Research Archives - JP McLean

A Kindle Unlimited Surprise

April 27, 2023 By JPMcLean 7 Comments

Writing Research

Earlier this month, I travelled to Vancouver for research on the court case that takes place in Scorch Mark. Over the course of two short days, I attended several trials at the Law Courts Building, including a murder, a sexual assault, a major fraud, a contract dispute, and a custody battle.

The most surprising aspect of my visit was the ease with which I could sit in on these trials. Though armed sheriffs are present throughout the building, I was free to walk into any of the open courtrooms. In all the time I lived in Vancouver, I’d never ventured inside the lofty building. I imagined I’d be searched or have to go through metal detectors, maybe even questioned. None of that happened. Though there were metal detectors available, they weren’t in use at the courtrooms I attended.

Another interesting aspect of some courtrooms is the bulletproof glass that protects the defendants. I also peeked in through the windows of Court 20, which is the courtroom in the basement that was built for the Air India bombing trial, and most recently used for the hearings around Huawei’s chief financial officer. It’s the largest courtroom in the building, and the most secure.

Activity Centre Garden Bed update

In my last post, I mentioned that a group of volunteers had dug out the overgrown garden beds at the Activity Centre here on Denman in preparation for a much needed revitalization. I found some photos of what it used to look like, and I’m happy to share the results of our labours to replant the beds. Thanks so much to the Denman Garden Club for their financial help and the slate of volunteers who put in the sweat equity that saw this worthwhile project completed.

Author Interview With Colleen M. Story

August 18, 2022 By JPMcLean 6 Comments

Colleen M. Story and I met on Twitter in early 2015, and though we’ve never met in person, we’ve kept in touch online. I got to know her through her Writing and Wellness blog, which is a useful resource for all things health-related in the writing realm. Sadly, it was my unhealthy writing habits that prompted her to ask me to contribute to her blog in 2016. I’d blown out my back, which made me reevaluate my habits.

I first came to know Colleen through her non-fiction writing, so it’s been fun to interview her and get to know more about the fiction side of her career. She’s a talented writer with a keen business sense. I invite you to settle in and get to know Colleen M. Story.

**Tell us about your new novel, The Beached Ones.**

The Beached Ones is a heartfelt supernatural story about the bond between two brothers who grow up in difficult circumstances. With an empathetic approach, it explores subjects like child abuse, suicide, and loss, and how love can get us through even the most traumatic experiences.

The back cover copy:

HE CAME BACK, DETERMINED TO KEEP HIS PROMISE.

Daniel and his younger brother grew up in an abusive home. Daniel escaped. Now an established stunt rider, he intends to go back to rescue his brother. But then one jump goes horribly wrong . . .

He recovers to find himself in Iowa, unscathed, yet his life has drastically changed. His best friend won’t answer his calls. Even his girlfriend is hiding something. Increasingly terrified, he clings to the one thing he knows: He must pick up his brother in San Francisco. In five days.

From the isolating fields of Iowa to the crowded streets of San Francisco, Daniel must fight his way through a fog of disjointed memories and supernatural encounters to face the truth and pay a debt he didn’t know he owed.

What or who was the inspiration behind it?

The idea for this book came to me after watching the movie, Sarah’s Key, which was based on the book of the same title by Tatiana de Rosnay.

The movie had a profound effect on me. The main character is haunted by the death of her little brother, for which she blames herself. At the end of the movie (spoiler alert), unable to shake her guilt, she commits suicide. Close curtain.

That movie haunted me for months. It seemed so unfair, what happened to the main character. And I kept feeling like her story was left unfinished. What happened after the suicide? The Beached Ones gave me a chance to explore that general question, although of course, within an entirely different story.

Of all the characters, which one do you relate to the most, and why?

I relate most to my main character in this story, Daniel Shepard, because I too have younger brothers. I helped raise them while I was growing up and felt very protective of them. I can understand the lengths to which Daniel goes to make sure that Tony is safe. Of course, I can also understand how Tony sometimes irritates his older brother!

You’ve had a long career as a successful writer and blogger; what made you want to write a supernatural fantasy?

Writing fiction actually came first for me. My first novel (Rise of the Sidenah) was traditionally published in 2015, and that was categorized as epic fantasy or general fantasy. Then my second novel, Loreena’s Gift, came out with Dzanc publishing in 2016. I feel that I found my voice with that story, and it was also a supernatural fantasy or cross-genre novel, sometimes called a literary paranormal.

The Beached Ones is categorized by my publisher, CamCat Books, as a supernatural thriller, which I think fits it best, though it’s also been called a literary ghost story.

I have always enjoyed having some sort of fantasy element in my stories, as that allows me to explore themes and topics in a more exciting or thrilling way than I could if I were to stick to strict reality.

My blogging career (mainly with WritingandWellness.com) didn’t get going until after Loreena’s Gift came out. At that time, I was looking for a way to establish an author platform and my previous blog hadn’t attracted much attention. Fortunately, Writing and Wellness took off and gave me a whole new facet of writing (non-fiction) to pursue and enjoy.

How is researching fiction different from researching non-fiction?

I see researching fiction as a fun activity that inspires my imagination. It allows me to take that deep dive into another world that is so important when writing any type of fantasy.

I was lucky enough to be able to travel to research The Beached Ones—I took the same journey the characters take from Harlan, Iowa, to San Francisco, California. I had researched and written the book beforehand, but taking the trip myself helped me improve the story in countless ways.

The Golden Gate Bridge — **The Golden Gate — the final destination for my characters**

Researching nonfiction, on the other hand, satisfies my never-ending curiosity and desire to learn. I love researching nonfiction topics, then sharing what I discover with others in ways that I hope will benefit them.

Where do you call home, and how did you end up there?

I live in southeast Idaho, which is an agricultural community nestled a short distance from Jackson Hole, Wyoming (and the Grand Tetons), with the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park only about 90 minutes away.

Idaho Farm Fields being watered at sunset — **Idaho farm irrigation at sunset**

We also have the beautiful Snake River running right through the town, and a surprisingly robust commitment to the arts and music considering the smaller size of the area. I’m a French horn player and frequently participate in the symphony and pit orchestras, so I greatly appreciate that.

I grew up in Colorado surrounded by mountains and made the move north when I graduated college. I still get back to Colorado as frequently as I can, but I love Idaho not only for its natural beauty but for the strength and values of the community.

What are you working on next?

I’m excited about my next project, which is a retelling of the old Midas myth. There was a real King Midas who ruled Phrygia around 700 BC, so I’m having fun mixing elements of the historical figure with the mythological legend.

Find a FREE excerpt of The Beached Ones here!

Author bio: Colleen M. Story is a novelist, freelance writer, writing coach, and speaker with over 20 years in the creative writing industry. Her latest novel, The Beached Ones, was released with CamCat Books on July 26^th, 2022. Her previous novel, Loreena’s Gift, was a Foreword Reviews INDIES Book of the Year Awards winner, among others.

Colleen M. Story at Book Signing — Colleen M. Story book signing

Colleen has written three books to help writers succeed. Your Writing Matters is the most recent and was a bronze medal winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards (2022). Other titles include Writer Get Noticed and Overwhelmed Writer Rescue. You can find free chapters of these books here.

Find more at her author website (colleenmstory.com) or connect with her on Twitter (@colleen_m_story), LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

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.

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.