iamjaynaemarie

[iamjaynaemarie]

You have no idea how complicated my life has become.

I lost my entire body of work in less than a second due to my hard drive dying in the middle of work. To put that into perspective, I lost 13 years of work on @tkwrtrilogy2 @tkwrtrilogy @tkwrtrilogy3 and my other literary project @thesecretofthehouseofbourbonbook @lesecretdelamaisondubourbon

I am now forced to start all over again. Luckily, however, I still have all the written work. That shall go uninterrupted. But I have to start all the work all over again. I had a mountain of over 10,000 documents and research materials for both projects that just got an obliterated in one second.

I am a king. I didn’t take that well at all.

Someone has to pay the price. But, for now, I’m going to cut my losses and start all over again.

Here we go again.

[iamjaynaemarie]

Hello. I’m back. Again.

January 7, 2024: Welcome to 2024!

Okay, I have been writing (and there is a LOT). However, I've had to deal with bedbugs for the past six months (and going). I have no time to go into the logistics (and the blame sits squarely on the shoulders of my stepsister), but I'm here to have some fun and tell you about what is going on with the HOB.

Without too much detail of the private conflicts that plagued this project since its creation upon the heels of the success of @tkwrtrilogy2, @tkwrtrilogy, and @tkwrtrilogy3, there has been an overhaul. Also, the latest addition to the trilogy will make its debut on Wattpad (but will come here eventually).

First, the OVERHAUL: Welcome to the HOB Universe.

You're asking yourself: WTF is this? Well, the best explanation of it can be seen here. All that applies is that this takes place in 17th-century France rather than Middle Earth.

I will be overhauling the Tumblr for @lesecretdelamaisondubourbon. There is a reason, but to find that out, you'll have to read the memoir about all of this (TBA). Either way, it comes on the heels of family drama and the death of a friendship that was supposed to last forever (according to her). But, the book (known by the title XIV) is going up on Wattpad, so while it is being overhauled over here, you can read it in its proper order over there.

XIV: The life and times of Louis XIV as told by Louis XIV--if you haven't figured that out yet. It is part of Book III; his father's story (@thesecretofthehouseofbourbonbook) is Book II.

Now, about that other book: The original title of the book (that was going to be written by my former co-author) was Monsieur. If you guess that the book was going to be about Philippe I, Duc d'Orléans (younger brother of Louis XIV), you were right.

If you think this is a retelling of centuries of rumor and innuendo, you would be wrong. This will be his story--told by Philippe. Under the title of Son of France (Fils de France in French), this is the story you were never told. After 383 years, it is time.

His story officially began in January of 2024, and he will be following his brother Louis here once he debuts on Wattpad. Stay tuned for more. He's part of the universe now.

[iamjaynaemarie]

This is a dream. Then it is a good dream.

—Aragorn and Arwen, The Lord of the Rings, “The Two Towers”

[iamjaynaemarie]

I’m back. Now you’re in trouble.

Newsfeed #138 January 7, 2024 (7 Narvinyë)

What's going on? Well, after being chased down by book editors (on demand), I decided to put things on Wattpad. That's right, all the books will be able to be read over there as well as here (though I have a feeling more people will end up going over there more so than here or over to WordPress.

I need to explain the Woodland Realm Literary Universe.

So, what this means that if sometime down the road in the future, should a character have their story told, it will be under this umbrella. Of course, this only applies to characters within the TKWRT Trilogy and its 3 standalone novels (which have their beginning within the trilogy (@tkwrtsongofsevenrivers @oflordsandkingstkwrtbook) and the upcoming Loremasters.

Since all the stories are interlocked (kind of like the MCU), this made the work easier to follow. This means that am leaving things somewhat open-ended when the current books are complete. I have been working on these things for nearly 10 years now. It seems like only yesterday I debuted on Tumblr with The Saga of Thranduil. What was supposed to be a brief story in the life of the Mirkwood Elves have become a franchise onto itself (not associated with Rings of Power--that rumor* can die now).

*Yeah, I'm still trying to figure out how that one happened. It reached all the way to my estranged family. Now, I'm attached to another rumor for another project I am writing (@thesecretofthehouseofbourbonbook @lesecretdelamaisondubourbon)--You don't even want to know about that one.

You'll hear about it eventually.

Either way, 2024 will be extremely busy as I forge ahead alone on two major projects that one day (with any luck) will see the publication my readers desperately want to see. I'm excited, personally; after the horrific events that nearly took me away from my work that were put upon me by my own family, I want to move beyond the past and into the future. My only saving grace has been writing. Thank you for your patience and patronage for the past 9+ years.

By the way: Legolas (@trenarnolegolaslasgalen) just made his debut on Wattpad. There is more to come with him, I was just setting up the pages over Christmas with limited internet. That's what is like living under conservatorship--they only give you the bare minimum to survive.

More to come...

[iamjaynaemarie]

This was my favorite animated show!

[iamjaynaemarie]

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) dir. Peter Jackson

[iamjaynaemarie]

Oh, if this isn’t ironic.

I will continue to call The Creature “Frankenstein” and no force in Heaven or Earth will impede that.

[iamjaynaemarie]

One day, my life story will make a hell of a Hulu series. If you want this book in print you had better leave a comment.

Newsfeed #137 November 1, 2023 (1 Hísimë)

I know it has been a while, but if you only knew what I have to go through regularly, you would understand why it takes me so long to do anything. I will go into that on another day. It is special because today, the world gets the first look at Book II: The Saga of Thranduil--Extended Version.

If you are a member of the Facebook Group, then you can get it there. If you are not, you will have to go here. It will be available in both places from now until November 7, 2023. It would be appreciated if you would leave a comment on this thread about whether you liked it or not because I sent it out for beta readers for a reason.

I have been in talks with a lot of publishers on demand who want to publish this book. One of them overzealously wanted to turn the book into a Netflix series. (do not ask). I would rather film the story in order, which begins with @tkwrtrilogy3. At over 1200 pages (currently), the entire trilogy is long enough to have a television show (but I would want it to include @oflordsandkingstkwrtbook and @tkwrtsongofsevenrivers). I am aware of that. To be honest, I would like to be the one to write the script as I also know how to do that (from experience). But, because my stepsister (Roseann Grotjan) stuck me into a Britney Spears situation, I do not have access to my money or any way to negotiate the publication of any of my books (and I have several) on my own, so this is going take a while. I have millions of adoring fans willing to scare the BeJesus out of her in order to get their favorite book in print and onscreen.

But. someone leaked to me what a perspective book cover of The Saga of Thranduil would look like. I will post one of the mock-ups because seriously, who is going to notice? It is a mock-up, so it is not a final design. Also, I didn't choose it. It was chosen for me to persuade me to choose this particular company. There are at least seven or eight of these people trying to persuade me to publish this book. One of them has actually read the book, and it made them cry.

They want to sell it in hardcover and paperback. Wouldn't that be nice? My bestie (@fortunatelyclevercandy) wants me to wait. I will not tell you why because I know why, and I'm about to do what she asked me to do. I want literally no FREE PR around it.

Oh, that is a lot I know. But if it were not for my stepsister, the state of Missouri, and the crappy hellhole they put me in the middle of nowhere with shitty internet (on purpose), I would be farther along, and everybody probably would have several copies of this book series by now. The moral of my story is: do not trust your family after your father dies and leaves you some money. They might just get the idea in their head to take it from you to make $20/hour as your guardian by claiming that you're crazy when you just asked them about your own trust fund. But I digress.

Enjoy The Saga of Thranduil--Extended Version. You will be the ones who will decide which version of this story gets published. You will be the ones that will make it possible to see the Elvenking's life story in a book store, online, or even on Netflix.

[iamjaynaemarie]

Do you trust me now? Yes.

[iamjaynaemarie]

Louis and his baby brother go with his mother to put their father to rest at Saint Denis.

Book III/Part X: ⚜️XIV⚜️

“En passant, si l'on considère que le Soleil de France s'éclipse à jamais, que tous les charmes de la nature sont ensevelis avec lui dans ce Tombeau, voyant un objet aussi funeste, tu désireras de mourir pour l'amour de celui qui ne confesse que pour un autre: si ce n'est que tu dis en toi-même pour votre consolation, non ce grand Roi n'est pas mort, il ne repose que sous ce tombeau.*”

When we woke up, there was an eerie silence throughout the palace. Even as our valets prepared to dress us for the day, they did so--in silence. The only sounds that could be heard were the rustling of our clothing being handed between the valets. Philippe and I stood still as we were dressed. We somehow knew this was a solemn day, and we acted beyond our years.

We were dressed in silk gowns with embroidered sleeves. Across our shoulders were our blue sashes. Attached to the end was a pendant in the shape of a star. It would be years before I recognized it as the cross of the Order of the Holy Spirit into which we were born as sons of a king. Once our lace falling bands were tied, our valets placed small ermine-lined royal blue mantles covered with little golden fleurs-de-lis around our shoulders.

When we were ready, my chamber doors were opened for Mother. She wore a simple black gown beneath her own mantle. As everyone bowed to her, she stood before us admiringly.

“You look like a king, Louis,” she said. “Your father would be proud of both of you. Shall we go?”

We nodded as she took our hands and walked between us out of my chamber and down the hall. The nobles lined the halls and bowed to us as we walked toward the main doors. Once outside, the royal carriages awaited us. More servants stood in the Court of Honor and paid obeisance as we passed. As we approached our carriage, I saw Mazarin waiting.

“You’re Majesties,” he began as he bowed. “Your Highness.”

We said nothing. As the footmen helped Philippe and me into the carriage, I noticed Mazarin was whispering something to our mother. Once inside the carriage, we sat down to wait. I watched out the window as Maman and Mazarin smiled at each other before she was helped inside the carriage. I did not think much of it until I was much older. We watched as Mazarin helped Maman into the carriage. She sat down across from us. There was no expression on her face to discern. As the carriage pulled away, we sat in silence.

Unlike Philippe, I did not dare look out the window. The buildings cast short-lived shadows upon the velvet curtains. They were tied back for the subjects to catch a glimpse of me, but I kept myself hidden behind them as best as I could. Maman did not seem to mind the adoration. She occasionally waved to onlookers as we rode through the city. I kept my eyes fixed on the sky--what little I could see of it. Suddenly, the sky disappeared behind a large stone arch—only to reappear moments later. It was then that I got the courage to peek from behind the curtain that had been my shield. We had left the city of Paris behind its ancient walls.

There was little beyond the city walls to see. Montmartre was the peak of the lonely valley we had entered. My childish eyes saw little value in the countryside. They were use to seeing vibrant green topiary of the palace gardens. This landscape was colorless by comparison. On the way to Saint-Denis, we passed several tall stones with crosses on top of them. Some had figures carved into them. Their weary faces innocuously stared at us from somewhere in time. It seemed our journey would never end when I looked out to see the walls of another city in the distance. The closer we got to the gate, the more anxious I became. I was king about to oversee the burial of my predecessor rather than a child burying a father.

As our cortège entered the small village from its southern gate, the only fanfare was the ringing of the church bells. Philippe found them fascinating; I found them cacophonous. Our carriage stopped in front of an ancient stone church. We waited briefly for our carriage door to open after the steps were put down. Mother was helped out first, followed by Philippe. Then it was my turn. I slowly emerged. As two footmen helped me down, I looked to see several clergymen waiting by the enormous doors of the church. Though our walk was short, it was made longer by Maman acknowledging all the spectators bowing to us.

“Your Majesty,” one of the clergy said to me as he bowed. “We are honored and humbled to be in your presence.”

I looked at Maman. She nodded. I nodded back at the man.

“Come, Your Majesty,” he said.

We followed him into the church. I paid little attention to anything except the floor beneath our feet. Beneath the ancient stone arched ceilings we stood before the decorated coffin in which my father lay. I did not understand what was being said when the words were not in French, nor could I put those I understood in context. I watched Philippe for a while. He spent most of his time looking at his shoes. When he caught me looking at him, he would grin at me. I knew he knew less about what was going on than I did.

Once the talking was finished, everyone bowed to us. We were led out of the church and into the light of day. The sun hurt my eyes. As Mother spoke to the clergy, I saw the footmen preparing for our return to Paris. I was tired. When Maman took our hands, we were led back to our carriage. Once inside, I sat down and leaned against the side of the window. After Maman had sat down, the door shut, and our journey began. Philippe lay his head on my lap and quickly fell asleep. Soon after, I drifted to sleep. Until my majority, France was in my mother's hands, even as I bore the burden of its people as King Louis XIV.--The Secret of the House of Bourbon–XIV by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 10-2-2023

*In passing, if we consider that the Sun of France is forever eclipsed, that all the charms of nature are buried with him in this Tomb, seeing such a fatal object, you will desire to die for the love of one who lives only for another: if only you say for your consolation, "No, this great King is not dead, he only rests under this tomb."— 1643, the epitaph of Louis XIII

[iamjaynaemarie]

I am back. And I am about to deliver. Louis‘s mother Anne of Austria just went to Parliament and got her Regency over him. The night before he buries his father, he and his little brother Philippe have visions of their late father. 

Book III/Part IX: ⚜️XIV⚜️

My father had not been dead long before events were set into motion that would change my life forever. I was too young to understand the chaos my father’s death created in court. Maman would say things to Mazarin I did not understand; whenever they spoke of me, I was present. I learned that as I grew up, I was there to remind everyone that I was the King, even as I was still in my minority. To some in the court, I was an obstacle that needed to be removed. It would be a few more years before I discovered what that meant—especially to my uncle Gaston.

The first time I remember leaving the palace as king was to sit on the lit de justice in the Grand Chamber of the Parliament. I did not want to go because we had to leave Philippe behind. I always wanted to have him by my side. As we grew up, I needed to have Philippe close to me—even when he did not wish to be.

That morning, I rose, had a bite to eat, and then was dressed by my valets in the finest clothing. I was led out of my bed chamber and into the hall where Maman was waiting. She took my hand and we made our way through the palace and into the light of day where a carriage awaited us. I did not notice much except the horses. There were so many of them on that day. As I was helped into the carriage by the footman, I noticed Maman speaking to Mazarin. When she was done, she was helped into the carriage, and sat beside me.

“Today is an important day, Louis,” she said to me. “You will preside over Parliament for the first time.”

“What is that, Maman,” I asked.

“Do not worry about that right now,” she said. “You are still young. I shall speak for you.”

As our carriage pulled away, I looked out the window. We were on our way to Paris. This would be the first time I would ride into the city as the King of France. I would not realize until I was older that it had only been 4 days since my father’s death.

On the way to Paris I fell asleep. When I felt the carriage stop, I woke up and looked out of the window to see the stone court of the Palais de la Cité. There were so many people there I was afraid to get out of the carriage. Once Maman had been helped out, she turned around.

“Your Majesty,” she said. “You must not keep the Parliament waiting.”

I knew she said those words loud enough so the crowd could hear. I hesitated but stood in the frame of the open door. The multitude fell silent. The footman helped me down. Maman took my hand, and we walked to the grand staircase. With each step, the people would bow to us. As we ascended the stairs, we were met by several men. The only one I recognized was my uncle Gaston. He bowed.

“Your Majesty,” he said. “It is good to see you.”

I nodded at him.

“You know why we are here, Gaston,” Maman said. “Louis is king now, and I will become regent on this day. It is only fitting, of course.”

“I was not aware this was something Louis would have allowed,” he whispered. “I can only imagine what you did to convince Mazarin of such a spectacle. My brother has not yet been laid to rest.”

Before mother could answer, we were greeted by several dressed in long red robes and peculiar hats. As they bowed, mother led me into the ancient halls of the old chateau. There were men and a few ladies lining the halls as Maman led me toward the Grand Chamber. Once inside, we met with shouts from the gallery.

“Vive le Roi! Vive le Roi!”

I was led to a special chair by two bailiffs on their knees bearing maces of gold. It was the lit de justice—a chair that was raised above the main floor. Draped in the royal colors covered with the fleur-de-lis, I was placed there beneath the baldachin. Mother sat beside me, yet she had to remain lower than the king. Soon, the room was filled with elaborately dressed nobles. When everyone was assembled, everyone looked at me. I was terrified. I wanted to go home. Thankfully, once the meeting was called to order, everyone’s eyes were on Maman.

I was too young to understand what was said among the counselors. On that day, my name was His Majesty. I had only been king for four days, yet they spoke of me as if I had ruled for generations. They must have known I was a child. I had not yet been breeched. Every now and then, one of the men would look at me and nod in obeisance as if to seek my approval. I was too afraid to move. I could only look at them with my eyes as wide as saucers.

After what seemed hours, Maman looked at me. She smiled and nodded to me. I knew then it was time to leave. I rose from my seat and everyone in the room bowed to me. On their knees, the two bailiffs from before helped me down and led Maman and I out of the chamber. In the hall, there was chaos that turned to whispers as we made our way back to the carriage. All I wanted to do was to return home and play in the gardens with Philippe.

“The power behind the throne can never belong to a woman,” someone said from within the crowd.

“Silence, fool,” a voice shouted. It was my uncle Gaston “You have forgotten that my mother, Queen Marie, did the same for the late king?”

We began walking faster as several men began shouting from behind. Our guards led all three of us quickly down the hall and into the light of day. When I was seen by the crowd, they bowed. Gaston escorted us to our carriage. Not since that day had I ever been so glad to be inside a carriage.

“I am moved by your kindness, Gaston,” Maman said from the window. “I will remember it.”

“I hope that you will, Madam,” he said, as he looked at me. “Your Majesty.”

I waved at him. I felt our carriage pull away and begin its journey home—which I learned was to the nearby Palais-Royal. When we were safe behind its gates, I stepped out. The servants were there to greet us. I saw Mazarin walking toward us. Before he reached us, I heard the familiar sound little feet running in my direction.

“Louis,” Philippe shouted as he ran toward me nearly knocking Mazarin over. He embraced me excitedly.

“Philippe,” Maman said, as she stepped out. “Behave.”

“You’re Majesties,” Mazarin said calmly. “It is good to see you.”

“Go inside,” Mother said to me.

Without a word, I took Philippe’s hand and led him toward the palace doors.

“Where did you go,” Philippe asked.

“I tell you later,” I whispered. I wanted nothing more than to forget. For the first time, I realized my father was dead and his death ended my childhood.

**** **** **** ****

After supper, I was bathed then dressed for bed. I noticed more valets in my chambers than usual. They occupied themselves with my clothing. I knew that new clothing had been made for me before my father died, but few pieces were befitting a king. As they busied themselves, went to the window. Darkness had fallen and all I could see were the shadows of people flitting around the gardens. I did not know what they were doing or if they were real. I imagined them as dark angels that had lost their way to heaven.

“Your Majesty,” a voice called to me. I looked to see Mazarin bowing into me.

“I do not like that word,” I said. “I am tired of hearing it.”

“You are king, Your Majesty,” he began. “From now until your death, everyone must address you as such.”

“Even Philippe,” I asked.

“When in court,” he answered. “And whenever you are performing your duties as king in the presence of your subjects.”

I stared at him as if he had spoken gibberish. How could I be a king when I could barely read or write? What little I had learned came from my governess. My wet-nurse had only left me less than two years prior. I was not ready to rule a kingdom.

“I want Papa,” I said.

“I know, Your Majesty,” he said walking over to me. He kneeled down and looked at me. “Your father was a king, and so must you be. He is in Heaven now but he will always be with you.”

“I am only a child,” I said, trying not to cry. “How can I be a king like Papa was?”

Mazarin smiled tenderly. I could tell he was trying to comfort me as a father would a son.

“Kings are not born, Your Majesty,” he said. “They are made over time. No king that ever ruled knew everything upon ascension. Child or Man, you will learn. I will make sure of it. But, it is late, and you must get some sleep. You must rise early.”

“I know,” I answered softly. “We are going to lay Papa to rest.”

He nodded. As he rose, he did something unexpected. He picked me up and carried me to bed. He pulled the covers over me.

“Good night, Your Majesty,” he said.

“Good night,” I answered.

He smiled then saw his way out. Not long after, I fell asleep. An hour later, I felt the familiar warmth of Philippe lying next to me. He was beginning to become a comfort to me. I drifted back to sleep.

“Louis,” I heard a voice say. I thought I was dreaming. It was the voice of a man, but there were no men that called me by that name since my father died. Philippe’s voice was juvenile; he had only recently learned how to pronounce my name properly.

“Louis,” the voice said again. I sat straight up. I looked across the dark room to see a shadow slip out into the antechamber. Philippe was sound asleep. I decided to follow. I quietly climbed out of bed and into the next room. I followed it into the hall. There were no guards at my door.

“Louis,” the voice whispered in my ear. I jumped as I turned to see my father.

“Papa,” I squealed, throwing my arms around him. I was too happy to notice he was cold to the touch. “I thought you were gone forever.”

“I came to see you before I go,” he said as he knelt before me.

“Where are you going,” I asked.

“You will find out one day,” he said. “But for now, you need not worry. You have your whole life ahead of you, Louis.”

“Papa,” I started. “I do not want to be king. I do not like it. No one calls me Louis anymore.”

He laughed.

“No one called you Louis except for me and your mother. And Philippe, of course.”

“Philippe! He would want to see you.”

“No,” Papa answered. “He needs his rest. Tomorrow will be hard for him.”

“I do not understand, Papa.”

“Remember what I said to you at Versailles,” he asked.

“You told me to watch over Philippe for you,” I answered.

“He will need you more than ever, Louis,” he began. “There will be times when all you will have is each other. Let nothing come between you and Philippe. Promise me.”

“I promise, Papa,” I whispered.

He smiled and stood up. I realized that I could see the hall through him.

“I was a king first, but a father forever,” he said. His voice began to fade. “The last of which brought me the greatest joy I had ever known. Be well, my son. Until we meet again.”

With those words, he was gone. I turned to see the guards holding one of my chamber doors open as Philippe slipped out.

“Louis,” he said. “Why are you awake?”

“Do not worry, Philippe,” I said as I took his hand. “Let us go back to bed now.”

“I had a dream, Louis,” he began as we headed into my chambers. “I saw Papa. He is not coming back.”

As the guards closed the doors, I stopped and looked my brother.

“No, Philippe,” I said. “He is not coming back. He is in Heaven.”

“I want to go there,” he said.

“One day, you will,” I said. “But not yet. I need you here.”

“Why?”

“Who will play with me in the garden if you go away,” I asked.

“You can play with Joujou,” he said.

“I would rather play with you than a puppy,” I said. “Besides, I would miss you.”

“I would miss you, too, Louis,” he said. “But Papa might be lonely.”

“He is there with the angels,” I said. “He is not lonely, I promise.”

Philippe yawned and rubbed his eyes.

“I will stay,” he said. “Papa said I had to.”

I smiled at him. I did not know whether to believe him or not. We went back to bed and slept peacefully until dawn.--The Secret of the House of Bourbon–XIV by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 10-2-2023

[iamjaynaemarie]

Happy Birthday to ME. It’s on, now.

[iamjaynaemarie]

It's not good-bye; it's a new chapter.

Newsfeed #136 August 23, 2023 (23 Urimë)

You are probably wondering where I went. Well, someone like this series. And so at the moment, they are looking to publish the entire Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy. Yes, so, if everything goes according to plan, you will be able to buy the books.

At the moment I do not have to change a thing, but if I get the green light the way it is planned, this page will only exist, and all the other ones: @tkwrtrilogy, @tkwrtrilogy2, @tkwrtrilogy3, @extendedtkwrtrilogyend, @trenarnolegolaslasgalen, @tkwrtrilogylasttale, @oflordsandkingstkwrtbook @tkwrtlegends @tkwrtsongofsevenrivers will be abandoned as I will have to work with the publisher to bring the books to a worldwide audience.

Now, they did mention a series, but I'm not going to put the cart before the horse. I'm a realist first, and a truly diabolical human second. But this HUGE NEWS, yes. Thranduil began here in 2015 as the last of many Middle-Earth stories of the Elvenking, and he slowly rose to heights I could have never imagined. I hope I will be allowed to continue working here (should everything go as planned), and allow me to continue to entertain you as a published author. This will be another era for me and the Middle Earth of J.R.R. Tolkien. Thank You.--JMM (@jmmauthoroftkwrtrilogy @iamjaynaemarie)

The Saga will ALWAYS continue.

[iamjaynaemarie]

It is going to be a very good day.

[iamjaynaemarie]

[iamjaynaemarie]

My family will stop at nothing to keep me from writing. I hope my readers can do something about that— if they like what I write.

Oh, by the way, my Instagram account was hacked.

Newsfeed #135 June 22, 2023 (22 Nárië)

MY PERSONAL INSTAGRAM WAS HACKED: HEADS UP!

Normally, I know most people here did not follow me on Instagram, but I have a good following over there for this book. From all nations of the world, so this is why I have it in three languages. I have been writing in those three languages for quite some time: full disclosure.

This is my NEW INSTAGRAM. I just thought I would leave with that today seeing as it has taken me literally a week and a half to fix everything Instagram messed up. First, they claimed a was using some program to get likes--which I would never do. Then, they said I was hacked. That was it. They left it at that and didn't help me to figure out how to change anything. It would be nice if they had technical support.

[iamjaynaemarie]

Mondays are so much fun. 

June 12, 2023: Beta Readers Wanted

Hello. How are you doing? I think I should explain a few things. Let me get this out of the way first: I will be looking for beta readers for the first part of the book XIV.

Yes, XIV is about Louis XIV. How did you know? Anyway, it is a long book and it will be here always: @lesecretdelamaisondubourbon.

Long story short: a famous person DMs me to ask to read my work and I had to make it possible. I write a lot (@tkwrtrilogy @tkwrtrilogy @tkwrtrilogy3 @trenarnolegolaslasgalen and all subsequent side projects), and this trilogy is part of my work. So, naturally, I decided that why should the famous person have all the fun? I decided to make it possible for a few beta readers to read Part I of XIV (which is a trilogy within an actual trilogy now because each part is as long as a book). Good, now that you know that...

Yes, Monsieur has his own book--which brings me to what I should explain (more about this particular trilogy).

This is Part II of Book III--NOT of XIV (which is about Louis XIV). This is a separate book. It is written by @fortunatelyclevercandy (who is also working on @thehouseofdurin). Clearly, this book is entitled Monsieur (because, as everyone knows, Monsieur was the honorific title of the second-born son of a French Monarch).

Part I of Book III is the book XIV written by @iamjaynaemarie (the person writing this blog post, and author of the abovementioned blogs about The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy).

Yes, THIS book is about Louis XIV. This book is the one that will be available in November for a select group of readers.

This is a trilogy. Why is it a trilogy?

This is why*. It's a family affair. Interestingly enough, this family makes all other royal families look like Disney by comparison. The years of movies and television shows didn't even scratch the surface.

⚠️ BY THE WAY: People seem to be having issues with WordPress and reading this book, so I am going to figure out what is going on today and probably until tomorrow. I don't know what happened. It works for me obviously because I'm the one posting things on my website. But for some reason, it is not working for readers, so I'm going to be looking into that today and probably over the next few days to rectify this issue. In the meantime, anyone not on WordPress please try to read Tumblr for a while. I hope it doesn't take too long.

Yeah, the KING is NOT HAPPY about that.

So, that's it for today. I hope you enjoyed all that. Thank you for reading.--JMM.

Every family has a secret. Some have more than others.

Welcome to the House of Bourbon. Enjoy your stay.

*Book I will be the last book completed. It is going through some minor outline changes as the overall tone of the trilogy has shifted to deal with our favorite recurring theme: Brothers.

Note: This book is also written in multiple languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. This means that the actual text of the book will casually flip between languages (mostly in dialogue). This is done because, interestingly enough, Louis XIV was fluent in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. His brother Philippe preferred Spanish to his native French, but he was also multilingual as his best friend was Italian, his first wife was English, and his second wife spoke German. 🙂