferris as Ferris Tremain, our third Mechanic Falls Gem Caper is a work in progress.

My desk sits facing the window and I notice the rain has gone off. Just right for a quick walk around the ravine before I settle in my chair for some writing.

OH, No! It’s 29 degrees, humidity 78. Forget the walk, I’ll be good and stay anchored to my desk. Liz will like that.

Slainte,

Pam

Sticky Keys

 July 21 2025

Ugh... July 2025 in Southern Ontario. Day after day of temps (celsius) in the 30's with humidex readings of 40 or more. In fahrenheit that's 86 - 104 degrees.

We finally caught a break last week and the weather has been more like the July of my summer childhood -  less humid and sunny during the day, cooling down at night. Pretty much perfect, in my own opinion of course. Spoiler alert - the mugginess is forecast to return later this week.

Today as I sit in my office this is the temperature. A few days ago the temperature wouldn't even register. We have portable AC units for the living room and bedroom, but the office suffers. Hence - Sticky Keys.

Ferris Tremain's latest work is another seasonal novella entitled Tequila Harp. Currently, the tale is with our amazing Beta readers, and once back with their observations, we will begin editing. Getting us closer to a publication date - stay tuned!

But, truthfully, I'm almost glad to be free of any kind of writing pressure at the moment. We have the beginning ideas for the third full length Mechanic Falls book, but the opening sentence remains to be written. 

So what to do with some down time. Well, gosh darn, it's been way too hot to think about more than basic housekeeping chores. And kitchen time - cold plates and sandwiches are meal time staples most days.

My husband and I did take a short break to visit his brother and wife who live north of Fenelon Falls, Ontario. But even their wonderful river view wasn't possible outside for much longer than an hour due to the sweltering sun.

As well, Pam, Gloria, and I got together to toss around some Ferris Tremain ideas. A sunshine-filled day, but once again, too uncomfortable to leave the comfort of Gloria's cooler place and be outside.

What's left? Reading of course! And I've been taking advantage of borrowed books, Kobo sales, and library downloads. I've spent more time than usual in my comfy chair, enjoying the cool air and breeze generated by air conditioning and a fan. (Yes, it was so uncomfortably humid, sitting outside was not an option.)

In a previous post I offered my thoughts on new found author (to me), Kristin Hannah. I've now read Magic Hour (another wonderful story), and have been loaned a copy of The Nightingale. To be honest, I opened The Nightingale with trepidation after reading the book description. After the first chapter, I had to ask myself if I was ready to continue. For me, reading stories centered around Europe during WWII make me anxious, especially if it deals with Nazi occupation. But after reading 3 of Hannah's books, I've come to trust her. I know her storytelling will take me back in time to France during the War. I will see, smell, and feel, what her characters do. Without a doubt, I know this will be an emotional journey. I'll return with a review in my next post.

In a somewhat 'lighter' vein, I read Joy Fielding's The Housekeeper. Super story and knowing Toronto fairly well, I love that Fielding sets her story there, mentioning neighbourhoods and landmarks I'm familiar with. I think I need to check my "books read" list to see how many of her books (at least two dozen) I've read! She is a favourite.

Another Canadian favourite author of domestic suspense is Shari Lapena. "What Have You Done" was another page turner.

I've also had two recommendations from one of our fans, "Behind the Pickle Jar", and "Remarkably Bright Creatures" - which I have on hold with the library.

So there you have it. That's what I've been doing this month.

What about you? Summer reading? Vacation plans?  We'd love to hear from you!

Cheers and Happy Reading!

Liz

Book Review - Kristin Hannah

 June 4 2025

For Mother's Day this year, my husband gave me a book. He thought it sounded like a good story and took a chance that I would like it.

I don't think I'd heard of Kristin Hannah, but enjoy the book I certainly did! The Great Alone captivated me from the first page. With a back story centering on the Vietnam War and the horrendous emotional and physical toll it wrecked on families of returning vets, I had an idea where the story might head.

It's 1974 and Ernt Allbright has returned from Nam, forever changed and with a hair trigger temper. Clinging to a desperate hope for a better life, he packs up his wife and 13-year old daughter, Leni, and runs to Alaska. 

The story revolves around Leni and how she adapts to living in a new land. And trying to wade through the waters of her parents' complicated, and at times violent, relationship.

Alaska provides a stunning backdrop to this story. Kristin Hannah writes so well that I could feel the cold, smell the stale odours of a small cabin mostly closed up during dark winter months, and envision the silence.

A memorable story and I became hooked on a new 'favourite' author.

As soon as I finished The Great Alone, I went to the library. Today I finished The Women and have another Kristin Hannah book on hold.

The Women was even more emotionally involving. Again, the Vietnam war takes front and centre. The protagonist Frances McGrath - Frankie - a newbie nurse, enlists in the Army, in hopes of making her father proud. Especially since her adored older brother has just received his orders and sees the pride her father has for his son.

As with The Great Alone, Hannah's writing manages to evoke sights, sounds and smells that are vital to the telling of this story. As well as all-too human failings.

I was finishing High School as the Vietnam War ended and so much of the story Kristin Hannah weaves is based on fact and news events I remember. But being Canadian and a teenager, it didn't occupy much of my time. 

This book vividly portrayed the day to day fight to survive for medical staff as they worked to save lives in a never ending parade of horribly wounded, both military and Vietnamese. The account of Frankie and the best friends she makes, Barb and Ethel, made this time in history come alive for me. A reminder of how the war tore America apart and the shameful way its warriors were treated. As for the nurses?  "There were no women in Nam, ma'am... we can't help you here at this VA facility." (I'm paraphrasing.)  I could feel my ire rise at the outdated view of women and their contributions.

It will be a long time before I forget Frankie McGrath, and if you like a well researched historical story woven with fictional characters, I'd highly recommend The Women. Powerful and unforgettable.

Can't wait for my next Kristin Hannah book when it's available.

Happy Reading!

And p.s. - thanks to my husband for opening the door on this brilliant storytelling author!

R & R With Three Friends

  Writers are allowed down time aren't they? So when I was asked to head north to spend time at my friend's cottage I jumped at the chance. Belmont Lake, near Havelock, Ontario. A good 2-3 hours drive depending on traffic but worth the time spent in the car. 

But what's this? Rain, mist and choppy waters. No boats out this trip as we struggled to light the fire to keep us warm in the evenings. At least my friend, Carol, did. All good. I made an attempt to do some editing but I'm easily distracted and joined the conversations where we tried to solve all of the world problems in one night. Didn't happen.

Next day brilliant sunshine although a tad windy.  Off we drove to  Curve lake. It is a First Nation WHETUNG OJIBWA CENTRE . We spend a good hour or so there and my Visa took a hit. Most writers enjoy people watching so I was in my element. I listened to a survivor of the residential school system while he painted the most beautiful art. I will return to this lovely place.

 

Second day of sunshine. It makes all the difference. This time we drove to Cordova Mines. An abandoned Ghost town and Goldmine, part of the Gold rush boom in 1892 after they found a cave lined in gold. This link will tell you more about it. Ominous Abandoned Places - Cordova Mines      The lake is beautiful with water of a blue I'd never seen before.

 

 

I need to return as I think there might be a story here.

 

 So back to eating , drinking and telling tales until we were exhausted. It rained the rest of the trip so I got on with my knitting work in progress. Hmm, I never learn. It happened last year as well. We had the most delightful pup called Taffy who likes to unravel my yarn. And I mean unravel. Then she found my pen so how could I possibly write anything!

 

 

All innocence. She did chew my pen, but I can still use it.

 

Then back to reality.  But I think there is a break in the weather and summer is here. Or is it?

 

 

 Slainte, Pam

 

 

 

Weekend Getaway

Just returned from a wonderful 4-day weekend in the Huntsville, Ontario area. My husband and I, with our three grown kids and their spouses (and 2 dogs) enjoyed a fantastic get-away break in a home that exceeded our expectations.  And of course, Mary Blue Eyes accompanied us as well. 

Over the last 35 years or so, we've rented dozens of properties, in Canada, and the United States. Without exception this home beats them all hands down. The owners of the large, but comfortable 'cottage' overlooked nothing for the comfort of their guests. We enjoyed the peace and calm of the Muskoka River and didn't for a second miss the sounds of traffic!

The weather - as is typical for Ontario's May 2-4 weekend - wasn't the greatest. We had one full day of sun, and then cooler temperatures and lots of rain. The day we left, May 19, the temps had dropped low enough there were flurries of snow as we packed up our vehicles.

We had wildlife, river kayaking, and food - lots of food! And campfires, of course! The time flew by all too fast, and reality is once again the norm.  

It would be wonderful to return to this spot again, but maybe for a little longer!

May 24th is nearly here and that's the official launch date for Jamie Tremain's 4th Grant's Crossing book - Game Changer.  It's available now for Kindle pre-order.   On May 24th the paperback will be available.

That's it from me for now.  Pam has also been away in another beautiful part of Ontario cottage country and I'm sure she'll share some of her experiences when she returns as well.

Cheers!

Liz

      

Under Construction

 May 2025

Surprise! We're back. We've decided to return to the familiarity of our blog with a refresh and new pages. It might take a few days before all the changes are complete, so please check back!

We'll have information on all our Jamie Tremain books, as well as our collaboration with author Gloria Ferris. Three of us - imagine! - writing under the name of FERRIS TREMAIN. We created the Mechanic Falls Gem Caper series.

Our 4th Grant's Crossing book - GAME CHANGER officially launches on May 24. At the moment it's available for Kindle pre-order on Amazon - 

Stay tuned as we continue to add and fine tune the blog!