Summer is Underway!

In a few days, Cardinal Virtue will celebrate it’s two month book birth! Crazy to think that after four years of writing it, it’s already getting so big!

A wise woman compared the process of writing and publishing a novel to that of child-rearing. While I don’t have children of my own, she framed it in a relatable metaphor. The most memorable part of the metaphor came when I found myself in the “dark night of the soul” doldrums of editing. This is the stage when you don’t think you can get your child out on its own to succeed because it keeps being uncommunicative and giving you attitude. And you’re praying to whatever deity you believe in to just get this kid where they need to be. Preferably out of the house. That’s all any parent wants, right? For their child to succeed?

Well, unless that child turns out to be a serial killer…

Anyway!

The metaphor served as a great kick in the butt to just DO IT, let the book baby go, cut the apron strings, and allow it to soar!

So far, everyone has given positive feedback for Cardinal Virtue, and I have to say that it’s great to hear my baby’s doing well! The lifeblood of an author often thrives on reviews. Which is why I am humbly asking that if you have read Cardinal Virtue, please leave an honest review on Amazon and/or Goodreads! Also, if you loved Cardinal Virtue and know others that would too, please pass along the recommendation! Tell your friends! Your neighbors! Your dogs! Your Cousin’s Husband’s College Roommate! I will be eternally grateful!

On another note, here in the Northern Hemisphere, we recently celebrated the summer solstice, the beginning of summer, when the days drag longer but somehow it’s August before you know it.

Summer time means many things to someone like me. First and foremost, it means school’s out for summer! I can now attempt to sleep in, binge watch more streaming shows, and… well, you know, write more.

As it happens, the summer solstice will also play a roll in the next book in the Eastfall series! Yes, there will be a book two, as I’ve been asked that question many times. You haven’t seen the last of Lara Nadeau; however, you will have to wait a bit to see her again. The next book — haven’t settled on a title yet, but when I do, you’ll be the first to know! — will center around Jennifer Cassidy, whom you briefly met in Cardinal Virtue. Prepare for Outlander vibes and a whole pie-in-the-face serving of Arthurian lore! I will be working on book two during July for Camp NaNoWriMo! But more on that in an upcoming blog post!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all the kind words for Cardinal Virtue. I really am a proud mama!

Ciao, friends!

J.R.

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.

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 Week Before

The days leading up to any substantial break is always a nightmare for teachers. Though this is only my first year teaching, I have my student teacher experience to reflect on. It's a long haul through the desolate months from Winter Break to Spring Break, and last year was no different. March is the absolute worst month, as the days seem to drag with little to no half days or days off. The students drag as well, and heck... so do teachers.

This coming week consists of 4 and 1/2 days, instead of the usual 5.

Will we survive it?

Of course we will, because we are teachers, and we endure. Whether we get through the week unscathed; however, is another matter.

All whining aside, it is astounding how quickly this year has passed. It seems only yesterday I finished my student teacher experience, and began the job search. Some days have been harder than others, but no job is absolutely perfect. You've got to take the little victories as they come. For instance, I participated in the Faculty-Seniors Basketball game, which was a fundraiser for After Prom. I had an absolute blast, and even received compliments on my skills the next day.

Despite these little victories, it will be an uphill battle, commencing tomorrow, but I'm armed with what I need to survive it. I'm going to get my students, and myself, up over the breach, and down into the valley below, filled with flowers, video games, junk food, and whatever else these kids do for Spring Break.

The week before a break, the pressure is also on from the higher ups. They urge us to keep students occupied from bell to bell, and to avoid playing movies. It's hard, because the kids don't want to work, and half the time, teachers don't want to either. But, again, we endure. We press on. We complete our sacred duty to enrich the minds of America's youth. Yes, it may often be a thankless job, but someone's got to do it.

The count down begins tomorrow...

Onwards and upwards, teachers and students! 'Do not go gentle into that good night'!

Ciao, friends!

P.S. There will be a brief break of blog posts, as I will be in Dublin next Sunday. But you will hear all about my Spring Break adventures the Sunday after!

I Survived!

It is Sunday. Monday is looming before me (all of us really). I will begin my second week of teaching.

Needless to say, you can consider this proof that I survived the first week!It wasn't perfect by any stretch. The early morning wake ups are horrendous, but it sure is nice when 2:05 p.m. comes around and I'm done for the day. Prilosec has become my closest friend, I have discovered. When the gastric juices are flowing a little too much because of nerves, Prilosec calmed the storm.So far, my students have been decent. Of course, we are still in that blessed honeymoon phase. Everyone has been well behaved, even the Freshmen. One can hope that it will hold out as long as it can. The key is being consistent with your own rules and expectations, and coming down on infractions when you see them. You don't want to be the bad guy, but you have to assert your authority as the adult in the room. It's difficult when you're a person who isn't exactly a hardass, but you don't want to be that person that rolls over either. "Don't smile until Christmas," they say. Well shoot, I'm tryin'!What I hope to see out of this next week is a bit more student engagement. I'm at the front of the room, acting a fool, and I'm getting zero reaction. Questions are flying everywhere, trying to get someone to answer, and all I'm receiving in return are blank faces. Alright guys, I get it. You're tired on the first week back because you've been staying up late all summer. It's go time now, kiddos. Let's do it!Here's to week two, and only 176 more school days to go!

Ciao, friends!