The Copper Tarnish

Motivation, Writing, and Creative Procrastination

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Hello Friends, Family, and Fans;

Have you ever started a movie, and five minutes into it, you realize you’re really not in the mood? Now imagine if that movie was going to take you months to watch… That’s kind of how writing can be. I have more ideas than time and I should be done the fifth Elizabeth by now, but I’m stuck at chapter 4.

I don’t even have a good reason; I just can’t seem to motivate myself. I love the characters and I want to see what happens, but I’m having trouble writing without a deadline. Jen has spoiled me. When we write together, I feel the pressure of a deadline without the stress. It makes writing solo a lot harder.

A shiny new idea is always hard to resist.

In that vein, here is a short list of ideas I’ve had recently that I’m aching to work on:

The Pie Shop Murders

Short murder mysteries following Pieper the burnt-out web developer who takes over her recently deceased Grannie’s Pie shop. There will be murder, a grumpy slow-burn romance (at least 4 books), a ghost, and magical shenanigans.

Guardian of Chaos

Follow the adventures of Elizabeth Coderre at thirty+ as she comes to terms with being the Guardian of Chaos and what it means. With the power to travel the “back rooms” and a world that is still hostile to the magical community, she needs to not only discover her place in the universe but will need to save it too.

This would be a sequel series to the Baker City Mysteries

Public Service Zombies (PSZ)

Thomas, a father of 2, returns to work for the Federal Purse of Canada in January 2020. Being away from his kids is hard but the free coffee is nice. Until the government loses an election and suddenly there’s no free coffee. He’s missing the focus it gives him, but his coworkers are having a really hard time and they’re starting to freak out a little. When someone brings COVID into the office, the withdrawal mutates into a full on Zombie apocalypse. Then the zombies start showing supernatural abilities.

Paracosm

Agents Kitty Price and MacKenzie Fairfield of Elmsley are starting to think that their boss’s sudden retirement is fishy. Especially as the new head of Elmsley wants to bring it back to its glory days. They have to figure out how to bring back their boss and expose the corruption in Elmsley, all while trying to figure out why kids are disappearing into magical pocket worlds.

I’m hoping that Jen will write this with me since MacKenzie is her character and I think there’s place for a romance with the two leads.

This would be a direct sequel to Parasomnia.

“The University Book or Battle of the Bands”

A group of friends at Baker University move into a haunted house. The book would be split into “Episodes” like short stories that feature each of the main characters. Each story would have their own plot but would also be part of the overall story.

Jen and I have been talking about this book for way too long.

It will connect with characters from Baker City Mysteries and act as a sequel to both The Copper Tarnish and Faymous (Coming 2026)

There are more…. so many more.

This post has been brought to you by procrastination and executive dysfunction.

Stay safe and be kind,

Éric

Book Launch and Interview

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Did you miss our book launch party in July? Good news, we successfully recorded the whole interview and reading!

Fadhili Samba was our amazing host and asked awesome questions. She really made us feel at ease.

Watch it here!

Want to get the book(s)? Find them below!

Winging It by Jen Desmarais is available now!
Cover Art by Pinkpiggy93
49th Shelf Crushing It
Indigo Books Crushing It
Archambault Crushing It
Amazon Crushing It
Rakuten Kobo Crushing It
Apple Books Crushing It
The Copper Tarnish by Éric Desmarais available June 3rd, 2025.
eBook
Paperback
Hardcover

Contest and Winging It and The Copper Tarnish Release party TOMORROW!

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Hello Readers,

We have a Release Party tomorrow!

Enter our contest to win a copy of any book in our catalogue in the format of your choice!

Both Winging It and The Copper Tarnish are set in the same universe but they are twelve years apart. One is set in Westmeath in Eastern Ontario and the other in Ansonville in Northern Ontario.

Despite all that, what four characters appear in both books?

Contact us through this form or tell us on Saturday:

    This form uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your data is processed.

    Good Luck!

    Sign up on Eventbrite or Facebook.

    Winging It
    by Jen Desmarais

    A wedding and a summer camp that Tommy and Carter are never going to forget.

    Tommy discovers magic exists, his boyfriend is a rock giant, and his sister is marrying one of the leaders of a supernatural community called Aetherborn.

    Carter learns to navigate an in-person relationship, introducing Tommy to the magical world, and being involved in his Ariki’s wedding.

    Both boys need to build their confidence in each other, themselves, and their relationship. The Door Tech summer camp seems to be the perfect way to do that, until they get magically transported to the not-so-fictional world of Everdome. In this realm of Domed continents floating in space, winged beasts, and new cultures, the boys will have to overcome challenges beyond anything they’ve seen before.

    The only way they, and their relationship, can survive is if they start Winging It!

    49th Shelf Crushing It
    Indigo Books Crushing It
    Archambault Crushing It
    Amazon Crushing It
    Rakuten Kobo Crushing It
    Apple Books Crushing It

    The Copper Tarnish
    by Éric Desmarais

    Until last summer, I was the most popular girl in school. Then I was accused of killing my boyfriend when he disappeared. Luckily, he didn’t die, but he wasn’t the same when he came back. Murder accusations are nothing compared to the rumours that I kissed said boyfriend’s sister. That rumour proved to be the real killer for my popularity.

    Now everyone hates me except the gorgeous new girl who seems determined to ruin any chances of being popular by hanging out with me. There’s also a cute soldier hanging around my mom’s diner and freaky sounds in the woods.

    Autumn definitely won’t be dull. All I need to do is graduate…and stay alive.

    eBook
    Paperback (coming soon)
    Hardcover (coming soon)

    2 Days Until Birthday and Book Release Party!

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    Hello Readers,

    Éric turns 42 today and Jen turned 40 this year, so we decided to celebrate our birthday with a book release party. There will be food, coffee, and cake; along with our whole catalogue of twelve (what?) books.

    When

    July 19th (1pm-3pm)

    Where

    9 Rossland Avenue Ottawa, ON

    Cost

    FREE (But you’re welcome to buy some books and get them signed)

    Sign up on Eventbrite or Facebook.

    Join us for a FREE event celebrating the launch of Winging It and The Copper Tarnish!

    Presented by Renaissance Press and River City Siren Press.

    We’re thrilled to invite you to our launch event happening at 9 Rossland Ave on July 19th from 1:00-3:00pm (EST). Come enjoy an author discussion moderated by FADHILI SAMBA. Readings, refreshments, and a giveaway to follow.

    Enter the giveaway!

    Enter to win a $250 gift certificate to Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club, courtesy of Dylan Black. Valid for a table for 10.

    • Each book purchased at the event grants two entries into the draw.
    • Each book signed at the event grants one entry into the draw.
    • Only books authored by Jen and/or Éric are valid for entry.

    We hope to see you there!

    Jen and Éric

    Birthday and Book Release Party!

    by

    Hello Readers,

    Éric is turning 42 next week and Jen turned 40 so we decided to celebrate our birthday with a book release party. There will be food, coffee, and cake; along with our whole catalogue of twelve (what?) books.

    When

    July 19th (1pm-3pm)

    Where

    9 Rossland Avenue Ottawa, ON

    Cost

    FREE (But you’re welcome to buy some books and get them signed)

    Sign up on Eventbrite or Facebook.

    Join us for a FREE event celebrating the launch of Winging It and The Copper Tarnish!

    Presented by Renaissance Press and River City Siren Press.

    We’re thrilled to invite you to our launch event happening at 9 Rossland Ave on July 19th from 1:00-3:00pm (EST). Come enjoy an author discussion moderated by FADHILI SAMBA. Readings, refreshments, and a giveaway to follow.

    Enter the giveaway!

    Enter to win a $250 gift certificate to Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club, courtesy of Dylan Black. Valid for a table for 10.

    • Each book purchased at the event grants two entries into the draw.
    • Each book signed at the event grants one entry into the draw.
    • Only books authored by Jen and/or Éric are valid for entry.

    We hope to see you there!

    Jen and Éric

    You can buy Winging it and The Copper Tarnish RIGHT NOW!!!!

    by

    Hello Readers,

    I’m so excited that these two books are out. You’re going to love them!

    Winging It
    by Jen Desmarais

    A wedding and a summer camp that Tommy and Carter are never going to forget.

    Tommy discovers magic exists, his boyfriend is a rock giant, and his sister is marrying one of the leaders of a supernatural community called Aetherborn.

    Carter learns to navigate an in-person relationship, introducing Tommy to the magical world, and being involved in his Ariki’s wedding.

    Both boys need to build their confidence in each other, themselves, and their relationship. The Door Tech summer camp seems to be the perfect way to do that, until they get magically transported to the not-so-fictional world of Everdome. In this realm of Domed continents floating in space, winged beasts, and new cultures, the boys will have to overcome challenges beyond anything they’ve seen before.

    The only way they, and their relationship, can survive is if they start Winging It!

    49th Shelf Crushing It
    Indigo Books Crushing It
    Archambault Crushing It
    Amazon Crushing It
    Rakuten Kobo Crushing It
    Apple Books Crushing It

    The Copper Tarnish
    by Éric Desmarais

    Until last summer, I was the most popular girl in school. Then I was accused of killing my boyfriend when he disappeared. Luckily, he didn’t die, but he wasn’t the same when he came back. Murder accusations are nothing compared to the rumours that I kissed said boyfriend’s sister. That rumour proved to be the real killer for my popularity.

    Now everyone hates me except the gorgeous new girl who seems determined to ruin any chances of being popular by hanging out with me. There’s also a cute soldier hanging around my mom’s diner and freaky sounds in the woods.

    Autumn definitely won’t be dull. All I need to do is graduate…and stay alive.

    eBook
    Paperback (coming soon)
    Hardcover (coming soon)

    What are you waiting for? Go buy some books!

    Éric

    THEY’RE COMING!!! Winging it and The Copper Tarnish

    by

    Hello Readers!

    The books are coming out, the books are coming out! Just in time for your Pride Month reading too.

    Winging It
    by Jen Desmarais

    A wedding and a summer camp that Tommy and Carter are never going to forget.

    Tommy discovers magic exists, his boyfriend is a rock giant, and his sister is marrying one of the leaders of a supernatural community called Aetherborn.

    Carter learns to navigate an in-person relationship, introducing Tommy to the magical world, and being involved in his Ariki’s wedding.

    Both boys need to build their confidence in each other, themselves, and their relationship. The Door Tech summer camp seems to be the perfect way to do that, until they get magically transported to the not-so-fictional world of Everdome. In this realm of Domed continents floating in space, winged beasts, and new cultures, the boys will have to overcome challenges beyond anything they’ve seen before.

    The only way they, and their relationship, can survive is if they start Winging It!

    49th Shelf Crushing It
    Indigo Books Crushing It
    Archambault Crushing It
    Amazon Crushing It
    Rakuten Kobo Crushing It
    Apple Books Crushing It

    The Copper Tarnish
    by Éric Desmarais

    Until last summer, I was the most popular girl in school. Then I was accused of killing my boyfriend when he disappeared. Luckily, he didn’t die, but he wasn’t the same when he came back. Murder accusations are nothing compared to the rumours that I kissed said boyfriend’s sister. That rumour proved to be the real killer for my popularity.

    Now everyone hates me except the gorgeous new girl who seems determined to ruin any chances of being popular by hanging out with me. There’s also a cute soldier hanging around my mom’s diner and freaky sounds in the woods.

    Autumn definitely won’t be dull. All I need to do is graduate…and stay alive.

    eBook
    Paperback (coming soon)
    Hardcover (coming soon)

    What are you waiting for? Go pre-order them now!!!

    Éric

    Edits for The Copper Tarnish

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    Hello Friends, Family, and Fans;

    Sorry for the late post. The little mythological creatures have been fighting a cold all week and now Jen seems to have caught it. I’m in my yearly war with allergies, and I’ve been exhausted.

    Today I got the edits for The Copper Tarnish. EEEEEEE! I’m excited to go look at them and get this ready.

    The ebook pre-orders are available now!

    The Copper Tarnish by Éric Desmarais available June 3rd, 2025.
    eBook
    Paperback
    Hardcover

    Be kind and stay safe,

    Éric

    The Copper Tarnish – Updated Cover

    by

    Hello Readers,

    Last weekend I asked the incomparable Talhí Briones to comment on the cover I had designed. She didn’t hold back and reminded me of things like balance and the rule of thirds.

    It led me to redesign the cover. I think the changes, although minor, make it a much stronger cover.

    What do you think?

    The Copper Tarnish Original Cover
    The Copper Tarnish Final Cover

    Pre-orders for the book will be coming soon.

    If you want a book that you can pre-order now, check out Talhí’s Mrs. Victoria Buys a Brothel.

    1865, United States— It took thirty years and a dislocated arm for Victoria to leave her abusive husband. Heartbroken, she has to choose her own life over the hope of ever seeing her son again. She escapes the manor in the dead of night, only bringing with her a white wedding dress.

    She ends up in Swainsburg, a minuscule town in Wyoming, where she’s adopted by the local prostitutes. To save them from expulsion, she buys the building and learns that in these parts, entertainment is worth more than gold. It’s almost easy, even fun, to organize piano recitals and cancan shows for the cowboys of the area, but being a Madam comes with responsibilities and dangers she isn’t ready to face. Her husband, after all, has contacts everywhere.

    It’s hard to navigate the delicate tensions between respectable ladies and whores, between white society and the ‘others.’ Her new friends are women who carved their place in this merciless life; people who, like her, ended up in Swainsburg when they got tired of running.

    Victoria doesn’t notice, can’t even imagine the possibility; but she falls in love. The townfolk say the widow Díaz is strange, but Natane is actually incredibly awkward, kind, and very lonely. Victoria has no name for this burning friendship, but the feeling grows and demands to be acknowledged.

    This is a story about women who age, gossip, drink, love… and help you hide the body of your dead husband.

    Launch: May 20th, 2025

    Here are some places you can order the book:

    You can also ask for it at any local bookstore or library 🙂

    Thank you,

    Éric

    Editing… Arg

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    Hello Readers,

    I received the edits for The Copper Tarnish and it reminded me how much I loathe editing.

    Footage of me editing.

    It’s not the editor’s fault. They’re fantastic and doing their best to make my book even better. I’m just very emotional about the story.

    While editing, I go through 4 phases (To be clear this is just me talking to myself. I don’t harass my editors):

    1. NO!

    At first I alternate between hubris, “How dare someone want to change my perfect words. They just don’t understand my genius.” and despair, “This is such a mess how can I possibly fix all the horribleness in this typo ridden mess.”

    2. Why?

    Then comes the confused indignant questions of, “Why is this important? You obviously don’t understand.” and, “Why the hell did I forget this or write it this way?”

    3. Fine

    I finally get to acceptance where I realize that it’s fixable and agree to change it. I don’t always use their suggestions but I try to fix what they’ve pointed out as a problem.

    One of the most useful pieces of writing advice I ever got was that if an editor points out that something is wrong, they’re probably right; if they tell you how to fix it they’re probably wrong. (It’s a generalization but gives you permission to fix it your way.)

    4. Okay, that’s better

    In the end, in my experience, a good editor will be right the majority of the time. Again, an editors goal is to make the book better.

    So the last stage is to recheck the edits and go, “Damn this is good.”

    I should go back to editing. The faster I finish, the faster I can get back to writing The Hounds of Bakerville.

    The Copper Tarnish by Éric Desmarais available June 3rd, 2025.
    eBook
    Paperback
    Hardcover

    Be kind and stay safe,

    Éric