Book reading – Page 20 – John Irvin, Author

September 3, 2020August 31, 2020

A Dream Coming True in a Local Bookstore

If you have a dream, don’t ever give up on it, like me with my books!

By John Irvin

If you’ve been following my YouTube or any of my social networks, then you would have seen last week—a week exactly from today—a dream came true for me. Three of my thirty published works have made it into a bookstore here in Pensacola, Florida.

Here is the announcement video on my YouTube channel—it’s not too long, just a couple minutes.

Yes, it was a surreal moment in my life that I’ll never forget. Bodacious Bookstore and Café are already my favourite bookstore in town right now. The people who work there are amazing also and understanding too. They seemed to be as excited as I was while we discussed the deal then the manager, Alina, opened a space on top of the bookcase for me.

She’s awesome.

Then, while she stepped away, I got the film for the announcement and went on my way so I wouldn’t scare any customers away.

From what I know right now, we’ve already sold one copy. There are only six copies there for this first quarter. We’re using them to see which books sell so we’ll know for next quarter.

If you are visiting Pensacola or live in Pensacola, I recommend heading down to Bodacious Bookstore and Café, checking out their menu—they’ve got everything from paninis to coffee to soup!

And, of course, they now have three of my books.

Alina did ask if any of them were stand-alones or part of a series.

The three books on display are Shattered, the Complete Collection, Longevity, Book 1: Revelation, and StarQuest: A Novel—which itself is part of an Anthology which will be growing next year.

So yes, each one is part of its own world.

Speaking of Longevity, have I announced Book 3: Wandering is out in print today? I’ll have to share the link next week.

Right now, while you’re reading this blog, I’m packing for a trip to Kentucky!

Family trip.

Well, I hope you have an amazing rest of your week and enjoy this share I just brought to the table. Believe me, this is proof that dreams do come true. It can only get better from here too!

Keep chasing your dreams, my friend!

Also, while you’re at it, hop on over to my team’s GoFundMe Fundraiser page and join our supporters so, next year when all this mess is cleared up, we’ll have our total goal raised and I can go on my first Book Tour—which, by the way, will be starting at Bodacious Bookstore and Café since they’re the first brick-and-mortar to take on my books!

Here’s the link: gf.me/u/xp24cf

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 Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com

August 27, 2020August 24, 2020

Finishing Up a Ten Volume Series…

Could humans seriously survive a timeline-altering catastrophe like Magic being unleashed on the globe and killing Technology?

By John Irvin

I can’t believe it! I know it’s cliché, but I seriously feel like it was yesterday when I started out on this adventure with my heroes of the Magic’s Time Split series.

I started writing the dark fantasy/alternate timeline series back in late 2018. I spent the first few months gathering up background information and researching various articles for the time period settings.

I wrote out profiles for the original five main characters—though, one of them didn’t get as much spotlight as I expected he would. Funny how characters do that to us authors many times. They’re stubborn people, just like their creators—sometimes more. I have a set outline, but they have minds of their own.

Anyways, my five characters are Gael Ilan, Jenna Ganne, Levi Vorel, Jessica Biar, and Colin Faller. They lead a group of families back through time to Hidden Lake, Montana Territory in the year 1815.

If you’ve been keeping up with my blog, my newsletter, or the books themselves, you already know what happens.

But yes, I finished Book 9’s first draft—When Gods Battle—and am working my way through the final installation: Fallen Star’s Rebirth. Some mysteries are being uncovered before my own eyes and a few plot twists have taken me by surprise in the shower.

This is usually where I get my plot twists, by the way. It’s either in the shower or late at night when I’m trying to fall asleep.

I’m interested in seeing what plays out with this last book in the series. I wonder what the epilogue is going show.

After I’m finished, it’ll be the revision and editing stage, then I’ll begin publishing these last four volumes one after the other by the end of November of this year. It’s been a long, but swell ride. I’m going to miss my friends.

Now what exactly would happen if Magic was unleashed on the world and Tech was obliterated? Or at least, what is my perspective? By reading this series, you get to see a variation of said perspective. Naturally, there are things that would go differently, I’d think, if this scenario truly did play out.

Personally, I wonder how Gael and Colin managed to build the time machine at the very beginning. Oddly, I saw things going in a different direction with that, but never mind.

When the Red Crystal was shattered the Magic stirred something deep within the bowels of this planet. Being the year of 1815, technology was pretty advanced, but not as advanced as today…naturally. They had guns, they had electricity, but still hadn’t come up with air travel or the train!

These United States were still infants and their federation under the new Constitution was tense at best. The President at the time was James Madison and only the fourth in the office. He was two years away from ending his term.

So would America survive a Magical take-over? Who knows? Would any nations of Earth survive such a world-wide event? I mean, they did have magic thousands of years ago…according to ancient legends and myths. But, with modern man—especially in the early 1800s—Magic was taboo. Ever heard of Salem?

You can imagine the panic in the streets, the riots, the insanity. With mythical creatures suddenly flooding out of the forests around them, I’m pretty sure a lot of the States probably managed to get wiped out quickly, at least cut in half. I’ve portrayed this in a very different light in Book 5, Beasts Will Change.

Not to mention the US Government always seems to enjoy tampering with things that don’t belong to them. So leave it to them to unleash a viral agent turning themselves into Vampires like in Book 4, When Nights Bleed.

Over in Europe, I’m sure there would still be a few strong countries able to survive the monsters and creatures of their nightmares. But, many of the humans to succumb to the various viruses or diseases or mutations that come with Magic’s reign.

I actually start to share maps of the world regions in the later books. I’ll share two of them here in this post.

So, in answering the question: yes, I believe mankind could survive a new timeline ruled by Magic. But there would be so many other sentient races arriving on the scene with this new era. Like the were-Beasts and, my favourite, the Fae. Tir Na Nog—the home realm of the Faerie peoples is reconnected with Earth, its portals opening back in the ancient moors of Ireland and reawakening to bring a major plot role.

Then, of course, there are the Immortals. The Ancients are one faction while the newbies build a home there at Hidden Valley, Montana—which, by the way, becomes a new kingdom of its own.

For more information, check out the series page: MAGIC’S TIME SPLIT.

This series—though only in ebook format on Kindle and Nook—will be coming with me on the Book Tour in Spring 2021! Please, join my team’s supporters by donating and helping us reach out funding goal for the Tour. Click through this link gf.me/u/xp24cf and send us your gift.

We’re hoping to send out gifts to all our donors, but we won’t be able to do that unless we reach our total goal. Thank you ahead of time!

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

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

July 30, 2020July 27, 2020

The Species of the Gothic Fantasy, WOLF’S RISING.

In this short ebook, there are several different races that play a part in the world of Kyn.

By John Irvin

This short favourite of mine, Wolf’s Rising, was conceived in my mind a few years back. It wasn’t until last year that I actually wrote, edited, and published the tale of a freedom. I had no idea there would be so many different species taking part in this Gothic Fantasy.

It could also be considered a High Fantasy like Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, since the story does not take place on the planet Earth.

This world is called Kyn. Yes, it sounds a lot like “kin” so you could probably take that and run with some kind of theory about the origin stories.

All I know, the Wolf-Born have been enslaved to the Dark Elves for centuries. Recently, a rebellion is begun among the ranks and our story picks up with one of the leaders, Duncan. Although he has no memory at the start of who he is or what he’s doing chained up in a damp dungeon.

There a woman is brought in and thrown at his feet.

He recognises her.

But finding out his memory is not the subject of this blog today.

Actually, I wanted to talk about the various species that take part in the story.

The world of Kyn is inhabited by Wolf-Born and Dark Elves—that’s all we know near the start of the book. But, once we’ve been delving deeper, we discover there is a spiritual realm that can be connected to called the Otherworld.

This disturbing realm is home to Ghouls and Shades. Stalking the recesses of the shadow realm, these creatures like to prey on the unsuspecting. But that can’t seem to touch the residents of Kyn, though it’s obvious, sometimes they can see them.

People of Kyn cannot see the Shades or the Ghouls, they’ve been ignorant of their existence for millennia…apparently.

So caught up with the rebellion the Dark Elves have no idea they are threatened.

Dark Elves…

Dark Elves were first mentioned in Norse mythology. They were known as the Dökkálfar and it was claimed they lived beneath the earth. They had a counterpart known as the Light Elves—or Ljósálfar—who lived above the earth and were “fairer than the sun.”

The Light Elves are not mentioned in Wolf’s Rising—so we’re not certain if they even exist. Not to mention, Dark Elves live in castles on top of Kyn’s terrain—not much into cave-dwelling.

J. R. R. Tolkien also mentions Dark Elves in his legendarium.

Wolf-Born…

Now, the Wolf-Born, I’ve discussed this species before in previous blog articles covering my Longevity series. But, these folk in Wolf’s Rising—though identical to my Wolf-Born Race in the Longevity series—are not related at all.

Yes, they are shape-shifters. Yes, they do stand like humans when in Beast form, but covered in fur and wolf’s head. But, they’re not even on the same planet. These Wolf-Born have been slaves for a thousand or so years.

Ghouls…

The Ghouls are the next species mentioned. Though, they might be arriving on Kyn soon, these creatures stalk the lands of the Otherworld.

Ghouls originated in pre-Islamic Arabian mythology and were said to be demon-like or humanoid monsters who ate flesh and hung around graveyards. I’ve tried to keep this persona as close to the original as possible. The Ghouls, though not necessarily called demons in Wolf’s Rising, are definitely flesh-eaters and look similar to zombies.

They are not exactly sentient, but are keen to mind-control by a certain Shade.

Shades…

The Shade whose name is Bezarnok is part of a malevolent species who rule the spirit realm. These creatures originate millennia ago and span across various ancient mythologies. The Greeks believed them to be dead people wandering the Underworld. The Egyptians also believed Shades stalked the Underworld and were cursed souls. Even in Jewish folklore, Shades were called tsalmaveth which means “death shadow.”

So, a lot of cool history as to the Earthly origins of these species even though this story does not take place here, but in a world called Kyn.

Click through to read the brief description and maybe buy a copy. I’ve been told by my readers they enjoyed it. If you’re into fantasy, I’m pretty sure you will too. I loved writing it.

JOHN IRVIN’S WOLF RISING…

Also, while you’re at it, please go over to GoFundMe and check out my team’s page for our fundraiser. We were planning a Book Tour to cross the continent and take my books to the public, but Covid and other issues has forced us to postpone from end of August to Spring of 2021! But, we are keeping our fundraiser open to give people the ability to join our previous supporters and help us prepare for an even greater Book Tour when it finally does happen!

gf.me/u/xp24cf

Until next week, y’all have a great life.

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

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

July 23, 2020July 21, 2020

Travelling Across the World and Up and Down through It.

I’ve stepped back into the dark recesses of the Underworld again, a lot sooner than I expected.

By John Irvin

I’ve returned to the world of my Magic’s Time Split series—click through this link to check out the previously published ebooks in the series, found on Amazon Kindle and Barnes&Noble’s Nook!

It feels like as soon as I began the new draft, my friends, the Immortals, were thrust into a new foreboding adventure. Back in Book 3, As Flesh Rots, two of them, Gael and Jenna, were attacked by zombies and there was a scene in which Jenna was dragged by the undead down into what could have been a piece of the Underworld.

It was a cavern close to the actual Underworld, but they never actually had to see the horrors awaiting them there.

All this time, trekking our ways through the next several books, I knew there would come a time, eventually, when they would have to actually enter the realm of the dead. It was just a given from the sensation of the story.

And now, in Book 7, The World Burns, Gael, Jenna, Jessica, and Levi have been pulled through an Ifrit’s portal into a hot, fire-lit, demon-infested network of tunnels and caverns. They’re pretty sure this is the Underworld.

Some entrances to the Underworld are simple caves.

I’m excited to share what happens next…you’ll just have to wait a couple more months. These final four books in the Magic’s Time Split series will be published soon—all before the end of this year.

Speaking of the Underworld, returning to this disturbing place, makes me think of Rick Riordan’s adventure fantasy series, Percy Jackson, and its spin-off series. All of these awesome books are based on Greek and Roman myths and there are, in fact, several times our heroes venture into the Underworld.

I’m now reading more on the different types of Underworlds in the world’s mythologies. Quite a fascinating subject to explore: the opinions of the ancients on where human souls went after death.

Now, I think, every mythology believes the Underworld to be the realm of the dead. There are plenty of stories about heroes questing into the realm, though.

Of course, everyone knows the Greek version. It’s named after the god ruling it: Hades. Although, contrary to popular belief, the god of the Underworld wasn’t as mischevious as most present him to be…well, there was that one time with Persophone.

The Mayans of Mesoamerica had their own theory on the afterlife. Xibalba, which means “place of fright” was for everyone—whether you were good in your past life or evil. Nice, huh? Apparently, only those who died violent deaths were allowed into heaven.

In Xibalba, the dead were there for eternity. Only kings or nobles could be summoned by relatives in a “Serpent Vision” ceremony. There were eight levels, according to the Aztecs. Each level had its own special danger.

In Egypt, the Underworld was called Duat and represented by a star inside a circle. It was believed the god, Osiris, governed this place. He personified life after death: rebirth. Duat was also the region the sun god, Ra, travelled from west to east during the night.

It was here when Ra would battle with Apophis, the primordial chaos who constantly tried to retake the creation.

Duat was where souls went after death for judgment. But they weren’t in judgment for the rest of their afterlife. There were apparently twelve different regions—based on the twelve hours of night. When Ra was in the Underworld, the dead got to enjoy a bright life. They would then fall back to sleep when he left, awaiting for his return the next night.

Up in Celtic mythology, the place of the dead was a realm of delights. Similar to the Greek fields of Elysium, Mag Mell—or Annwn—was an otherworld kingdom often depicted as an island kingdom or kingdom beneath the sea.

Then, of course, there’s the Norse mythology—one of my favourites. Their underworld is called Hel after the goddess of that realm. There are Nine Worlds, according to the Nordic tales. Hel is the ninth of these worlds and the place where evil men go after death.

Valhalla was the Hall of those slain in Battle

There is another realm for the dead: Valhalla. The “hall of the slain” is an enormours and wondrous hall located in Asgard. This is where those who die in combat are taken by female beings called Valkyries. Actually, only half go here—Valhalla is ruled by Odin, the King of the gods. The other half slain in battle are taken to Freyja’s field Fólkvangr. Freyja is the goddess of love, beauty, fertility, war, gold, and others. She also has a hall in Fólkvangr, it’s called Sessrúmnir.

These dead warriors are to feast and prepare for Ragnorak, the end of the world.

I think that’ll be enough discussion on the types of Underworlds in myth…now the question is, which Underworld will my Immortals discover awaiting them? Or will it be a mixture of the various ones? I guess you’ll just have to read to find out.

Speaking of reading and books, there’s a chance I may be having a single author event here in the town of Pensacola. A local bookstores has been corresponding with me about adding my books to their shelves. It would be nice to get some experience in before the big deal next spring for the book tour.

If you could spare some dollars to put toward this and my book tour, that would be amazing!

gf.me/u/xp24cf

Until next week, y’all have a great life.

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

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

July 16, 2020July 21, 2020

What it Takes to Be a Writer, a YouTube and Blog Worthy Discussion.

Sharing this month’s YouTube vlog and also continuing its discussion about the facets of being a writer—or full-time author.

By John Irvin

This month’s YouTube Author Journey Series episode is out this morning. Here is the link below. Click through to watch yours truly talking about what it takes to be a writer.

I would like to continue the brief chat about being a writer. Many people have asked me of late, how do you do it? Where do you find the time? How do you become a writer?

Personally, I’ve always been a writer, even before I started writing. You can ask my family. Growing up, I was always sharing stories or dreams with my younger brothers. I’d initiate stories with them to the point, my bed was moved out of the shared bedroom.

It was through this move, I think, I decided it was time to start writing my stories down. Sometimes, people begin their writing journal because no one else listens. Not to say my family didn’t listen, but there was a point where they tired of hearing of all these “far-fetched” ideas I had.

So, there was a day, when I was fourteen years old, I sat down and started penning the first line to the first story I ever truly wrote. Years later, I discovered old pictures I’d drawn when I was a young child years before that. I drew these cartoons and wrote little snippets when I was too young to know the proper sentence structure.

You could say I was born writing.

Other people start writing later in life. It doesn’t matter when you start, but start you must. If there is a story inside you, don’t suppress it. Don’t hide it. Let it out or it will strangle you.

Many times, we writers have no idea what is coming out of our fingers. We don’t tend to share this with folk, except for those we feel close to, maybe. Just because an author is successful, doesn’t mean he or she still knows what he’s doing.

We are servants of that muse. Our only duty is to be writing when she shows up.

There are stories inside us that surprise even ourselves. How could we come up with something so dark? How could we sound so evil? Aren’t we good people? Then how did we imagine that murder scene? Aren’t we friendly people? How come our characters seem to despise humanity?

Every book is a piece of its author, but an author is not responsible for the character’s thoughts, words, or actions. The book summons the author, not the other way around.

Writing is our freedom to delve into parts of ourselves we do not dare become. But, it gives us the freedom to explore the consequences of these pieces.

Sometimes, there’s a sense of justice that must be served and these plots are to help us find closure. Maybe someone did us wrong in the past, we’ve forgiven them—or maybe we haven’t—but this book must be written to truly bring justice against that wrong.

By the way, don’t ever wrong a writer. They get their revenge in print.

We can also flip that on its head. If a writer falls in love with you, you’ll live forever.

I find some of my best writing comes from falling in love or being heartbroken.

Sometimes I feel I’m only along for the ride, following my protagonist around and letting him show me things I haven’t even realised myself. It can be a life lesson to follow the journey of an author.

Take my Longevity series. I don’t think I’ve ever been more emotionally involved with a story than with this one. I can’t share how many tears I’ve shared with my character in certain heart-wrenching scenes.

In the last book, Wandering, my editor gave me feedback about my protagonist’s actions. They pointed out, they were enjoying watching how this person was discovering he was standing in the way of himself.

And it hit me. Have I been standing in my own way? I’ve always struggled with self-confidence. Most people don’t realise this, but doubting is one of my biggest weaknesses. I think this is why my career path has been so fettered by one stumbling block after another.

But, I’m slowly understanding myself more and more and beginning to implement more confidence in my actions or my beliefs. Life is unfolding for me just as it is for my Wolf-Born character.

Interesting things these books—even more, when you are their creator.

Another thing I talk about in the YouTube episode is how a writer needs to step out of his comfort zone and take his books to his readers. I feel like social networking is only one way of making connections. The old way can sometimes be the good way.

This is why I planned the Toward the Pacific Author Book Tour for next month. Now, if you’ve been keeping up to date with me, you’ll know my team has postponed it for Spring of 2021. We are, however, keeping the campaign open for the fundraising. Maybe an extra eight or nine months will give us the preparation we need?

It’ll also give more people the chance to show their support and donate to the campaign! Click through to the link below and join our supporters! We’re excited to share these books and our adventures with you as we get ready for next year!

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Until next week, y’all have a great life.

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

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

July 2, 2020June 29, 2020

I’m Presently Reading Three Books About Entrepreneurship and Business and Moral Codes.

I’m finding myself needing more encouragement so I’ve been finding some real gems when it comes to “business sense” books to read.

By John Irvin

Earlier this week, I announced the postponing for the Book Tour until next year. But, my team and I will be keeping the fundraiser open and going until the Book Tour which will be either in April or May next year.

This way, it’ll make people feel like they can breathe, I think.

Other than that, Longevity, Book 3: Wandering is finally published though it may take a few days to get sorted out online.

Books I’m reading…

I finished reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire last week. Already added the next book to my Kindle, but I’m going to finish the three books I’m reading right now before moving on.

The first book is called The Entrepreneur Mind and it’s written by the millionaire, Kevin D. Johnson. Already has me rethinking and plotting other business ventures with my proofreading as well as my author careers. A great read if you’re needing both insight, motivation, and wisdom from experience!

The second book is Ghost Writing by Rayne Hall and Mariana Sabino. I’m possibly going to being joining in a ghostwriting venture secretly here in the near future—I’m hoping for it on the edge of my seat, I should say. So I figured I’d get some back up knowledge while I’m waiting.

The third book, Knightly Virtue: Living the Old Code in a Modern World, is by Jason Bright and already has me a bit captivated from the codes set forth. I was raised to be a gentleman. I know I’ve faltered and made mistakes in my past and this is a good book for refreshing that code instilled in me as a child.

So, these are just some of the reading I’m doing and, like I said, I’m looking forward to starting Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix shortly after finishing these ones.

Back to my GoFundMe campaign: my team and I will be sharing it off and on over these next several months and maybe by April we’ll have the desired total goal. I’ll have more books out by then and thus be in need of ordering the stock for the author events. We covet your support and thank you ahead of time for any donations you can make!

gf.me/u/xp24cf

Until next week, y’all have a great life.

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

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