Writing Addictive Fiction
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
Will you help me name a character in my new book? He’s a psychiatrist, fifty-five years old, and a bit shady with a rather high opinion of himself. The guy below fits the image in my head. Right now his name is Richard—a perfectly fine name—but it’s too fine for this guy. The one limiting factor is that his name has to start with R (and no, I won’t tell you why!).
Name a character
Which of the following names do you prefer? Or if you’re so inclined, add a new name suggestion in the comments.
1. Riker,
2. Roman,
3. Ryder
4. ??
Progress on Witness
The new book, which I’ve titled Witness (unless I find something more fitting), is now three-quarters written, and though I’m still struggling with the daily writing/marketing mix, I expect to finish the first draft by the end of September.
There! Putting it out there. In writing. It’s a little game I play with myself to help me hit the mark.
Denman Island Saturday Market
What else have I been up to? Again this summer, I’ve been setting up on long weekends at the Denman Island Saturday Market. It feels like a reunion every time, with neighbours dropping by to catch up in the shade of my tent. Mary Ann Clarke dropped by last time, which was a nice surprise. (For anyone who’s looking for me at the DI market on the Labour Day long weekend, my apologies, but I’ll be out of town. Instead, I’ll set up on August 24th. )
Beach header photo credit Ethan Robertson on Unsplash
Richard character photo credit Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash
If you’re looking for an addictive summer 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.
Christmas and Odds & Sods. Miraculously, five days before Christmas, I find myself in the position of having some free time. Not sure how that happened. Somehow the parcels got wrapped, mailed, bagged, and tagged; the vacuum and dust mitt performed a slap and dash; the decorations made it out of the crawl space; and the meals planned themselves.
So I’m sitting here on my duff with a glass of wine in hand and the computer in my lap, and it occurred to me that I probably owe you all an update!
But before I get to that, I’d like to take a moment to say thank you. Your enthusiasm for these characters and this story is heartwarming. Writing is often a solitary venture and every time I hear from one of you, it makes my day. Truly. Thanks for that.
And so…Book IV, titled Penance*, has been through the first round of beta readers and is now in the capable hands of intrepid story editor, Nina Munteanu. When she sends it back, I’ll incorporate her comments, and then send it out to the second wave of beta readers. After their comments are folded in, it’ll go to the copy editor. Finally, another beta read and then off to the proof-reader. When those tweaks are done, it’ll be ready to publish. It may seem like an arduous journey but believe me, all those extra eyes will make for a much better story!
Meantime, Viona Halim, has been working on the cover art, which will, once again, originate with a photo. This time the photo was taken on Granville Island, where pivotal scenes in Book IV take place. Viona will edit the photo and then paint it to achieve the same ominous “feel” to it that the others have.
At the same time, I’m working on the back cover blurb, summaries, tag lines, book marks and other promotional material. I’m writing press releases for the spring launch and seeking pre-release reviews (wink, nudge, hint-hint). If you are interested in receiving an e-copy of Penance for review, please let me know. Reviews that are posted to coincide with the book’s release are better than balloon rides, rum in your egg nog and snow on Christmas!
Also, I decided to offer the first three books of the Gift Legacy in a “boxed set” format for the eBook market. Viona Halim has prepared a phenomenal cover for the boxed set, which I can’t wait to share with you. For the first time, I’m trying my hand at formatting this edition myself. I’m not the most tech-savvy person, so wish me luck. If the challenge proves too much, I’ll have to hire the expertise.
And then, because apparently I should be offering a nugget to entice readers to sign up for my newsletter (which, sadly, I’ve been neglecting), I’ve been writing a give-away short story.
Of course, I’m still jotting down ideas for the continuation of Emelynn’s story in yet another adventure with Sam Jordan, James Moss and hmm, well…not sure who else might make an appearance in Book V, but it’s sure to be exciting. If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them.
All the best, from our house to yours, over this holiday season. Cheers!
*Penance is now Lethal Waters
Just in Time for Summer
Another post? Already? Yes, well, the crow rant last week was a rare second weekly post for me (and a necessary purge). This one, only days later, is for a much happier event; an occasion that can’t wait. If I don’t tell you about it, I’ll burst.
The title spent a scant forty-eight hours on FriesenPress’s “Coming Soon” page before flitting over to their “Hot Off The Presses” page. I’m still pinching myself.
Being an indie author, the “release date” drama is somewhat of a muted affair. I’ve written about this before (Please Release Me) so I won’t repeat myself. But I’m excited to tell you that the book is now available. You can purchase it here or on the Bookstore tab. It’s available in hardcover, trade paperback and ebook formats from over 25,000 retailers.
Dangerous Alliances… In Revelation, there’s no turning back for Emelynn Taylor, newly awakened flier still discovering the powers of a gift she can barely control.
Secrets unravel like threads from a dark shroud … a magical book … friends who are not what they seem … a powerful faction with claims on Emelynn … a Machiavellian plan with her at its brutal center.
Threatened by a mysterious and terrifying enemy, Emelynn forms an uneasy alliance with another flier she doesn’t trust. She must risk everything to thwart an evil scheme and save her covey. But at what cost?
Another Winner for JP McLean—Amazon Review, June, 2013
JP McLean does not disappoint!—Amazon Review, June, 2013
A great read…JP McLean does it again!—Amazon Review, June, 2013
Find a comfortable chair—June, 2013
Your feedback, as always, is most welcome. Now I think I’ll go take a nap.
*Revelation is now Hidden Enemy
Just in time for summer? Start the series with book 1. Secret Sky is only a click away. 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).
