Blog-Letter March

 March 1 2022

 

***Note from Jamie Tremain - most of this letter was put together before the horrible situation erupted in Ukraine and we would be remiss not to mention that our hearts and prayers go out to the leaders and brave people of Ukraine and like everyone else we hope and pray for a peaceful resolution!

 

This month has Spring in it! And here in the Northern Hemisphere, we eagerly await its arrival.

Liz's Book Review -      Crimechurch by Michael Botur

This is an author I'd never read before and I was asked to provide a review. While this is not a book I would have likely picked up because of the subject matter, I'm not sorry I read it.

MichaelBotur, 38, is from Whangarei, New Zealand, and is a fiction writer and poet. As of 2020 he has published two literary fiction books, traditionally, and has self-published five short story collections, one poetry collection and has received numerous accolades.

The book description for Crimechurch -

                                                                         

My Review:

I’m exhausted and overwhelmed reading this harsh tale of gang life in Christchurch, NZ, and  I feel as if I have just emerged from a freakish carnival roller coaster ride. Moments of intense graphic violence were relieved sporadically when I uttered a laugh at unexpected, but totally appropriate, humour. The book is populated by inhumane and psychopathic gang leaders and those who would do their bidding,  who occasionally show a glimpse of sentiment. A bungee-cord ride from start to finish.

Gritty, raw, and bleak don’t even begin to describe the general tone of this remarkable account given life by the author. Entering gang life – as a choice, drug use, violence as a means to an end and a never-ending string of creative profanity – this is not a life I would ever care to be part of. Knowing it exists is bad enough, but I applaud the author’s ability to peel back some of the layers of lost lives to bring them to a very realistic level of believability.

His weaving of several distinct character voices is well done, bringing different points of view to experiences shared by two or more of these characters.

Yet some of these messed up, and beyond-lost gang members find a way to connect with the reader so that there is an engagement that makes you want to see how their messed-up lives will end.

As in real life, some lives are restored, and others are forever lost. This is not a book I will easily forget. Marty, Winston et al will lodge in my brain for a long time. 

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 

I'm Not a Fan of Winter

January 8, 2022

It's dark in the morning when I get up and dark again by 4 pm.  This winter has been gloomy and dreich. Isn't that a wonderful word?

The first recorded use of the word "dreich" was in 1420 when it originally meant "enduring" or "slow, tedious".

Yes, I hail from Scotland and the Scottish Book Trust named this the most 'iconic' of Scots words. I'm used to rain, being born and bred in Edinburgh. If it doesn't rain every day, it rains every other day. Or that's what I remember. It's either drizzle or rain that chills you to the bone. My mother always told me it was good for my complexion!

I left Scotland fifty-five years ago, so with Global warming perhaps it's changed. Now here in Canada, each province can be different on the same day. I was complaining in a post a few days ago that it was -13 c. A friend from Alberta promptly returned my whine and asked if I would like to join him in his town at -48 degrees celsius! No thank you! Snow has been a hit and miss in Ontario this winter at least where I'm situated near Lake Ontario. 

Now, what has the weather to do with my writing life? My partner in crime, Liz Lindsay loves a day of rain and she finds she is more productive with a good downpour. I need the sunshine to find my muse or at least I use that as an excuse when I'm procrastinating. And I'm sticking to that theory.

So, the original meaning of dreich, slow, tedious and enduring, seems to fit the times we are trying our best to get through. For the last two years, we have endured this oppressive pandemic and for most, it has been tedious. Like the rain and the cold, it will surely change to sunshine and better days ahead.

I'd better check the weather forecast for tomorrow as Liz is waiting on some writing from me. 

Sat
8 Jan

-1°C

30%

Chance of flurries

Sun
9 Jan

2°C

60%

Chance of flurries or rain showers

 It looks like the sun is peeking out on Saturday and only a chance of flurries. She may get lucky but I can't see me getting much writing done on Sunday. I wonder what's on Netflix that I haven't seen?

Stay safe...and dry wherever you are.

                                    Slainte, Pam

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

 

Books! Flash Sale!

 October 30 2021

Gigantic Online Book Sale! Two days only - October 30 & 31!

Blackbird Writers Flash Sale

Where Jamie Tremain lives, the days have grown shorter and the nights longer. A perfect time to have a coffee, or pot of tea, and get comfy under a favourite blanket. The only other thing needed is a new book!

And if you’re looking for something different, check out the Flash Sale promotion on Blackbird Writers web page.     So many wonderful books to chose from!

50+ books – sale priced and some free!  Included are  mystery, suspense, thrillers, paranormal, cozy mystery, crime fiction, police procedurals & more!

Books for all ages – including middle grade and YA novels.

Featuring authors such as Saralyn Richard, Lynn McPherson, Joy Ribar, and of course, Jamie Tremain

You’ll find these deeply discounted books available for two days only!  October 30 and 31.  Don’t delay, they’ll be gone at midnight on Halloween.

What a great chance to load up your e-reader with some incredible deals.

The Silk Shroud, Lightning Strike, and Beholden to None, are among the e-books featured.  We are really excited to participate in this year's event sponsored by Blackbird Writers.

 

 Remember 2 days only! Hesitate and you might miss out on some terrific bargains!

 https://blackbirdwriters.com/fall-flash-sale-2021

Happy Reading!

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

Writer's Retreat - Part 2

 August 31 2021

A sequel to the previous post.

Pam and I enjoyed a rejuvenating, and much needed, three-day writing retreat with our fellow Genre5 members – Gloria Ferris, Donna Houghton, and Donna Warner. The location was Donna Warner’s cottage in the Muskoka’s (prime cottage country in Ontario, don’t you know). Thank you, again, Donna, for hosting and seeing to all our comforts!

 

Early Morning - Lake like glass

    

Water Activity

                               

There were only five of us, but the amount of food and refreshment we brought along would have fed a crowd three times the size! No starving artists this time around. And with no readily available internet, distractions from the outside world were kept at bay for three days. Imagine – we survived!

The weather was perfect to enjoy the clear waters of Sparrow Lake. Barbecues, hot tubs, kayaking and paddle-boarding helped round out the days.  Evenings were spent by the water, safely ensconced within a bug free gazebo. A propane-fueled fire pit added to the relaxing atmosphere.

Gloria added to the fun by providing an activity to help cool us all down. “Wear a hat, and red lipstick”, were the instructions we heeded. As well, we coordinated our clothing for a photo ‘shoot’.  Our historic, laughable, attempts at selfies have been rectified. A proper stand and light ring for our group shots have solved the problem!  Next up – videos???

 

But yes, we did ‘work’. After not having a real get together in a year and a half, we had much to discuss! Brainstorming over marketing and promotion. Along with the next steps in our group collaborative writing project.

We’ve decided to be more serious with marketing our Genre5 ‘brand’ – especially if we intend to write a book together! Stay tuned for more details on this.

Genre5
Donna Warner, Liz Lindsay, Pam Blance, Gloria Ferris, Donna Houghton

 

An Instagram account has been created – Genre5Authors – and you should be seeing lots from us in the future. Make sure you follow us to stay up-to-date!

Award-winner Gloria  is the gifted creator of her successful Cornwall & Redfern Mystery series, as well as 2 books in her YA series – Blood Patch and its sequel, Blood Shield.  She co-wrote two novellas with Donna Warner – Targeted, and Death’s Footprint. Donna Houghton has a wonderful, and enthralling, fantasy in the works which is nearing completion. 

Yours truly, of course, as Jamie Tremain, have 3 books in the Dorothy Dennehy Mystery Series, and are this close to the launch of our new series – Grant’s Crossing. The first in the series is called Death on the Alder, and we hope to have its debut in October. This series is more cozy than crime/mystery, and we hope our fans will continue along for the ride! With a slight change in the genre, we are hoping to attract new readers as well.

Once again, we are delighted with the cover work for Grant's Crossing - Death on the Alder, provided by our cover designer, Jennifer Gibson.  She is also an author and her series focuses on Jessie, a high school student who is hearing impaired. Learn more at her site here.

September is upon us, and all around, there is much to be unsettled about. For me, reading a good book is such a wonderful distraction – when I’m not writing! Currently, I’m enjoying  “You Will Remember Me” by Hannah Mary McKinnon. I’m a big fan of her writing! Next up will be Louise Penny’s “All the Devils are Here”. As well, I’ve added to my Kobo, Edward Rutherfurd’s “China”.  So, as you can see, I’m prepared for the autumn!

What books have carried you through the summer? And how tall is your 'to be read' pile?

The retreat was a week ago. Memories made to last a lifetime! I feel incredibly blessed to say I'm an author, but even more blessed to say I have wonderful friends within this special group. Long live Genre5 Authors!

Cheers!

Liz

Click on the name to buy on Amazon

Jamie Tremain:  

Gloria Ferris     

Jennifer Gibson   

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