Tag: writing about books

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Not Your Regular Boarding School Girl

The life-changing event in India, sends Gemma Doyle to a boarding school in England.

By John Irvin

I knew there was something special about Gemma Doyle, this fanciful young girl living in India with her mother.

But when the moment happens that turns her life for the worse it seems, every sign told me she had powers she didn’t know about.

With the boy stalking her, I wondered what that was about.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray.

“In this debut gothic novel mysterious visions, dark family secrets and a long-lost diary thrust Gemma and her classmates back into the horrors that followed her from India. (Ages 12+)

It’s 1895, and after the suicide of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from the life she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma’s reception there is a chilly one. To make things worse, she’s been followed by a mysterious young Indian man, a man sent to watch her. But why? What is her destiny? And what will her entanglement with Spence’s most powerful girls—and their foray into the spiritual world—lead to?”

So, whatever you do today, make sure you grab this book: A Great and Terrible Beauty!

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:

gf.me/u/xp24cf

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 Facebook, Twitter, 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?

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More Awesome Adventures and Additions from the Beauty and the Beast!

Another favorite read of mine from the lore of the classic fairy tale!

By John Irvin

This addition to the Disney folklore is a twisted tale of the plot behind the Beauty and the Beast. What if it was Belle’s mother who cursed the Beast?

As Old as Time: A Twisted Tale by Elizabeth J. Braswell.

This is one of those page-turners for me. I saw this book and thought, “Oo Beauty and the Beast, my favorite!” Then I started reading and…I was speechless. Was not expecting that plot twist!

I’m a sucker for all things Beauty and the Beast as I’ve said before. But, like humans do, I tend to tire of favorites and have to spend some time away before my passion for them can be rejuvenated. I think the major twist in this fairy tale kept it more interesting.

Smart, sassy, resourceful, and restless, Belle is always looking for a way of escape, but also longs to explore this strange enchanted land.

Belle’s mother isn’t dead—like in the original story—but went missing some time ago. Belle’s father wishes to remain at their cottage in case his beloved wife ever returns.

Belle barely remembers her mother.

There’s always been questions.

You’re going to have to answer these question by ordering a copy now 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:

gf.me/u/xp24cf

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 Facebook, Twitter, 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?

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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:

gf.me/u/xp24cf

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 Facebook, Twitter, 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?

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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:

gf.me/u/xp24cf

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 Facebook, Twitter, 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?

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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:

gf.me/u/xp24cf

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 Facebook, Twitter, 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?

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A Classic Movie was once a Classic Book

A Story about True Love, Revenge, Fantasy, and Adventure.

By John Irvin

          A high fantasy: The Princess Bride by William Goldman.  

          Something about ROUSs can do numbers for a young lad of five years. By the way, that stands for “rodents of unusual size” and I don’t believe they exist.

          When I was five years old though, anything could exist in my imaginative mind. The first time I watched this fantastical low-budget-yet-most-quoted-movie with my family, I was terrified of the ROUSs and the Shrieking Eels.

          But, I loved the rest of the movie. Being a hopeless romantic from a very young age, my favorite part was the forbidden part—that kiss that left all the others behind.

          My parents didn’t believe it was wise to let a young lad watch kissing scenes. I think that’s what made it all the more pleasurable to finally watch it when I was later older and on my own.

          “Since the invention of the kiss, there have been five kisses rated the most passionate, the most pure, and this one left them all behind.”

          Yes, can you tell this is a favorite movie?

          Well, when I first saw the actual book, what do you suppose I wanted to do?

          Read it, of course.

          I procured myself a copy and settled down one fine evening for a great adventure. When Goldman started off telling about his own life, I grew confused. I thought this book was about the Dread Pirate Roberts and his love, Buttercup?

          Some writers have their own unique styles though. I grew to enjoy reading Goldman’s book and getting to know him and his reasons behind telling this story.

          The way it is presented is as if it happened somewhere on this planet near familiar old nations. Naturally, the actual country where Buttercup was raised does not exist, but you could almost believe it did once upon a time.

          I also discovered, there are a few adventurous scenes in the book that were left out of the movie. I cannot say what they are for fear of spoilers.

Watch the video below then grab your copy waiting for you through this link: THE PRINCESS BRIDE.

This is the description from the Amazon page:

“Beautiful, flaxen-haired Buttercup has fallen for Westley, the farm boy, and when he departs to make his fortune, she vows never to love another. So when she hears that his ship has been captured by the Dread Pirate Roberts – who never leaves survivors – her heart is broken. But her charms draw the attention of the relentless Prince Humperdinck who wants a wife and will go to any lengths to have Buttercup. So starts a fairytale like no other, of fencing, fighting, torture, poison, true love, hate, revenge, giants, hunters, bad men, good men, beautifulest ladies, snakes, spiders, beasts, chases, escapes, lies, truths, passion and miracles.”

Click this link to go buy: The Princess Bride.

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:

gf.me/u/xp24cf

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 Facebook, Twitter, 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?