JP McLean

Writing Addictive Fiction

In Praise of Indie Bookstores

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Indie bookstores rock! The Gift Legacy books on the shelf at Abraxas BooksHere’s a sight dear to my heart and one I never imagined I’d see: All three of my books on the shelf at Abraxas Books, an indie bookstore here on Denman Island. I took this photo after the third book came out and must confess to popping into Abraxas Books far too often just to sigh and smile at the sight of them perched there.

I’m fortunate to live in a community so well served by a supportive bookstore and wanted to give them a well-earned shout out. Juan Barker is one of the owners and he has not only provided me with much needed guidance when I was new to the business, but he continues to go out of his way to promote local writers.

Juan Barker behind the till at Abraxas BooksJuan Barker

That’s him behind the counter in this photo taken at one of the book signings he organized.

And it’s not just Juan who makes you feel welcome. All of the partners and staff at Abraxas Books are knowledgeable and user-friendly. If you can’t find the book you’re looking for on the shelves at Abraxas, they’ll order it in for you . . . at a competitive price! That’s saying something in these days of mega stores and on-line retailers.

Buy local means something at Abraxas Books

They not only support local and indie authors, they also carry a selection of pottery, paintings and other crafts made by local artists. We really are quite a creative bunch here on Denman Island. (Likely has something to do with the winter rains that keep us indoors and the ferries that stymie our escape!)

So if you find yourself on Denman Island, turn left at the top of the ferry hill. You’ll find Abraxas Books at 1071 Northwest Road. Juan, Leslie, Corinne or Shaun will be happy to serve you.

Abraxas by phone: 250.335.2731 ~ Abraxas by Email: abraxas9@telus.net

Look who else thinks that Abraxas Books rocks! Here’s a five-star review I found on Yelp, written by a customer from Seattle! And if you’d like to support this indie writer, check out the buy direct from author links on her Bookstore tab.

Porch Swing Party

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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.

JP McLean signing books at Abraxas BookshopAnd 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.