Abraxas Books Archives - Page 2 of 2

A Look Back

June 25, 2021 By JPMcLean 16 Comments

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!)

Since then, there have been a few big milestones . . .

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:

“A deftly crafted, impressively original and inherently compelling read from first page to last, Secret Sky launches a new The Gift Legacy series by J. P. McLean. A fully entertaining, plot twisting novel that will leave its readers looking eagerly toward the next thrilling installment, Secret Sky is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library action/adventure, romance, and metaphysical fiction collections.”

Season’s Greetings from Denman Island

December 24, 2020 By JPMcLean 12 Comments

Season’s Greetings from my home to yours

Are you getting your Santa on? Our tree is up and decorated, as is the wreath above the fireplace. The outdoor lights are strung and mostly turn on/off at the designated times; rain plays havoc with the timers and some days they need a little coaxing.

This year, more than ever, we need the cheerful lights. I love it when darkness falls, and the twinkling lights take over. We spark a fire, pour a glass of wine, and soak up the comforting Christmas glow.

Quieter this year

The days leading up to Christmas will be quieter this year, but we’ll Zoom with far-flung family and enjoy their company long distance, along with fond reminiscences of Christmases past. For Christmas dinner, I’m preparing beef Wellington with a side of Rumpledethumps (mashed spuds with cabbage, onion, and cheese – SO good), and something green. Beans? Not sure yet.

We’re very lucky here on Denman Island to be able to source locally so much of what goes on our table. Corlan Vineyards produces award-winning wines. Fresh duck and chicken eggs are available all over the island. Neighbouring farms raise chickens, pork, beef, and lamb. Two Roads Farm grows a cornucopia of vegetables, and our general store carries pretty much everything else you might need.

Shop Local

Shopping local is more important than ever. The pandemic has hit artisans particularly hard with the lack of tourists and trade fairs. Many of their wares can be purchased at Abraxas Books and Gifts and the Denman Craft Shop. Each offers a wide selection of thoughtful gifts for everyone on your not-naughty list (and even some for the naughty crew).

Eggnog is a must, and I think I’ll dig out a puzzle and set it up on the card table. And we can’t forget Christmas carols. Following are some YouTube renditions I found for you. Enjoy the season, however you celebrate it. Stay safe and let’s hope 2021 kicks COVID to the curb.

Jo-Anne

And if you’re looking for an escape this holiday season, the gift legacy is available in a boxed set at an exceptional price for a limited time. Season’s greetings.

Everybody wishes they could fly – until it happens.

Banner photo freestocks-org on unsplash

In Praise of Indie Bookstores

April 24, 2014 By JPMcLean Leave a Comment

Indie bookstores rock! Here’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

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

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.