CAN-CON is coming up pretty fast. (10 days) You could say I’m counting down the days until the 9th of September. Yes, we’re crazy enough to be selling at a convention the weekend that Dragon is due to hatch.
The reason we’re comfortable with that is simply that the people at CAN-CON are absolutely lovely and if feels more like a get together of friends than a convention. It’s a warm, inviting, and overall wonderful event.
This year I was invited to be on some panels but I declined so I’d be available in case Dragon shows up. I will however be doing a reading with my publisher and some other awesome writers.
Come see me at 2pm on Saturday the 10th if you’re at the convention.
Baby Dragon is due to arrive in roughly 35 days. That’s when I’ll look like the gif below… so I’m told.
It’s also roughly 35 days until I’m on parental leave for 9 months. It feels like a really long time to be off but also feels like no time at all. I hate that I’ll be missing parts of her life.
If you follow me on Facebook, you’ll know that I have copies of my first book. It’s beautiful and I’ve already found mistakes… sigh. If you’d like a copy, come see me at Can-Con or go to Renaissance’s website.
I’m working on editing the second book in the series. I’m only a little ways in, but I really like this story. It’s wild and all over the place, in a good way… I hope.
Posts are probably going to be a little shorter this month since I’m concentrating on editing and getting things ready for the Baby Dragon.
I also have a few more really exciting projects on the go and we’ll see if I can get them launched this year.
This is my first novel and I’m so very proud of it. Order a copy from Amazon or wait for it to be available from the Publisher. It’s up to you.
Once you read it, make sure to review on Goodreads and Amazon to have it recommended to friends and so on.
When I get back from vacation I’ll be starting a massive re-write of the next book in the series Memories of Faust.
JenEric Designs
Some Major Changes are coming to the website. There may be an interruption in service next week but hopefully it won’t be long.
Subscribe to the newsletter (Top right sidebar) to get all the juicy details.
Coffee Names and Packaging
Let me tell you a secret… I never expected the coffee to be as popular as it is. Because of that I made a few mistakes when I started. The major one was using copyrighted material in the coffee flavour’s name.
Now that it’s doing well I’d rather not be sued, which means one of the major changes that will take place of this year and the next is an update to the coffee names. It’ll be done slowly since we ordered a lot of labels for some.
The only thing I know for sure is I’ll have to rework some of the artwork for a few of them.
If there are any Copyright Holders or Lawyers reading this feel free to give me some advice or knowledge.
Subscribe to the newsletter (Top right sidebar) to get all the juicy details.
Coffee Sizes and Prices
Changes are coming to the size and price of coffee. With sales up and a regular sales routine I can afford to take a few more risks and buy in bulk. That means things will change a little. Don’t worry it’s all for the best.
We’ll also have some spiffy new stuff to offer.
Subscribe to the newsletter (Top right sidebar) to get all the juicy details.
I’m off
That’s it for now, lots of exciting top secret stuff going on.
I’ve gotten word that my first book A Study in Aether has been sent to the printers. It’s also up on Renaissance’s website.
I’ve been working on this book for nearly seven years. In that time, it’s been completely re-written twice, changed names three times (Elizabeth and the Lost Mittens, The Mitten Wizard were the other names.)
I’m so excited!!!!
Elizabeth Coderre has always known that there was something strange about her home town, Baker Ontario, but it isn’t until her English teacher disappears that she starts to find out how strange. Getting through classes, killer kitten swarms, and bullies are going to be the easy parts of surviving at Sir Arthur Conan Doyle High. Elizabeth and her best friends, Jackie and Angela, are up to the challenge… they hope.
What’s Next
Sometime this month the books will come in and the publisher will put them up for sale. They’ll be available directly from the publisher or from Amazon. They’ll also be available at multiple events around Ottawa.
I’ll do my best to be at the same events, either selling coffee or just for the book. That way you can get a signed copy. Eek!
Book Launch
Some time in October there will be a multi-book launch held by Renaissance Press and S.M. Carrière.
That will be the official launch party for the book and there will be some other awesome titles available.
Dates
Once I know the official dates I’ll let you know. Trust me, you’ll get sick of hearing about this if you aren’t already.
It’s that time of year again; the one where I check my resolutions and see how optimistic I was feeling when I made them.
1. Write 500 Words a day
½ Accomplished
I’ll give myself partial credit for this one. I haven’t been great at it but I’ve been writing something.
2. Complete Everdome before April
Failed
Ouch… I finished it before July… only 1 and a half months late. But I did finish.
3. Start and Finish a New Novel
Not Yet Accomplished
I’m not sure I’ll finish this year but I’ll certainly start something. As much as I love the disaster movie idea I’m leaning towards a First Person Adventure or a Time Travel love story; maybe a Middle school Novel about being a monster.
I have lots of plans!
4. Read 30 Books
On Track
Goodreads says I’m at 13 for the year. I should be at 14 by the end of this month with means I’m only a little behind. Should be easy? Who knows how much reading I’ll get done with Dragon? Although I do plan on reading to her at night before bed.
5. Write a Monthly or Bimonthly Serial Story
On Track
If you haven’t read Wargrave Island, my mystery serial story, go check it out. I’ve written 6 of 12 parts and people are dying fast.
6. Test, Produce, and Develop a total of 16 Coffee flavours
Success!
I have officially done 16 flavours and I have 2 others I’m playing with.
So… I have a concept. I have the software. I just haven’t had the time to refine it yet.
8. Playtest the various stages of FADDS and prepare it for submission in 2017
On Track
This is going REALLY well. We’ve tested the early levels and they work beautifully. The mid levels are coming along well and this fall I’ll run oneshots for the higher levels.
The next step is editing for me. I need to go through the book a few times and clean up the language and standardize the wording.
9. Update JenEric-Designs.ca and add a proper webstore.
On Track
I’ve done some major upgrades. Even added a Newsletter. I’m slowing adding more functionality.
There are big changes coming to JenEric Designs. If you want to find out what they are sign up for our Newsletter.
10. Prepare Memories of Faust for submission *New*
For those that don’t know. My first book A Study in Aether has been bought by Renaissance Press yay!
The sequel is a little darker and unfortunately more complex. It needs work and I’m planning on doing some heavy edits later in the summer.
So out of ten we have only 1 failure and most are still possible. It’s ambitious but I’m hoping I’ll make it. If I don’t, I’ll just blame Dragon (I’m kidding… probably).
How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions?
Call me ridiculous, but I hate this time of year. June is one of the worst times for my allergies and the tail end of convention season. Put it all together and it leaves me feeling drained and lethargic.
I’ve had a supremely good 2016 so far and I’m not complaining, but if you see me and I look a little haggard or gruff it’s not you.
I’m sure you’re all wondering what’s going on in both my and Jen’s lives right now. So it’s update time.
Blush
Last I heard, the boxes had arrived and they were working on the extra questions for the game. I’m really proud of my wife and I can’t wait to see this game in person.
Writing
A Study in Aether
The final set of edits are done and we’re waiting on the lazy-no-good-layout-artist (me) to finish the layout before it gets double checked.
The big release party will be in October.
Parasomnia
The book has been accepted by the publisher but needs a lot of work. We probably won’t start work on it until fall.
Everdome
I’m midway through finishing the epilogue for Everdome. Then I’ll put it away for a while before trying to edit it.
Coffee
I’m currently struggling with a way to expand our production and reach. I have developed a new flavour, but more on that on Thursday.
FADDS
My role playing system has been playtested a lot in the past year. I’ve had a group of very patient and awesome gamers. The current playtest ends this month. I’ll then need to do a large edit of the document before getting it ready for submission.
Baby Dragon
Everything seems great with Baby Dragon. She’s growing and kicking (a lot). We’re sorting through all the amazing stuff people have given us. (Seriously our friends and family are the best!)
We’ll start truly planning her room in July.
I’m both excited to meet her and nervous at the same time.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
The family and I had a great time in Disney World, which has given me an interesting idea for a series of short stories. Travelling has always given me inspiration, last time I went to Disney I got a great idea for a supernatural fight in an airport that I added to A Memory of Faust, the second Elizabeth Investigates book.
A Study in Aether
Speaking of Elizabeth Investigates, I’ve finished my first pass through the multiple comments from a bunch of Beta-Readers for A Study in Aether. They were super helpful but a little discouraging. The book was written 5 years ago and over 400,000 words ago. (I know right? I’m almost halfway to mythical Million Word rule.) If you want to discourage someone who creates things, show them their first few tries. Ok so a bunch of people who I respect have told me it was good. It just needs a little polishing. Next phase is to fix the large structural issues and then to do a line by line clean-up. Final phase will be to do some re-writing of the prologue, epilogue, and a few clunky scenes. I’ll hopefully be done by Christmas. Sigh.
Conventions
Cap-Con
I’m feverishly roasting coffee for this weekend when we’ll be selling at Cap-Con, Ottawa’s premier model building competition and convention. Come check us out if you have a chance. I’ll have the following Flavours available in limited quantities.
A Dark Roast with Pumpkin Flavouring
A Blond (Light) Roast with Butter Rum Flavouring
A Medium Roast with Raspberry Flavouring
A light Roast with coconut Flavouring
Medium Roast with Chocolate Flavouring
Pop Expo
We’ve also added another event to our plans. We’ll be selling at Ottawa Pop Expo in November. YAY!
FADDS
We finished our summer long playtest and I’ve ironed out a lot of the kinks in the main system and created a kickass enemy system.
The magic items unbalance the game a little and the creation is overly arcane (pun intended).
I’m currently building a story for my next campaign and I’m considering using FADDS. I get more work done on it when I’m testing it.
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