New Year

Éric’s 2025 Resolutions Review

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Hello Friends, Family, and Fans;

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.

Stay safe and be kind,

Éric

Éric’s 2025 Resolution Mid-Year Review

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Hello Friends, Family, and Fans;

It’s been half a year since I made my resolutions, and wow has a lot happened in the world. Things are mostly okay for me minus a few health issues. Let’s see how I’m doing with my resolutions.

Fair warning, I chose the cartoon before I tallied my score.

1. Write The Hounds of Bakerville (Succeeding)

I’ve written the first three chapters and I have a good plot. I just need time to write. I lost over a month and a half to my tendonitis.

2. Write a serial story (Succeeding)

I’m loving this year’s serial story. It’s a lot of fun. Read it here: The Scarlet Thread Irregulars

3. Master 1 song on the ukulele and record it. (Failing)

Until I get the all clear from my doctor, I’m a little terrified of playing. I tried and it really hurt. Not sure how this one’s going to go.

4. Read at least 12 books (Succeeding)

So far, I’m at 10 books for the year. I think I’ll make it.

5. Build my new book nook and lego (Succeeding)

I built the book nook and loved it. The magical cafe was obviously out of my comfort zone. I might try again but I’m not sure. As for the Lego, I plan on doing that while I’m on summer vacation.

6. Feel less guilty (Neutral)

I was feeling better, and working from home is helping a lot, but the past month has been rough on me. Between the tendonitis and really bad allergies, I’m needing more time to do anything. I am trying hard to do some things that are just for me. I started a new Skyrim playthrough and I’m loving it.

7. Design and deploy a new coffee flavour for Ottawa Comic Con in September (Succeeding)

This one is easy. I know the theme and I know the flavour. I’m looking forward to having some time to design it.

8. Plan and plot out the first in a cozy mystery series (Succeeding)

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 is happening. Our publishers took point but I’m looking forward to doing this. I hope I’ll see you all there. Sign up on Eventbrite or Facebook.

*More details in a future post.

10. Keep fighting to learn more about myself and how to make my life easier (Succeeding)

I’m still on a journey of self-discovery (which has a significant lack of wizards) but I think I’m starting to understand how the ADHD, Autism, and health issues are affecting me.

Wow, that’s way better than I expected. 8 out of 10 is damn good. Now I just have to keep it up. You know what they say, “It’s not over until we ceremoniously slaughter the personification of the year.”

Stay safe and be kind,

Éric

New year, Still Recovering

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Hello family, friends, and fans;

It’s been a month, give or take, since I was hospitalized with RSV. Read more about it in a previous post.

Bad news is that I’m still coughing and still have a leaky nose. My voice is still off and I can barely hit medium notes. On top of that I’m still not at full energy, I’m having trouble standing/walking for more then a half hour without feeling faint. I’m still very dizzy but that is a side effect of the pills they gave me for my heart.

Good news is that I’ve got more energy then I did, I don’t need naps anymore. I am able and okay with writing. I can think clearly most of the time and I should be fine to work from home next week.

Unrelated to the RSV, I still have numbness in my face and pressure in my left temple. My wrists and arms are not bad, which is nice.

I have an appointment with the MS clinic next week, an internal specialist in 2 weeks, and the heart institute in March. Hopefully one of them will help with the long term stuff and hopefully the RSV leftover symtoms will go away.

Thanks for following and hope you have a healthy new year.

Éric

2022 Resolution Review

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Hello Readers,

Well, 2022 was quite the year… I’m going to leave it at that and avoid the profanity bubbling up.

My 2022 in Gif format. (Monty Python and the Holy Grail scene with the black knight kicking the protagonist and saying, “It’s just a flesh wound.” despite having both arms cut off.)

Writing

1. Write a monthly serial story (Success)

I’ve managed to finish this one and have plans for next year. It’s the only real witing I managed after my injury in June. Read from the beginning of the Aetherverse.

2. Write Guise and Dolls Faymous with Jen (Success)

This went famously (haha). I loved writing this story and I’m glad that it’s now vacated that part of my brain that it’s been occupying for the past decade. Unfortunately, a spin-off series has decided to move in.

3. Finish Copper Tarnish (Fail)

I unfortunately didn’t have the arm ability to finish this.

4. Write book 3 of The Gates of Westmeath with Jen (Fail)

We decided to put off this one until we could figure out what’s wrong with my arms.

5. Keep Working on FADDS (Success)

I created an entire ridiculously complex module for mixing components that was just way too much. So, I remade it in a simpler way and it seems to be working really well. I’m continuing to tweak and add more monsters as I go. Mostly, I’m just having fun with the system and my players.

I also created a new power for characters who use magic but don’t have access to a lot. It’s to mimic the idea of Adepts that I’ve been playing with in my books.

JenEric Designs and Coffee

6. Ensure 5+ days of updates (Success)

We managed to keep things updated, but the only reason I suceeded was because of Jen’s help and all the work she’s been doing for the blog.

7. Write a movie review each week (Success)

I created a copy-paste template and that’s helped a lot. I have had, so far, a movie review each week for the whole year.

8. Design and release a new flavour and redesign Green Apple (Fail)

I really wanted to release Pineapple this year, but I didn’t have the energy or time. Same with the redesign of Green Apple.

Personal

9. Read 5 Books (Success)

In July I discovered Audiobooks and that I could listen to them at physio. They’ve really helped keep me from returning early from mandatory health breaks at work.

So far I’ve read 15 and I should be finished another this week.

10. Be More Patient (Fail)

Honestly, I have no idea how I’m doing on this one. I do know that I’m a terrible injured/sick person. Feeling like I’m letting people down makes me grumpy. I’m trying and that’s the important thing, but it’s hard. I know I’ve taken it out on my wife and kids more than I should have and I’m trying to be better.

11. Don’t over-stress (Fail)

Ontario’s health care system seems to be imploding, so that’s not helping.

The endless bureaucracy that is WSIB has not helped. I’m still missing writing, video games, and ukulele.

I also had issues with CRA this year. It’s been a year… sigh.

12. Practice bass or ukulele 2-3 times a week (Fail)

This was going great, but now if I pick up the instrument I have maybe three strums and the pain becomes too much.

Well that’s 6 out of 12 successes. Considering my injury, I’m going to take 50% as a win.

I might be complaining a lot, but there were some great things that happened this year. Big things like Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers being released or two great conventions and small things like staying up too late chatting with my wife about books or snuggling with my kids in front of a good movie.

I hope you’ve had a good 2022. Either way, thank you for reading.

Éric

Blush: Consent from kids

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The last time I talked about consent and kids, I focused on how to teach kids how to ask for consent. This time around, with the holidays here, I want to remind the adults that read this that the children in their lives are not obligated to give hugs or kisses to anyone.

Image from Elise Gravel, a cartoonist.

For example, our daughter is terrified of men with white hair. This includes her great-grandfather, friends of the family, and, of course, Santa Claus.

Although her great-grandfather is getting older, we managed to get a picture of them by having her sit beside him on her father’s knee. It’s not the snuggly picture that we ideally wanted, but it’s a good compromise that lets her know that she has been understood, but still lets us get a picture of them together.

So remember, at holiday parties this year, that just because there is a child involved, does not mean that they are automatically obligated to give you a hug. It doesn’t matter if you’re a super close friend, parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or stranger; if the child does not give you a clear indication of consent, don’t touch them!

Our daughter’s consent is uplifted arms, or pro-active climbing onto your lap, in case you come across her this season.

Happy Holidays!

If you’re enjoying the Blush blogs, consider learning more with Blush: The Card Game from Renaissance Press.

My 2016 Resolutions – Mid Year Review

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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.

calvin-and-hobbes-new-years-resolution-comic

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.

Check out all our flavours!

7. Develop a simple concept for a Youtube show.

Not Yet Accomplished

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?

Éric

My Resolutions for 2016

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It’s December 21st, and 2015 is coming to an end. It’s been a year filled with awesome and not so awesome.

Last week I did a review of my 2015 resolutions. I overreached but still accomplished more than I expected.

Screen-Shot-2013-12-29-at-11_17_51-PM

My resolutions are goals not ways to change myself. Here are my 2016 Resolutions:

1. Write 500 words a day

It’s been on my list for the past 3 years and it’s worked out pretty well.

2. Complete Everdome before April

I need to finish this novel. Only 20,000 ish words left.

3. Start and finish a new novel

I haven’t decided what I’m writing, I have ideas for a Disaster/Superhero book, which would be awesome, but I’m a little sick of the multiple character novels. I also have the seeds of a post-war fantasy novel. That’s not to mention that I have a large chunk of The Hounds of Bakerville plotted out.

Who know what it’ll be. I have a file of 20+ novel ideas. I’ll decide later.

4. Read 30 books

I find reading extremely cathartic, inspirational, and fun. Unfortunately, sometimes I have to force myself to actually do it. I’m on 31 for this year and that’s good with me.

5. Write a Monthly or Bimonthly Serial Story

I already have 3 options for this. Expect a vote by end of January at the latest.

Here are the three Options so far (There will be more):

6. Test, Produce, and Develop a total of 16 Coffee flavours

Currently we have 10 different flavours available. I’d like to have 3 Standard flavours that we have every CON and 2-4 slots that rotate depending on the size of the event. If you’d like to vote on our CORE (Coffee Offered Regular at Events) flavours, go vote here.

7. Develop a simple concept for a Youtube show.

I really want to take part in the world of vlogging and video. I love the medium and despite my missing this for 3 years now, I think I’ll try again.

8. Playtest the various stages of FADDS and prepare it for submission in 2017

I’ve been working on FADDS (Four Attribute Dual Dodecahedron System) for a long time now and it’s in version 6 and I think it’s close to being where and what I want from a pen and paper RPG.

A publisher has shown mild interest in it and I know of a few others that are actively seeking game systems. If I can get through the playtests and fix it up I should be ready by early to mid-2017 to submit it.

9. Update JenEric-Designs.ca and add a proper webstore.

I’m going to try and take a few days this year to make the site more visually appealing and make it easier to find things like stories.

 

See, 9 is a little less ambitious than 10.

May all your resolutions be worth the effort you put into them.

Happy Solstice and Yule everyone,

Éric