On Writing Archives - Page 8 of 29

Book Blurb Blues

March 28, 2018 By JPMcLean 12 Comments

How is it I can push through writing a +90,000-word book but struggle with a 150-word back-of-the-book blurb? I feel like the person in that photo: underwater and needing a lifeline. I've got the book blurb blues. There’s a lot of room in a book to tell a story, to build characters and sneak in plot twists. Not so with back-of-the-book blurbs. You’ve got a handful of words to make a reader want to know more about your story without giving too much away. It’s ad copy. It needs to hit hard and fast and hook the reader. It’s a different skill set from novel-writing, and one I’m still learning.

That’s where I’m at with the two new books in the series.

It’s also where I’m at with the five existing books in the series.

As regular readers of my blog will know, I’m heading down a rebranding path which includes revisiting the existing blurbs. No doubt I’m in for many frustrating hours banging my head against the wall hoping some precision wordsmithing falls out. I may need a helmet.

On a lighter note, we’re on the back end of herring season here on Denman Island, which means the seas lions have gorged and are lazing around in contented pods. From shore, what we see are dozens of sea lion flippers sticking out from the water at odd angles with the occasional snout making an appearance. But from the air, it’s a completely different perspective. Thanks to a friend with a drone, we were treated to some brand new and spectacular views. Until next time ... enjoy.

Opening Night . . . We’re Live!

January 7, 2018 By JPMcLean 22 Comments

Can you see my sweaty palms, jangling nerves, and impatient pacing while I wait for the curtain to rise? It’s opening night here at the website, and we’re live.

Welcome!

The new website is live, and if the switchover went well, all you’ll notice is the new look. My thanks and gratitude go to Crystal Stranaghan and her team at Crystalclearsolutions. She’s the magician behind all the backstage manoeuvring to get the old site moved and the new one running smoothly.

I figured it was about time I learned how to manage the site myself. Up until now, a wonderful woman here on Denman Island has looked after it for me. But my website and my blog were not connected, which isn’t good for site rankings. I also didn’t have the ability to post videos, I had no access to nifty plug-ins, and I wanted to get rid of the ads that came with the free blog. I’ll have much more flexibility going forward.

Except for the first few days I spent banging my head against the wall, once I learned the ins and outs of designing a website, I really enjoyed the process and had fun checking out all the new bells and whistles that are available to me now.

But Nothing’s Perfect

But nothing’s perfect and I’m still plenty green at this, so please check out all the new pages, and if you notice something that isn’t working or something I can do better, please let me know. Use the contact form or reach me through social media. As always, you are welcome to share my posts and I encourage you to leave comments.

One thing that hasn’t changed is that you can still get instant access to Secret Sky from your favourite retailer right here! Or click on the image for more purchase options.

Red Curtain Photo by Rob Laughter on Unsplash

Location Hunting in CA

November 27, 2017 By JPMcLean 14 Comments

One of the greatest perks of writing is travelling for research. Back in April 2013, I made a trip to Bodega Bay, CA. That time I was searching for the perfect shot for the cover of Burning Lies (formerly Redemption.) Now I’m location hunting in CA for the perfect setting for a pivotal, high-powered meeting of nine influential families for the next book in the Gift Legacy series. These families have been threatened and are highly vigilant of their privacy and their security.

Earlier books in the series dictated that the meeting would take place in California. I considered setting the scene in a warehouse, an isolated country manor, or even a barn. And then I thought, why not a winery?

After consultation with friends familiar with California’s wine country, and subsequent online research, I narrowed the possibilities to a climate-controlled cave with wine barrels lining its walls; a private estate down a winding, oak-lined drive; or an 18^th century stone castle.

An Impressive Setting

Any of these spectacular locations would make an impressive setting for a clandestine meeting of high-end power brokers. But to describe any of these locations with authenticity, I need to know what they sound like, what they feel like, even what they smell like.

I could see only one solution—road trip!

And what a fabulous trip it’s been. Turns out, every one of these locations has one or more spectacular meeting or dining rooms with impressive furniture in awe-inspiring surroundings. (They also have delicious wine which must be sampled, but I digress.)

Now that all of my senses have been exposed to the potential of these places, I am primed to write the scene. Though it will be a mash-up of several locations, you’ll recognize it when you read it.

Meantime, enjoy these pics from our trip to Pismo Beach, CA, and points north through Napa.

And if you ever have the opportunity to visit this area, I highly recommend it. The scenery is spectacular, as is the wine. But if you’re prone to motion sickness, take something for it before you travel the northern portions of Hwy. 29.

If you’d like to read an adventure set on the west coast, pick up Secret Sky from your favourite retailer right here! Or click on the image for more purchase options.

Trick or Treat or Toadstool

October 31, 2017 By JPMcLean 10 Comments

At October’s end, will it be trick or treat or toadstool? The monthly calendar is looking pretty thin, with just two pages left in the year. Where did October go?

Toadstools

We don’t see many ghouls or goblins at our door, but Halloween inspiration pops up in expected places, like pathways. This toadstool is far too spooktacular to be a mere mushroom.

Treat

October started off with a roar, 12^th man roar, that is. We attended the Seattle Seahawks vs Indianapolis Colts game at Century Field (Now called Lumen Field). It was my first live football game, and it was so much more fun experienced from the stands. The crowd is named the 12^th (wo)man because there are 11 players on both offense and defense. The Seahawks 12^th are the loudest in the league and I can now attest to that.

Trick

One thing I wasn’t counting on was not being able to take my purse into the game. Security no longer allows purses, only wallets into the stadium. I had to buy a clear plastic bag, transfer my purse contents into it, and pay for a locker to store the purse until after the game. And even then, when I went through security, they wouldn’t allow me to take in my binoculars’ vinyl 5″ pouch. I had to toss it. I hope I can find a replacement for it. The security people told us this is or will be the new norm for stadiums across the US, so be prepared!

Back home, fall weather has set in. The crab apple tree and russet leaves are providing the exercise, and blazing fires in the evenings are providing the warmth.

In writing news, the outline for the final book in the Gift Legacy series is now roughed in and I’ve started writing. But … given Secret Sky (formerly Awakening) started as a one-off then grew into a trilogy which morphed into a series, I feel I need to qualify final: I’m writing the last planned book in the series.

Happy Halloween!