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

Captain Underpants meets Origami Yoda

March – the calendar this month has lots of days marked for birthday observances.  Two grandsons, a daughter in law, and a special friend who lives in Florida, plus my godmother, sister-in-law and others at work.

My oldest grandson enters the double-digit era next week.  Michael is my pen-pal as mentioned in an earlier blog – so far we've exchanged two letters.  With more to come I hope!   He’s also a great reader and I love to encourage that whenever I have the chance.  So my thought this year was to take him and his younger brother to my local Chapters and have them pick out their own books for their birthdays.  Apparently Captain Underpants is a hit with young Noah – who knew?  And Michael chose The Strange Case of Origami Yoda.  He seems to like stories with a mystery theme – wonder where he might get that from?   I’ll certainly encourage reading among all of my grandchildren every chance I get.

After Chapters, we enjoyed lunch at Pizza Hut, accompanied by a good friend of mine.

Pam and I want to enter a short story contest as she mentioned below and after discussing a handful of scenarios have decided on the theme of our story.  I woke yesterday morning brimming with ideas and had to rush to jot them down before I forgot.  This morning, over breakfast, I began working on the first draft – so far about 700 words.  Having worked and re-worked so long on Body Perfect I find I’m really energized to be creating something new and I think Pam is of like mind.  I’m waiting to hear her thoughts on what’s been penned so far.

With the beginning of March, my thoughts turn to the approach of spring.  Although this month can be treacherously deceptive, I choose to be optimistic and believe each snow fall will be the last.

Next weekend will see the family get together to celebrate Michael and Noah’s birthdays – only 9 days apart.  Always a good time to catch up with everyone and enjoy being with each other.  In the meantime, there are stories to write and books to read!

Cheers!

Liz

Putting the 'tear' in Cafe-tear-ia

If you know me at all, you know I love plays on words, puns, and most kinds of humour (laughing at someone elses expense is not really funny - unless its my own!). And I really appreciate that gift in others as well! As an aside, for those in the know, there are lots of "in-jokes" Pam and I have incorporated in our stories.

Now to explain the "tear"...no surprise to my partner!

I was quite productive last evening and was able to complete about 1400 words, as promised, on our Madelaine. It was a scene fraught with emotion and sentiment, and I was completely spent when done! Sent it off post haste to Ms Blance for her perusal, and then this morning at break we went over it.

During the work day, when we have time to review each other's work, we usually take turns reading aloud what the other has written - Pam was insistent on reading what I had written, and had to keep stopping to wipe the tears from her eyes! I'm sure it caused one or two raised eyebrows in the cafeteria, but no matter - all in a good cause! We can only hope our present, and future, readers will be moved in the same way - perhaps we should offer a free pak of travel tissue with each edition purchased - embossed with a Jamie Tremain logo of course! A freebie is nothing to sneeze at!

I suppose that's the point of this journey - to create a story with characters that one can relate to; can enjoy reading about, and are interested in. If we manage to obtain a reaction such as Pam had today, then I think we will have succeeded!

We are looking forward to attending Brian Henry's workshop this Saturday, and as Pam had the good fortune today to win our PayDay draw at work (the second time in as many months!), she may really enjoy our dinner afterwards - we plan to dine at a local Greek restaurant I have frequented several times.

I plan to take the evening off from story writing, and instead should be trying to put the finishing touches on the monthly newsletter I put together for our Centre.

Enjoy your evening and we'll be sure to report in after attending the workshop on Saturday!

Cheers!

Liz