Jennie L. Morris's Blog

New Coloring Books

Spring is here, and I’ve been busy. I needed a little color in my life, so I decided to try my hand at coloring books. I love the Steampunk style, so for now, most of them are in that genre! I can’t wait for everyone to check these out.

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Quick Research Tips – Where to Find Info

I don’t know about you, but I love a well-researched story. This can be historical fiction, or it can be a sci-fi thriller, space opera, or even a cozy romance. When an author puts in the work to sprinkle in nuggets of information, it’s like finding candy on Easter–or the equivalent to someone who never celebrated Easter (like this gal, you get what I’m say).

These precious pieces add real layers to the story, and depending on the genre are critical. Historical fiction is my home, and without building the solid foundation of research…well, my stories would crumble like sandcastles built by a toddler drunk on juice boxes. Do you need to spend six months on research? Maybe. If you’re planning on a generational epic like The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough, then you may need a notebook full of detailed research. On the other hand, if you’re writing a contemporary short story, well you’re basically an expert on life right now. So you may have to do a quick search on a internet search, and you’re done.

I want to break down these tips into a few posts, as there are different steps to research.

To be fair, I loved research before I started this so called exotic life as an authoress. These tips come from a science background perspective.

The internet is your friend, until it isn’t. Misinformation or wrong information is everywhere. Look at the sources. Are they reputable? If you question the authenticity of the information, delve deeper. Books aren’t dead.While this shouldn’t be a surprise, we always want the quick answer (hello internet). If you’re looking into something old, rare, local, or not in the mainstream, look for an old school book on the subject. Or, if you get lucky, it may be in the public domain, and you can find that gem on the internet thanks to a various projects to upload documents to the web. Check out Project Gutenberg or Open Library.Find an expert in the field.If you need a very specific question answered, why ask an expert. Is it on local history? You’ll be surprised how much people want to discuss their hometowns. Your MC is a barista, but you’ve got no idea how an espresso machine works. Next time you grab that double shot latte, ask the lovely person for a quick rundown. Again, people like to talk shop, and I like to listen.

See you in the next post, best of luck writing,

Book Review: Striker X by Negus Lamont

The blurb of this book grabbed me. I’m on a big sci-fi space kick lately. I enjoyed this book. Lamont created dynamic, multi-dimensional characters. This is a strong point of the writing. Not one character is static or pigeonholed into a trope. The “good” characters aren’t saints but live in a realistic gray-zone of morals.

The story progresses at a steady pace. It doesn’t drag. There is a nice mix of dialog with action; neither aspect is too lengthy or drawn-out. Writing from multiple character perspectives lends varying voices to the story, revealing the plot but still leaving enough questions to keep me interested in reading.

Why I couldn’t rate this book 4 or 5 stars came down to information. Either Lamont needs to take a step back with all the additives or go into more details. Lamont introduces things like collecting items from kills to level up armor but assumes the reader understands the process. Also, the ranking system of the “monsters,” while intriguing, is unclear. The backstory is somewhat the same. I understand not wanting to give too much away but mentioning a random fact without further detail bogs down the story. I wish Lamont explained these pieces of information (like what’s the origin of dark and light elves, how do upgrades work for their shadow spirits) or leave them out altogether.

If you like fantasy action books, I recommend giving this a chance. If you like sci-fi space books, it’s worth a try. To me, Striker X has a video-game quality with the main character leveling up, fighting monsters, and moving through the “ranks” of his class. I like animes, and this had an anime-type feel to it as well.

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery.

Until Next Time,

Eight Things Keeping Me Sane

It’s the small things. Sunshine through my curtains. A cup of tea and a snuggle with my dog. Crisp paper and my favorite pen.

Writing has not been easy. Brain fog set in, perhaps as early as April. Since then, every paragraph written has felt like a victory and a defeat. I’ve second guessed myself, stared at screens, and been defeated.

Here is a list of things, big and small, that have helped me survive the everyday struggle.

1. Tea & Coffee: I use these beverages as a mini-meditation break. Five minutes of inhaling the aromas, starting out a window, bringing myself back to the moment.

2. Blue Light Blocking Glasses: These babies reduced eye strain, reduced the intensity of migraines, and my eyes don’t feel as dry.

3. Audiobooks: What a better way to pass the time while cleaning or sorting through endless files than listening to a good book?

4. Sleeping Mask: I’ve had trouble sleeping (who hasn’t?). Using a satin eye sleeping mask that blocks out all the light has been such a lifesaver.

5. Naps: Don’t discount the power of a good nap. These are ways to reset your day and mindset. I like to listen to nature sounds, using the Rain Rain app.

6. Decluttering: Stuck at home? I’ve decluttered, and then decluttered again. Which doesn’t work well, when I buy things on Amazon…but, I try!

7: Lip Balm: A good lip balm can make a good day.

8: Friends: Feeling closed off? A quick message to a friend has been such a mood boost. Even if we can’t see each other, knowing they’re still there is important.

I hope you’re well. I hope you have a good day. Stay healthy, stay safe, and take care of yourself and your neighbors.

Essay Review: Mary Tudor: A Story of Triumph, Sorrow and Fire by Anthony Ruggiero

This essay is a great overview of Queen Mary’s brief time on the throne. This examines the political and religious (as the two are interwoven at this time) climate of her fight to the throne until her death. A woman of power is always dangerous, as they’re seen as precocious without a man’s influence. Mary Tudor had an agenda, as all monarchs, but she was under the intense scrutiny at home and abroad. Well researched, I enjoyed the this book. While Mary isn’t my favorite Tudor monarch, this definitely makes me want to read more about her.

Portrait of Queen Mary I of England, by Antonis Mor, 1554.

I admit, I tend to overlook Mary Tudor. This essay pointed out several historical events I’d never heard of before. I jotted down a few notes, and hope to do my own investigation on Mary’s short reign.

Until next time, darlings,

Book Review: Katherine- Tudor Duchess by Tony Riches

This series is fantastic, each book gets better and better!

While I’m not a Tudor expert, I’m familiar with the main players of the time. Somehow, Katherine, this woman so interlaced in Henry VIII’s court, went unnoticed.

From Amazon

Riches lets Katherine’s story overlap with the previous book, so there is no gap in the chronology, making for a smooth transition. From there, he weaves an intriguing multi-layered tale of a woman who grew from having no power, to being a powerhouse in her own right.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Riches has done his research, which is obvious, but not dry. The narrator is marvelous, and well-suited. I recommend to anyone interested in the Tudor Dynasty or in the reformation of the Catholic Church in England.

If you’ve any other suggestion on books about Katherine, please share!

Until next time, darlings, stay safe and healthy,

Book Review: Mary – Tudor Princess (The Brandon Trilogy Book 1)

From time to time, I get into a good book that surprises me. For most of 2020, I’ve been into audiobooks, listening to them while I do chores, graphic work, or formatting projects.

Mary – Tudor Princess (The Brandon Trilogy Book 1) by Tony Riches is an excellent book for any Tudor Dynasty fan. I didn’t know what to expect when I got this book, well audiobook. Mary Tudor has never been one of the key players in Henry’s court that captured my attention. My own fault really, as I relied of television depictions of the Dowager Queen of France. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Riches’ well researched depiction of Mary rings with more truth than a glamorized, cavorting Queen.

Image from Amazon.

Although Henry is definitely a major player, the book doesn’t revolve around him, and how Mary’s life is second stage to her brother. I think that’s important, as in some books the main character is still shadowed by the looming Henry. I recommend giving it a read (or listen in my case). I love the Tudor Dynasty, and this was well worth my time. I can’t wait to for the next book in the series.

As for the narrator, I think she did an excellent job. I would listen to her again.

Until next time, darlings.

New Blog, New World

Welcome to the new blog. It’s been a wild trip, combining all the portions of my growing business in one place. Instead of trying to maintain three or four different sites, this is a streamlined experience.

During “The Great Pause” (stolen from a colleague of mine), I’m trying to stay on track with the writing. However, it’s been somewhat of a challenge. Some projects fell through (and I felt relief!) because my ability to concentrate isn’t in a good place.

The next few months, I’m set to write numerous novellas and projects. Some are already in progress, some in the beginning stages, and a few a few thoughts floating in my head.

Stay healthy and safe until next time, darlings.