Blog - Page 43 of 54

Porch Swing Party

September 9, 2013 By JPMcLean 2 Comments

A book signing on an island as small as Denman is a little like hanging out all afternoon on a covered porch with good friends dropping by to say hello. They stay for a spell and we share a laugh or two over cookies while we catch up on families and gardens, visitors and holidays, and especially how and when we arrived on the island. Local hot topics pop up in conversation as often as marvels at the beautiful weather and the speed at which time flies.

And fly, it does . . . it was less than a year ago that the good folks at Abraxas Books hosted the signing of my first book, The Gift: Awakening (now titled Secret Sky). When the second book, The Gift: Revelation (now titled Hidden Enemy), came out, once again, they jumped on board with enthusiasm. Thank you, Juan, Leslie, Corinne and Shaun for your early and continuing support.

And for everyone out there who’s been asking when the third book in the trilogy, The Gift: Redemption (now titled Burning Lies), will be coming out, you won’t have long to wait. I’m working toward a Christmas release and I’ll announce it all right here on my blog and through my newsletter. If you’re not getting my posts by email, click the “follow” button on my blog and you’ll get an email notice every time I post something new. Or sign up for my newsletter and you’ll get free short stories and a notice when a new book is coming out.

Until then, enjoy the spectacular weather, and support the hard-working folks at your local book store.

Would You Like a Fishing Rod With That Book?

August 28, 2013 By JPMcLean 6 Comments

Library Reading

The McKellar Public Library may be the only library in the world where you can borrow a fishing rod with your book. No kidding! You can then go down the hill to the lake and drop your line in.

McKellar is in Ontario’s cottage country. It’s one of those towns people in Toronto refer to as “up north,” which covers a lot of ground. For me, McKellar, Broadbent and Parry Sound are places where I spent considerable time in my youth. Grandparents, aunts and uncles had homes and cottages in the area. My parents have lived there for many years, and one of my sisters has moved into my grandmother’s house and turned it into her cottage.

Coming Home

Coming home to the cottage stirs up many fond memories: fishing off the dock, swimming in the tea water of the Manitouwabing River, and sneaking peas from my grandfather’s garden are just a few.

This last visit was all that and more because I was invited to read from my books at the McKellar Public Library. And not just any reading…the inaugural public reading at their newly expanded library.

The recent renovation has nearly doubled the size of the library. It’s clean and bright and has a view that will make you sigh. Joan, Maxine, Pat and Jackie made me feel very welcome. On the big day, they hauled in a lectern fit for a mayor and baked cupcakes to help raise money.

Something for Everyone

The library does an outstanding job promoting local authors, even ones like me who have moved away. They encourage library usage through innovative measures – did I mention the fishing poles? Not only do they loan out books and current issues of popular magazines, they also have a large collection of DVDs, videos, large print books and talking books. They offer free Internet and wireless service and if the mood strikes you, you can borrow a pedometer.

So, if you live in or around McKellar, or plan to visit, drop by the new library and have a look around. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and there’s something for everyone. If the fish are biting, borrow a rod and reel and catch your dinner.

Thank you ladies. You’re doing McKellar proud.

It’s Not Over Yet

August 16, 2013 By JPMcLean Leave a Comment

View of West side of Hornby Island as seen from Denman Island — West Side of Hornby Island in the Summertime

Every year about this time, the tail end of summer, I hear a familiar lament, a harbinger of doom. All it takes are a few cool, drizzly days on the heels of endless weeks of hot sunshiny weather. The Ned Starks of the neighbourhood close their doors against the cool night breeze and whisper, “Winter is coming.”

Oh, good lord – really? Already? Yes, I know – the monsoons will be here, sure as gray hair and wrinkles, but let’s not rush them. There are plenty of warm sunny days still to come. They might even be hot enough to complain about!

I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear the “W” word and go sniff the bottle of sunscreen lotion. Maybe we’ll have a BBQ in the rain – just to keep the smells of summer in the air.

How do you keep a hold onto summer?

One of the ways to prolong summer is to pick up a late summer beach read. Get your copy of Secret Sky 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).

So You Think You Can Write?

August 8, 2013 By JPMcLean 4 Comments

Fish Out of Water

Some time ago I wrote a list post about lessons I learned in the process of writing my first book. The value of editors was one of the lessons. Editors see things writers don’t. (I can’t say for sure, but I suspect they have a third eye.) They see where the story drags, where the action is confusing, where the characters aren’t being true to themselves, where the setting falls short, or where description is excessive, and so much more.

The first time I went through this process, it was a shock to my system.

I thought I was prepared: I wasn’t. Instead, I was left wondering, “What the hell was I thinking? I can’t write.” I was a fish out of water. I had to set the manuscript aside and regroup.

After a few days, I picked up the editor’s notes again. This time, I was able to receive the feedback in the spirit it was given. I rewrote the entire manuscript—even started from a point further along in the story.

During that often frustrating and time-consuming process, the narrative improved immeasurably. Characters filled out, choreography improved, description got honed.

Next up? A Copy Editor

After I’d finished, a copy editor went through it examining every verb for proper fit and smoothing out rough spots I didn’t even know were there. The end product was worth every agonizing minute of rewrite. And because my name is on the cover, I’m very happy I invested the extra time and money for professional editors.

If you are considering publishing your work, I highly recommend you find professional editors to work with. You won’t regret it. I started with a Manuscript Evaluation through the Writers’ Union of Canada http://www.writersunion.ca/content/manuscript-evaluations. Another useful resource is the Editors’ Association of Canada https://editors.ca/hire/. Their website will guide your search.

How about you? Have you had a memorable editing experience?

A memorable reading experience is just a click away. Get your copy of Secret Sky 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).