August events and a quick update

August 1, 2024 By JPMcLean 2 Comments

August’s in-person events include two of my favourites:

cartoon pirate parrot logo for Comox Nautical Days The first event is Comox Nautical Days in Marina Park. It takes place over the August long weekend, August 3, 4, and 5. Nautical Days is a three-day family-orientated party, and it’s the biggest event on my calendar. There’s live music, children’s entertainment, food trucks, a beer tent, a splash park, a parade and vintage car show, and more than a hundred juried vendors! I’ll be signing books at booth #63.

If you’ve never been to Nautical Days, you’re in for a treat. Marina Park has spectacular views of the harbour, boats, and the glacier. You’ll also appreciate the clean washrooms, and that this event is organized and well-run.

The second event is my annual trip to Ontario to visit my family. Though I hate the travel portion of the trip, I look forward to lazy hazy days sipping coffee and wine on my sister’s porch, or my parent’s deck, and cooling off in the Manitouwabing River. I’ve posted photos on previous visits here and here (scroll down to see the photos).

And finally, thank you to everyone who came out to the Christmas in July event last Saturday at the Lighthouse Community Hall in Qualicum Bay. I donated a copy of Blood Mark to the door prizes and hope whoever won it enjoys the story.

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Scorch Mark Cover Reveal

September 20, 2023 By JPMcLean 12 Comments

Today, I’m excited to reveal the cover for Scorch Mark, the third Dark Dreams novel. JD&J Book Cover Designs has once again created a cover that hits all the right marks. This time, Jane is on the cover with the Rosetta-style dial she now bears on the back of her hand.

The cover captures the essence of the series with a hint of danger, covert mystery, and the grit of the inner city. Something dangerous lingers, and it’s evident in Jane’s expression. I love it! Let me know what you think in the comments.

An excerpt of the first three chapters is available in pdf form on my website. The book will be released on November 14 and is now available for preorder on Kindle, Kobo, and at all other retailers.

Pre-publication Award

Scorch Mark has already received a 5-star gold Literary Titan Award. This is what Titan had to say: “…Scorch Mark stands as a testament to McLean’s literary prowess. The book is a genuine page-turner, replete with action and masterfully crafted prose.” —Literary Titan

Read the full review here.

What I’m Reading

Temple by Robert Swartwood. Temple is a thriller with a supernatural twist. The genre combo is much like the Dark Dreams series, but with a male protagonist. It’s described as “Watchmen meets Jason Bourne,” which is an accurate description. It’s fast-paced with lots of fighting, gun action, and a twisty plot. (Thanks to Tom for the recommendation!)

The Gift Legacy Update

The digital editions of The Gift Legacy books are now out of the Kindle Unlimited subscription program and are once again available at all retailers. Those of you in the Kindle Unlimited program who downloaded the books will still be able to read them.

Upcoming Events

The GEM Readings

October 1^st from 2-3:30 pm

Denman Activity Centre, 1111 Northwest Road, Denman Island.

I’ll be joining two local Denman Island authors, Stewart Goodings, My Friend, My Enemy and Bill Engleson, The Life of Gronsky, to read from our latest releases, take audience questions, and sign books. Bring a mug. Coffee, tea, and sweets will be served.

On a Personal Note

I’m home from my trip to visit family in Ontario. The photos show us moving my parents’ dock, enjoying my cousin Steve strum his guitar, porch snacks, and beautiful McKellar vistas, including me in the hat on my sister’s pontoon boat on the Manitouwabing River. Three weeks felt like a nice long chunk of catch-up time when I set out, but it flew by in a flash.

Immediately following my return from Ontario, I left again for a catch up with a friend who was visiting Vancouver. We stayed at the Sylvia Hotel, which has become my very favourite Vancouver Hotel. It’s historic, right on the water, and walking distance to Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the downtown. The staff are super friendly and the restaurant is top-notch.

While the preparation for Scorch Mark’s November 14 release continues, I’ll be happily staying put on Denman Island.

Until next time . . .

A New Book Award and a Huge Festival Event!

August 4, 2023 By JPMcLean 18 Comments

A New Book Award:

This just in: Ghost Mark has won an Indie B.R.A.G. award! I’m very proud to join B.R.A.G.’s list of honorees. The news is so fresh that (last I checked) Ghost Mark wasn’t yet listed on their website. The B.R.A.G. president advised me they will make an announcement and add the title to their online honorees in the coming days.

My Next Festival Event is a Big One:

I’ll also be signing books at the biggest festival I’ve ever attempted. Comox Nautical Days runs from Saturday, August 5^th through to Monday, August 7^th, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday. The festival is held annually in conjunction with the Filberg Festival. This is its 63^rd year. Stop by and say hello. I’ll be at booth #63 in the Comox Marina Park at the foot of Port Augusta Road. (It feels like an excellent omen to have booth 63 on the 63rd anniversary!)

Dark Dreams Update:

Scorch Mark has a release date! November 14. The manuscript has been through its story edit and is now in the hands of the copy editor. After the copy edit is done, the book will move on to proofreading and formatting. I can’t wait to share Scorch Mark’s cover with you, after which I’ll put the book up for preorder.

The Gift Legacy Update:

I’m removing The Gift Legacy books from Kindle Unlimited/Kindle Select effective September 2^nd. The final countdown deal will run from August 17 through 20^th and will include 99c sales on the three original books in what was once a trilogy, Secret Sky, Hidden Enemy, and Burning Lies, (Books 1-3). If you’re in the Kindle Unlimited program, download the books to your Kindle before they disappear. After September 2nd, the books will once again be available to buy from all retailers.

What I’m Reading:

I’m rereading Deborah Harkness’s All Souls Trilogy. It was great the first time, and I’m loving it all over again. I’m also watching the mini-series based on it, which is available on Prime. It’s fascinating to see which scenes made it to the screen, and which were altered. As much as it’s entertaining, it’s also research and educational: research for my next book, which will be about witches, and educational because I’m plucking away on a screen play for The Gift Legacy series.

Both of those projects are a long way off. In the meantime, I’ll be heading to Ontario for my annual trip to visit my family.

Until next time, XO

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.