Writing Addictive Fiction
It’s time for a summer celebration. The glorious summer weather is here, and with it (at least in my corner of the world) the easing of COVID restrictions.
To celebrate, I’m having a summer sale.
For a limited time, I’ve discounted Continue Reading
Finding this old photo of me signing my first novel reminded me how far my writing career has come.
This photo was taken at Abraxas Books on Denman Island in October 2012. I was signing copies of Secret Sky with its original cover and title. Abraxas has sold more Gift Legacy trade paperbacks than any other indie bookstore! (Thanks, Abraxas!)
1. I’ve completed SEVEN books in the Gift Legacy, an urban fantasy series about Emelynn Taylor and a secret society of Fliers who live among us and have the gift of flight.
2. The books have received over 225 reviews like this recent one from Midwest Book Review:
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
First Draft Complete
The first draft of Witness is done! Though I didn’t quite make the September 30 deadline I set for myself, it was close. I’ve now stepped away from the manuscript to let it steep. I’ll resist tinkering with the first draft as long as I can—a few weeks, a month or two if possible—so I can read it with fresh eyes when I’m ready for the first edit.
And if you’re wondering which name I chose for the psychiatrist in Witness, wonder no longer: I chose Reuben (my apologies to all the Reubens out there.) You might remember this character is shady and his name had to start with an “R”. Reuben has the bonus feature of a dual identity, Reuben AND Ben. Brilliant! Thanks for the suggestion.
Though the first draft is done, the new book is a long way from done. Still, a completed first draft is an achievement worth celebrating. To that end, I took a short trip to Invermere. It was a writers’ retreat with Elinor Florence, author of Wildwood and Bird’s Eye View. Here she is with Rusty the Moose. I say writers’ retreat with tongue in cheek—very little writing happened. We did, however, enjoy an abundance of laughter, fine wine, and delicious meals.
We also toured local bookstores and libraries from Invermere to Canmore and points in between. I’m pleased to report that Secret Sky is now available at the Invermere library, Radium Hot Springs library, and it’s under consideration at the Canmore Library.
In addition, Café Books in Canmore is now carrying it. This must-see bookstore is larger than it looks, and if an enticing aroma makes your mouth water, it’s their in-store café! You’ve got to check it out.
While at the Radium Hot Springs Library, we took in a talk on Writing Romance by Roxy Boroughs and topped off the day by getting thoroughly wrinkled in the pool at Radium Hot Springs.
A highlight for me was a visit to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The old Canadian railway hotels have a special place in my heart. When I travel, I seek them out and wander their halls, enjoy a drink or a cup of tea, and soak up their majestic ambiance.
Prior to my Invermere interlude, students of Mark Dawson’s Self-publishing Formula (SPF) were invited to a Vancouver social at the Tap and Barrel downtown. It was a pleasure to meet James Blatch in person, having seen him on the show for more than a year now, and to meet one of their camera gurus, John Dyer. It was a terrific opportunity to connect with other SPF and Creative Academy peeps.
And finally, because the short story giveaways have been so popular, I wanted to let you know of another one. A Mysterious Case of the Strange includes FREE short stories in the mystery/suspense and science-fiction/fantasy genres.
My short story Ghost Crimes is in the mix. If you’re one of my VIP readers, you’ll have already received a download link for it. If not, download Ghost Crimes now and let me know what you think.
These short stories are a great way to test drive a new author. I’ve already downloaded six short stories (and I might go back for more).
Mountain header photo credit Kenny Sexton on Unsplash
If you’re looking for a binge 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.
