Éric

Éric has had an eclectic career which ranges from casino dealer to canal boat captain to radio station DJ. Since 2009, he’s worked as a desktop publisher for the federal government. During his off time, he works as a freelance typesetter for various Canadian-based authors and publishers, roasts gourmet flavoured coffee, runs several pen-and-paper role-playing games, writes, and helps run JenEric-Designs.ca (Home of the TravellingTARDIS.com).

He lives in Ottawa, Ontario with his author wife, daughter, and son.

The Main Characters of A Study in Aether

February 2, 2016 by Éric Desmarais

Hello,

Last week my editor asked what I’d like to see on the cover of A Study in Aether. I said I’d love to see the three main characters on the cover. They then asked for actors or pictures that represent the characters I had in mind. Here are the quick descriptions and pictures.

Jackie

An avid reader of all things genre Jackie loves the idea of magic and other worlds. He’s one of the calmest and chillest people you’ll meet.

Physically he is brown skinned and gangly. Just having grown almost a foot before high school he’s still not used to his body. I always pictured Neil Denis (Tilk’s son from Stargate)

Angela

The biggest of science nerds, Angela is absolutely brilliant. Her obsession with knowledge is only matched by her love of fashion. She’s shy and prone to rambling.

Physically she’s native and petite, with long brown hair. Very stylish. I picture her as a young Tanaya Beatty from Arctic Air.

Elizabeth

Absolutely obsessed with mysteries Elizabeth treats most situations as if they were a puzzle for her to decipher. She’s stubborn to a fault but cares deeply for everyone around her.

Physically she’s average high slightly chubby with curly blonde hair. Sort of a chubbier version of Sasha Pieterse from Geeky Charming.

What do you think? Is this a cast you’d want to read more about?

Serial Story

Poll Closes tonight at midnight. Get your vote in while you can!

Serial Story 2016 - Last Round

Wargrave Island (50%, 3 Votes)
The Ruby Child (50%, 3 Votes)

Total Voters: 6

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Wargrave Island

Genre: Murder Mystery
Inspiration: And Then There Were None, Sherlock Holmes

Read the Beginning

[…]

“What happened?” asked Jonathan, drunkenly staggering towards them, trying to get to the boat.

“What’s in there?” asked Zoe, who was followed by the rest of the party guests who must have seen the fire.

Riko tried to keep them back, but Jonathan made it past her and yelled, “Oh shit, there’s a dead body in there!”

The Ruby Child

Genre: Fantasy Adventure
Inspiration: Firefly, Eberron

Read the Beginning

[…]

As he watched, in complete amazement, the ruby transformed into a baby with glowing crimson hair. The infant gave a tiny giggle and opened its eyes. He expected red eyes, but was surprised to see little clones of his own dark green eyes staring back at him.

“Oh Boy,” he repeated.

Éric

If Men are from Mars and Women from Venus why are we on Earth?

January 28, 2016January 28, 2016 by Éric Desmarais

Hello,

I read this article titled, “My Wife Divorced Me Because I Left The Dishes By The Sink”

The article

I was going to share it on facebook, tag my wife and say, “Should I be worried?” Then I thought about it and it made me uncomfortable. Angry even.

If you don’t want to read the article, let me sum it up: Men and Women think differently and what’s not a big deal for you (cave)men, might be a big deal for your wife.

The message

The overall message seems to be: Listen to your partner and if they want you to do (or stop doing) something because it bothers them, you should listen to them.

In other words: Respect your partner enough to listen to them!

The Sexism

Beyond the message, however, I dislike everything about the article. It makes assumptions that are so sexist I had to make sure it wasn’t written in the 1950’s.

In the author’s world:

ALL women clean and take care of the house,
ALL men work outside the house,
ALL women are too passive to tell their husbands how they feel and will nag instead of telling them,
ALL men are too stupid to realize that by ignoring what your partner wants you’re disrespecting them and making them feel like shit.
That lack of communication only affects Cis-Gendered romantic relationships.

My Advice

I feel like I need to put my credentials before I give advice.

Credentials

I have a degree in communications and took multiple interpersonal communication classes,
I was raised by a single mother who worked as a social worker in a women’s shelter (among other jobs),
I’ve written 5.8 books, two of which are going to be published (Yeah I know that has nothing to do with it but I’m proud and excited),
Finally, I’ve been married for nearly 7 years (6 years 7 months and 16 days).

You only need three things

To be happy in a relationship you need three things and this isn’t anything new. You need Communication, Empathy, and Compromise.

That list may seem simple and common sense but nothing is easy when emotion takes over. You have to find a way to get to what you really want instead of getting angry or defensive.

Your significant other is a person, not a cartoon stereotype, if they’re getting upset there’s a reason and you should pay attention to it and, if it’s your fault, fix it.

Planets

Bet you thought I wouldn’t get back to the title right?

No matter what shape your relationship takes (Poly, Straight, Same-sex, etc.), you and your partner will always seem to be from other planets. People are different! The way they were raised, their experiences, their traumas, and their way of thinking are always going to be different. You have to accept that no matter how much you have in common, you’re completely separate people.

In that way, you can easily say you are from Mars and your partner is from Venus. You are as different as you are the same and that’s why we’re on Earth. It’s in between the two and represents the best compromise.

Find common ground and find compromise, you’re in a relationship not a dictatorship. The term Partner isn’t just to be inclusive, it represents what a truly good relationships is about being equal partners who share in the blame and the joy of life together.

Serial Story

We’re down to two stories left.

Read the ending from the stories and vote on your favourite. The poll will be open until Tuesday the 2nd at 11:59pm

Serial Story 2016 - Last Round

Wargrave Island (50%, 3 Votes)
The Ruby Child (50%, 3 Votes)

Total Voters: 6

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Wargrave Island

Genre: Murder Mystery
Inspiration: And Then There Were None, Sherlock Holmes

Read the Beginning

[…]

“What happened?” asked Jonathan, drunkenly staggering towards them, trying to get to the boat.

“What’s in there?” asked Zoe, who was followed by the rest of the party guests who must have seen the fire.

Riko tried to keep them back, but Jonathan made it past her and yelled, “Oh shit, there’s a dead body in there!”

The Ruby Child

Genre: Fantasy Adventure
Inspiration: Firefly, Eberron

Read the Beginning

[…]

“Oh Boy,” he repeated.

What do you think of the article?

Éric

Details on the publishing of my books

July 28, 2016January 26, 2016 by Éric Desmarais

Hello My Imaginary Friends,

Publishing my Books

This month I’ve received two publishing contracts for books I’ve submitted. They will be published by Renaissance Press!

Check out their website and like their Facebook page!

You’ll hear about any updates as I get them. I’m ridiculously excited!!!

They are a local Ottawa press that has existed for just under 3 years old and have roughly half a dozen authors in their catalogue and have also been publishing card games.

I’ve been constantly impressed by their professionalism and I look forward to working with them.

A Study in Aether

Release Date: 2016

This is the first book in the Elizabeth Investigates Series or Baker City Chronicles (Series title to be discussed with the publisher.) I’m hoping they’ll be interested in publishing the next ones in the series.

The Series will hopefully consist of:

Memories of Faust (Completed Second Draft),
A Case of Synchronicity (Completed First Draft),
The Hounds of Bakerville (Completed Outline),
The Camp of Fear (Completed Outline), and
2-4 more untitled novels.

This is all hopeful thinking. The publisher has only picked up the first one and I’ve only written the first three.

Parasomnia (Working Tittle)

Release Date: Hopefully 2017

This is a stand-alone book and needs some serious re-writes which the publisher has gratefully offered to help with.

Serial Story

You have until 11:59 tomorrow night to cast your vote for this year’s Serial Story.

What story should move on to the last round?

Wargrave Island (38%, 3 Votes)
The Ruby Child (38%, 3 Votes)
Faeries Vs Robots Vs Aliens (25%, 2 Votes)

Total Voters: 8

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The stories listed below with their first paragraphs.

Faeries Vs Robots Vs Aliens

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Scifi
Inspiration: Neverwhere

The café was full. Sandra had placed her backpack on the chair next to her pretending that she was saving it for someone. She had her headphones on, she had her phone on the arm of the plush chair and she had a paperback book in her hand. She wanted to be left alone to drink her overpriced and unpronounceable coffee. Her headphones were wireless and she wasn’t listening to music.

Wargrave Island

Genre: Murder Mystery
Inspiration: And Then There Were None

“Best Party Ever!” yelled Jonathan. His hair was thinning and starting to go grey, but he was unmistakable.

“Remind me why I came?” Riko asked her partner Ethan.

“Because this is your ten year high school reunion and you’re the youngest person to make Inspector in Ottawa police history.” Ethan smiled proudly, looking at the quickly approaching island.

The Ruby Child

Genre: Fantasy Adventure
Inspiration: Firefly

It was the middle of the night and darker than Mac was used too. When the clouds covered the stars in the rural islands there were no magical or electric lamps. It wasn’t the first time he’d wished he could use a magical torch or those fancy darkvision glasses but magic didn’t work on or around him. He just kept following the speck of light ahead.

Thanks for reading!

Éric

Serial Story 2016 Battle Royal – Round 2 – First Paragraphs

July 28, 2016January 21, 2016 by Éric Desmarais

Hello,

In the previous round The Cosmic Cuckoos was eliminated. This poll will last until Wednesday the 27th, at 11:59 pm. Vote quickly if you want your favorite story.

What story should move on to the last round?

Wargrave Island (38%, 3 Votes)
The Ruby Child (38%, 3 Votes)
Faeries Vs Robots Vs Aliens (25%, 2 Votes)

Total Voters: 8

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The remaining competitors are listed below with their first paragraphs.

Faeries Vs Robots Vs Aliens

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Scifi
Inspiration: Neverwhere

Wargrave Island

Genre: Murder Mystery
Inspiration: And Then There Were None

“Best Party Ever!” yelled Jonathan. His hair was thinning and starting to go grey, but he was unmistakable.

“Remind me why I came?” Riko asked her partner Ethan.

“Because this is your ten year high school reunion and you’re the youngest person to make Inspector in Ottawa police history.” Ethan smiled proudly, looking at the quickly approaching island.

The Ruby Child

Genre: Fantasy Adventure
Inspiration: Firefly

Who will win? Murder Mystery, Urban Fantasy/Scifi, or Fantasy Adventure?

Éric

More Great News and something about fish

January 19, 2016January 19, 2016 by Éric Desmarais

Hello My Imaginary Friends,

Lots of stuff to talk about today. Let’s get started.

More Great News!

They say news comes in threes. At least my Mom used to say that my grandfather said, “Never two without three.” (I’m never quite sure if he actually said those things or she made them up)

Blush

A few months ago my wonderful Wife received a contract to publish Blush, a card game to open communication channels about sex.

Learn more about Blush.

Ask an Anonymous question.

A Study in Aether (Formerly The Mitten Wizard)

Last week I signed a contract to publish my first book. Hopefully to be released this year.

Parasomnia

Today I’ll be signing a contract for Parasomnia. It’s with the same publisher, an awesome small press, as A Study in Aether.

I’m still in shock at how close the two contracts came in.

After almost 7 years of writing seriously and trying to get published I get two contracts? I feel extremely thankful and I little bewildered.

Fortune Cookie

At a party this weekend I got a fortune cookie. It said, “Wisdom comes not from age but from experience.” It’s right but boy did it make me feel old and unwise.

I haven’t lived the most adventurous life but I’d like to think I’ve learned to be wise… maybe just a wiseass.

I will smack you in the face with fish

I read this article this morning and found it to be overall condescending. Maybe it was meant as tongue in cheek… Maybe not.

Either way, be warned, I’m extremely proud of the stuff I, and my wife, make and sell so you’ll be getting smacked in the face by fish… a lot.

Serial Story

So the serial stories aren’t attracting a lot of votes but they do attract a lot of readers. This makes me think I’ve given you too many choices.

You have until Wednesday midnight to vote on which story you’d like to proceed to the next step. The story with the lowest vote count will be eliminated and I’ll put up a new poll.

The poll:

What do you want 2016's Serial Story to be?

Wargrave Island (57%, 4 Votes)
The Ruby Child (29%, 2 Votes)
Faeries Vs Robots Vs Aliens (14%, 1 Votes)
The Cosmic Cuckoos (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 7

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Please Vote!

The stories

Faeries Vs Robots Vs Aliens

The Cosmic Cuckoos

Wargrave Island

The Ruby Child

Hope you’re having a great day!

Éric

Introspection, Faith, and Death

January 14, 2016January 14, 2016 by Éric Desmarais

Last week was an amazing week for me. I got news that I will be a published author, I wrote 5000 words in Everdome, and there were a few other pieces of news I can’t talk about yet.

Everything was going great then my body utterly crapped out on me. I had a major allergy attack (which for me is thankfully not anaphylactic) and I’ve spent this week feeling like I have cotton balls instead of brains and I’m fairly certain a kitten could beat me up.

There were also two celebrity deaths that have consumed my social media feeds. All of which kept making me think about death. I think Adam Ruins Everything can sum up the feelings I had.

Warning: This video shoves your mortality into your face.

I spent most of Monday catching up on Daredevil. The show has a few scenes where the main character discusses good and evil with a priest. It’s done in an introspective way that really speaks to me.

I was raised French Catholic. (Yes it’s tough not to say, “And with you” when I hear, “May the force be with you”) One thing I always hated about organized religion was the lack of introspection and questioning. In fiction people will say they are, “Searching for faith” or “Questioning faith” but it’s rarely explored. (On a side note, the lack of this exploration that probably soured me on the Exorcist.)

“Write a million words–the absolute best you can write, then throw it all away and bravely turn your back on what you have written. At that point, you’re ready to begin.”

– David Eddings (Possibly referencing Heinlein or Bradbury)

As I’m approaching the mythical one-million words I’m starting to see themes in my work that I didn’t realize where there before. Dreams, intelligent villains, hope vs fear, sentience, and faith. If you’d asked me ten years ago if I’d have faith as a theme in my writing I would have laughed and said no.

However faith is more than just belief in a higher being(s) it’s belief if ourselves and those around us. It’s believing in humanity and hope. I’m sure, to some, it sounds overly optimistic or naïve.

In A Case of Synchronicity (one of the sequels to A Study in Aether), the main character (Elizabeth) starts doubting what she knew about her mother and what she knows about the world. She visits a church and speaks with the priest there about what is right and what religion means in a world saturated with magic. (Don’t worry the book also involves kissing, time travel, and scary vampires)

It’s a theme I’ve also been exploring a little with the Hal stories. (what is faith like in a galaxy where you know there’s a god living in the Sun?)

I’m always fascinated in characters that have faith without zealotry, spirituality without hate, or hope without fear.

I’m still not sure what I believe in the grand scheme of things (and I’m rambling little… sorry) maybe that’s why this sort of exploration and introspection appeals to me.

Do you think I’m being overly sentimental and naïve?

Éric

AAAAHHHHH!

July 28, 2016January 12, 2016 by Éric Desmarais

Hello My Imaginary Friends,

I have fantastic news…But First:

Vote for this Year’s Serial Story

If you haven’t voted for this year’s serial story, Go Vote Now! There are currently only 3 votes and I know for a fact at least 5 people read the story…

Fantastic News

I got word Friday that a publisher is interested in A Study in Aether. In fact I signed and returned the contract minutes ago. AHHHHHHHHHHHH! (I’m a little excited.) I can’t disclose too much information yet but once I can, I will let you all know.

For those who don’t remember or know; A Study in Aether was my second completed novel and one I’m very proud of. It’s the first in a, hopefully, nine book series. I’ve written the next two and I guess need to start cleaning them up.

I had so much help with this book and I appreciate everyone who’s followed it and me all the way along. Particularly I’d like to thank my wife, my father in law, Rob D., PY L., and Caroline F.

Ok. Now I have to get back to writing Everdome.

I’m so proud, nervous, and excited about this… eek!

Éric

Choose a Serial Story for 2016 (And some coffee news)

July 28, 2016January 7, 2016 by Éric Desmarais

2016 Serial Story

Below is a list of possible Serial stories. PLEASE VOTE in the poll after the descriptions. The polls will be open for 2 weeks and I’ll announce the winner on the 26th of January and start the story in February.

[Edit: Poll will close at midnight January 20th. The lowest story will be eliminated.]

Faeries Vs Robots Vs Aliens

An Urban Fantasy / Science Fiction, following a faery woman who must do one last job for her robot overlords before they let her go free. Can she stop the aliens from invading or would they be better than the robots?

Read the First Part

The Cosmic Cuckoos

A Science Fiction adventure, following a girl who is trying to save her friend from becoming just another clone warrior. Can a normal human girl really save her friend from the most powerful empire in the galaxy?

Read the First Part

Wargrave Island

A Detective Mystery set on an island in lake Ontario, my homage to And Then There Were None by Agatha Christy. Can Detective Riko find whose killing her high school classmates and who will be left alive when the boat comes back for them? It’s going to be a straight mystery with no supernatural or fantastic elements.

Read the First Part

The Ruby Child

An Adventure Fantasy that borders on Steampunk. Mac was a decorated soldier of the Empire who left the army and became an airship pirate. He and his trusted crew think they have the perfect way to stick it to the Empire, steal a magical ruby they’ve been protecting. It’s a trap set by Mac’s ex-best friend General Lanthier. Neither side could predict what happens when Mac touches the ruby.

Read the First Part

What do you want 2016's Serial Story to be?

Wargrave Island (57%, 4 Votes)
The Ruby Child (29%, 2 Votes)
Faeries Vs Robots Vs Aliens (14%, 1 Votes)
The Cosmic Cuckoos (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 7

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Coffee Voting Results

Last month, I asked you to choose what coffee would become the Core JenEric Coffee flavours, those that will always be available at conventions.

Here are your core flavours:

Jack Coco’neill – light Roast with Coconut flavouring
Davroast – Medium Roast with Chocolate Flavouring
Raktajino – Dark Roast with Cinnamon

Here are a few other questions you were awesome enough to answer:

On decaf, 60% said no… It may be something I look into if I can keep the same price point but for now it’s a No!
On grinders, 40% said no and 27% said maybe, this could be something we can do but I need it to be cheap and extra geeky.
On unflavoured coffee, 50% said yes and 21% said no… Not sure what to do with that… I’ll keep it in mind for now.

Thank you again for all your help!

Éric

2015 Book Ranking

January 5, 2016 by Éric Desmarais

Last year I read 32 books. I try to rate and review them all on Goodreads.

I’ve read some fantastic books this year and some absolutely terrible ones.

5 Star Rating (Amazing I highly recommend)

4 Star Rating (Great. Read if you like the genre)

3 Star Rating (Fun but not amazing)

2 Star Rating (Disappointing)

1 Star Rating (Terrible)

Do you agree or disagree with my rankings?

Éric

To a Hopeful 2016!

December 31, 2015 by Éric Desmarais

Happy New Years Eve,

It is the last day of 2015 and whether you’ve had a great year, a terrible one, or something betwixt the two; we all feel hope for 2016.

That’s what I wish for all of you, my imaginary friends, a 2016 filled with hope.

There’s nothing more powerful than hope combined with determination. Sometimes it hurts, but when it’s properly fulfilled it’s the greatest feeling.

It’s not easy to be hopeful, it opens you up to the pain of failure, but it makes your world a better place.

Work towards fulfilling your dreams, work towards helping others fulfil theirs. That’s what hope should be. Together we can make this crazy, messed up world a better place.

There’s a weird psychological effect that happens to people. You’re sitting there in front of your TV and miraculously have a few hours to yourself. You think, “I could watch a movie, but that’s like 2 hours…” Sometimes you watch the movie but many times you decide to watch a few episodes of a TV show. Suddenly you’ve watched 6 hours of shows.

Why does this happen? Two reasons that I can see the first is size. A show is 22 minutes or 42 minutes long. That’s nothing compared to 1.5 hours or 3 for some movies. It’s easier to do something small than commit to something large. The second has to do with familiarity, we probably know about the show and know it’s structure better than a movie.

When I tell you to work towards hope and a hopeful world. I’m not telling you to watch the Extended Edition of Lord of the Rings, I’m asking you to watch a few episodes of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. (Metaphorically… Although it is a great show)

The small gestures of hope, a kind or encouraging word, help immensely. Look for the good and don’t be afraid to feel sadness. It’s only in feeling it that we can get through it.

I’m not curing cancer by writing a fun adventure story, I’m not saving the world by making a pretty book, and I’m certainly not feeding the hungry with this blog, but if I can make one person smile, think, or see that there’s beauty in the world, then I’ve succeeded.

So, my Imaginary Friends, with 2015 at an end, I thank you for the hope you’ve brought into my life.

May you have a hopeful 2016,

Éric