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