Update on My 2020 Goals

Happy April, everyone!

Boy, it has been a wild ride since January 1st hit, huh?

Like you and everyone else, I am spending a lot of time at home these days, which has been quite an adjustment. I’m naturally an introvert, so it’s going better for me than I imagine it is for others, but still the cabin fever sets in.

I haven’t seen my students since March 13 — over a month! — and I’m really feeling the loss of that daily interaction. While I’ve been spending time cobbling together virtual lessons, I also have consulted my 2020 Goals list to see what I’ve accomplished and what I could work on.

I’m not going to lie to you, I’ve probably accomplished three of those twenty so far. In my defense, one goal involves making it to a hockey game, and now that may be impossible for me to fulfill.

However, there is one goal on my list I’ve been working hard to make possible:

20. Publish Cardinal Virtue.

And guess what? IT’S HAPPENING!

Two weeks from today, May 5th, I will publish my debut novel Cardinal Virtue, the first in the Eastfall Saga!!

You’re probably like “WHOA! This came outta left field!”

Well, maybe, but I’ve been working on this damn thing for four years, and it’s FINALLY TIME TO GET IT OUT THERE!

“Well, Jenn, what the hell is your book even about?” you wonder.

My friend, ask and ye shall receive.

Here is the full blurb:

A beloved schoolteacher, her gruesome death, and a series of cryptic symbols left behind by the killer are just the beginning…

Police legacy Lara Nadeau never thought she would find herself anywhere but her beloved Boston. However, after the death of her father and one too many missteps on the job, she is transferred to Eastfall: a small, charming city near Salem. Wracked with grief and haunted by a hostage situation gone horribly wrong, Lara spirals into a toxic mire of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. She hoped the slow pace of small town policing might be a calm retreat to help set her back on the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, not long after her arrival to idyllic Eastfall, a brutal, ritualistic murder of a beloved educator sends the community reeling. To make matters worse, the prime suspect is the police chief’s son, Police Sergeant Zachariah Braddock. Charming and handsome, Zach has a few demons of his own, but is he capable of such atrocities?

Lara’s only wish is to return to Boston and prove she is not her past mistakes, but one death was only the beginning. A sequence of peculiar murders of local women, a house with a mind of its own, and the return of an old flame, threatens to derail her. If Lara can’t overcome her own personal demons to help find the killer in time, her chances of clearing her name and saving her own life, will be dead in the water.

“Okay, I’ll bite. Sounds intriguing. What does your front cover look like?”

I can give you that too!

Drum roll, please!

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TA DA!!

Isn’t it gorgeous?? All the cred goes to Caroline Teagle Johnson for designing this beauty. Thanks, Caroline!

SO… stay tuned! My book will be available May 5th through Amazon in ebook and print format. I will post a link as soon as it’s live! If you haven’t already, please consider following my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts for updates aaaaand maybe be on the look out for signed copy giveaways!

Stay safe and STAY HOME!

Ciao, friends!

Jenn or rather… J.R.

Tis the Season

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog post about the things for which I am thankful. With the upcoming winter holidays, one should still be appreciative of the things and people in your life. The events of this weekend reminded me the true meaning of the holiday season, and the importance of the people I have in in my life.

It’s been a long time coming, but my little cousin graduated from James Madison University’s School of Nursing this weekend. Did I mention she also has a BS in Biology too? She’s a dynamo, for sure; a bright young girl that will be a fantastic nurse.

Another plus, I got to revisit my old stomping grounds, though JMU looks vastly different than when I graduated in 2011. It’s still the same beautiful, shining beacon of learning and good times in the Shenandoah Valley, though, and I am glad to see it thriving. The iconic Wilson Hall, where I got to watch my cousin’s pinning ceremony, is now the home of the History Department, the major I received as an undergraduate. It’s a gorgeous 1920s-ish style building, that got a much needed facelift recently. It’s still beautiful, and the epitome of JMU.

Waxing nostalgia aside, I am so flippin’ proud of the accomplishments of my cousin. She’s dealt with many hurtles in her life, much as I have, but she persevered, double majored, and will some day become a Nurse Practitioner. As I watched her walk across the stage at the formal graduation ceremony, pride welled, and a happiness for this beautiful, young woman that will soon strike out into the world and care for those in need. She’s truly a caring person, compassionate, and I can’t wait to see all she accomplishes.

Proving family isn’t always blood, I was also fortunate to attend a very, very good friend’s wedding nuptials. It was a small, intimate venue, very festive. The brides were absolutely gorgeous, made more so by the sheer fact they radiated their love for one another. Of course, I cried, as I always do at weddings. Another very good friend officiated the ceremony, her first time in fact, and did an absolutely amazing job. It was truly, deeply moving and gorgeous. To top this off, I got to see yet other very good, dear friends I had not seen in a long time. Reunited, we caught up, we boogied, we laughed, we cried, we drank, we ate, and perhaps most important of all, we enjoyed the strong presence of a years long friendship that endures.

I wish all the best for my friend and her new bride. I only hope to one day find the deep connection and love they share for one another. I also hope they’re enjoying their Disney honeymoon!

Until next week, my readers. I hope you can find the good in all, this holiday season, and find joy in the moments shared with family, both blood and chosen.

Ciao, friends!

Jenn

Headshots & Adventures

Some of you may have noticed a little something different on my Facebook page, as well as under my “About” page on this site…

AN ACTUAL AUTHOR PHOTO! LE GASP!

Yes, I shelled out money for a professional author headshot! This was my first experience outside of weddings and awkward family portraits, but Amy of Photography by Amy Jackson made it as painless as could be. She braved a chilly November Saturday in local Newport News Park for a fall foliage themed shoot. As I told her, autumn is my favorite time of the year, with its blast of vibrant reds, rich oranges, and golden yellows.

Funny enough, the print I chose for my new Facebook profile picture almost seems Christmas-y, with the red building in the background and holly tree with red berries. Regardless, take a gander at the shots Amy took. I highly recommend! Also, shout out to Kacie Witt, who styled my hair. If you are in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, you might want to check her out at Victoria’s Day Spa!

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On to the “Adventures” part of today’s blog!

Most may not know, but I’m a pretty serious homebody. I like staying at home on a night off, watching TV or diving into a good book. This past Saturday, though, was a bit out of the ordinary. I spent time in a Viking encampment, walked around a Christmas market, and experienced a Christmas light show extravaganza.

But wait! There’s more!

I also was fortunate enough to take in a movie. For those of you sitting on the fence, debating whether you want to actually spend the money to see Knives Out in theaters… DO IT! Amazing cast, amazing storyline reminiscent of Agatha Christie and other old school mysteries. Not to mention, my all time favorite, Chris Evans. Also, Daniel Craig with a Deep South accent? Simultaneously hilarious and engrossing!

You might be wondering to yourself: “A Viking encampment? How??” As it turns out, there are two local groups called Society of Amateur Vikings for General Reenactment (SAVGR) and the Ostvik Vikings. Their missions are to educate the public about Viking history, and dispel the myths pop culture has instilled on us. They even make trips into classrooms, which I may have to consider for next school year. These Viking groups gathered for the second annual Yorktown Yule celebration. There were vendors and duels and other cool things. I bought myself a hand carved Thor’s hammer amulet to protect me on my next summer raid!

After the excitement of yesterday, I’ve learned you need days like this. In this fast pace world we live in, you have to make time, for lack of a better phrase, to stop and smell the roses. Enjoy the little things. Look up local events happening in your off time. If you’re not sure where to look, find the number for the local visitor center or chamber of commerce and call them; it’s their job to know these things! Find a friend willing to go see a movie with you, or go by yourself! There’s no shame in that game! Go camping. Start a fire and cook s’mores.

As it happens, Saturday’s outing inspired my 2020 New Year’s Resolution: get out more! What that entails… well, I still need to work that out.

For Valhalla!

Er, I mean…

Ciao friends,

Jenn

Thankful

I had not realized, until five minutes ago, my last blog post was from July, on the occasion of RWA19. It feels only yesterday I got to meet my absolute idol, the Queen Bee herself: J.R. Ward. Upon reflection of where I’ve been since, and even before, I realized this has been one hell of a year. And there’s a lot to be thankful for.

I am thankful for… My Job

In June, I rounded out my first year of teaching. It progressed better than other experiences I’ve heard about, but by no means was perfect. The most valuable thing I learned? This is my calling. I have found no greater joy than in teaching History. Now, half way through the second quarter of my second year, this revelation has not changed. I have a fantastic support system in my coworkers, and I appreciate my students. Even on the days when I want to strangle them.

I am thankful for… My Family and Friends

I have the best family. We’re not a perfect family, but whose is? We stretch from Florida to Maine, Connecticut to California, and yet, we thrive. I’m especially thankful for the safe return of my cousin from Afghanistan. She’s doing fantastic things as a Navy doc, but damn, I’m glad she’s home. I’m thankful for the support my family gives me in all things: writing, traveling, you name it they support it. Except for maybe ritual animal sacrifice…

I have the best friends. To Kathryn, my fellow writer, my soul sister, I owe everything. She inspired me to work towards publication, she inspired me to join writing groups, she inspired me. No words can express how thankful and happy I am to have her in my life. To my other friends, I’m thankful for the movies we’ve gone to see. I’m thankful to see another of my closest friends soon to be married to the love of her life. I am thankful for the laughs.

I am thankful for… My Craft.

As anyone close to me knows, I’m not the most outwardly confident in my writing. I never have been, and never fully will. But, I’m thankful for the minutes of bravery it took for me to hire an editor and a cover artist for the novel I hope to publish next year. I’m thankful for the writing conferences and workshops I’ve been able to attend throughout this year. My skills can only go up from here.

I am thankful for… Opportunity

I’ve done a few things this year that were way out of the norm for me:

• Over Spring Break, I traveled to Germany to visit my cousin, and had an opportunity to take a stop off in Dublin.

• I went to New York for a writer’s conference, and thanks to the generosity of the best woman out there, I got to see Phantom of the Opera live on stage. As mentioned above, I met my favorite author, J.R. Ward, got a picture with her, and listened to what was basically an hour pep talk about writing, and not giving a f**k about what people think.

• When I returned from New York, I adopted the sweetest and bestest dog on the planet, and named her Juno. I am thankful every day to have the love of such a furry cutie.

• I gave a few professional development presentations this year as well, spreading my enjoyment of the escape room phenomenon in the classroom. Also, I was nominated content team lead for World History.

• For 12 weeks, I took a local department’s Citizen Police Academy, and came away with a plethora of knowledge and fun memories, a notable memory being the ride along I participated in. Not to mention, my fellow classmates elected me class president, and flexed my writing skills for the speech I gave at our graduation. I received many compliments. Oh, and not only was I president, but I also earned “Top Gun” overall for the class at the gun range.

I am thankful for… WW

Yes, WW, more commonly known as Weight Watchers. Since given the suggestion by another fantastic friend, I joined WW and have lost 27 pounds to date. I’m still a long way from my goal, but I’m proud of the progress I made. I’m thankful for the drive I have to go to the gym. It isn’t a chore when you go for personal training sessions with someone who is not only your trainer, but a close friend. Dani, I’m at this point because of you. I’ll always value your positivity and your cheerleading. I’ve found a confidence in myself I hadn’t realized was there before. Not to mention… I’M ACTUALLY WEARING DRESSES! LE GASP!

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This list is by no means exhausted. I’m thankful for the food I eat, the roof over my head, the bed I sleep in, my car, my clothing… you get the idea. I’m most likely leaving something major out, but know, whatever it is, I am also thankful for. I can’t help it, I’m a Hufflepuff, I’m thankful for literally everything, even the person that cuts me off on the road.

So, in this season of thanks, I challenge you, dear reader, to reflect upon the things you are grateful for this year.

Ciao friends!

Jenn

RWA 2019!

This blog post is a bit late, but nonetheless, I have returned from #RWA19 (Romance Writers of America Conference) and had a blast! The following blog post will be a play-by-play of my time in the Big Apple, and an update on the Amateur Makeover progress!

Tuesday: July 23, 2019

Below, you will find a gallery of some of the pictures I took on our first day.

The train left surprisingly promptly at 6:05am. Let me tell you, if you have not traveled by train before, you're missing out. It was a ton of fun, and it was CHEAP.

We rolled into Penn Station around 11:30am, and made the trek to the Marriott Marquis, which was not but a 15ish minute walk from the train station. The hotel is MASSIVE. Floors upon floors, complete with not just conference space, but a whole dang theater. Luckily, the front desk clerk checked us into our room early, and what a helluva view of Times Square!

After settling in, we then ventured out to take part in a Masquerade themed escape room at Escape Rook Madness. This room made our 20th (or maybe 21st?). Regardless, we put another win in our books. Without giving away clues to the room, I have to say, it was very impressive. Highly recommend if you are ever in Manhattan, and finding some down time.

As it turned out, the Masquerade theme was wildly appropriate for the next event of the evening. First, though, we partook in Junior's, which was AMAZING. So good. The milkshakes were on point, and the burger was heavenly. Next, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.

GUYS, I am not a musical theater person by any stretch, but one of my all time faves if POTO. To see it on Broadway, complete with falling chandelier, made this entire trip, to be honest. Thanks for treating me to tickets, Kathryn!

As a side note, spotted Tracey Morgan eating at Junior's. This ticks off yet another celebrity siting in NYC.

Wednesday: July 24, 2019

Wednesday was the official start of the conference. After grabbing our registration bags, we sought out some lunch (BLT at this great diner). Like my name tag? They had alllll these cool ribbons you stack, so you know how to identify people. For instance, this was my first RWA conference, hence the first timer ribbon. "Pantser" means an author crafts their novel without plotting ahead of time. I think I consider myself more of a "Plantser" which is combining Plotter/Pantser, but they didn't have those ribbons. Some people had cleverly cut up the ribbons to make their own "Plantser" tag. The other ribbons are meant to denote what genres someone primarily writes in.

After a three hour long "Anatomy of a Scene" workshop, Kathryn and I decided to take the express elevator up to The View, which is a rotating restaurant. Not gonna lie, felt really lightheaded and motion sick, which is very much a rare thing for me. Boats, planes, cars, etcetera, I'm fine. But something about the elevator and the slow movement had me feeling some kind of way. Regardless, it was super cool, and afforded a gorgeous view of the city.

Thursday: July 25, 2019

Day Two of the conference consisted of more workshops! I definitely learned some very interesting tips to incorporate into my writing. The Golden Heart Luncheon also happened on this day, which meant unpublished authors were being awarded prizes for their work. Dinner was John's of Time Square, which is a restaurant built into an old church. It was an incredibly beautiful place, and the pizza was... whooo. Lemme tell you.

Friday: July 26, 2019

I have to admit that of all the days, Friday was my favorite.

Since I was a junior in high school, I've been reading this phenomenal series by J.R. Ward. I have a high school friend of mine to thank for getting me into these books. It is a paranormal series about a secret race of vampires that aren't your average bloodsuckers. Oh no, they're more than that. Without going into too many of the details, these books I've been reading for going on 16 years, have truly gotten me through some tough ass times. Jennifer L. Armentrout gave the keynote address at the continental breakfast this Friday morning. In her speech, Jennifer got really deep and personal about the power of books. These books by J.R. Ward are truly powerful to me. She has made this vast body of work that seems nearly real, and the characters like family. It was truly an honor (and a laugh, because this woman is f**king hysterical), to have gotten a chance to hear her speak and to pose for a picture with her.

My mind reeling, feeling invigorated and inspired, lunch was spent at an Irish Pub called the Mean Fiddler. Of course, I had to have a Guinness. On the way back to the hotel, I caught sight of the Scientology building. I didn't want to go inside, lest I was unable to leave.

The day/night was far from over, though. Kathryn and I got dolled up and attended the RITA awards, basically the Oscars for Romance writers. It was another great honor to see J.R. Ward win a RITA for Dearest Ivie (this was like her 3rd or 4th!). The entire award ceremony was amazing and inspiring, despite the fact it was mired in controversy over the fact that most of the nominees were white women. It was cool, however, to see the first black women win a RITA. Observing this, and getting down at the after party, made me realize these women (and some men) are truly my tribe. I realized, as well, two things:

1. I want to be a Romance author.

2. I want to win a RITA (and preferably have J.R. Ward present it to me).

It was sad to leave New York skyline behind, but I left with a different mindset. On the train ride home, Kathryn helped me to outline a new story idea. I won't say much, but I am pretty excited about it... if only I could actually start writing it!

Amateur Makeover: Home Office Edition Update

Within the next week, I wager, the new flooring will be in the home office! I'll be able to share some pictures of the new flooring, and then the finished product! Still need to get to IKEA for some bookshelves, but it WILL be complete, and WILL be my little writing sanctuary.

I think I'll actually need to get some plants...

And hopefully not kill them.

Ciao friends!

Jenn

P.S. MY BEST FRIEND'S BOOK WAS PUBLISHED TUESDAY! Check it out at her website!

Amateur Makeover: Home Office Edition (Part I)

Yes, I know. I'm horrible at blog up-keep. I've never been able to keep a steady journal. The reason being, mostly, because I always (and still do) believed I had nothing exciting to write about.

Here's to hoping I can be more driven and make some excitement!

Summer time for a teacher can be tough.

What's my purpose? How do I pass the time? THANK GOD for summer though, am I right??

How does this teacher pass her time? When not plugging away, earning money at my part-time job (thanks, student loans), I've begun to revamp my home office space. Once upon a time, this space made up my childhood bedroom; lots of angst ridden years as a pre-teen and teen. It was time for a face lift: a coat of paint, new flooring, and new furniture.

Part one of the reno: new paint.

The fantastic Kathryn helped make this job incredibly easy. White walls soon transformed into an Ellie Gray landscape thanks to Sherwin Williams. It's absolutely gorgeous. These pictures don't do it justice.

Part two will be new flooring. Part three will be moving in the new furniture.

I will keep you updated as this project progresses, but I am super thrilled for the finished product of my own little writing nook! By the end of summer, it will done! Next project? My bedroom.

On the writing front, I am editing at a snail's pace. Maybe slower than a snail, if I'm honest. I complete a chapter probably once a week. It's horrible, I know. I'm working on it...

HOWEVER... I am partnering with a fantastic graphic designer to go ahead and create my book cover. I am absolutely thrilled to be commissioning this wonderful designer. She did amazing work with my bestest's book cover. I can't wait to see what ideas she has for me!

Okay, I think that's about all the updates.

BUT WAIT... NO, THERE'S MORE!

In a week's time, I'll be livin' large in NYC at the Romance Writers' of America annual conference! Broadway plays, an escape room, breakout sessions... OH MY! I can't wait to report back on the goings-on!

Until then...

Ciao, friends!

The Writer's Struggle

Happy Easter! Happy Passover! Happy Ostara (little bit late but...)! Happy Sunday!

In trying to figure out a topic to write for my blog post this week, it soon became apparent that the answer resided in the struggle...

No... will... to... write...

At the beginning of the month, I had every intention of participating in Camp NaNoWriMo. I wrote a little less than 1,000 words while sitting in Dublin Airport, and haven't written since. There are moments where the urge to write comes, but by the time I actually sit down to write... I end up sitting down to watch Netflix or something of that sort.

I don't know what it is that makes the block fall into place more often than not. When I'm on my game, I'm on my game, churning out thousands of words in a day.

And when I'm not on my game, I go days, maybe even weeks, without writing a word (not counting keeping up with this blog).

I wish I knew what I could do to fix this. A lot of advice says to "just sit and write."

What happens when you can't get yourself to do even that?

Maybe I'm lacking internal motivation? Maybe I don't want it badly enough?

I just wish I could figure it out...

Any other writers out there experience this level of... well... apathy? Any suggestions on how to combat this?

It's almost Game of Thrones time, and then the start of a new school week. We're at about T-Minus 38 days and counting...

Ciao, friends!