pandemic Archives - JP McLean

Celebrations Amid the Chaos

March 20, 2022 By JPMcLean 16 Comments

Some days it’s difficult to celebrate the wins, especially under the black cloud of chaos caused by a madman in Russia and the ongoing pandemic. Still, there are celebrations amid the chaos, nuggets that shine despite the gloom around us.

What I’m celebrating:

Bood Mark is now a finalist (FINALIST) for two (TWO) international book awards!

The Chanticleer Paranormal Award for Supernatural Fiction. The winner of this US book award will be announced in June.

The Wishing Shelf Book Award for Adult Fiction. The winner of this British book award will be announced in April.

I am so proud to add these new nominations to Blood Mark’s cover.

I’m also celebrating:

Mandatory mask mandates lifted in BC.

Although the pandemic is not yet over, it’s a relief to see the mask mandate lifted. A small, but hopeful celebration. Though I hate the damn things, I’m still wearing one in crowded situations. I’m not alone. In my outings since the lifting, I’d guestimate 2/3 of shoppers continue to wear masks. It’ll take time for people to get comfortable re-entering this new normal.

As much as I’d rather be celebrating Russia’s defeat at the hands of brave Ukrainians, and the end of the pandemic, I’ll take these small wins and celebrate the hell out of them. It’s me thumbing my nose at the madman and the pandemic.

These are my small celebrations amid the chaos. I hope you find nuggets of your own to celebrate. Every win counts.

You can purchase Blood Mark at your favourite retailer or right here.

Slow but Steady Progress

January 28, 2022 By JPMcLean 18 Comments

The second book in the Blood Mark series is coming along with slow but steady progress. I discovered the outline wasn’t as strong as it needed to be, so I’m beefing it up, adding scenes, increasing the tension. A popular saying repeated in writing circles is that the writer’s job is to get the main character up a tree, and then once they are up there, throw rocks at them. At this stage, I’m throwing rocks at them.

I considered adding references to the pandemic but decided not to. Figured we’re all getting enough of that stress in our day-to-day real lives and don’t need more of it in our downtime. Besides, having the characters masked, socially distant, and staying home feels a little (a lot) boring.

Working Title

I’m still uncertain about a title. The working title is Ghost Mark, but I’m open to suggestions. If you’ve got one, jot it down in the comments below. If I use it, you’ll get credit in the book.

Last month I told you about becoming a bestselling author in three Amazon categories: New Adult and College Fantasy (Books), Ghost Suspense, and Occult Horror. The novelty of calling myself a bestselling author hasn’t worn off.

Now there are two more achievements to add to Blood Mark’s success. On January 12, it was short listed for the 2021 Chanticleer Paranormal Book Awards for Supernatural Fiction. And on January 5, Blood Mark placed 3rd on Go Indie Now’s 2021 books of the year.

Hidden Enemy

And if you haven’t yet, you’ve got to read the review for Hidden Enemy on Scribble’s Worth Book Reviews. I’ve read it a dozen times and it still makes me laugh. Julio Carlos’ enthusiasm is over the top. You can read more about Hidden Enemy here, where you’ll also find buy links and a downloadable PDF of the first chapter.

Successes like those keep me motivated. I can’t say it often enough: Thank you for your part in supporting my books, whether it’s recommending them to a friend, asking your local library to shelve them, or writing a review. Your support means the world to me.

What I’m Reading

On the reading front, I’ve just started Three Mages and a Margarita by Annette Marie. It was a recommendation from someone in the “Fans Of Urban Fantasy!” Facebook group.

I’m always on the hunt for books like mine, commonly referred to as comps (as in comparables) in the book world. If you’ve read a book that would fit on the bookshop shelf alongside mine, I’d love to know about it. Put the title/author in the comments below.

Until next time . . .

XO Jo-Anne

Throwing Stones Photo by Benjamin Davies on Unsplash

I’m Having a Summer Celebration

July 20, 2021 By JPMcLean 2 Comments

It’s time for a summer celebration. The glorious summer weather is here, and with it (at least in my corner of the world) the easing of COVID restrictions.

To celebrate, I’m having a summer sale.

A 99¢ summer sale and a beach read to binge: the perfect vacation combo.

For a limited time, I’ve discounted Continue Reading

Socially . . . . . . Distant

April 23, 2020 By JPMcLean 17 Comments

How are you holding up in these unsettling times? I hope you are well and your loved ones are safe. For those of you suffering from COVID-19, I wish you a speedy recovery. Socially . . . . . . distant

An Epic Sci-fi Film

These past few weeks have felt like being trapped in an epic sci-fi film. One where the actors wear facial shields and stand six feet apart. Where the bit players don homemade facial masks and loiter at a safe distance. A film the audience watches with their noses pressed up against windowpanes from the safety of their quarantine houses.

This film needs a new director, but I have a feeling we’re stuck with what we’ve got for a while yet.

Anxiety

I still wake in the night feeling anxious. Some mornings—in that fuzzy moment before I’m fully awake—life is the way it used to be. Sadly, the moment dissipates all too quickly and my thoughts turn to pandemic. If only I could socially distance myself from those thoughts.

It’s getting better though. I think the prolonged exposure to this state of uncertainty is desensitizing me somewhat.

But I don’t want to focus on the bad news – there’s plenty of that on the endless news loop. Instead, I want to concentrate on the good things that have come out of it.

Less Air and Noise Pollution

When this is over, I’m hopeful that businesses and schools will continue to work and teach remotely whenever possible. Less commuting saves money all around and means more time to spend with our families.

Appreciating the Quieter Moments

The songbirds sound sweeter. The bleating of new lambs across the road makes me smile. I feel like I can almost hear the grass growing.

Neighbours Checking In

It’s good to be reminded that we need one another even if we must stay socially distant. This pandemic has given us an opportunity to practice compassion and kindness. Neighbours are reaching out and delivering groceries, prescriptions, and parcels. If we didn’t see the need before, we sure do now. I’m equally sure we’ll continue to meet the need when the pandemic passes.

A Shrinking To-do List

With so many public buildings closed and author events postponed or cancelled, I’ve had less “to do” and fewer interruptions. It’s prompted me to investigate new ways of connecting and doing things. I’m using Zoom to stay in touch with distant family and I’m using a grocery shopping service. When this pandemic is beaten down, I may never go back to standing in a grocery store lineup.

I hope you are finding some good in this terrible situation. If you feel up to it, drop a comment below and share your thoughts. We could all use some good vibes right about now.

Stay connected, stay socially distant when you need to go out, and spend your energy on the positive side of this experience.

If you’re looking for an escape, download Secret Sky and spend some time relaxing on Emelynn’s beach. 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.