Whistler Independent Book Awards Archives

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.”

Farewell February

February 23, 2020 By JPMcLean 12 Comments

Farewell February

Have you noticed the days getting longer? I sure have. It’s almost 6:00 in the evening and still sunny outside. The logjam of short winter days is breaking up! And now that the snowdrops and crocuses are up and showing off, it feels like spring isn’t far away.

A change of season is just what I need to get the cobwebs out of my head. It’s been a long, wet winter and I haven’t kept up with newsletters or this blog.

Learning the Advertising Ropes

Instead, I’ve been spending my time figuring out Amazon advertising. It’s been a tough slog. I started tinkering with it last June, but didn’t really dig in until November. In December, the ads started getting traction. In January, sales were up. But February is the only month to date where my spend on ads hasn’t exceeded my earnings.

And the month’s not over. I could still end up in the red for February.

On the writing front, the new book is back from the first batch of beta readers. Their input, as always, helps improve the story. I’m continually surprised at what their fresh eyes pick up that I’ve missed. I’m still months away from a final draft, but it’s coming along nicely.

Whistler Getaway

Two weeks ago, we made a trip to Whistler. The last time I was there was when Secret Sky won honourable mention at the Whistler Independent Book Awards.

This time we were dog-sitting. Our sweet rent-a-dog was Babe, a nine-month-old poodle. She’s a bundle of energy and still has the puppy clumsiness that I find adorable. She also kept us active, walking at least six kilometres each day. Babe did a stellar job of tiring us out so we’d sleep through the night.

How about you? Any plans for getting a vacation in before summer is here?

If you’re looking for a $2.99 mini-vacation, download Secret Sky and enjoy an escape to 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.

Crocus photo by Arseny Togulev on Unsplash

Honourable Mention for Awakening!

October 22, 2016 By JPMcLean 10 Comments

Psst? Have you seen the shiny bronze medallion that now graces Awakening’s cover? Last weekend I travelled to the Whistler Writers Festival where the Whistler Independent Book Awards were announced. I’m thrilled to tell you that the judges awarded an Honourable Mention for Awakening. I haven’t stopped grinning since I heard the news.

Here are a few photos from the Festival taken during my wanderings around Whistler Village.

Though it was a soggy weekend, the setting was so beautiful a few drips didn’t ruin a thing. Sadly, my husband suffered a torn Achilles and he’s now in a boot cast, so he was unable to accompany me to the festival. Happily, I was kept company by the terrific writers, readers, and volunteers who make this annual festival a real treat to attend.

(Have I mentioned that I was also kept cozy by the glowing warmth spilling out from the Honourable Mention for Awakening?)

In Lover Betrayed news (formerly The Gift: Betrayal), the manuscript is going through its final edit, the cover is almost done (OMG it’s dark and it’s beautiful) and the book is on track for a November 15 release. I can’t wait to share all of that and more, with you. Stay tuned.