JP McLean

Writing Addictive Fiction

Grinding to a Standstill

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cup of tea on table with book, computer and glassesLast week as I sat at my computer sipping yet another bladder-challenging-sized mug of tea, I puzzled over why my writing had ground to a standstill. I have an outline. I know how the story ends. I know the characters as well as my own family. So why the listlessness, the disconnect? Grinding to a standstill

Word Jam

Previously when I hit a writing snag, I’d write another scene or define a new character or setting. That almost always worked to loosen the writing log jam. But I’m near the end of the last book in the trilogy so there aren’t new characters or settings to dream up.

I took a break, and the drone of the vacuum helped me figure out what was going on. I didn’t have clear enough directions for getting from where I was in the telling of the story to the end I had in mind. My outline was too rough. It lacked the detail I needed.

(More experienced writers would likely have figured that out sooner.)

Back to the Outline

I went back to the outline, re-read and printed the last few pages.  I flipped through the notepad I carry around with me like a security blanket and tumbled ideas around in my head for another day or two.  It was the jump-start my imagination needed.  As I began filling in the outline, ideas took shape and grew into even better scenes than I’d initially imagined.  The outline is now bursting at the seams and I can hardly wait to dig in and write the rest of Emelynn’s story.

God I love writing – why’d it take me so long to discover that part of me?

Photo by Cassie Boca on Unsplash Grinding to a standstill

Home for Christmas

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Mundane chores are dumping all over my home-for-Christmas holiday spirit. Roaming dust bunnies, dead Halloween plants, overflowing compost bins, and so many more small jobs need attending to. But they’re in stiff competition for my time. I’ve also got to promote my first book, nudge the second book along to publication, and complete the third all-important final installment in the trilogy.

Christmas ElvesYikes.  I could use an elf or three.

I’m surrounded by far more meaningfully employed and less time-challenged friends. They’re chuffed with delight at the sight of their finely decorated trees and homes.  These friends have already dispatched their Christmas gifts to faraway places.  Their Christmas baking is neatly packed in pretty tins. Their turkeys are already on ice.  Receiving their perky Christmas cards makes me want to throw up my hands in defeat.

I’m insanely envious.

This will be the third Christmas since I embarked on the project that has become the all-consuming Gift Trilogy.  In 2010 it was still a fresh endeavour and I busted my butt to make the holidays happen without a glitch.  2011 saw the new, and decidedly not improved me, beg off of all but fireplace mantel decorations and a plug-in pre-decorated tree.

This year I’ll endeavour to find a better balance. 

I’ve laid out the gifts that need to be mailed and found boxes that fit (I’ll post them this week).  I’ll schedule a day late in the week to clean the house then decorate al la Martha.  I’ll groom the dogs and write out the Christmas dinner shopping list.  But Christmas cards won’t happen and neither will Christmas baking. Molly-maid will do a drive-by, not the usual dust the ceiling fan-type of job. Those compromises are the path to sanity for me this Christmas.

Eventually the dust bunnies will be corralled, the compost will give up its gold, and Christmas will happen with all the tinsel and turkey trimmings.  But the new me includes writing, so somewhere along the way a twitter or blog post will roll out. The second book’s cover art or a catchy tag line will be born, and the third book will continue its journey to completion.

So, here’s to enjoying the holidays with friends and family, good food, some nog and a laugh or two while keeping the mundane to a dull roar.  I’ll still write – it seems to be a part of me now – but I’ll also decorate and cook and wrap and drink to the good health and happiness of all my better-organized friends.

Cheers!

Photo by erin mckenna on Unsplash

On Your Mark

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On your mark. Get set. Read . . . or Wait?

Someone told me the other day that they never read the first book in a trilogy until after the final book was published.  When I asked why, she said she didn’t want to invest her time in a story that might leave her hanging. Would you read book one of an unfinished trilogy?

It wasn’t the first time I’d heard that sentiment. I’m often asked if my books are standalones or if they leave the reader on a cliff.

Cliff-hangers

I feel confident the answer is no. The first book contains a complete story arc. In fact, I finished the book before I entertained the idea that I could carry on with the characters.

There are unanswered questions at the end of the books, but the unanswered questions aren’t cliff-hangers.

My intention is to leave enough room for readers to draw some of their own conclusions.  After all, it’s a fantasy: I want to leave the reader wondering, maybe hoping, that this parallel world exists all around them.  It’s a more believable scenario if some questions remain unanswered, just like in our own lives.

Mark Your Calendar

Whether or not you’re one of those readers holding off until I finish writing the trilogy, I’m happy to tell you that the second book, Revelation is complete. The release date is late spring 2013. I’ve already outlined the third book, Redemption, and I’m more than halfway through writing it.  I’m aiming for a fall 2013 release date.

So, hold off if you must, but mark it on your calendar—because unless I’m hit by the proverbial bus, (touch wood!) the trilogy will cross the finish line in less than a year.

Update: The trilogy is now complete at seven books. Read about it here. Purchase it here.

Book Signing Success

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This is Abraxas Books in beautiful downtown Denman Island.  Yesterday, Saturday, October 20, 2012, Juan Barker hosted my first book signing for Awakening. Luckily, it was a crisp, dry day and the sun cooperated, peeking out between clouds for the duration.

My gratitude and thanks go out to the incredibly supportive community here on Denman Island and the best friends an author could possibly have.

Comox Valley Record

Thanks to Juan’s advertising efforts, the Comox Valley Record that picked up the book signing’s press release, and the sunshine – the turnout exceeded expectations … by a landslide.  The book signing was a huge success.

Sold Out

Within fifteen minutes, Abraxas’ stock of the book was seriously compromised.  I dashed to my car and grabbed the small supply I had put there in a rather optimistic “just in case” moment the previous night.  But within the hour, we had run out AGAIN and I had to call home for reinforcements.

W O W!

Sold out – twice in one day.  I like the way that sounds!  Thanks again to everyone who dropped by to say hello and show your support.  It warms my heart.

(If you prefer ebooks, you can pick up a copy from your favourite retailer here.)