Finding this old photo of me signing my first novel reminded me how far my writing career has come.
This photo was taken at Abraxas Books on Denman Island in October 2012. I was signing copies of Secret Sky with its original cover and title. Abraxas has sold more Gift Legacy trade paperbacks than any other indie bookstore! (Thanks, Abraxas!)
Since then, there have been a few big milestones . . .
1. I’ve completed SEVEN books in the Gift Legacy, an urban fantasy series about Emelynn Taylor and a secret society of Fliers who live among us and have the gift of flight.
2. The books have received over 225 reviews like this recent one from Midwest Book Review:
“A deftly crafted, impressively original and inherently compelling read from first page to last, Secret Sky launches a new The Gift Legacy series by J. P. McLean. A fully entertaining, plot twisting novel that will leave its readers looking eagerly toward the next thrilling installment, Secret Sky is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library action/adventure, romance, and metaphysical fiction collections.”
3. My writing has received honourable mentions from the Whistler Independent Book Awards and the Victoria Writers’ Society.
4. I’ve been guest speaker and panelist at several writing conferences, including the Federation of BC Writers, Creative Ink, and When Words Collide.
5. I’ve written and published several short stories, like the award-winning Boone Park which you can read for free here when you sign up for my VIP lounge. (Boone Park is just one of several short stories you'll receive for free, along with insider scoop, and new release news.)
7. I’ve written a new novel—my eighth—titled Blood Mark, due to launch on October 19. This is a new series with a heroine named Jane Walker, who, of course, has a superpower. Sign up here to receive news about Blood Mark’s release, along with a series of free short stories and insider scoop. You can download a sneak peek of Blood Mark right here.
A look back at the previous ten years makes me realize how far I’ve come in my writing career. I can’t wait to see what the next ten years has in store!
For those of you who have been around since the beginning, thank you for your continuing support. Your long wait for Blood Mark is almost over. Blood Mark is available for pre-order on Amazon and Kobo right now. For those new to my writing, I hope you find my characters and their stories addictive.
And for all of you, happy summer!
What are you reading?
I’m always looking for a good urban fantasy or supernatural thriller.
Speaking of good urban fantasies, Secret Sky is just $2.99. Get your copy from Kindle with one click right here. And if kindle or eBooks aren’t your preference, click on the bookstore tab for other purchase options (or just click on the covers below).
So many achievements! Well done!
I wish I could come up with so much.
It’s good to be a good writer. I adore your devotion to writing career and certainly, everything blossoms where you put your heart.
Congratulations and the picture is great, too!
Thanks, Inese. You, too, have quite the collection of achievements – your beautiful paintings! Thanks for stopping by.
That’s a lot to celebrate! Congratulations on all your milestones 🙂
Thanks, Barb!
You’ve worked hard and it’s paying off. I see great things ahead for you, JP.
Much appreciated, Debra. Thank you.
I had never read anything like the first book of yours – and Emelyn Tailor roped me in. It was hard to wait for her next adventures… and I am about to read your newest book. Curious what that Jane Walker is doing to me!
Congratulations on a successful writing courier!
Thanks, Giselle! I sure hope Jane Walker ropes also ropes you in. Cheers.
Great achievements and great books!
Congratulations!🎈🎈🎈
Thanks, Jasna! I love your enthusiasm.
Bravo!! And what a heroine you came up with! I’m not a fantasy reader but your protagonist piqued my interest and I was off on an adventure with her. Looking forward to seeing what new dramas you’ve cooked up.
Thanks, Diana. Fingers crossed Jane Walker is as addictive a heroine as Emelynn Taylor.
Great writing, appealing book covers and fierce dedication JP!! Congratulations on 10 years and counting…
Thanks, Sally! Let’s hope I don’t blow out my imagination anytime soon.
Congratulations, Jo-Anne on an excellent (and totally unfinished) run…
Thanks, Bill. Much appreciated!