Jen and I do a lot of events. There are three reasons for doing it.
The first is money; the more we sell, the better it is for us financially (although most of the profits go back into books).
The second is getting our books out to more people. We want to share these worlds with you.
The third reason is (this is the selfish one) it helps energize us and excite us to write more. The combination of good conversation, excitement, and knowing that people care, is better than any other motivation.
The Aurora Awards, which are for Canadian science fiction and fantasy writers and artists, are open for nominations for the 2025 works! (Nominations are open until April 5) This means the LONG lists of eligible works are being narrowed down to 5-6 per category.
Once they have a list of nominated works, every single person who signed up and paid the $10 membership fee gets ALL the nominated works as downloads. That’s all the adult novels, YA novels, novellas, short stories, graphic novels, and related works (usually anthologies), so about 36 works, for just $10 CAD, which is a great deal.
Getting nominated for an Aurora Award is a BIG DEAL in the speculative fiction writing community. You get a nomination pin (only once, so I’m terrified I’ll lose mine!), and you’re part of an elite group of people.
It would mean a lot to all of us if you’re willing to nominate us! (Categories are in alphabetical order by work)
Eligibility Category 2 – Best Young Adult Novel
The Copper Tarnish by Éric Desmarais
Winging It by Jen Desmarais
Eligibility Category 3 – Best Novelette/Novella
The Scarlet Thread Irregulars by Éric Desmarais
Eligibility Category 4 – Best Short Story
Harvest Special by Jen Desmarais
I am Snowman by Éric Desmarais
Plants, Fungus, and Zombies! by Éric Desmarais
Snow Day by Jen Desmarais
The Puzzles of Everdome by Éric Desmarais
The Summer of ’99 and How I Died by Éric Desmarais
Eligibility Category 6 – Best Poem/Song
The Ballad of the Phantom and the Wraith by Jen Desmarais, found in Winging It by Jen Desmarais
Eligibility Category 7 – Best Related Work
Connections! The Unexpected First Collection by Jen and Éric Desmarais
Eligibility Category 9 – Best Fan Writing/Publication
JenEric Movie Reviews by Éric Desmarais
The Travelling TARDIS by Jen Desmarais
In case you’re wondering why Winging It is not included in the best cover art category, it’s because our cover artist is Vietnamese! Only Canadian creators are eligible, unfortunately. We forgot to include The Copper Tarnish in this category because we’re not used to having art made by us! Éric did the cover for it. Thank you so much for your time, attention, and support. If any of the above does make it through the nomination round, which ends April 5, we’ll write another post for the voting round, which will be taking place starting in June 2026.
Come see us this Sunday from 9am-4pm at Robert Plante Greenhouses (4228 Navan Rd, Navan, ON K4B 1H9, Canada).
Join us for the 2nd Annual Book Fair at Robert Plante Greenhouses this winter. Celebrate the world of books, authors, and storytelling in a warm, greenhouse setting filled with tropical greenery and creative energy.
This one-day literary event will feature local authors, illustrators, and book-related businesses offering products such as journals, stationery, pens, bookmarks, and more. 📚✍️
Whether you are an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or simply looking for a cozy winter outing, the Book Fair offers something for everyone. Discover new reads, meet local authors, explore literary accessories, and support the local creative community — all in a lush and inviting space. 🌿✨
We look forward to welcoming you for a day devoted to books, creativity, and inspiration.
In 2009, I decided to write a story about a young girl who finds mittens in the snow and discovers that they are transformed people. It started as a young middle grade but eventually settled on a YA for 10+.
It has been a year… Lots of good and lots of bad. Let’s get on with this review and see if I succeeded at my goals.
1. Write The Hounds of Bakerville(Failed)
I’ve written the first three and a half chapters along with the prologue. I need to step up my game this coming year. I kinda lost steam on writing the novel with some behind the scenes drama that’s been stressing me out.
2. Write a serial story (Succeeded)
I really enjoyed last year’s serial story and I can’t wait to find out what I do for this year. Go read it now: The Scarlet Thread Irregulars
3. Master 1 song on the ukulele and record it. (Failed)
The shoulder injury really put a dent in my playing and then life happened. I’ve still been practicing but didn’t manage to record or master the song.
4. Read at least 12 books (Succeeded)
I read 19 books this year, which is pretty good considering I’m not commuting or waiting long hours in doctors’ offices as much.
5. Build my new book nook and Lego (Partially Succeeded)
I built the book nook and loved it. I started the Lego but got distracted by other things and kinda stopped half way. I’ll try to finish it this year.
6. Feel less guilty (Succeeded)
I’m giving myself more grace and letting myself enjoy things to relax. I think it’s going well. Yay me.
7. Design and deploy a new coffee flavour for Ottawa Comic Con in September (Succeeded)
Second breakfast brew is a delightful medium roast with English toffee flavouring.
8. Plan and plot out the first in a cozy mystery series (Succeeded)
I’ve planned the series, I’ve planned the setting, and I have a basic template outline for each book. I’m still super excited for this one.
9. Organize a massive birthday party and book release (Succeeded)
This happened during the summer. If you want to watch our Q&A, here it is on YouTube:
10. Keep fighting to learn more about myself and how to make my life easier (Succeeded)
Oh my goodness! I didn’t realize what a Gordian Knot of interconnectedness it is. The best example I can give is that as I work toward unmasking my ADHD and Autism (letting myself be myself without stressing about being “normal”), I’m starting to notice and be affected more by certain sense sensitivities (especially to light and smell) and it feels like they are triggering my migraines more. Or I just didn’t notice before.
Anyway, I’m learning a lot about myself, and even going to therapy. It’s obviously going to be a lifelong discovery and that’s okay.
Wow, that’s 7.5/10. I think that might be one of the highest success scores I’ve had. Now does this mean I worked my ass off and succeeded or that I didn’t give myself enough challenge?
I’ll take the win. This coming year will have new goals and challenges. I hate to say it, but we live in interesting times.
First, both Jen and I are featured in the first volume of The Siren’s Song Anthology. Inside you’ll find stories from Baker, Westmeath, and everything in between.
The second piece of news is that we’ve signed a contract with River City Siren Press for Faymous. This is a spinoff of both The Gates of Westmeath and Elizabeth Investigates. It’s a story about two teens that wake up in the Fay Realms and the adventures they find there. Cover to come!
