Blog-Letter February

 Feb 1 2022

Issue #2

And we're back.

The first month of 2022 is a wrap.

Thoughts from Pam:

My garden Buddha was looking kinda chilly, so I gave him a tartan neckpiece to wear and suggested he wear it as a mask. Do you think he was listening to me? Keeps letting it slip down and his nose is exposed. That's not the way to wear it. So folks - pay attention. Wear your mask correctly and we can all be safe again.

January was a busy month for JT. Writing most days and listening to podcasts or zoom meetings take quite a chunk of time. Thank goodness for modern technology and captions. Dealing with a profound hearing loss means if a TV show or an online meeting does not have captions I'm out of luck. I lip-read more than I thought, but now that folks are wearing masks it's a bit of a nightmare. But please don't stop wearing your mask. Enough about Covid-19.

The exciting part of January was the launch of our second book in the Grant's Crossing series. "Resort to Murder". If you know me at all, you'll have gathered that Liz is instrumental in getting our latest baby out into the world. Computers are not my thing. Ideas and marketing are my contributions. To kill people off I have loads of ideas but marketing in this climate is a hard one. But I'll persevere.

I had another birthday in January. Funny how they seem to come faster as the years go in. But as the quote below says... I'll keep on dreaming and setting goals.

And from Liz:

I’ve been retired for almost two years now. Within a short span of time, despite COVID, I came to understand what my already-retired friends complained about. Too busy, not enough time in the day to get things done, how did I ever manage all this when I was working. As with other neophytes, I failed to believe them!

But it’s true! I may not be employed, but I am busy. Jamie Tremain occupies the bulk of my day, of course, but there are family, seminars, appointments, and occasionally some housework competing for my time. This brings me to the crux of my retirement. I’ve always loved to read and anticipated daily binges of reading. A mountainous pile of “To Be Read” books testifies to my naivete.

Reduced income means reduced purchase options, so I’m finally utilizing and enjoying, the Kobo reader I’d received as a work anniversary gift a few years ago. I watch for bargains from favourite readers or am easily enticed by intriguing book descriptions.  And yes, there is a growing pile of books in digital form there as well.

I have favourite authors, and one I’ve returned to this week is Kathy Reichs. I’ve read many of her books, but think her first work – Deja Dead – somehow escaped my attention.  A terrific tale of forensics and suspense, but maybe not while you’re eating. Even though the book is – yikes – 25 years old, it still holds up and grabs the reader’s attention.  Horrific and grisly murder tales are timeless.

Jamie Tremain News:

New Book!  The second book in our Grant's Crossing series is Resort to Murder. Once again our wonderful cover designer, Jennifer Gibson, has provided a cover we love!

Alysha, Dianne and characters introduced in Death on the Alder return, along with a new resident, who doesn't fit the stereotype of 'retired'. She's quick to become involved when suspicion of murder befalls one of her housemate.

Last week, Kobo linked Resort to Murder as a similar book to read along with Gone Girl! I know I couldn't put Gone Girl down - it was one of the best domestic suspense books I've read.

We miss in-person launches and events where we can sign your book and get to know you. Where would we be without readers?   If you've purchased a print copy of any Jamie Tremain book, we'd be happy to send  you a signed bookplate and  bookmark.  Contact us at jamietremainJT@yahoo.com

We were honoured to start the new year featured on two blog posts: Diane Bator's Escape with a Writer series - Jamie Tremain shares their new book Death on the Alder and more! (dbator.blogspot.com)

And on The Mystery Section -  a super site featuring mystery books and authors.

BEFORE WE GO - 

Our Books are available:

Amazon     Google Play   Kobo, Apple Books, etc 

Beginnings - Blog-Letter

 January 2 2022

A New Year always seem to call for a fresh start, new beginnings and the dreaded "R" word. You'll find no resolutions here, only aspirations, accomplishments and news of the write kind. 

As you can see from the banner above, Jamie Tremain is taking advantage of the New Year and new beginnings with a new Blog-Letter. A combination blog post and newsletter. We hope to do a Blog-Letter monthly, but lest this hope fall under the umbrella of failed New Year's Resolution, no more shall be said. In addition we'll still provide blogs with interviews and posts on the writing world as we have done in the past.

How did you celebrate or observe your year-end?

Year End Thoughts

Liz

Christmas 2021 has passed. How I had planned to spend it and how it actually turned out are two different things. After another frustrating year with COVID our family planned, and anticipated, a long over due Christmas gathering. There would be about 16 of us. Food contributions and gift ideas were organized and all was good until about 8 days before. Then Omicron numbers grinched our Christmas. The gathering was reduced to 8 in number. My husband and I had the day to ourselves. Although we did enjoy a fun, but all too brief, visit from my daughter and her family early Christmas Day. Greetings and love exchanged outside our apartment door. We talked with everyone throughout the day, and even though there were only two of us, we ate way too much!

A planned Christmas Eve with my sister and her husband was also nixed when three of us felt we might be coming down with something. So better safe than sorry, and another visit rain-checked until today, when it is hoped they will visit with us for a spaghetti dinner.

Although I am truly disappointed at not having the Christmas with family as hoped for, I’m still grateful that everyone is well and that I’m blessed beyond words with a close family and loyal friends.

2022 promises to be busy for Jamie Tremain and perhaps, fingers crossed, we may see a return to some book events where Pam can unleash her sales skills. She is the people person of this partnership and will keep Jamie Tremain front and forefront wherever she goes. And I'm glad she does! 

I hope 2022 is a Healthy, Happy, and safe one for all!

                               

                                       Even Mary B. Eyes came along for the brief visit.

Pam

As one half of a writing duo called Jamie Tremain, I’m more than thrilled to have a partner that is so tech-savvy. 2021 saw our jump to being Indie authors and published two new books.  In August “Beholden to None”, the third in the Dorothy Dennehy mysteries, was published and in October a new series began with “Grant's Crossing-Death on the Alder”. We have big plans for 2022 and would like you along for the ride. 

 

I have written before about change and generally, I accept what is happening around me as progress. But this year I believe we are all somewhat weary and now we have waves with this new variant. If we are to see the light at the end of the tunnel we have to accept and adapt. Some friends have been affected by Covid and I wish them a speedy recovery.

 

Ontario loosened up restrictions at the beginning of December, so I went to the theatre with my daughter-in-law to see “Come from Away” in downtown Toronto. Tickets were bought two years ago! Dinner at an Italian restaurant sitting miles from any other customers and then a dress circle seat to watch the show. Fantastic performance for the next two hours. Highly recommend it, but I gather it is now closed due to the new variant. 

 

I’ve always enjoyed Christmas. The shopping for gifts, the eating of course, and the family getting together. That was my biggest disappointment. I did see one son and his wife and her mother. No, I didn’t cook the usual turkey etc. I’m waiting on a new oven but supply chain woes mean late January. But we still had our turkey. My local supermarket did a fine job and delivered a turkey already cooked with all the veg, gravy and stuffing, (not as good as mine though) and they didn’t forget the cranberry sauce. 

 

Being at home so much during this time means getting a grip on eating. A cookie here, a cookie there. What's a girl to do? No, I don’t bake but it's all Liz’s fault as she delivered to me last month a huge tin of Belgium chocolate biscuits.

On Boxing Day, a friend from Kelowna, BC came to stay for a few days. We drove around but didn’t venture far and no crowded places. Oh yes, we managed the liquor store for replenishments. So, for three days we ate, drank and bored each other silly. But as the temperature is -31c (-22 F) in Kelowna, she liked our temperatures much better.

 

December the 31st where I come from (Scotland) is called Hogmanay. Many traditions surround this night. But that would be harking back to the old days, and we need to look forward. A lump of coal to heat your fire, some black bun for sustenance and of course whiskey. Oh, and the Scots make the best Shortbread.

 

I’m looking forward to 2022 and Liz and I will continue to give you more of our stories. We were planning and brainstorming this morning so look for more of Grant’s Crossing and number four in the Dorothy Dennehy Mystery series.

 

Health and Happiness and a Happy New Year to all.

And now onto Jamie Tremain related items.

We are being featured on two upcoming blogs - January 7 and January 25. Details to follow.

Are you interested in being a Beta Reader for Jamie Tremain? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at jamietremainJT@yahoo.com

Can we ask a favour? If you're not already following us, would you mind giving us a follow, or like, at any of these sites? There's also a follow button at the top right hand of this page to keep in touch with us here.

Facebook    https://www.facebook.com/jamietremainwrites

Twitter    Jamie Tremain🇨🇦 (@PamLizWrites) / Twitter

Goodreads       Jamie Tremain (Author of The Silk Shroud) | Goodreads 

BookBub       Jamie Tremain Books - BookBub

Instagram       Liz and Pam (@jamietremain_mysteryauthor) • Instagram photos and videos

 And as always, you can find Jamie Tremain books here:

Amazon

Google Play

Apple Books, Kobo, etc

Before we go!

We know trivia occupies far too much of our brain cells, but like jello there's always room for more - here's something to add.

Cheers!

Pam & Liz

2021 - Year in Review for Jamie Tremain

December 14 2021

Christmas and Holiday Greetings from Jamie Tremain! 

This has been quite the year, not just for us, but for so many others.

Challenges, disappointments, and heartbreaks have vied for attention with milestones, successes, and accomplishments.

For Jamie Tremain, we end the year feeling pleased with our decision to turn from traditional publishing and move to full on indie! We re-released The Silk Shroud, and Lightning Strike. And then added a third Dorothy Dennehy Mystery – Beholden to None. New cover art for the first two have given a fresh life to the books. We are so grateful to our gifted cover designer, Jennifer Gibson!

The Dorothy Dennehy Mystery Series

Death on the Alder - First in the Grant's Crossing Series

She has also provided the cover for the start of our new Grant’s Crossing series, with Death on the Alder being the first book. We hope to have a second in the series – Resort to Murder – available early in 2022. And to keep us busy we are well into a third in the series.

We are scheduled to be featured in a blog post – January 7 2022 – on Diane Bator’s blog -  Escape With a Writer.

We’re also continuing on with our Covid-generated, collaborative, writing project which we began last year as an exercise to keep our writing skills fresh. The project includes Award Winner Gloria Ferris. It’s since turned into a serious effort to see a new book published next year. Stay tuned for more details on this wintry caper that has some quirky characters, devious plot scenarios and stolen gems! And because Gloria's involved, there's more than one laugh along the way.

Still missing are the in-person events. Book conferences and book launches. Some are slowly making a comeback and fingers are crossed that 2022 will see us once again being able to connect with readers and other authors. Video meetings have been a wonderful alternative and we’re grateful to have that venue available to us. But face-to-face contact is best!

For our Dorothy Dennehy fans – our plan is to begin a new case for Dorothy and her team to investigate as soon as the third Grant’s Crossing book is complete. Ideally, we’d like to alternate with one book in each series moving forward. Time will tell, because as we all well know, life often intervenes when we are busy making other plans.

Keep reading lots of books! And if you like what you read, please consider leaving a review. You may have no idea how your encouraging words can lift the spirits of an author on a not-so-good day!

So for now let us wish each and every one of you the Best of Christmas and Holiday wishes and may 2022 be a Healthy, Safe, and Happy year!

Books on Amazon

Google Play

Other Online Retailers

Jamie Tremain's Web Site

 

New Series Launch

 October 4, 2021

Launching a new book is always an exciting time for the author. I believe we started writing Grant's Crossing - Death on the Alder in 2008 and it was duly delegated to a drawer while we concentrated on The Dorothy Dennehy Mysteries. We usually have two books in the works at a time. 

When we started our writing career in 2007 this could be a problem, especially for me. The protagonist's name in one book often showed up in the other. Face-to-face meetings to read our work out loud helped us solve the name crossover problem. To this day one of the aspects of our writing partnership is the reading aloud of our work. Not that we catch every little glitch, but it's truly beneficial.

Our most asked questions are... "How do you work together? How can you plot a story with two of you?"

Well, it's not always easy but we wouldn't have it any other way. We live in different cities so working online is the way to go for the most part. We use Zoom or Google meetings but that is not always adequate. Plotting and planning, with a good brainstorming day, set us up until we get together again.

We each have our strengths and weaknesses. I won't get into our weaknesses. Liz is a tech guru, thank goodness, as I am... shall we say, a hit and peck kinda typist and the computer is not always my friend.

My background was in sales and marketing so that's my job. Due to the climate in publishing and the restrictions with the Pandemic we are now indie published. 

Friday, October 1st saw the release of  Death on the Alder in paperback - the first in our new series Grant's Crossing. This book, and sequels, take place in Canada so they have a different flavour than the Dorothy Dennehy Mysteries. No launch party, or signing our latest contribution to the writing and reading world.

If you have purchased this book on Amazon, we'd love to send you a signed bookplate to put in your copy. Please let us know - jamietremainJT@yahoo.com -  and we will be happy to mail you one, along with a bookmark.

A signed bookplate for your book copy!

Perhaps by the time Grant's Crossing - Resort to Murder,  the second in the series, is published we can have an in-person event. We love connecting with our readers and would love to hear from you with a book review if you are so inclined.

Fall is here and the nights are darker already. It's good writing weather so says, Liz!  I prefer sunshine while sitting in my office, while if it is a good rainfall she is happy. It's only our hairstyles that are the same! No, we don't go to the same hairdresser. 

Liz is coming for the day on Wednesday so I'd better clean up my computer. How do I go about that?

Stay safe and well. Happy reading.

Slainte,

Pam

All our books are available on Amazon, as well as e-format on Kobo, Apple Books, etc.

SEPTEMBER

 September 13 2021

And another summer has blitzed by! We're well into September now. The leaves are turning faster, and the nights are generally cooler, which suits me quite fine!  I think Autumn is my favourite season of the year and wish it could last until Spring!

Jamie Tremain’s newest series – Grant’s Crossing – débuts October 1 with the first book in the series -  Death on the Alder. Once again, we applaud our cover designer, Jennifer Gibson, for beautiful cover artwork.

Imagine you’re 28 years old - carefree, career undecided, and your last surviving family member has bequeathed you a renovated farmhouse, which is now home to 8 senior citizens.  You no sooner arrive, when a suspicious death throws a heavy shadow over two of the residents. It’s your decision – turn down the inheritance or stay. What would you do?

This is what faces our newest protagonist - Alysha Grant - as she returns to her hometown of Grant’s Crossing, located in a small, rural, Ontario town.

We have some quirky characters, and of course a body or two. As far as genre? Well, it’s a mystery with cozy overtones. We do hope you will come for a visit, stay awhile, and get to know these characters. Pam and I had a lot of fun creating this series, and we’re about halfway through the second – Resort to Murder.

But what else has been happening, you ask?

I had to buy a new laptop when my faithful Acer decided to retire unannounced. Its successor is another Acer and I’m loving it. Gearing up for Windows 11 as well. Progress all around.

And here in Canada we’re facing a federal election on September 20. And that’s my only comment on that particular subject.

COVID’s tentacles reached out to my family this week, with two family members testing positive. My husband and I had our swab tests and fortunately have negative results. Please, can this thing be over, SOON!!

Zoom meetings and marketing forays seem to round out my days. Another one scheduled tomorrow afternoon with our Author Survival Network group. If you’re a published author and would be interested in joining our group, send me an email and I’ll provide more details.   Lizlindsay528@yahoo.com

Earlier this month, my sister and I, along with a good friend, went trekking through the tombstones in search of our earliest ancestors in Southern Ontario. Two cemeteries in the Listowel area were on our list. Our mother was born in England and married our Canadian-born father after WW II. But my sister, the genealogy wizard in this family, has discovered ancestry hailing from Cornwall, England on my father’s side. The name? Tremain(e) of course. Sometimes with an ‘e’ and often without.

          

          

Bonus discovery. A very helpful groundskeeper also pointed us in the direction of this grave - John Livingstone, Sr - brother to Dr. David Livingstone (I presume?).  All in all, it was a lovely way to spend a day and feel a connection with those gone before.

Now, it’s time for coffee and flexing the keyboard to see what Alysha Grant and friends are up to in Grant’s Crossing – Resort to Murder.

Cheers!

Liz

Grant's Crossing - Death on the Alder 

Paperback available October 1 on Amazon

Pre-order e-books on Kindle and other online retailers

Busy Summer

 Aug 11 2021

Nearly mid August! Like so many others who are commenting on how fast this summer seems to have gone, I shake my head at the speed with which days are flying by! Maybe because for a lot of us, restrictions have been lifted, or eased enough, to finally allow gatherings, to attend events, or to travel. It feels as if we are either making up for lost time, or filling our calendars in the event these long awaited freedoms are curtailed again. COVID is far from over. 

As mentioned previously, Pam and I enjoyed a lovely three day retreat last month. And guess what? We have another one scheduled in two week’s time! We will be joining the other three members of our Genre5 Author Group for a few days of catching up, writing and discussion. All against the back drop of a lakefront cottage. Can’t wait.  Other than a back-yard, socially distanced meeting last summer, we five have not gathered together since the virus put all our lives on hold. Grateful to have had Zoom to stay in touch, but nothing beats face to face.

Speaking of faces, a long running joke among the five of us is our complete inability to take a group selfie. Yes, we’ve tried the stick – let’s just say there were technical issues. But I may have found the solution and all will be revealed at our next gathering.

 

Out of all our group selfie tries, this one successful effort, from three years ago, remains my favourite. 

In the meantime, both halves of Jamie Tremain have been busy. Pam’s social calendar is bursting at the seams! I’ve been enjoying family gatherings at long last. And optimistically hope we can celebrate Christmas in our usual fashion this year!

My fun this week was technical. My faithful laptop, which had been showing its age, finally succumbed, and I spent yesterday setting up its replacement. With the ‘cloud’ and other advances, this set up went faster than I expected and I’m now enjoying better speed and a few new features.  As well, I’m borderline anal when it comes to backing things up, which paid off big time this time around.

And as far as Jamie Tremain goes, we’re now working with our amazing cover designer, Jennifer Gibson, to start the process for Grant’s Crossing – Death on the Alder. We plan for a release date of October 1.

We’re also developing a newsletter – more details to come on both!

And a reminder about the contest we offered with the last post. It ends August 13!

We hope your summer has been going well.  If you’ve purchased a copy of Beholden to None, send us a picture and we’ll feature it! We love hearing from you, because after all, without readers, what is the point of writing a book?

Now I’d best get back to my turn with our next project: Grant’s Crossing – Resort to Murder.

 

Cheers!

Liz

ADIOS 2020!

 

Not sorry to see the end of 2020! Vaccines are here so perhaps the end of COVID’s stranglehold on our lives and economies is nearing an end.

Christmas and other holiday times with family and friends to gather have been disrupted and put on hold. But I am grateful to say that my family and friends have been kept safe from the virus. Understandably, though, patience with restrictions is wearing thin. Cracks, often quite large, are showing up with our compliance efforts. I will continue to play nice and abide by best medical advice, but long for the day when I can grocery shop sans mask or no regard for “senior hours”. 

Pam and I still await word from our publisher on the status of Beholden To None,  the third (and last for a while) in our Dorothy Dennehy mystery series. We are anxious to move forward with our next series under development – Grant’s Crossing.  The first book tentatively called Grant’s Crossing – Death on the Alder is now undergoing beta reader testing and final edits. Then begins the process of shopping for a new publisher or taking the plunge and self-publishing.

I’ve been polishing up my short story skills, venturing submissions here and there, and a contest or two. Nothing COVID related either!  Although, never say never.

Baking has become my second most prolific past time, next to writing, this year.  My sister and I have partnered together to produce Christmas fruit cakes and assorted cookies and treats to package and distribute via porch drops to family and friends over the next week or so.

 

                                             

Not everyone's cup of tea, but I love traditional English Christmas Fruitcake!  My sister, Michele, faithfully follows our Mother's recipe every year.

Where would we be these days without video options to keep in touch with family, friends, and for me, the writing community.

Netflix, Prime, Crave, and Acorn TV platforms have kept me entertained. Among shows I had to binge are The Sounds and Queen’s Gambit. Loving Season 3 of Star Trek-Discovery! I'm also watching Castle Rock now, which seems appropriate as evenings are dark and the balcony has gone into hibernation. I’ve  been trying to read more, which helps me, as a writer, become more aware of writing styles, likes and dislikes.

So, I wonder what 2021 will have in store for Jamie Tremain?  For you, I wish health, happiness and an appreciation for all that is still good in this world. Oh, and keep reading, too. Please!

Until next year, this half of Jamie Tremain wishes you a Merry and Blessed Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and all things good for this holiday time of year.

See you in the New Year!

Cheers!

Liz