JP McLean

Writing Addictive Fiction

Would You Like a Fishing Rod With That Book?

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McKellar Library billboard announcing JP McLean

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.

Fishing rods available for checkout at the McKellar LibraryMcKellar 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

JP McLean at the McKellar Library podium reading from her bookThe 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.

Book Launched with Limoncello Bubbles

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Revelation book launch garden party

Revelation Book Launch

Last Saturday promised and delivered a warm sunny afternoon—perfect for summer dresses, shade trees, long cool drinks, and a book launch. Our neighbour’s beautiful back garden came alive as enthusiastic friends dropped in, lured by whispers of refreshing Limoncello cocktails and tasty treats.

JP McLean at Revelation Book LaunchIn the midst of engaging conversations and summer holiday reminiscing, Revelation was launched. The book took flight, flitting from hand to hand, blushing at the oohs and awes directed at its beautiful cover. Just wait until you read what’s inside, I thought, as copies got tucked under arms and stowed in purses.

All too soon, the afternoon soiree was over and the crowd melted away. The host/hostesses and a few sturdy souls remained as the sun set. We sipped a final Limoncello cocktail and unwound in the glow of a successful launch.

How did I ever get so lucky?

Thanks, from the bottom of my heart, to Elizabeth, Stephen, Colleen, Mark, Galen, Kabir, Griffin, and, as always, John. XO

JP McLean signing books at Revelation Book LaunchRevelation Book Launch Limoncello Fizz:
Into the bottom of a frosty champagne flute
Pour half an ounce of thick-from-the-freezer Limoncello
Top with thoroughly chilled Cupcake Prosecco.
Enjoy.
 
 
Start the series with Secret Sky. It’s just a click away. 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).Secret Sky Book CoverHidden Enemy Book CoverBuring Lies Book CoverLethal Waters Book CoverDeadly Deception Book CoverWings of Prey Book CoverLover Betrayed Book Cover

10 Lessons From Writing a Book

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West Coast Sunset

Following are ten lessons I’ve learned from writing a book.

Three years ago, if someone had told me I’d write a book one day, I would have laughed – not out loud – but I’d quietly question their sanity. Following are ten lessons I’ve learned from writing a book.

Write a book?  Me?  Today, the only person’s sanity I question is my own. Not only did I write a book, I wrote three.  It’s been a long, all-consuming, hedonistic, educational, inspirational, and frustrating experience. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Here are a few tidbits about writing I’ve learned along the way:

  1. I’ve learned how little I know;
  2. I’ve learned that most character archetypes and story arcs have been around since the beginning of time;
  3. I’ve learned the value of a creative story editor and a keen-eyed copy editor;
  4. I’ve learned to love search engines;
  5. I’ve learned the importance of a sense of humour;
  6. I’ve learned to repeatedly thumb the pages of Strunk and White, the Handbook for Writers and The Canadian Oxford Dictionary;
  7. I’ve learned that there are creative, intelligent writers out there who are willing to share their time and considerable knowledge;
  8. I’ve learned that cold/beta readers are indispensable;
  9. I’ve learned how much I love writing;
  10. I’ve been humbled by the generosity of friends, family and fellow writers who share this passion.

I’ve also learned I’m neither crazy nor alone, but that’s a blog post for another day.

Want to know more? Check out How I Got My Start and read the press release published by the Comox Valley Record.

You can purchase all the Gift Legacy books on the Bookstore Tab.

I hope you’ve enjoyed ten lessons I’ve learned from writing a book.

End of an Era

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Soozie the wheaten terrierI was all set to post a blog today about what comes after you’ve finished writing your novel, but another ending has taken all the wind out of my sails. It’s the end of an era in our house. Our wee blonde dog, Soozie, aka Pookie, lost her battle with kidney disease yesterday.

Princess Soozie Two-poo Dirty-paws left her worldly belongings behind and headed out on her new journey without us. She will be dearly missed here, but needed to go see what other adventures awaited her in a land where kidneys aren’t quite so important. She expressed her wish for deep dirty puddles to lay down in and minks to chase – she said squirrels would suffice in a pinch. I’m sure she’ll find both … and liver cookies, too.

But first, we suspect she’ll have to serve a short time-out for previous dog-infractions involving her teeth and people. Soon after that though, she’ll be guarding a new fence line and dutifully keeping intruders at bay.  Thankfully, as a result of her extensive travels throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico, she barks fluently in both English and Spanish.

Molly, her half sister, has promised to pick up the slack in the ferocious-beast-in-the-car department and make twice as many dog nose smudges on every possible window surface.  She’s also very grateful to Soozie for leaving all her treats behind.

We brought her home in 2000

Soozie the wheaten terrier and her sister dog Molly
Got the bone. Going Home.

We brought her and her half-sister, Molly, home as puppies in 2000. Soozie was never an “easy” dog, so it was a good thing she had an extra helping of cute.  She was a Wheaten terrier and the runt of her litter.  One of her many nicknames was “The Project” because despite the many and varied training approaches we tried, we never could break her of the habit of running and barking alongside anyone who dared walk, drive or bike along our fence.  Ditto for getting her to step down from nuclear level in the car whenever she saw another dog. Ditto again for getting her to stop chasing anything that moved on four legs.  She stopped when she grew tired of the game and not a moment before.

She never did understand her half-sister’s affinity for coming when called or fetching slippers.  Roll-overs were below her station in life. Occasionally she’d do a pirouette, as if to say, “I could roll-over if I wanted to, but I choose not to.” On occasion she’d deign to beg for a cookie, but only if the cookie involved meat, salmon or poultry – preferably BBQ or smoked.  Even then it was touch-and-go; she’d sniff what was offered and more times than not, walk away.

You were a dog’s dog, Blondie and we’ll miss you terribly.

Thanks to the kind folks at Van Isle Veterinary Hospital. End of an era.