Author Events Archives - Page 14 of 15

The Cumberland Connection

June 17, 2014 By JPMcLean 9 Comments

The small town of Cumberland on Vancouver Island knows how to do libraries right. Their new library is a bright, airy space that invites readers in to browse and stay a while. It’s my Cumberland connection, and it’s located in a brand new building on Dunsmuir Street in the heart of Cumberland. When you stop by, you might want to cozy up to the beautiful fireplace, make yourself comfortable in one of the armchairs and lose yourself between the pages of a book.

Arlene Whetter, the Customer Services Librarian, invited me to the Cumberland library to read from The Gift Legacy. What a surprise to arrive and see the warm reception prepared by Arlene, Adam Robinson and Tracy Dojack. Thank you for making me feel so welcome.

The area in front of the fireplace resembled an intimate coffee shop setting, which is perfect for a reading. Donuts, brownies and a fresh pot of coffee awaited guests, some who’d planned to be there and others who just happened by.

No matter the size of the audience, it’s always a pleasure for me to read from The Gift Legacy books and reading at Cumberland’s beautiful, new library was no exception. It’s fun to hear the comments and field the questions that arise. As an author, you learn a lot from those questions, so thank you for that and thanks to those of you who stopped to listen. I hope you enjoyed the reading as much as I did.

The original trilogy books, Secret Sky, Hidden Enemy, and Burning Lies are available to borrow from any branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library. Enjoy the read, visit my website and stay in touch. Feedback is always welcome.

And if you’d rather own a copy, you can buy Secret Sky with one simple click here. And if ebooks or Amazon aren’t your preference, check out my Bookstore tab for other options. Your adventure awaits . . .

My First Con

October 13, 2013 By JPMcLean 2 Comments

Gates to Vancouver harbour's float plane dock — Vancouver Harbour Float Plane Dock

VCon38 was my first “Con”, and what an experience it was. Nina Munteanu, intrepid editor and science fiction writer, suggested I attend. She thought it was time for me to step out of my comfort zone. She was right and so I boomed out and volunteered to moderate two panels and guest on a third.

I had only a brief Internet-driven idea of what to expect. Thank heavens for my BOGO. (She’s the sister-in-law who came for free when I married her brother.) She kept me sane when my nerves were running amok as I prepped for my first panel. In hindsight, I shouldn’t have been nervous; in fact, all the panel participants – from newbies to award-winning authors – were kind and generous and the panels came off without a hitch.

Artist Alley

A seagull standing on a floatplane's float — Seagull wants a lift

The Art Show displayed an outstanding collection of paintings, sculpture and other objets d’art. Artist Alley and the Dealer Room were a cornucopia of sights and sounds. One of my favourite stops was the display of costumes made by the students of Capilano University’s Costuming for Stage and Screen program.

Pirates

I do wish I’d taken more photos though; these photos are of the trip, not the destination. The theme of this year’s VCon was Pirates, and the halls of the Delta Vancouver Airport were awash with colourful costumes and enthusiastic VCon participants. That we were new to the “Con” experience was evident when one of the dealers asked, “Are you two sure you’re in the right place?” Next time, I’ll ditch the suit and be better prepared in the costume department.

Flying over Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge and North Shore — Flying over the Lions Gate Bridge

For now, though, I’m going to dress-up like a chef, pretend I can cook, and prepare a Thanksgiving feast. Have a wonderful turkey weekend and count your blessings.

View from floatplane over BC's Georgia Straight — Almost Home – Over The Strait of Georgia

Porch Swing Party

September 9, 2013 By JPMcLean 2 Comments

A book signing on an island as small as Denman is a little like hanging out all afternoon on a covered porch with good friends dropping by to say hello. They stay for a spell and we share a laugh or two over cookies while we catch up on families and gardens, visitors and holidays, and especially how and when we arrived on the island. Local hot topics pop up in conversation as often as marvels at the beautiful weather and the speed at which time flies.

And fly, it does . . . it was less than a year ago that the good folks at Abraxas Books hosted the signing of my first book, The Gift: Awakening (now titled Secret Sky). When the second book, The Gift: Revelation (now titled Hidden Enemy), came out, once again, they jumped on board with enthusiasm. Thank you, Juan, Leslie, Corinne and Shaun for your early and continuing support.

And for everyone out there who’s been asking when the third book in the trilogy, The Gift: Redemption (now titled Burning Lies), will be coming out, you won’t have long to wait. I’m working toward a Christmas release and I’ll announce it all right here on my blog and through my newsletter. If you’re not getting my posts by email, click the “follow” button on my blog and you’ll get an email notice every time I post something new. Or sign up for my newsletter and you’ll get free short stories and a notice when a new book is coming out.

Until then, enjoy the spectacular weather, and support the hard-working folks at your local book store.

Would You Like a Fishing Rod With That Book?

August 28, 2013 By JPMcLean 6 Comments

Library Reading

The McKellar Public Library may be the only library in the world where you can borrow a fishing rod with your book. No kidding! You can then go down the hill to the lake and drop your line in.

McKellar is in Ontario’s cottage country. It’s one of those towns people in Toronto refer to as “up north,” which covers a lot of ground. For me, McKellar, Broadbent and Parry Sound are places where I spent considerable time in my youth. Grandparents, aunts and uncles had homes and cottages in the area. My parents have lived there for many years, and one of my sisters has moved into my grandmother’s house and turned it into her cottage.

Coming Home

Coming home to the cottage stirs up many fond memories: fishing off the dock, swimming in the tea water of the Manitouwabing River, and sneaking peas from my grandfather’s garden are just a few.

This last visit was all that and more because I was invited to read from my books at the McKellar Public Library. And not just any reading…the inaugural public reading at their newly expanded library.

The recent renovation has nearly doubled the size of the library. It’s clean and bright and has a view that will make you sigh. Joan, Maxine, Pat and Jackie made me feel very welcome. On the big day, they hauled in a lectern fit for a mayor and baked cupcakes to help raise money.

Something for Everyone

The library does an outstanding job promoting local authors, even ones like me who have moved away. They encourage library usage through innovative measures – did I mention the fishing poles? Not only do they loan out books and current issues of popular magazines, they also have a large collection of DVDs, videos, large print books and talking books. They offer free Internet and wireless service and if the mood strikes you, you can borrow a pedometer.

So, if you live in or around McKellar, or plan to visit, drop by the new library and have a look around. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and there’s something for everyone. If the fish are biting, borrow a rod and reel and catch your dinner.

Thank you ladies. You’re doing McKellar proud.