Click through to watch today’s YouTube episode announcing the start of what I’m calling my 90-Day Author’s Assault.
Although this is a short blog today, I’m excited to share the news with you. For the past month, I’ve been working on a host of episodes for my John Irvin, Author Journey series.
For the first thirty days, I’ll be sharing short book trailers for my own works. There will probably be more than thirty by the end of it, because I’m still publishing more books even as this blog comes out!
After that, I have sixty days to share the works of so many of my fellow authors. I’ve already reached out to several author friends I’ve gotten to know over these past couple of years. Some of them are new authors, some have been doing this official authorpreneur business longer than I have.
I’m so excited to share all of this with you.
Although, you just might get tired of seeing me on all your social networks because I’m going to be sharing these posts every single day on every single network.
This is devotion. This is commitment. This is probably also a little crazy.
But crazy keeps the world going round.
Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing what my author friends will be filming for their trailers I’ll be sharing later.
Also, this will run 90 days, which means, it’s going to charge into the New Year of 2021!
Hopefully, the visibility this could bring for my author friends and myself, we’ll be able to have an amazing launch of the New Year for our works.
I do know one thing. Every single episode, I’ll be sharing my team’s GoFundMe fundraiser for the Book Tour in Spring 2021. So, if it doesn’t get on people’s nerves, we’ll probably get better donations then.
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
You’re probably going to be tired of me or get to know me better and enjoy it…one or the other.
By John Irvin
These past couple of weeks I’ve been working on finishing up my Magic’s Time Split series—as you well know, if you’ve been following. By next week’s blog, I’ll be publishing the final book in that series.
Wait. Take a deep breath. Sigh.
Okay, then it’ll be moving on to new and exciting things. But, I’m not leaving them for good. I’ll be stopping by their corner over on their book page to share goodies with you over the next year and beyond.
It’s amazing how time flies. I feel like I just started this series, now I’m finishing up the tenth book and everything is finally coming together.
Part of me wants to take a break. But, the other part knows, that’s not possible. When I’ve finished this book, I’ll be returning to the Longevity world because there is still so much going on there.
I’d like to take this moment and ask forgiveness for the issue with Book 3, Wandering, in the Longevity series. It was not until after I approved it for print, publishing it on 3 October, 2020, that two weeks later Ingram Spark sent me an email, letting me know the interior hadn’t been fixed to fit the dimensions.
Thanks.
I think my formatter is fired.
Anyhoo, maybe I’ll see if I can figure out how to actually format pdfs and that’ll, not only give me experience and another skill, but also cut down on the publishing costs. That $100—which depends on each book—could be used for something else!
Also, on top of finishing the Magic’s Time Split, I’ve been working on something else. It has to do with what I was originally going to set out to do when I started my YouTube channel, John Irvin, Author Journey Series, last year.
I’ve been feeling like I’ve been neglecting that channel these past few months. Well, not anymore. Don’t worry. Maybe another week and you’ll know what I’m talking about.
I hope last week’s blog wasn’t offensive to anyone. The last thing I want to do is making someone angry or hurt someone else. But, my team and I have simply been wondering what on earth is not getting through to people? What about our GoFundMe Book Tour fundraiser is not resonating?
Are we doing something wrong? I mean, we have one person who has already given hundreds and then there’s a few who’ve given a fifty or a twenty or a ten. One friend even gave $200 in cash.
But, then, there’s those 2,000 plus people that I know on my social networks alone—this is not counting the rest of my team members and their networks.
Maybe there’s something else we should be doing? Maybe we’re not asking right.
We don’t know. All we do know is, we can ask. You have not because you ask not. So, we’re asking, please help us by joining our supporters and launching us to our goal so we can take this Toward the Pacific Book Tour in Spring 2021!
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
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.
A Magic-ruled Alternate Timeline Map!
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.
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’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
Scotland is rich with heritage, with thousands of years, the folk lore runs rampant in these lochs and highlands.
Scottish Glen…
By John Irvin
While growing up, I would often find myself sitting in my dad’s study/office and listening to stories about our ancestors that he’d uncovered that week or previously. I enjoyed these chats and miss them quite often.
I feel like these memories and the love of reading many of the books in his library about the history of Scotland as well as the rest of Europe played a role in my zest for history and the story of our ancestors.
My clan originated back in the early 900s A.D., according to ancient account. We played roles of advisors to the first kings and even became Kings of the original Scottish Kingdom. Of course, they were murdered and the crown stolen, hence my near pauper state of being an artist.
The War of Independence…
The Braveheart memorial near the Wallace Monument across the river from Stirling, Scotland.
I rarely come across an individual who has not, at least, heard of the classic film directed by Mel Gibson, Braveheart. This movie not only inspired my dad and me, it inspired a nation. From what I’ve read, it made the greatest impact on Scotland since the stealing of the Stone of Destiny from London.
Set during the national upheaval, while King Edward the Longshanks was ruling the rest of Britain and taking control of his northern neighbour, the film is about a man who refuses to mess with political matters—until it becomes personal. Going on to lead one of the greatest “rebellions” history has ever known, Sir William Wallace nearly saw his nation win her independence and freedom.
Betrayed by a friend, he was captured by the English and sentenced to a brutal execution. But, he inspired Robert the Bruce to lead the army and years later, the Declaration of Arbroath was written, signed, and sent to the Pope in 1320. This document has been used as a nationalist inspiration for Scotland’s independence.
It is during this time that my second novel in the Longevity series is set. Independence is about Sir Ihon (pronounced Ian) Iraes has returned from his visit to the Haven to find the land of his birth in the midst of war. He meets the famed Sir William Wallace and is caught up with the cause.
Scotland
Wallace’s Sword…
One historical aspect the film kept accurate was the Sword of William Wallace. According to historical evidence this patriot was a big man. Wielding about a sword of five and a half feet steel took great strength and leverage. Known as the claymore, the greatsword was a chief weapon among the Scots.
The Scottish Claymore, a formidable weapon.
It has become a favourite type of sword for me as well. Possibly the Scottish blood in me, but I also am endeared to its design. The two-handed hilt with the broad bare and the thick double-edged blade with its length, the Scottish Claymore is an exceptional tool.
It is Wallace’s Claymore that inspired the sword used in the first two books of the Longevity series. Passed down from his father to him, Ihon enjoys the cold and hefty steel. The insignia on the claymore’s hilt is not the family crest as he used to think. The wolf symbolizes his other life, the date is the founding of the Supreme Council, and the rest is the rank his father bore in the Second Great War with the Spawn.
I’m hoping to be able to craft this sword one day into reality. The Sword of Ihon Iraes, Knight of Scotland, Superior Officer of the Wolf-Born Army…one day.
The Wolf-Born Capital…
Its origins deep in ancient legends, the city of the Wolf-Born, Sanguiatro, was built shortly before the first Supreme Council was convened. Its name literally means “dark blood.” Wolf-Born carry blood so dark it’s black—a disturbing sight to any human who witnesses its spill.
The Capital has been through two moves. Originally, it was hidden within the Turkish Highlands before Christ. It then settled near Ancient Rome’s founding and, eventually, moved with the Second Great Migration to the Highlands of Scotland.
If you’d like to learn more, click through the link and order a copy of Longevity, Book 2: Independence. The link will take you directly to the Longevity page where I’ve got the previous books gathered as well.
Also, Independence is one of the books I’m taking with me on my Toward the Pacific Book Tour come Spring of 2021. Your donations, however big or small, will help tremendously toward that goal. Thank you so much! Click through to join our supporters as my team and I prepare.
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
Over time, you figure out the first draft is not the final draft, the only thing required for a first draft is to get it down!
By John Irvin
Writing First Drafts.
I’m writing the first draft for Revolution, Book 4 in the Longevity series. I’m enjoying getting to know the new characters as well as figure out the ways in which my protagonist, Ihon (pronounced Ian), is changing.
Halfway done with the chapters, but I know there’s quite a bit more work to do. Thing is, I used to fret about getting everything right. I used to struggle with editing myself while working the first draft.
This is not the right thing to do.
First drafts are ONLY supposed to be you getting the words down. Editing comes later. Right now, it’s all about exploring and figuring out the theme and underlying messages. What am I trying to get across to my readers? What are the motives behind Ihon’s actions? What is his biggest desire and how can I keep it from him?
I’m also seeing some different themes in this book compared to the previous three.
The time period is an interesting one. It’s set shortly before the French and Indian War—which actually came as a surprise, so I’m interested to see why this came about. The book will take Ihon up into the American Revolution.
But, I guess the main question I’m trying to answer is: after so many decades of avoiding human wars and civilisation’s struggles, why is Ihon suddenly concerning himself over these new upstart colonies and their causes? Or is he just going along with the flow for now?
Things do seem to be going well for him in the first half of the book, but he knows from past experiences, all good things do come to an end. So there’s that underlying dark sense to his character. He’s not trusting.
I’m wondering if I’m conveying this well enough. But, for now, I keep telling myself this is just the first draft. I’m excited to keep exploring and figuring out the answers to so many questions now rising in the back of my mind.
And now, before I give away anymore spoilers, I want to talk about the differences between Wolf-Born and Werewolves.
Wolf-Born vs Werewolf.
Werewolves are an ancient lore, crossing the centuries all the way back to the medieval ages. It is believed the Church was a sort of haven to the victims. Any church grounds could not be crossed by a werewolf. Holy water could burn the monster as well as silver. The crucifix also awarded a protection—like it did toward vampires.
Werewolves were about nine out of ten evil creatures. Except for the Celtic Werewolf in a few myths in which the creature was benevolent to humans.
A werewolf is a shape-shifter who can turn from human to an actual wolf and back again.
Now, a Wolf-Born, though also a shape-shifter, does not turn into an actual wolf. The Beast form, though looking like a giant wolf, is humanoid in stature, bipedal.
In my series, silver and holy water do not bother Wolf-Born.
Also, Wolf-Born are more good than evil. In fact, in my series, they are predominantly good and it is only those who go Rogue—or break the Ancient Creed—who are evil. Though, they can be redeemed in a certain way.
This version of the wolf-like shape-shifter is quite young in origin.
There are a few books from other authors—like Anne Rice’s The Wolf-Gift—and even the old video game, Skyrim, that come close to my version. Yes, I’m a fan of Skyrim. Although, those man-wolves, though similar to what I perceive as a Wolf-Born, are still called werewolves in the game and they are allowed to eat people.
According to the Ancient Creed—which is the Supreme Law of the Wolf-Born Race—we are not allowed to eat people.
Look at me, saying “we” instead of “they.” My bad. Ignore that. Haha
Well, another blog down and plenty more to come. Make sure, if you have not done so, to sign up for my newsletter so you can receive a free ebook!
Also, even though our book tour is postponed for spring next year, my team and I are still keeping the fundraiser on GoFundMe open until then. This will give more time and reason for our supporters to donate.
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
Check out this month’s YouTube vlog and read the Character Interview.
By John Irvin
Over last week’s weekend, I was able to publish Magic’s Time Split, Book 6: Mountains Are Living. I can’t believe I’m well past halfway through the series and things are really transpiring now. Ancient myths have become reality, forgotten secrets are being uncovered, and our four Immortal friends are finding out, their hoped-for-new-lives are not how they expected!
Check out the short book reading on my YouTube vlog:
In honour of this recent publication, I want to host another character interview from that actual book. His name is Benjamin Lykano, he’s the son of the Chief of Packs and Head of the Werewolf Clan in the former Alabama region.
John: Benjamin, thank you for joining us today! How’s the Beast Talks going?
Benjamin: *laughs* John, thanks for having me. I’m honoured to be here on your website today. The Beast Talks are going as any political summit goes, with a lot of negotiation, arguing, compromising, and blah blah blah. Thank God, I don’t have to deal with that.
Benjamin Lykano, Werewolf Clan
John: Even though you’re head of the Werewolf Clan?
Benjamin: Correct, I get to choose a representative or delegate as you would call them.
John: Well, that works out well for you. So, tell us, have you recently heard from your Immortal friends.
Benjamin: You mean, Gael, Jenna, Jessica, and Levi?
John: Those are the ones.
Benjamin: Actually, I have recently. They’re over in Switzerland—or rather, the Alps, Switzerland doesn’t necessarily exist anymore. They’ve discovered a couple new races and an ancient feud has been reignited. I can’t go into detail for sake of spoilers.
John: Darn, I was hoping to catch you!
Benjamin: Nope, you may be typing this out, but I’m my own person.
John: So, what can you tell me that won’t spoil anything?
Benjamin: I can say this, what they’re cooking up over there is going to include all of us. And, I can also add that this new book has something none of the other books have had so far.
John: What’s that?
Benjamin: Maps! There’s a map of the new North America and the new Europe! I was excited when I saw that. I did not realise the Beast Clan Lands were that extensive. Makes me happy. Your readers need to check this out!
John: Thank you, Benjamin, thank you for all you’ve done and for answering the few questions I had for you. And yes, this is to my readers, if you haven’t checked out the Magic’s Time Split series yet, here’s the link to the series page in my library:
And, to order Book 6, Mountains Are Living, here are the links to Kindle and Nook.
That’s all the time I have for today. I hope to see you back next week! In the meantime, my team and I are still raising the funds for our book tour. Join our supporters who have already donated to the cause and help us reach our goal!
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
