Something A Little Different - For Readers and Authors

 Happy New Year!

Who isn't happy to put 2020 behind us? Jamie Tremain certainly is. So we decided to start the new year with a different view point on our blog.  All about books and the readers who give them life.

We are authors, but where would we be without readers? Good question and so we asked a handful of avid readers to see what THEY like. We hope you'll enjoy reading their responses. We've had such insightful feedback from these readers that we may just do this again later in the year. 

To be entertained, educated, or escape - books and the stories within their pages fill many of those needs, and more.

So if you, as a reader, would care to share your opinions in a future post, please email us at jamietremainrtn@gmail.com and we'll put your name aside for a future blog. Or do you have a question you'd like Jamie Tremain to ask of readers? We'd also like to have input from our reading "brothers".

We are beyond impressed with the responses received from these ladies and are pleased to give them a shout out!

Amy B., Wendy Czelusniak, Carol Fellman, Lesley Lindsay, Susan O'Toole, 

Jane P., Maureen Paoletti, and Carmela T.

  

Whether retired, or full time working mom, these ladies lead busy lives (despite COVID) and reading is a big part of their day.

Thank you again, ladies, for taking part! Your insights and comments are well thought out, and from an author's point of view, contain excellent observations we need to keep in mind when we craft a story for you, our readers. 

***Many list thrillers as a favourite genre. Here's a recommendation from Jamie Tremain.  Fellow author, Barbara Fradkin, is launching her newest Amanda Doucette mystery-thriller  - The Ancient Dead - via Virtual Book Launch later this month. January 28 2021. 7-8 p.m. EST. Free tickets are available through Eventbrite

And if anyone is looking for other books or authors, these ladies have provided more than thirty - from current commercial fiction to the classics! Fiction and non-fiction.

What are you currently reading?

Wendy: Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham

Carol:    The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan

Maureen: A Promised Land by Barrack Obama (Maureen notes she couldn't get into the book as much as she did with Michelle Obama's "Becoming")

Susan: Rise Again! The Story of Cape Breton Island from 1900 to today. I also have Elton John's autobiography "Me" on the go.

Lesley: Currently, I am on a Liane Moriarty kick as I received a couple of her books for Christmas. I read 3 books over the Christmas break. I have yet to start The Hypnotist's Love Story (shown below) as I have school reading to do.

Jane: The Inn by James Patterson & Candice Fox

Amy: I am reading two books currently. I started reading The Hobbit over the holiday break. I am a first time reader of Tolkien and am really enjoying it. The characters are much more developed than I thought. It is a very detailed book, you really do feel like you are in the hobbit world with Bilbo. Looking forward to the Lord of the Rings series next!   The kids gave me a Twilight novel for Christmas, Life and Death. It's a retelling of the original where the characters are reversed - vampire girl, human boy. Actually most characters have swapped sexes in the book. It is a little hard to keep track of characters when you are familiar with the original, but so far so good. It's not a series this time, but all wrapped up in one novel. I am about half way.   It's not uncommon for me to have multiple books going at once. I leave books all over the house, coffee table, bath tub, night stand. I just pick up where I left off.

Carmela: The Silk Shroud by Jamie Tremain

Lesley says a bubble bath is the next best place to read. First, obviously, is the beach!

What is your favourite genre?  

Wendy: Legal and crime thrillers

Carol:  Historical fiction, which is my way of learning history

Maureen: Suspense, mystery, psychological thriller, such as Mary Higgins Clark

Susan: True crime is my favourite genre

Lesley: Genre?  I call it fluff which is probably a little insulting to the author.  It's easy to read and follow when real life is stressful and dramatic.  I also enjoy a mystery but one's that are a little on the "fluffy" side as well, unrealistic I suppose. I read The Unwanted Guest over the holidays and it was the perfect combination of fluff and suspense.  

Jane: Mystery & crime fiction

Amy: A good old fashion mystery or thriller gets me every time but lately dystopian, mythological and sci-fi have grabbed my interest.

Carmela: Thrillers

Wendy

What other genres do you enjoy?

Wendy: Non-fiction

Carol: Non-fiction. Biography, Auto-biography, memoirs and self-help

Maureen: A variety

Susan: I enjoy historical non-fiction as well. I'm also a sucker for a series and like to read them consecutively.

Lesley:  I usually read the same genre for a few books then switch it up.  I do enjoy PD books (personal development) especially when they include humour.  Mastering Your Mean  Girl is one I have read most recently.

Jane: Romance and Family. For example Maeve Binchy

Amy: I love a classic old novel. When I can't find something new that interests me I always revert to the classics - Three Musketeers, Wuthering Heights, Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies, Catcher in the Rye. All on my book shelf. Hate to admit it, but you'll catch me reading romance novels, historical romances specifically, for the way they describe the time period. I really enjoy the change in era.

Carmela: Mysteries, Historical Fiction, Romance, Women’s Fiction

Tell us some favourite authors, or books, and why they are favourites.

Wendy: John Grisham, Jamie Tremain (thank you, Wendy!)

Carol:  Cathy Marie Buchanan - The Painted Girls, and The Day the Falls Stood Still (Canadian). Abraham Verghese - Cutting for Stone. One of my all time favourites because of the character development. Francine Rivers - The Lineage of Grace (Biblical fiction)

Maureen: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. I liked the characters. I will lend books to anyone, but this is one book I want back. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. Almost anything by Elin Hilderbrand, James Patterson, Lee Child, and Michael Connelly. For an easy read, I like Janet Evanovich. I honestly like Greg Iles and have probably read all his books, including his trilogy. And Patricia Cornwell, since I like Dr. Scarpetta.

Susan: Some of my favourite authors are JD Robb, Jodie Picoult, Edward Rutherford, Nicholas Sparks, and of course, Jamie Tremain. (Thanks, Sue!)

Lesley: I would say Liane Moriarty is one of my favourites, her books grab you right away and are fun and easy to read.  Sophie Kinsella I have enjoyed as well (more "fluff" books, I read these when my kids were babies and I was home on mat leave).  Another favourite book that I have read more than once is The Birth House by Ami McKay.

Jane: Lawrence Sanders - Archie McNally series. Witty dialogue and interesting characters set in Palm Beach high society. Fun capers!  Jonathan Kellerman - Alex Delaware series. Enjoy the dynamics with partner Milo Sturgis. Adventure and psychology, peeking into the frightening complexities of the mind. Author Harlan Coben - enjoy everyday characters caught up in plausible scenarios and keep me guessing to the end.  Patricia Cornwell - Scarpetta series. Fast paced, mixed bag of flawed characters, suspenseful and amazing technology plus forensic science.

Amy: I'm not sure I have a favourite author, but I certainly have a favourite book - The Count of Monte Cristo. I don't know why I picked up the book, but I am so glad I did. I was young, probably a teenager and thought I'd try it. I was hooked, it was written in a way I never experienced. Dantes is just one of those characters that I loved. The contrast between Dantes and the Count, the conflict as he searched for justice vs happiness is so thoughtfully explored.      I also enjoyed the Harry Potter series. I was an adult by the time it came out and waited for the series to be completed before I read it. It was worth the wait, the story is as old as time, good vs evil but told so well. You grow with Harry, his revelations and decisions. The imagination and creativity was just amazing.   Truthfully, I go through a lot of stages with my authors and novels. I will read one book from an author and love it, will read 5-6 books in a row and move on. Just did that with the Jack Reacher books, think I read about 10 in a row before I thought it was time to move on.

Carmela: James Patterson - The Women's Murder Club, and the  Alex Cross series. Lee Child's - Jack Reacher series. Patricial Cornwell - Kay Scarpetta series.  I love series and these three thriller authors have wonderful series. They are fast paced Thrillers which I cannot get enough of. I cannot wait for their next book(s).   The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff left a big mark in my heart and soul, which made me cry. Historical fiction with a dual timeline, well written with wonderful characters.

Amy

Do you prefer an e-reader, or traditional book. Could you tell us why you prefer one over the other?

Wendy: Traditional book

Carol: Currently reading my first e-reader book. May be the way we do book club over the next year due to library closures for those who don't wish to buy hard cover books. It's also a way not to accumulate physical books when you are a senior!

Maureen: Depends on my mood. I still have more than 100 books on my Kobo, but I do buy books when the stores are open.

Susan: I can't help it but I'm a traditional book-in-hand reader. I have a Kobo and enjoy it for trips when you want to keep your luggage light. I like being able to read at night with it too. But there's just something about the feel and smell of a hard copy book.

Lesley: I have an e-reader but can't tell you the last time that I actually read off of it.  I much prefer a traditional book and much to the horror of my husband my books are loved and enjoyed, I am a corner folder and I take my books with me everywhere.  The spines are opened fully.  I have tried audiobooks as well but if the voice isn't just right then it's a distraction.  Alternatively, it can put me to sleep and I have used my audiobooks for that purpose specifically. 

Jane: Traditional book. My weary, aging eyes get enough "screen time" from my phone & TV. Plus I've been an avid reader of books all my life, so I enjoy the holding and page turning.

Amy:  I prefer a traditional book, the feel of the pages and bookmarks, seeing the balance shift as you get mid way and feeling disappointed as you get closer to the end. They don’t say it’s a really page turner for nothing! I do use the e-reader too, I have a few books on my cell - it has its benefits, like when you are in a waiting room! Before that I would keep a book in my purse.

Carmela: As I’m aging I prefer reading with my iPad and use Kindle and Kobo app.   Also wonderful for traveling since I can bring numerous books with no additional weight in my luggage.

Carol

As a reader, what are you looking for in a story?

Wendy: To be engaged in the story, or plot. From the first few pages, and be able to dive into the plot. I like to be captivated and curious right to the end.

Carol: I enjoy character development of a few characters, rather than many characters. I look for life lessons and humour.

Maureen: Characters and a good story

Susan: I need to believe the story. Fantasy is not my style because it's too far fetched for me

Lesley: Depends on the kind of mood I am in I guess.  I want it to catch my attention quickly otherwise I have no problem discarding it.  I am the same with movies.  I would say relatability to the characters for the most part, can I picture myself there?

Jane: Good dialogue and descriptive wording to immerse me in the characters and story. Challenging plots. Nice flow. I enjoy reading about tantalizing food & drink. Love descriptive scenery of flowers, trees, oceans, old buildings, furniture, wardrobes etc. In detail, so as to visualize. Colours described as feelings. Sounds and aromas so clear and vivid I can hear and smell as I read.

Amy: Characters, I need a strong main character. A backstory, if you can engage me in their life I’m in. Good or bad guy, you got me if I can understand them. 

Carmela: The story needs to get to me; I need to feel connected with the characters. I need to feel lost within the story.

Carmela

How do you choose what to read next?  For example - is it based on a recommendation; or a new story by a favourite author. Perhaps the book cover or description sold you?

Wendy: Could be a recommendation from a friend, or recent review of newly published novel, as well as a favourite author.

Carol: Usually, the books I read are chosen as a group in my book club. I love recommendations and other stories by my favourite authors.

Maureen: By author. Once another customer in a Coles bookstore told me

Susan: I will always take recommendations from people. I have a running list in the notes section on my phone. I usually like to read the next book by the same author and I read them in the order they were written, regardless if they are part of a series, or stand alone books.

Lesley: Most of my book choices are from a recommendation.  I have a hard time switching genres, so if the next book I have is a different genre I will wait a while before I start reading it. 

Jane: I follow my favourite authors on Facebook and Instagram. My Saturday Toronto Star has a brilliant section for Entertainment and books, with Bestseller lists and tons of reviews.

Amy: I used to rely on the library, they always had a display feature, the local librarian would have suggestion for me too. Lately, it’s mostly online. Pinterest has tons of suggestions, “if you liked this read this” posts. 

Carmela: I go through my books and try to plan my reading. Since the virus, I have a much more challenging time reading.

Jane

As a reader, what could turn you off finishing a book you're reading?

Wendy: Too many narrative moments, although in some situations it is necessary to give a background, to set the stage, but prefer such to be kept right to the point.

Carol: I will skip long descriptions, with too many adjectives and adverbs. If there are so many characters that I need to keep a list, I don't feel that I can get to know each one. The books I most enjoy are the ones whose characters are developed.

Maureen: Too long to get into. Case in point, although I eventually read it over the summer, I had a book by Louise Penny and had to start over.

Susan: If a book is too far fetched, I'm not interested. I will always try to finish it though, even if I'm not really into it. I guess the optimist in me hopes it will turn itself around.

Lesley:   If it's not keeping my attention then I won't likely finish it.  

Jane: Too many overwhelming details in early chapters. As I age, I often have to "flip back" to re-acquaint myself with a character or situation. But no different than rewind on my PVR, I guess! Slow moving plots. Thin plots with predictable outcome, unless the story and writing very captivating and entertaining. Sometimes it's the journey, not the destination!

Amy: Slowness, I give every book a chance but if you can’t hook me in two or three chapters I’m usually out. 

Carmela: Descriptive books drive me crazy and I usually do not finish them. Literary fiction books are not what I like reading.

Susan

When all is said and done, why do you like to read?

Wendy: Love good story telling, which can serve as good conversation in social gatherings

Carol: I read to learn history, to experience a location that I haven't been to, to relax and wind down at night, to learn from another person's struggles and as an option to get away from our techie world. I can learn so much about the way the world and people work from reading about their lives.

Maureen: Have done so since Nancy Drew days in grade school.

Susan: . Sometimes I read to learn; other times for a distraction. These days it's harder to read because I don't have as much quiet time to myself. Thanks a lot Covid!

Lesley: I always have, I find it a better use of my time compared to watching TV or scrolling through Instagram. I find it relaxing and an escape from the everyday.

Jane:  It feels like an escape. Everything else falls away. An enjoyable book can be as fulfilling as a trip away, or spending time with family and friends, or enjoying a special meal. Like an adventure where you can make new friends in the characters and spend a couple of days with them.  That's why it's devastating to finish a good read. And definitely why we follow our favourite authors, and sometimes new friends or heroes in future publications.

Amy: I’ve always loved reading, it takes you away. My mom always tells the story about me sitting with a book, long before I could actually read but pretending I could! The pictures told the story! I could always see a description in my mind, the environment, an expression, I love the escape of a book. I think that’s why I’m often disappointed when they turn the book into a movie, my imagination was better than what was one the screen! 

Carmela: I started reading at a young age. I loved going to the library and borrowing books. I feel at peace in a library and could stay for hours. My dream would be to travel and visit as many libraries as possible.

We hope that our fellow authors will find these comments and opinions helpful - knowing what readers like and don't like as your fingers fly across the keyboard bringing new characters and stories to life. 

We have truly enjoyed seeing the variety of book interests and what motivates these readers.

Thank you readers!

Liz & Pam

Goodbye 2020

We have all been truly tested this year. I've always enjoyed change but this year even I have been pushed too far.

I started the year off in style. Meeting with my Genre5 writing group on Jan 4th set the tone and we all enjoyed lunch together. 

We went back to Gloria's and as we settled in the family room for a much-anticipated laugh a minute session as we usually do, yours truly stepped off, and down into, a sunken living room. I landed on my shoulder and broke my humerus bone. No one was laughing. Two months later into recovery with the help of physio I learned to sleep sitting up and finally could drive again.

Then the world went to hell in a handbasket. Pandemic! Covid-19. These words are now etched in our minds along with new sayings like 'social distancing' 'your bubble', etc. If I heard a TV announcer say these are unprecedented times one more time I was going to scream. Wearing a mask came next. Who knew that wearing a mask is now a fashion statement? We have had to adapt and adjust our way of thinking of what is important to us and those around us. People were dying and the numbers rose daily. Homeschooling and online learning. Businesses closed and many working from home. And to quote many politicians and TV announcers these are unprecedented times. This is only Phase One.

Jamie Tremain was busy in the summer polishing off a book in our new series but things started to wane when Pam made a momentous decision to buy a condo apartment and sell her Townhouse. That was the order I did the deed so was under pressure to sell my Townhouse. Not to worry. It sold in 5 days. All done under the covid guidelines with one buyer walking through the house at a time wearing masks. I had been there for 30 years but no regrets, as I was now on one floor and a walkout to a lovely garden. Moving after thirty years can be traumatic and the downsizing part is hard. What to keep, what to discard? The move was scheduled for August and with covid still rearing its ugly head it kept us on our toes. 

The move went smoothly but life doesn't always cooperate. My friend of 54 years was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. A woman of great strength and courage. She had been challenged with Multiple Sclerosis for fifty years. Fantastic attitude to life. Her motto, She had been dealt a lemon so she would make lemonade. She inspired many people but her mind was made up and as she said, "I've not been in charge of my life for fifty years so I will be in charge of my death." She chose MAID. Medical Assistance in Dying. She was now in palliative care in OTMH Oakville and died on Nov 9th a day that she chose.

Sandy

Phase two of Covid-19 is well underway with dire predictions and the numbers keep going up. Even I mutter to myself, these are unprecedented times. I'm not mentioning the US election here. That's for another time.  Things could not get worse, right? But life has a way of bringing us to order.

The same week my dear friend died, of her choosing, my youngest grandson died in a tragic accident, not of his choosing. Eleven years old and so full of life. The family is heartbroken. His parents and his eighteen-year-old brother are devastated. Nothing compares to the loss of a child.

Ryan loved to draw

Needless to say, writing as  Jamie Tremain with Liz has taken a back seat. She has been so patient but busy with short stories until I get my mind back. Everyone is affected by the pandemic and life events. I have had a year I hope never to be repeated. The support I have received from family and friends has been wonderful and I am grateful.

Normally I would be tired out preparing food and wrapping gifts for my family. Today I am tired out thinking of where this is all going to end. I am a positive thinker so I will put one foot in front of another and try to look at 2021 in a different light. Many have lost loved ones this past year or have lost their livelihood. Where I live in Southern Ontario we will be in lockdown starting 12.00am Boxing day. I am fortunate to have a roof over my head and food in the fridge. Good friends and my wonderful family to speak to on the phone or Zoom. How lucky I am. I will be dwelling on my friend Sandra and our darling Ryan as I sit and ponder the year from hell.

Hogmanay is a New Year's Eve tradition in Scotland where we say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new. So welcome 2021 whatever you hold in store for us we will handle it if we all obey the rules.

Look for a new series from Jamie Tremain called Grant's Crossing/Death on the Alder.  We hope in 2021.

Slainte,

Pam

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

 

A Writer's Rambles

 

Writing – it’s what writers do. If we’re gifted in our craft, diligent, dedicated, and lucky, we manage to get ourselves published. Since the age of eight, it’s what I’ve wanted to do. And even though it didn’t happen overnight, I’ve managed to find myself now as a published author.  Thanks in no small part to my talented and persistent writing partner, Pam, and our “Jamie Tremain” identity.

 

Today I find myself in a reflective mood. Generated in part remembering it’s my Mother’s 107^th birthday today, and that tomorrow is Remembrance Day. Remembrance Day is poignant and I’ve posted the reasons why last year.   101 Years

But this year, this roller coaster of a year – 2020! It’s been written to death, and the political circus that has engulfed America has only added to the stew. I’ve been journaling since the virus took off back in March and find that’s been therapeutic, as well as a personal record of the world we’re living in. And I like statistics, so every day I’ve been recording virus numbers. Hey, routine is good, right?

I’ve been trying to avoid social media. It’s exhausting and frustrating. Everyone believes their opinion, and rights, are all that matters. I’m tired of the nastiness and seeing the very ugly side of human nature. Yes, we all know it’s there, but until recently, we’ve managed to be mature and keep it under control. It makes me so sad to see how angry everyone is. I think if I were God, this planet would have been toast quite some time ago!

Aside from the above, on a more personal note, Jamie Tremain’s writing progress has been halted at times this year for various reasons, not the least of which was Pam breaking her arm early in January. A portent of the year to come!  But despite setbacks and detours, the third book in our Dorothy Dennehy Mystery Series - Beholden To None -  is now with our publisher. 

Unfortunately, at times, the publishing process is slow – which is likely an understatement! 

In the meantime, Pam and I have had frequent video meetings with our Genre5 Author group, which have provided support, structure and one or two laughs. We’ve had a writing project on the go for the past few months. Imagine five authors working together on one project!  As if this year wasn’t crazy enough, but in fact it’s been a source of stability, at least for me. Can't say enough about these ladies and so grateful our love of writing has led to a wonderful circle of amazing friends.

Donna Warner   Pam Blance   Gloria Ferris   Liz Lindsay
Donna Houghton

Despite not being able to have in person book launches or book club meetings, writers tap into their creative side to find ways around it.  More online interviews, more video hook ups and chats mean we keep our presence out there. And we continue to write. Will we write with stories around COVID or totally ignore it? Opinion seems evenly divided, but regardless, stories will continue.

And before long, we will say adieu to 2020 and I wonder what the next year will bring? I only ask for the health and safety of my family and friends – this year has shown how terribly important those two elements are. Truly, no man is an island. Family and friends provide a foundation, roots and a fortress at times against the world. 

But for now, another glorious, and highly unusual, November day calls me to get some fresh air. We’ve enjoyed, here in southwestern Ontario, remarkably warm days; 18 - 22 degrees celsius! If not for the barren trees, you could be tricked into thinking early summer. It won’t last, of course, so as with all things, make every day count.

Cheers and thanks for listening!

Liz

Author Jacqueline Seewald - Highland Heart

 

We are pleased to welcome Jacqueline Seewald to our blog, whose book, Highland Heart is being released today, November 1, by Luminosity Publishing.

Seewald is the author of twenty published novels, including five mysteries in the Kim Reynolds series. The newest release is Blood Family.  A review from Amazon.com  “Ms. Seewald has been known for her strong characterizations and tight plotlines and Blood Family is certainly no exception.”  Lelia Taylor   

              

Multiple award-winning author, Jacqueline Seewald, has taught creative, expository, and technical writing at Rutgers University, as well as high school English. She also worked as both an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Twenty of her books of fiction have been published to critical praise including books for adults, teens and children. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications and numerous anthologies such as: The Writer, LA Times, Reader’s Digest, Pedestal, Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine, Over My Dead Body!, Gumshoe Review, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and The Christian Science Monitor.

JT:  It sounds like you’ve had a love of writing all your life! How long did it take for your first book or article to be published?

Jacqueline: My first professionally published work was a short story that appeared in the now defunct London Mystery Selection, a quarterly print publication. By that time, I’d had my first child and taken a leave from teaching. So I was thrilled.

JT: Your market reaches all ages, adults, teens and children.  And not just books but poems, and plays! You are multi-talented and must have ink in your veins. What is your favourite genre to work with?

Jacqueline: Thank you for the compliment! I’d have to say mystery and historical romance for adult readers and picture books and YA novels for children and teens are my favourites, although I read a great variety of fiction and nonfiction and like to write in a diversity of genres. I don’t write as much poetry or nonfiction as I did at one time.

JT: Where do you draw inspiration from for your novels?

Jacqueline: I get many ideas from real life. Listening and observing provides inspiration for writing.

JT: As an author, do you have a favourite character among the many you’ve created?  And if so, why?

Jacqueline: Kim Reynolds, university reference librarian and reluctant sleuth, has been the main character in five of my mystery novels. She and I share that occupation. Of course, my sleuthing is limited to writing.

JT: You also have co-authored a mystery – The Third Eye.   As you know Jamie Tremain is a partnership collaboration and we love to know how others find the process. Is this something you enjoyed, or did you find writing solo works better for you?

Jacqueline: I’ve written two novels with my sons and very much enjoyed the process. They brought a lot to the work that was unique. But mostly I work on my own.

JT: You are a wife and mother and have had a busy career including being a teacher and librarian. How did you ever find the time to write?

Jacqueline: The truth is that I’m now retired. That’s given me time to write.

JT: Speaking of time to write, how has COVID affected you? Do you find it’s given you more time to write, or is it a non-issue as far as being creative? 

Jacqueline: Unfortunately, I’m writing much less these days due to my husband’s continued health issues.

JT: Sorry to hear that, and we wish him well. Your dream was to become a fulltime professional author, which you have achieved. Well done. A good segue now for you to give us a sneak peek at your newest book, Highland Heart. Tell us about it please.

Jacqueline:  Highland Heart is a sensual historical romance set in England and the Scottish Highlands in 1745 at the time of the second Jacobite Rebellion. (Think Tom Jones by Henry Fielding!) The romantic involvement is between a French aristocrat who is part Scottish and a British army officer who finds her as desirable as she finds him. Try as hard as they might, their overwhelming passion for each other cannot be denied. But people and events come between them nearly destroying their relationship since they are politically on opposite sides.

Here’s an excerpt:

“What will you do with him?” Madeleine asked, her face pale, lower lip trembling.

“He’ll be our prisoner until we’re well out of here. I’ll not be hung as a traitor by the English.”

Andrew turned to Gareth. “They say you’re a brave soldier and that your men respect you. We’ll do you no harm. Unlike your people, we’re not butchers.”

But Gareth wasn’t accepting what her cousin said. It took the same four men to subdue him, and finally, the giant, Fergus, rendered Gareth unconscious with a hard blow to the jaw.

“Is he all right?” she asked with a wavering voice.

“He’ll be fine, lassie,” Andrew reassured her.

“There was no other way to get the bonds on him,” Fergus said. “The mon has the strength of a demon.”

She remained in the cave, waiting for Gareth to regain consciousness, unable to bring herself to leave until she knew for certain that he would truly be all right. As he began to moan softly, she brought a cloth and some water to wash the blood from his face.

When his eyes opened, Gareth at first looked puzzled. Then a flicker of memory came into those glittering sapphire eyes and he seemed to recall the circumstances which brought him into his current situation.

“Untie me,” he demanded of her in a soft, urgent voice.

She shook her head. “I cannot do it. They won’t hurt you. Andrew promised.”

“The promise of a barbarian? And what’s that worth?” He sounded bitter and cynical.

“At least as much as yours,” she countered, pressing his bruised face a little too gingerly with the cloth. “My cousin is a man of honor.”

“Careful!” he said, squirming from the pain.

“You’ve nothing to fear.”

“As if I could trust you!” he spat out angrily.

She stared at him in surprise. “You think I betrayed you in some way?”

“Didn’t you? You knew I followed you here and you told them.”

“I did no such thing! I never dreamed you’d follow us. Why would I? And why did you follow us anyway?” She eyed him suspiciously.

“I thought you might be coming to your cousin.”

“How clever you are,” she said.

“Not near clever enough.”

Her heart hurt; she felt a deep sense of regret and disappointment. He obviously held a low opinion of her.

Andrew joined them at that moment. “Madeleine, I think we might try a bit of a ploy. Tell my mother what has happened. Ask her what she thinks about telling the English soldiers that we hold Eriksen. We could promise to return him if they leave here.”

“They have orders, MacCarnan. If I die, the next man in line will take command, and so forth. It will never end until you’re taken into custody or dead. I’m a worthless hostage to you.” Gareth’s voice was quiet and tightly controlled.

“We’ll see,” her cousin said.

Madeleine saw that Andrew’s face had grown paler and he looked very weak. Gently, she helped him to lie down. He pressed his cheek to hers and kissed her affectionately on the lips. She felt Gareth’s accusing eyes upon her and could hardly breathe as if a granite weight were pressed against her chest.

“Someday, there will be a time for us. I promise ye that, my bonnie lass.” Andrew’s smile was warm as the sun on a summer’s day.

“Rest now,” she said. “Grow strong that you may leave this place.”

His hand held hers until he finally slept. Turning away from Andrew, she saw Gareth’s eyes coldly watching her. His expression was so closed, she hardly knew what he was thinking. The extent of the control he could exercise over his emotions truly amazed her. It also frightened her. He gave away nothing.

“Come here,” he said in a voice that was deadly calm. His hooded eyes possessed her own the way a cobra would mesmerize its victim.

She did not want to move, yet her legs seemed to carry her of their own volition.

“Tell my men where I am,” he said quietly. “Help me escape from here.”

“I cannot do that and you know it!”

“I know nothing of the sort. If you care about me at all then you must help me escape.”

She shook her head. “I do care, but what you ask is impossible.”

“Talk softly. They are paying no attention to us at the moment, but if you raise your voice again, you’ll alert them.”

She pressed a compress against his face and then to his lips which were also badly battered. His lips kissed her fingertips, sending queer little quivers through her belly and heat through her blood.

“Help me,” he whispered. “You must.” He began sucking on her fingertips.

She quickly pulled her hand away.

JT: From the except it sounds like Highland Heart will be a favourite of historical romance fans! Future writing projects for you? 

Jacqueline: I’ve been working on a new novel that’s part historical, part mystery. It’s different from my other novels, more literary.

JT:  Before we finish, do you have one piece of advice for anyone who feels they want to be an author. Or what was the best piece of writing advice you ever received.

Jacqueline: I know everyone says this but if you want to be a good writer you first have to read a lot. I’ve always enjoyed reading. Writing is hard work and reading is fun. But reading a variety of written works teaches us about writing well. Also, it’s important to write and re-write. Self-editing is a skill that needs to be developed. First drafts are rarely good.

 

Thank you so much, Jacqueline, for being with us today. We wish you continued success with your writing career and look forward to seeing Highland Heart on the best seller list!

Review for Highland Heart - "I enjoyed this book."  Vicki, reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

For a full list of Jacqueline's works, please visit her blog.  Jacquelineseewald.blogspot.com

Her books can also be found on Amazon and at her publisher Luminosity Publishing.          

   

Into The Unknown/ Change Is Inevitable

Not unknown exactly, as I have reinvented myself a few times before. We take on many personas as we women go through life–daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, friend, fiancé, wife, mother, grandma.

The moniker I don’t like is a widow. Its almost four years since my husband of fifty years died and left me to carry on without him. 

Family and friends here and abroad have been my rock and are so important to me and I cherish them all. The house I am living in right now, Peter and I bought over 30 years ago. Lots of memories with the three kids who are now adults and have families of their own. They have given me five wonderful grandsons. I’m a lucky lady.

So why, In the middle of a pandemic would I sell my house and buy an apartment? It didn’t just come to me as my kids thought. Oh, mum’s bored. So she’s gone out and bought a house!! One even said that’s my childhood home you’re selling. Hardly, they were all teenagers when we came here.

I’d been searching for a smaller place on one floor. When time creeps up on you stairs become a big nuisance. And bingo! The perfect garden apartment was found. Not far from where I now live, so a familiar neighborhood. No elevators to deal with. Beautiful grounds that someone else will look after. A walkout to a beautiful terrace and lots of room for all my books and writing paraphernalia. How perfect is that?

So what has this to do with writing you ask? It’s really all about change. We have all been asked to change how we view the world. How we travel, interact with each other at a distance. Wearing a mask is foreign to most of us but if we don’t accept the changes in our lives now it will be at our peril. This is one of the biggest changes most of us have had to deal with but stick to the rules folks and we will come through this.

On the Jamie Tremain front, Liz and I are excited about the changes in our working life together. Now that she has retired and left the corporate jungle behind, we can set a working schedule but we are both flexible with our time. 

This is not to say we have been idle. Again, it’s all about change. I started the year off by breaking my arm. Two months later when I was starting to recover we heard the rumblings of COVID-19. More changes and in a big way. You all know the numbers and how frightening it all is. So while in isolation we could Zoom-video chat and use our method of writing on Google Drive to keep us busy.

The publishing industry has changed so we were fearful our latest WIP would be delegated to a desk drawer. We are happy to say Beholden to None, our third book in the Dorothy Dennehy Mystery series is now with our publisher. We will keep you updated on the progress of this book.

So as I dealt with realtors and purging and packing for my new home Liz dug out a book we wrote in 2013. Dusted it off and we worked to clean it up, revised, and added to get it ready for publication. Grants Crossing #1. We are busy now with Grants Crossing #2 and planning a whole new series with different characters. We hope you like them as much as we do.

Stay cool, it’s hot here in Southern Ontario, wear your mask and keep apart as much as you can. We will get through this if we listen to the experts in the medical field.

Slainte,

Pam