Author Events Archives - Page 11 of 16

Publication Date for Blood Mark

April 29, 2021 By JPMcLean 10 Comments

Blood Mark has a publication date: October 19, 2021!

If that seems like a long way off, I agree. But there’s still a lot of work ahead, e.g. incorporating copy and proofreading edits, finishing the back-of-the-book description, and writing the front and back-end matter. And before a cover can be finished, the interior files need to be formatted and review quotes and endorsements finalized. The good news is that all of this is in the works!

In other writing news

I’ve written a new short story called Scaredy Cat. It was my contribution to the Horror Tree. You can read it on their website.

I also finished the first draft of my Christmas story, Crimson Frost. It’s novella length, sitting at 19,000 words. The next step is to let it steep for a month before revisiting it. It will be out before Christmas.

On a personal note

I’m getting my first jab on Friday, April 30th! Yay. Can’t wait. As the last person in my social bubble to get a shot, I’ve been feeling a bit like Typhoid Mary when I’m around them.

Mickey of Creative Edge Publicity continues to keep me busy. I feel like I’ve turned a corner in terms of VLOGs and Podcasts. Repetition has done wonders to quell my nerves. You can watch my appearances and read my interviews by visiting the Media tab on my website.

What I’m reading

I recently finished Kelley Armstrong’s A Stitch in Time. I love Kelley Armstrong’s stories–even had a fangirl moment when I met her briefly at The Creative Ink Festival a few years ago. A Stitch in Time tells the story of a young woman who inherits her family’s old mansion and rediscovers a time slip through which revisits a lost love.

I haven’t quite finished reading Marie Powell’s Last of the Gifted Spirit Sight, but I’m loving it. Powell set her fantasy in 13th century Wales, when Wales and England were at war. The story is about how two siblings with supernatural abilities aid their country’s war efforts. I love all the historical details Powell infuses in her story, from clothing to food to legends.

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).

Book shelf photo credit: Photo by Alexandra Fuller on Unsplash

Readers and Writers Unite Online

August 31, 2020 By JPMcLean 13 Comments

Readers and Writers Unite Online

Like many of this season’s literary events, the Denman Island Readers’ and Writers’ Festival (DIRWF) has gone virtual. I’m excited for this opportunity for readers and writers to unite online. The authors who would have attended the 2020 festival (see lineup below) have instead made videos. If you’ve ever been curious about literary festivals, these videos will give you a taste of what you might expect when we can again attend live events.Continue Reading

Question for you

August 19, 2019 By JPMcLean 34 Comments

Will you help me name a character in my new book? He’s a psychiatrist, fifty-five years old, and a bit shady with a rather high opinion of himself. The guy below fits the image in my head. Right now his name is Richard—a perfectly fine name—but it’s too fine for this guy. The one limiting factor is that his name has to start with R (and no, I won’t tell you why!).

Name a character

Which of the following names do you prefer? Or if you’re so inclined, add a new name suggestion in the comments.

1. Riker,

2. Roman,

3. Ryder

4. ??

Progress on Witness

The new book, which I’ve titled Witness (unless I find something more fitting), is now three-quarters written, and though I’m still struggling with the daily writing/marketing mix, I expect to finish the first draft by the end of September.

There! Putting it out there. In writing. It’s a little game I play with myself to help me hit the mark.

Denman Island Saturday Market

What else have I been up to? Again this summer, I’ve been setting up on long weekends at the Denman Island Saturday Market. It feels like a reunion every time, with neighbours dropping by to catch up in the shade of my tent. Mary Ann Clarke dropped by last time, which was a nice surprise. (For anyone who’s looking for me at the DI market on the Labour Day long weekend, my apologies, but I’ll be out of town. Instead, I’ll set up on August 24^th. )

Beach header photo credit Ethan Robertson on Unsplash
Richard character photo credit Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

If you’re looking for an addictive summer read, check out Secret Sky, Book 1 of The Gift Legacy. 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.

Honourable Mention for Awakening!

October 22, 2016 By JPMcLean 10 Comments

Psst? Have you seen the shiny bronze medallion that now graces Awakening’s cover? Last weekend I travelled to the Whistler Writers Festival where the Whistler Independent Book Awards were announced. I’m thrilled to tell you that the judges awarded an Honourable Mention for Awakening. I haven’t stopped grinning since I heard the news.

Here are a few photos from the Festival taken during my wanderings around Whistler Village.

Though it was a soggy weekend, the setting was so beautiful a few drips didn’t ruin a thing. Sadly, my husband suffered a torn Achilles and he’s now in a boot cast, so he was unable to accompany me to the festival. Happily, I was kept company by the terrific writers, readers, and volunteers who make this annual festival a real treat to attend.

(Have I mentioned that I was also kept cozy by the glowing warmth spilling out from the Honourable Mention for Awakening?)

In Lover Betrayed news (formerly The Gift: Betrayal), the manuscript is going through its final edit, the cover is almost done (OMG it’s dark and it’s beautiful) and the book is on track for a November 15 release. I can’t wait to share all of that and more, with you. Stay tuned.