JP McLean

Writing Addictive Fiction

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An Award, A Book Trailer, and Publicity News

October 8, 2021 By JPMcLean 8 Comments

I'm thrilled to announce that Blood Mark has received a Gold Literary Titan award. The Literary Titan also interviewed me, and you can read the interview here.

5-star gold Literary Titan medal
https://youtu.be/EP3rL9ZGWBk

And if that wasn't exciting enough, here's your first look at the new book trailer for Blood Mark.

On the publicity front:

Mark your calendar! On October 23rd from 11 am to 2 pm PST, I’ll be at Blue Heron Books in Comox, BC (1775 Comox Avenue) signing copies of Blood Mark. I’d love to see you there. Stop by for a chat.

On November 1st, from 1 to 2 pm PST, I’ll be live with Beth Worsdell on The Witty Writers Show. It’s a Facebook live event (https://fb.me/e/1AEuXW5bC). We’ll be talking about writing and Blood Mark, you’ll have a chance to ask questions, and I’ll be giving away a paperback copy of Blood Mark. Click the Facebook Event's  "Going" button and share to be entered for the draw. So please join us—it’ll be fun.

Blood Mark is available for pre-order from Amazon
And Kobo

Here is Literary Titan's Review of Blood Mark.

Blood Mark, by J.P. McLean, is set in Vancouver and tells the story of Jane Walker who was abandoned at birth and thrown into the system after a series of tragedies. She meets Sadie, a troubled teen who sticks with her as they make their way in life. Jane’s past is mysterious and this mystery is driven by what she believes are red birthmarks snaking around her body. Jane would do anything to get rid of these unsightly marks and has a stable job at a garden center to earn the money to have them removed. Sadie, who lives with Jane, works as a waitress while still caught up with the seedier side of Vancouver. We learn that Jane also suffers from vivid dreams where, while in a deep sleep, she visits people known to her in the past and sees things happening – often terrible and frightening events. Jane meets Ethan and things start to change when her birthmarks start disappearing and her dreams take a disturbing and deadly turn.

Blood Mark is an action packed thriller and Jane’s character reminded me of Lisbeth from The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest. All the characters are gritty and flawed, which I enjoyed because they all felt authentic.

This story has one of the most unique twists to the crime fiction genre I’ve seen this year. Is it a crime thriller or a paranormal romance novel? It is a fantastic blend of both. This is pulled off by the meticulous writing of JP McLean, who has created a detailed backstory to both the protagonists and the world, making them both captivating and alluring.

The story flowed well and the plot developments were easy to follow. This is key to ensuring readers know exactly what is happening in a novel that has wild twists and terrifying nightmares that bleed into reality.

Blood Mark is an enthralling dark fantasy novel with captivating characters that will appeal to anyone looking for a crime thriller with a unique supernatural setup.

You can download an excerpt and read more about Blood Mark here.

Blood Mark Cover Reveal (and a Sneak Peek)

June 5, 2021 By JPMcLean 16 Comments

Blood Mark cover reveal and this one comes with a sneak peek inside!

Cover reveals are exciting on so many levels.

  • It’s the first visual representation of the story.
  • It’s a signal to the world that a new book is coming.
  • It’s collaborative artwork.

This is the cover for Blood Mark:

Blood Mark Cover

My thanks to the creative team at JD&J Book Cover Design for their fine work. JD&J are SO easy to work with. They’re resourceful and responsive, so if you need a book cover, I highly recommend them.

Sneak Peek & Preorder

Continue Reading

I’ve Signed with a Publicist

January 31, 2021 By JPMcLean 10 Comments

Collage of The Gift Legacy books

Recently, I took a huge step forward in my career. I’ve signed with a publicist: Mickey Mikkelson of Creative Edge Publicity.

Why? The business of being an author includes many tasks. Though it’s taken me a while, I think I have a handle on most of them:

  • Write the book → Check!
  • Hire editors and cover designers → Check!
  • Organize beta readers → Check!
  • Format the book → Check!
  • Upload the book to retailers → Check!
  • Track expenses and income → Check!
  • Promote the book → Not so much 🙁

Promotion has always been a weak spot. I’ve yet to master finding quality promotional opportunities that are a good match. And I’d rather chew off an arm than make a cold call to a book reviewer, blogger, or podcaster.

I know it makes no sense, especially after all the work I’ve put into the books. I’m proud of The Gift Legacy and want the books to find new audiences. Emelynn Taylor flies—I want my books to fly, too!

While studying business at UBC, one of the core lessons was recognizing your weaknesses and putting a plan in place to address them. I’ve sidestepped my lack of promotion finesse for far too long.

But no longer – I’ve signed with a publicist

And Mickey has kept me hopping since January.  He has organized more publicity in a month than I’ve managed in a decade. In fact, Mickey has kept me so busy I’ve not had time for much else this month. If I’m not prepping for a podcast, I’m writing guest blog posts or answering interview questions.

The following are just a sample of the gigs Creative Edge has already organized for me. PLEASE share the links on your own social media and “up vote”, “like”, or mark them as “helpful.” Every little bit helps.

Secret Sky reviewed by Anthony Avina
Author appearance on Minddog TV
Character interview with Emelynn Taylor hosted by J.M. Northrup
Author interview on Urban Lit Magazine
Secret Sky featured on Readers’ Entertainment Magazine

There are more. If you’re interested, you can find all the links on my website’s “featured on” page.

On the writing front

I’ve queried a few literary agents about the new book, Blood Mark, and had some interest, but so far haven’t had an offer. I’m not giving up yet, though. I’m also making progress with Crimson Frost, my short Christmas story. Hopefully, it won’t take me until then to finish it!

And if you still haven’t picked up Secret Sky, the eBook 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).

Secret Sky Book CoverHidden Enemy Book CoverBuring Lies Book CoverLethal Waters Book CoverDeadly Deception Book CoverWings of Prey Book CoverLover Betrayed Book Cover

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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

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