Vancouver Archives

A Kindle Unlimited Surprise

April 27, 2023 By JPMcLean 7 Comments

Writing Research

Earlier this month, I travelled to Vancouver for research on the court case that takes place in Scorch Mark. Over the course of two short days, I attended several trials at the Law Courts Building, including a murder, a sexual assault, a major fraud, a contract dispute, and a custody battle.

The most surprising aspect of my visit was the ease with which I could sit in on these trials. Though armed sheriffs are present throughout the building, I was free to walk into any of the open courtrooms. In all the time I lived in Vancouver, I’d never ventured inside the lofty building. I imagined I’d be searched or have to go through metal detectors, maybe even questioned. None of that happened. Though there were metal detectors available, they weren’t in use at the courtrooms I attended.

Another interesting aspect of some courtrooms is the bulletproof glass that protects the defendants. I also peeked in through the windows of Court 20, which is the courtroom in the basement that was built for the Air India bombing trial, and most recently used for the hearings around Huawei’s chief financial officer. It’s the largest courtroom in the building, and the most secure.

Activity Centre Garden Bed update

In my last post, I mentioned that a group of volunteers had dug out the overgrown garden beds at the Activity Centre here on Denman in preparation for a much needed revitalization. I found some photos of what it used to look like, and I’m happy to share the results of our labours to replant the beds. Thanks so much to the Denman Garden Club for their financial help and the slate of volunteers who put in the sweat equity that saw this worthwhile project completed.

My First Con

October 13, 2013 By JPMcLean 2 Comments

Gates to Vancouver harbour's float plane dock — Vancouver Harbour Float Plane Dock

VCon38 was my first “Con”, and what an experience it was. Nina Munteanu, intrepid editor and science fiction writer, suggested I attend. She thought it was time for me to step out of my comfort zone. She was right and so I boomed out and volunteered to moderate two panels and guest on a third.

I had only a brief Internet-driven idea of what to expect. Thank heavens for my BOGO. (She’s the sister-in-law who came for free when I married her brother.) She kept me sane when my nerves were running amok as I prepped for my first panel. In hindsight, I shouldn’t have been nervous; in fact, all the panel participants – from newbies to award-winning authors – were kind and generous and the panels came off without a hitch.

Artist Alley

A seagull standing on a floatplane's float — Seagull wants a lift

The Art Show displayed an outstanding collection of paintings, sculpture and other objets d’art. Artist Alley and the Dealer Room were a cornucopia of sights and sounds. One of my favourite stops was the display of costumes made by the students of Capilano University’s Costuming for Stage and Screen program.

Pirates

I do wish I’d taken more photos though; these photos are of the trip, not the destination. The theme of this year’s VCon was Pirates, and the halls of the Delta Vancouver Airport were awash with colourful costumes and enthusiastic VCon participants. That we were new to the “Con” experience was evident when one of the dealers asked, “Are you two sure you’re in the right place?” Next time, I’ll ditch the suit and be better prepared in the costume department.

Flying over Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge and North Shore — Flying over the Lions Gate Bridge

For now, though, I’m going to dress-up like a chef, pretend I can cook, and prepare a Thanksgiving feast. Have a wonderful turkey weekend and count your blessings.

View from floatplane over BC's Georgia Straight — Almost Home – Over The Strait of Georgia

How NOT to Market a Book

April 1, 2013 By JPMcLean 7 Comments

How NOT to market a book

I made a rare visit to Vancouver last week. It gave me an excuse to wear heels and “city clothes.” It also gave me an opportunity to practice the elevator pitch for my book.

I’m an introvert.

Marketing is outside my comfort zone. However, when you publish a book, if you want people to discover it, you have to market it. That’s why I keep a supply of business cards at hand. I use them as an opening to talk up the book when I’m out and about.

Last week, I met my sister-in-law downtown and we poked in and out of stores for most of the afternoon. While we shopped, I handed out a few cards to sales clerks who looked like they might be in my target readership. Their quick smiles and easy acceptance boosted my confidence.

At just past six, we called it a day and stopped for a drink and to rest our feet before heading back to her place. We settled into a comfortable window seat in a busy bar in an old hotel on Georgia Street. Our waiter was an interesting young man who took the time to make sure we had the perfect drinks. He shared his personal history in the bar business and checked on us often. The service was a real treat and I was enjoying my visit to the big city.

Buoyed by happy endorphins and confident that our waiter would be receptive, I decided to give him my book pitch on his next visit to our table. I reasoned that even if an urban fantasy thriller didn’t appeal to him, he might have a girlfriend or sister who would be interested.

As he approached our table, I held out my card. He frowned as he took it, and before I could explain myself, we were interrupted. He half turned as he spoke to the person who’d interrupted, and jammed my card into a pocket. I watched him morph from our relaxed, happy-go-lucky waiter to a visibly stiffened young man shuffling from one foot to the other. He finished his conversation then quickly excused himself and beetled away before I could deliver my elevator pitch.

He never came back.

I didn’t catch on at first, mostly because I’m daft. And then a completely different employee came by to present our bill. I looked around for our waiter and spied him on the far side of the room serving another section. That’s when it dawned on me: He thought I was trying to pick him up.

At first, I was just embarrassed about the misunderstanding. But then the reality sunk in: He’d literally run from our table. Talk about a humiliating eye-opener. Suddenly, it was me who couldn’t exit fast enough.

Apparently, I’ve officially entered cougar country. I must say, it’s not my favourite place. It takes the shine off of all kinds of delusions that I was rather fond of.

In future, I’ll be more careful about handing out business cards – especially in bars. My ego might not be able to take another mad dash from a handsome young man with his pants on fire.

Want to know how I got into this mess? Check out How it Started.