Writing – Page 9 – Jennifer's Journal

Vivian’s View From Here: My Trip to the Vet

Published on October 22, 2016October 22, 2016 by J. Kelland Perry20 Comments

Happy weekend, Peeps and Pets.

Vivian K. Perry here, back for a new guest post on Jennifer’s Journal. Can you believe this is my eleventh time blogging here on WordPress? I’m becoming an old pro!

Let’s get down to business: I went to see my veterinarian in Gander yesterday. And because I did, my weekend is going to be one of recovery instead of more itching and scratching of my pretty face.

You see, I have this recurring condition, an allergy of sorts, or so I’m told. The problem is that no one can determine what triggers it! The first time this happened to me was when we were still living in the city, and I was barely out of kittenhood. I had a little spot on my cheek that simply would not heal.

fullsizerender-1 — **This is me yesterday morning. I had no idea at this point where I would be going that afternoon. Notice my not-so-pretty face. 😦**

As it happened, Jennifer and Paul went on a trip to Jamaica that spring, and when they came back, they were horrified to see that the little spot had festered and had gotten much worse. Off to the vet we went, and I came back with steroids, antibiotics and that ghastly ‘cone of shame’ around my neck. Let me tell you: I HATED that #@%*#!ing cone!

But I healed, and ever since, my staff made sure I never got to that point again.

A year or so ago, Jennifer read on the internet that the cat treats, Temptations, were causing itchy skin allergies in some other members of my species, so of course I never got to eat another one after that. For a long while, it seemed the mystery had been solved.

Then my condition returned, so we are back to square one as to the cause. If anyone out there has any experience with this or knows what I might be allergic to, would you help a kitty out and please leave a comment below?

Jennifer put together this little gallery from my visit. I hope you enjoy it more than I did.

**“I hate this #%&*# cage and this #%&*#car!”**

**Jennifer stayed in the back seat with me, so I stopped crying. An hour and a half is a long drive for a kitty.**

When we finally got to the vet's, we had to wait for a little while. — **When we finally got to the vet’s, we had to wait for a while.**

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Too many doggies for my liking. I was outnumbered!

Paul faced me away from those doggies, but I could smell them. Ugh! — **Paul faced me away from those doggies, but I knew they were there. Doggie smells don’t lie.**

In spite of my allergy, the vet said I was very healthy for my age. :) — **In spite of my allergy, the vet said I was very healthy for my age. I was also very well-behaved.** 🙂

After my check-up, I went home with my new meds. I hardly made a peep the whole way, probably because I was worn out from all the excitement.

I thought Maisie would’ve been lonely during our absence; she is rarely left by herself.
But she seemed un-purr-turbed.

Change the Way You Think About It

Published on October 17, 2016October 17, 2016 by J. Kelland Perry12 Comments

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Recently, I was catching up with someone I hadn’t seen in a while.

At first, the conversation was pleasant, as was my general mood, but as the chatting continued, I realized this person was swimming in barely concealed hostility.

Almost everything that came out of this person’s mouth was either a brag or a humble brag, a passive-aggressive remark, or a backhanded compliment (don’t you just love it when someone insults you like that – and it’s “socially acceptable”?).

But perhaps what rankled most was the obvious avoidance of discussing anything going on in my life. Whether the reason for this was self-absorption, disinterest, jealousy, or whatever, I could only hazard to guess.

So what did I decide to do? Well, I held my tongue and chose to follow the advice from Ms. Angelou as stated above. I decided to look at the experience differently, to frame it in a way that muted the annoyance I felt, and replace it with understanding.

I already know this person has difficulties going on in his own life, which helped me to recognize that the hostility had very little to do with me.

So I chose to temper my hurt with this awareness. The pain he is presently enduring in his life is far worse than anything he could inflict on me with his words. And perhaps, along with that, he was having an especially hard day.

It doesn’t always work, but in this case, a little understanding made all the difference.

Have you ever consciously changed your thought processes about something?
How has it worked for you?
How do you deal with difficult people?

A Seasonal Love Note

Published on September 19, 2016February 2, 2017 by J. Kelland Perry26 Comments

I know our Atlantic Canadian summers are short and I treasure the warmer days while they’re here, but there is something about this season of change I truly love as well.

Late summer and early fall has a uniquely different quality, where on a sunny day the air lends a crisper, more metallic edge to the natural world. (This love affair hinges on one important caveat: that the northeast wind doesn’t blow too much and turn our world chilly and wet for days on end.)

The outlines of clouds against the steel-blue sky look sharper, heralding the approach of what is to come. Most foliage and grasses are still summery green. I relish them all the more, knowing the colours will soon transition into vibrant shades of red and gold before finally fading to the cool grey and white hues of late autumn and winter.

It is a season of harvest and renewal, a time of new beginnings and the dawning of fresh ideas. The kiddies are back in their classes. Though my own school days and child rearing years are well behind me, I still feel that push of motivation into new plans and goals, to make the transition into a stricter work schedule, to get back to writing more in the coming months. November and NaNoWriMo are still a ways off, but I strive to clear up all loose ends in preparation for – dare I say it without jinxing myself – a 50 thousand-word first draft of a brand-spanking new novel.

Then there are the berries. Where would this season be without the berries?

fullsizerender-3 fruits of the first trip

fullsizerender-2 …and fruits of the second

In two afternoon jaunts, the blueberries are now picked, and it won’t be long before we are in on the barrens again to pick partridgeberries. (In other parts of the world, these lovely bitter, relatives of the cranberry are called lingonberries or cowberries.) I make plenty of the “patchy-berry” jam for my other half since he likes it on his morning toast all year round, not to mention in the occasional pastry tart with a generous dollop of thick cream.

Especially anticipated, besides an excursion on the barrens, is picking the plump, juicy partridgeberries that grow right here on our land. I checked all around the Point last week and it looks like a bumper crop this year, probably a sign of how plentiful their growth is everywhere else. They, along with the blueberries and the cod from the food fishery, will go a long way in keeping our deep freeze full for another winter.

Coinciding with the cool-down in temperature is a return to more bread-baking. There’s nothing like the smell of a fresh batch from the oven to take the chill out of your day.

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

What do you like the most about this time of year?
Relief from the heat? A return to a more orderly schedule?
Getting the children out from underfoot and back in school?
Or are you sad because the summer is nearly spent?
Do tell!

This post was inspired by Ailsa’s Travel Theme: Seasonal.

Plot Twists and Other Stuff

Published on August 24, 2016January 9, 2017 by J. Kelland Perry18 Comments

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Hello, everyone!

I have some news, my peeps: I will be changing publishers.

My publisher for Calmer Girls, a small press in the U.S. which has been in business for five years, is closing its doors at the end of August. It was sudden news that leaves me (and all of its other authors) facing new decisions, transitions, and a fresh start.

But it’s okay! This sort of thing is not uncommon these days because of continuing changes in the publishing industry. This even includes the big presses. Who knows, it may turn out to be – dare I say it? – a blessing in disguise for some. With all rights, files and cover art, etc. now reverted back to me, I may even decide to self-publish. Why should hubs be the only one who runs a business in this house?

That said, I’m currently weighing all options while my third reader is plowing through the sequel to Calmer Girls, Calmer Secrets. Don’t you worry, dear Calmer readers, because one way or another you will soon be reading that sequel too!

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As for those who want to but haven’t had a chance to read the first book of the two-title series, there will be a short delay before it becomes available again for purchase on Amazon and Indigo. In the meantime, I still have a small supply on hand which includes those already ordered directly from me, and Norton’s Cove Studio is carrying them as well.

Many thanks to all of you for your support, readership, and for everything you’ve done so far. I hope you will continue to support me and my work as it is incredibly important to me. I will post updates, and the moment I have more info on my novels, I will make it available here and on my Facebook Author page.

Plot twist and move on!

Who’s That Indie Author? Jennifer Kelland Perry

Published on July 26, 2016July 29, 2016 by J. Kelland Perry12 Comments

Hey everyone, I’ve been featured on Barbara Vitelli’s blog, Book Club Mom. I hope you’ll check it out!

Book Club Mom

Author name: Jennifer Kelland Perry

Genre: Young Adult & New Adult Fiction

Books: Published this year: Calmer Girls

In Prepublication: Calmer Secrets (sequel)

Bio: Jennifer Kelland Perry is a native of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. In 2010, she and her husband Paul sold their house and left the city to enjoy rural life in Bonavista Bay. They live beside the ocean there and are loving every moment.

While working for years in the banking industry, Jennifer always dreamed of a time she could devote to her first passion of writing fiction. Calmer Girls is her debut novel, the first in a two-book deal with an independent American publisher. The sequel Calmer Secrets is expected to be released early in 2017.

In between working on her novels, Jennifer updates her blog, Jennifer’s Journal, where she shares her thoughts and observations on life in Newfoundland through prose and…

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Author Interview with Lisa Montanino

Published on July 15, 2016 by J. Kelland Perry4 Comments

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Hello, Lisa! So happy to have this opportunity to interview you.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
Born and raised on Long Island, NY to two extraordinary parents. The rest is your typical… boring history.

Were you good at English?
I was a great English student, honors classes and even minored in English Literature at University.

Which writers inspire you?
I could shoot off some of the great novelists of our time but lately I’m super impressed with English and American opinion journalists that can make me laugh and I can agree with, like The Independent’s Grace Dent, Evening Standard’s Faye Maschler, Time Out NY’s Jillian Anthony, and Robert Levin of AM NY to name some.

Give us a blurb for your latest book.
Feedback, a novel by Lisa Montanino, takes you on a yearlong journey in the life of Claire Convenzionale—a prominent radio deejay in New York City who breaks off an engagement with her fiancé and feels like her world has fallen apart. Little do her fans know of the turmoil behind Claire’s voice as she bravely broadcasts Monday through Friday. With the arrival of two interns—Shane Salinger and Jared Parker, Claire finds that they are surprisingly funny and inspiring forces that will help her regain her optimist spirit. As time goes on, Claire faces serious issues, requiring her to make difficult choices. All these trials help her build the self-awareness and the courage she will need to silence the sabotaging Feedback she hears in her head.

Give us an insight into your main character. What does she do that is so special? Despite all her sub-conscience and conscience faults, she’s got a lot of heart and she is excellent at her job despite the hell she’s under.

What are you working on at the moment?
Oh, let me think about this. 1. keeping up with my blog. 2. writing a novella and sequel to my first novel, Feedback (this technically counts as 2, right?). 3. working hard at my day job and 4. contributing as a writer for The Revew Review Magazine. And 5. trying to have fun with life as well. Safe to say the books will be out no time soon and there just isn’t enough time in a day!

Which actress would you like to see playing the lead character from Feedback?
Two actresses come to mind, either Michelle Pfeiffer in her heyday – she’d play Claire brilliantly or second choice, Scarlett Johansson though Claire is way taller than this petite chick.

Ooh, I love Scarlett Johansson!
How much research do you do?
Oh loads, I love researching. Guess you could call it an occupational hazard.

Do you write full-time or part-time?
Currently part-time but planning on being a full-time writer when I retire from my day gig.

What is the hardest thing about writing?
I wish I could say anything other than editing.

Do you read much, and if so, who are your favourite authors?
I do, especially daily periodicals like the New York Times, Time Out NY, and countless others. I also love reading anything nutritional or medical as well (I studied these subjects at University). As far as prose writers go, I’m always impressed reading noteworthy ones like John Irving, Chuck Klosterman, Stephen King, Harper Lee, J.D. Salinger, and Agatha Christie.

For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
I like them both, but I’m more partial to a paperback or hardcover book because no matter how savvy we are in this tech age, nothing beats old school tangibility.

I fully agree!
Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit?
Wish I had done that, but no… I was on a tough time crunch to release it so everyday editing agony for roughly a year.

Which social network worked best for you?
As for marketing and book exposure, definitely Twitter and Facebook. Anything related to writing on the internet can help fellow writers as well.

How do you relax?
When weather permits, one of my ideal ways of chilling out is in front of a fire pit filled with music and laughs with loved ones.

What is your favourite quote?
One of my favorites… “Don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.” J.D. Salinger

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Great question, Jennifer. A few things. 1. Love yourself more. 2. You should’ve believed that rockin’ friend of yours was being sincere when he asked you out to date. 3. Savor today instead of wishing for tomorrow. 4. You’ll thank your younger self for taking care of your health and wearing sunscreen – and I do!

Special thanks to Jennifer for interviewing me, she’s an amazing talent and I’m very grateful.
You are more than welcome, Lisa! It was a pleasure; thanks again.

Check out this charming and talented writer through the links below:

Blog: https://ldmountain.wordpress.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Feedback-Lisa-Montanino/dp/0615972500/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466096867&sr=8-1&keywords=lisa+montanino

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilmountain

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LDMontanino

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8081517.Lisa_Montanino

Blogger Bouquet #38

Published on July 13, 2016March 1, 2018 by J. Kelland Perry

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Tara of Tara Sparling writes is an established writer and award-winning blogger from Ireland.

From her About pages:

Tara writes fiction and screenplays. Originally from the west of Ireland, she now lives in Dublin. She spends all of her spare time with words. The writing of them and the reading of them…
…This blog offers a reader’s perspective on traditional and indie/self-publishing, book sales and genre trends, writing and publishing follies, marketing tips, author success stories and spectacular failures.

Tara raises an excellent point in this post from June, a topic I have also blogged about. Check it out:

We Were All Young Adults Once: Why Are We Not All Reading Young Adult Fiction?

Comments are closed here but you can leave a comment on the blogger’s page.

I hope your week is going well, everyone!
❤

Finished :-)

Published on June 14, 2016June 15, 2016 by J. Kelland Perry20 Comments

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At last, Calmer Girls II: Calmer Secrets is finished. Yippee!

What I mean by finished is that it is out of my hands and into my first readers’ hands. Once I receive feedback and make any changes from their suggestions (and eagle eyes), the manuscript will be submitted to my editor.

Because I’ve been consumed recently with its completion, many things have fallen by the wayside around here. So I need to take a breather.

What I mean by taking a breather is not exactly a breather at all, except when it comes to my blog. I must begin getting my surroundings back in ship-shape: tackle the freakishly giant dust bunnies multiplying as I type this, start digging into the mountain of laundry piled up from neglect, and get busy on dozens of other tasks I’ve been actively ignoring.

Once I see I’m making headway, I’ll be back! In the meantime, below is the info for the upcoming Signing Event in my area. Also there’s only one week left until the Calmer Girls Paperback Giveaway ends. You can enter for your chance to win here.

Does anyone (~ GROAN ~) despise housework as much as I do? 😦

signing poster

Blogger Bouquet #37

Published on June 5, 2016March 1, 2018 by J. Kelland Perry

blogger bouquet spring

Andrea Stephenson is a gifted writer who shares her inspirations on her blog Harvesting Hecate.

From her About page, A Creative Life:

“My first writing memory dates back to when I was around 8 years old and feverishly re-writing the Nancy Drew novel I’d just read. Once I began writing, I didn’t stop. I wrote stories, the beginnings of novels, journals. Writing was a compulsion, something I felt I had to do.”

I chose the following post of Andrea’s to help illustrate an emotion I too am feeling as of late: mourning for the story that has ended and for the characters that became part of your daily life, as well as the struggle writers experience in finding the thread of a new story. When you read her colourful prose, you may also be moved to click the follow button.

Finding A Story

Comments are closed here but you can leave a comment on the blogger’s page.

Have an inspiring week, everyone!

Scenes from a St. John’s Book Launch

Published on May 31, 2016 by J. Kelland Perry34 Comments

My Book Signing Event was a success!

The Launch included an introduction and bio, a short author reading of an excerpt from Calmer Girls, question period, and sale and signing of books.

I wish to bestow a huge thank-you to everyone who took time out of their Saturday to attend. It meant the world to me. Several of you even drove from out of town to be there, and for that I am forever grateful. ❤

I also wish to thank Jewel S. Cousens, B.A., M.L.S., NL Librarian with the A.C. Hunter Public Library, Arts & Culture Centre, for all of her valuable assistance, as well as her insight and suggestions for future promotions. Ms. Cousens was happy to tell us that interest in Newfoundland and Labrador books has grown in recent years and continues to grow.

Special appreciation to my husband and family for everything you did to make this past weekend one I will never forget.

I hope you enjoy the photos and the slide show I’ve shared below.