Bringing my Characters to Life, Part 4.

The Dream Cast: Who would I want to see be cast in the roles of this fourth and final list from my Longevity series?

by John Irvin

Today marks the 280th blog post on my website. Wow, that’s a lot of writing. It’s also the final part in this Dream Cast series as you can read above. This little sub-series has been so much fun. Today, we’ll actually have a couple more than the usual number of characters.

Longevity, Book 3: Wandering was quite a piece of work. I enjoyed every second of my main character’s journey through his life and the vast array of historical and fictional characters he met along the way.

But, again, a forewarning: if you see any printed copies (hardcover or paperback) on sale for this book, do not order. It is ONLY supposed to be out in ebook for now thanks to the formatting issue in the printing process.

Back to the tale and my dream cast. In this book, Sir Ihon Iraes (pronounced Ian Eraze) returns home after a long time in the Haven with Zandra the Immortal. He finds a new structure built into the place where his old house used to be. Castle Iraes is managed by Lady Celia Stuart.

She is the daughter of Desi Wallace, Sir William Wallace’s daughter and Ihon’s ward. While Ihon had gone away, Desi had married an upstanding Scotsman and they’d had the funds to build the Castle Iraes and leave it in charge of their daughter who now runs it with her own daughter Lady Molly Stuart.

These two women play a decent-sized role in the beginning of the book. I’m combing lists of actresses I think worthy of their parts and have decided Helena Bonham Carter would give Lady Celia the proper air I envision her having as ward of Castle Iraes and its valley tenants. From her roles as Bellatrix from the Harry Potter saga to Queen Elizabeth in The King’s Speech, I tell you what, she would be a superb fit.

Lady Molly is young and slightly naïve, but extremely curious about this strange Laird of the Iraes estates. She wants to know the mystery behind his long life and journey. I believe Haley Pullos could play an excellent Molly Stuart. She’s from General Hospital. I’ve never heard her make a Scottish accent, but you never know!

This next one is one of the few men who play a major role in Ihon’s journey through this third installation. John Knox, the Scottish Reformer, is one of the few humans to actually stumble upon Sanguiatro, the Capital of the Wolf-Born Race. Tucked away into the Highlands, it’s supposed to be well-hidden from human or Spawn eyes. I wonder how James McAvoy would feel about playing this eccentric role. Something to ponder, Mr. McAvoy? I mean, you are a Scotsman.

On his wanderings, Ihon finds a solitary life in the forests of medieval France. There he meets a young girl by the name of Joan d’ Arc and sort of becomes a mentor. She, believing him to be a spiritual apparition of one of the saints, claims he is one of three. I’d like to see Mia Talerico being cast in the role of Joan.

She’s the baby star from Good Luck, Charlie. Such a cutie!

The other two supposed “saints” to give Joan her tutelage in the ways of religion and warfare are two sisters Ihon actually meets. The three of them have a short tryst together you might say. I’m not going to spoil any more. But their names are Guinevere and Margot—they are French Wolf-Born who actually choose him as the alpha of their little pack.

I’d love to see Alexandra Daddario as Margot and Scarlett Johansson as her older sister Guinevere. Perfect match. I fell in love with Alexandra as Annabeth Chase from Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Scarlett was why I fell in love with Black Widow from her very first scene in Iron Man 2.

But good things come to an end and Ihon must move on after a dilemma that has to do with the Supreme Council and other officers of the Creed Army.

And now, the final character I want to dream cast an actor for—or rather an actress—is the Princess of the Chitimacha tribe. Ihon actually makes his way to the New World and ends up continuing his wanderings into the vast wilderness there. He stumbles across a native tribe that sees him as a fulfillment of a prophecy. The chief’s daughter, Fawn, is supposed to wed a white stranger, according to this prophecy, and they would bring great prosperity to the tribe.

Fawn, is played by Emma Watson. Made famous by her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter saga, and every nineties baby’s crush, I’d love to have her cast in this romantic role.

Well, there you have it, my dream cast for the first three books in my Longevity series. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did.

If you enjoyed this post, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails on Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist—the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

I’ve now been hosting a YouTube channel called John Irvin, Author Journey Series. Check it out at YOUTUBE.COM/AUTHORJOURNEY

Follow me on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com

A new addition to the Beauty and the Beast lore!

If there is a fairy tale that is my favorite, it’s the Beauty and the Beast

By John Irvin

This suspenseful fantasy about Belle and a mysterious discovery during her stay at the Beast’s castle had me holding my breath.

Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly.

Oh, beloved and bookish Belle, always exploring, always adventuring where she might not have.

On one of her many visits to the Castle’s library—given to her by the Beast—Belle discovers an enchanted book by the title of “Nevermore.”

She’s intrigued by what lies inside the covers.

A whole new world.

An avenue to another city? Or possibly a way to escape?

But, there is always something subtly sinister behind the smiles and dances of the world. There’s also the hostess of this fine Parisian ball that seems to continue on and on, making it harder for Belle to return to her imprisonment.

But, the truth comes out.

And you’ll have to click through this link to grab your copy of LOST IN A BOOK!

Just a note, I have an author team helping me prepare for my debut Spring 2021 Toward the Pacific Book Tour. We greatly desire your support to help us take books out of that good ole comfort zone and find more readers.

          The more you are able to donate, the more possible it is for me to take my books on a trip across the continent and grow our reading tribe while promoting books for the public!

          So click through:

And if you know any authors, please, have them shoot me an email at john@johnirvinauthor.com. I have plenty of spots open for the episodes!

If you enjoyed this post, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails on Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

I’ve now been hosting a YouTube channel called John Irvin, Author Journey Series. Check it out at YOUTUBE.COM/AUTHORJOURNEY

Follow me on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com

Another note, I have to make sure to let you know, all links I use for my fellow authors’ works are affiliate links because why not?

Today we take a break from Book to visit with another Author Friend

She has a book coming out, so get ready!

By John Irvin

Join me as I spotlight another author friend of mine, Arabella K. Federico. She is presently working on her debut sci-fi-fantasy novel and will speak about that shortly in the video below.

I met Arabella where I meet a lot of my author friends, on Instagram. I’ve enjoyed reading her blog posts and encouraging her to start her YouTube channel. I always enjoy watching other writers along their author journey.

Even though her book isn’t out just yet—by the by, it’s due next year—you can still start following her networks and sign up and subscribe to stay up to date with her journey.

She shares writing tips and daily events of her own on her blog and YouTube channel.

Here are her networks, so make sure you follow her or I’ll have to come after you! Just kidding…okay, maybe not.

Website: https://www.arabellakfederico.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArabellaK.Fed/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arabellak.federico/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArabellaKFed

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAeay0hmA3_nd8D0e-s-OrA

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/arabellakfederico/_created/

Stay up to date with me also, I may share more in the future on her upcoming book. So hop up to my Home page or the Sign Up page and enter your name, grab my free ebook, and join our journeys.

Just a note, I have an author team helping me prepare for my debut Spring 2021 Toward the Pacific Book Tour. We greatly desire your support to help us take books out of that good ole comfort zone and find more readers. Maybe, when Arabella’s book comes out, I can take some copies on the trip to share the love?

          The more you are able to donate, the more possible it is for me to take my books on a trip across the continent and grow our reading tribe while promoting books for the public!

          So click through:

And if you know any authors, please, have them shoot me an email at john@johnirvinauthor.com. I have plenty of spots open for the episodes!

If you enjoyed this post, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails on Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

I’ve now been hosting a YouTube channel called John Irvin, Author Journey Series. Check it out at YOUTUBE.COM/AUTHORJOURNEY

Follow me on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com

Another note, I have to make sure to let you know, all links I use for my fellow authors’ works are affiliate links because why not?

A Re-Telling of the Classic Old Story

Heart-breaking, but mesmerizing is what they say.

By John Irvin

          A high fantasy: Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon.  

          You know me and my thing for mermaids. You know when I saw Carylyn Turgeon’s book sitting on that bookshelf at my favorite bookstore I just had to grab it.

          You know I ached with my favorite character and you know I cried with her too.

          You know I have to recommend this old favorite to you.

Watch the video below then click through this link: MERMAID.

Two princesses take two paths. One is of the sea and the other is of the land. Their paths cross when they discover a nearly drowned man. Both develop relationship with him. Both fall in love.

Drawn from the original tale by Hans Christian Anderson, this story does not take on the Disney light-hearted version. There is a more sinister darkness creeping through the underlying plot.

This tale of the little mermaid who loved a human will have you falling in love and crying your heart out.

So don’t miss out on grabbing your copy waiting for you!

Click this link to go buy: MERMAID.

While you’re here on my website, maybe you can join me too? I have an author team that is helping me prepare for my debut Spring 2021 Toward the Pacific Book Tour. We greatly desire your support to help us take books out of that good ole comfort zone and find more readers.

          The more you are able to donate, the more possible it is for me to take my books on a trip across the continent and grow our reading tribe while promoting books for the public!

          So click through:

And if you know any authors, please, have them shoot me an email at john@johnirvinauthor.com. I have plenty of spots open for the episodes!

If you enjoyed this post, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails on Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

I’ve now been hosting a YouTube channel called John Irvin, Author Journey Series. Check it out at YOUTUBE.COM/AUTHORJOURNEY

Follow me on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com

Another note, I have to make sure to let you know, all links I use for my fellow authors’ works are affiliate links because why not?

Crowdfunding is the New Way for New Business

We always go on about our success being about community, but then don’t help each other out…

By John Irvin

          I recently dreamed a wealthy individual learned about my team’s GoFundMe fundraiser for the Toward the Pacific Book Tour Spring 2021 and donated $10,000 to it (which, by the way, is the total goal) and because he did that, several other people ended up jumping on the bandwagon and donating thousands.

          Next thing I knew, my team no longer had enough to go on a simple cross-the-country book tour, but instead, we had enough to turn my debut book tour into a world book tour.

          The artists on my team became famous like Picasso and Da Vinci, the actress joined the high ranks of Hollywood, and the country guys built cabins and started hunting reserves. Of course, I was reached my life’s dream, becoming a bestselling novelist.

          If only life were as simple as dreams.

          But, you know, then again, it could be. People always talk about community and helping each other rise to success. That’s what crowdfunding is all about. Ten people give ten dollars and you have a hundred dollars raised.

          A thousand people give ten dollars and you have ten thousand.

          We then lift each other up. If you have a dream I can support, I share it and give what I can. If my dream is successful and you helped me, I then, in turn, point people to you and invest in you until you’re successful. Then we both look for the next person to invest in and lift them up.

          Before you know it, we’re all millionaires inspiring the next generation.

          I’m going to be real and vulnerable with you.

          I don’t see that among most of the circles I hang with.

Community Support!

          No, sadly, the general rule seems to be: overload the person striving for success with so much advice they’re brains are reeling. But when that person tells you about their fundraiser, you ask every once in awhile how it’s doing and when they are honest, letting you know they’re struggling, you simply say things like, “Don’t give up. Other people are struggling, but keep going.” Instead of throwing a ten dollar bill at that person to actually help out.

          Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate encouraging words as much as the next guy. But they don’t pay the bills.

          I’d also like to point out, there are a few friends who have already donated and I know for certain they’re struggling financially just like me. Yet, I also know, if ten dollars is too much for you, then you really need to rethink your financial situation. I’ve given fifty to my own fundraiser and I’m the struggling author.

           Yet, now, I’ve got my first books in a local brick-and-mortar bookstore and people are surprised while others aren’t. You really learn who believes in you when you climb your mountain.

          I don’t know, people are just interesting. You have that one friend who gives several hundred dollars to your fundraiser, but you have all those other friends who don’t give a penny.

          I know we’re all busy with our own lives and we forget about things—this is one reason I’m posting more and sharing more, because this dream has got to come true come Spring 2021.

          I’ve been at this authorpreneur business for four years come December. I’ve published over thirty books now. I’ve built and re-built websites, I’ve built networks, lost them, and am building them again. I’ve tried almost every marketing plan I’ve read about that doesn’t cost money. I’ve ready countless books on how to sell books.

Some struggle, some simply refuse, we’re all humans.

          I know, it’s ONLY four years, you say. Yes, I’m selling more copies than I did at the beginning. But still, I’m finding a hug gap between my position and my dreams. I look out among my circles and see friends who have dreams of their own, knowing deep in my heart I want so much to help them. But I’m unable to…yet.

          So, please, if you’ve read this far, I appreciate your willingness to bare through all this mess and these raw emotions. I’m not angry at anyone. I really hope this blog didn’t come out sounding like I am.

          People have been telling me to open up more, be more vulnerable. I guess, what I’m trying to say is: I need you. We need you. My team and I need your support. We can’t do this on our own. No one can achieve success on their own.

          I know this year has been insane, but every year has its insanity. Why not start this holiday season, giving to a community fundraiser? Maybe giving more support this Autumn-Winter time, we’ll be able to usher in a brighter and more successful New Year?

          So, if you can spare ten dollars—or maybe even a little more—please click through this link and join our awesome and amazing supporters in lifting us up so we can, in turn, lift others up!

If you enjoyed this post, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails on Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

I’ve now been hosting a YouTube channel called John Irvin, Author Journey Series. Check it out at YOUTUBE.COM/AUTHORJOURNEY

Follow me on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com

Back on Track with the Authorpreneur Life

It’s a beautiful morning and I’m getting to do what I enjoy most!

Back on top of the stack!

By John Irvin

          Finally, back on track with the author life, writing away, editing away, and publishing tomorrow!

          Book 7, The World Burns, in my Magic’s Time Split series brings us back to the Deadlands where Jenna and Gael discovered zombies are real. Only, this South American continent is transforming into something totally different.

          There’s an Ifrit—not your every day friendly wish-granting genie—more zombies, and other new creatures introduced in this new installation of the series.

          Even more exciting news, I get to publish the consecutive books on a weekly basis this month—can you believe it’s already October? So I’ll be finished with the Magic’s Time Split realm in four weeks. Such a bittersweet thought. But, I’m finally ready to move on to the next world!

          My plans for the rest of the year? I’ll be returning to the Longevity series while also considering a few stand-alone novellas that have been waiting to be published this year. They’re only missing their cover art.

          We’ll see how things go.

          I’d like to share two of them: Unexpected Friends and Bringing Him Back. One is about a werewolf and a mermaid and the other is about a woman on the quest to resurrect her husband in a paranormal city.

          Yes, I know, sounds out there, right?

          This is one of the things I enjoy doing: sharing some of my most far-fetched imaginations with you, my wonderful readers.

          As you know, if you’ve been keeping up with my posts, I’ve switched my Patreon account to a tip-giving basis. There are some people out there who enjoy helping artists out and don’t want rewards. So, if you’d like to start giving a dollar a month, that would be so appreciated! But, you don’t have to.

          It’s just there for anyone who wants to: Click Here!

The coming months have so many things!

          Now, another thing I’ll be working on with my author career for the next month or two is I’m switching up my YouTube channel again. I’ll be returning to a daily episode posting. So these next several weeks will be crammed with my stocking up on videos. I want to have a stash before committing to this.

          I’m also considering taking a break from fiction writing and finishing a nonfiction ebook I started last year. It’s called, Paranormal Passions: How to Write with Ghosts, Vampires, and Werewolves.

          I figured, now that I have more than thirty published books under my belt, it’s time to start giving back and helping those younger aspiring writers out there. So, the idea is to have this book out there for free while also offering a writing webinar.

          Now, don’t hold me to this, it’s only been bouncing back and forth inside my brain along with the gazillion other ideas in there.

          I’ll have to research and study how to design the best webinar as I don’t want to waste anyone’s time or money. That’s being a thief and I hate thieves.

          So there’s just a couple of the hundreds of ideas I’d like to make reality this coming season. It’ll be Christmas before we know it and I have no holiday stories planned for publication this year—sorry if you feel like I’m cheating you.

          Oh, the other point before I close today. GoFundMe fundraiser for the Toward the Pacific Spring 2021 Book Tour. Yes, I’m going to keep bring this up until we’ve reached our goal. Please, join our supporters and help my team raise what we need. Help us make this dream come true!

          Have a great life, see ya next week.

If you enjoyed this post, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails on Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

I’ve now been hosting a YouTube channel called John Irvin, Author Journey Series. Check it out at YOUTUBE.COM/AUTHORJOURNEY

Follow me on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com