JP McLean

Writing Addictive Fiction

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Denman Island’s Annual Herring Spawn

March 27, 2025 By JPMcLean 4 Comments

March has been a busy month with Denman Island’s annual herring spawn.

The island where I live is home to an annual herring spawn that occurs between late February and early March. The millions of herring that arrive on our shores turn the water the colour of the Caribbean. A cacophony of sea lions, seals, eagles, and seagulls, follows, along with the fishing fleet. I took this video in early March to give you an idea of what it looks and sounds like.

Oceana Canada provides a more in-depth explanation on YouTube.

It’s loud, it’s bright, and it’s busy. At night, when we’d normally only see stars and a few distant lights on neighbouring islands, we instead look out on what could be mistaken for a cityscape with glaring lights in constant motion.

I wouldn’t want to live with that full-time, but once a year it’s an exciting change of pace.

Witch Book Progress

I’m thrilled to report that my WIP (work in progress) now sits at 80K. The finished draft will end up between 90-100K.

image

When I’m writing, I find it useful to find a photo that looks like the character I’ve created in my head. This is who I picture for the main character, Adeline Thorne. Adeline is a thirty-four-year-old witch who didn’t come into the magic she should have inherited. In real life, this woman is Magdalena Zalejska, a Polish model.

Upcoming In-Person Events

Can you believe I’m already booking Christmas? Continue Reading

Ghost Mark’s Trailer Debut

October 5, 2022 By JPMcLean 9 Comments

Ghost Mark’s trailer debut is here!

It’s one thing to pick up a book with a compelling cover, turn it over in your hands, and read the description. Maybe you’ll check out the book’s endorsements or editorial reviews, but book trailers offer a unique glimpse inside the story. They capture the mood of a book. Maybe one day I’ll see a movie trailer for Ghost Mark—wouldn’t that be something!

Meantime, Ghost Mark’s pre-release buzz is building, and I’m so pumped about it that I’m spreading the joy. I’ve lowered the price of the pre-order to $2.99. On release day, November first, the price will go back up to its regular price of $4.99. Get the deal here:

Kindle   ~   Kobo   ~   Apple   ~   Nook   ~   Elsewhere

Ghost Mark’s Latest Buzz:

A New Editorial Review

A captivating nail-biter that will leave readers thirsting for more!
—InD'tale Magazine

The full review will be out in the November edition of InD'tale Magazine.

A New Endorsement

This mind-bending, supernatural thriller is a riveting romp through the dark streets of obsession and murder. A story that tugs at your heartstrings and lingers in the mind long after The End. Un-putdownable!
—Sue Coletta, award-winning author of the Mayhem Series

Sue Coletta is an author whose writing and research I admire. She takes research to the nth degree. In an effort to make her mysteries as realistic as possible, she visited a body farm. Yup. It’s a real thing. She wrote about it here. I’ve been hooked on her unflinching mysteries ever since reading that article.

In other news:

Book Shepherd image of JP McLean's book picksI’m now on Book Shepherd. Book Shepherd is an alternative to Goodreads. They’re developing a different way to find books. The more ways folks can find books is all right by me, so when they asked me to create and curate a list of my choosing, I put together a list of the Best Urban Fantasy Series With Kickass Heroines, featuring Ann Charles, EE Holmes, Annette Marie, Charlaine Harris, and Victoria Aveyard. Find great book selections on the Book Shepherd’s Heros list.

If you find yourself in Courtenay or Campbell River, I'll be at the following local events: (Drop by and say hello.)

Big Island Book Fest Promo ImageDate: October 22, 2022
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm PT
Location: Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Ave, Courtenay, BC V9N 6C6

I’ll be reading from Blood Mark and available for book signings and Q&A

Myth, Magic, and Dark Dreams PosterDate: October 28, 2022
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm PT
Location: Coho Books, 2092-I South Island Hwy, Campbell River BC, V9W 1C1

I’ll be joining W.L. Hawkin in a prelude to Halloween at Coho Books. We’ll be reading from our addictively dark and mysterious books and be available to answer questions and sign books.

Until next time, XO

Jo-Anne

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