Konn Lavery's Blog: Posts from konnlavery.com, page 18

Early Patreon Access: Award Winning Psychological Thriller Author Rachael Tamayo’s Next Novel: The Sin of Greed

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Soft Launch and Beyond

I have mentioned in previous years that January, February, and March are my favourite months of the entire year. Unlike other months, most people are on a down-low from the holiday hype and don’t have much money. Plus, Alberta it is super cold, and businesses are preparing for tax season. These factors provide me with time away from contract work, giving me the freedom to focus on writing.

It’s officially the new decade – 2021 – which marks the 10-year celebration of me pursuing writing. It sure as hell hasn’t been a linear path. I’ve done some things exceptionally well, and other times they’ve been a mess or a round-about detour. The first book release came out in 2012, which was Reality: Part 1 of Mental Damnation. For the past three to five years, I have kept the same business model for writing. Recently I have read Hell is Round the Corner by Tricky and How Music Works by David Byrne, where they talk about getting older, learning the business side of their art – those words resonated with me.

With the new decade, it is time to change things up. I’m not getting any younger, and I have to keep working smarter, not harder. So, I’ve spent January and February planning and producing. Plus, there really isn’t a hell of a lot else to do in a winter pandemic.

Welcome to Another Edition of Unprocessed Thoughts

February has been quite a busy month with the soft launch of my short story collection Into the Macrocosm, which houses just shy of three years of short stories that have been on the blog and in the newsletter. The collection has an overarching storyline with Malpherities. It acts as the glue binding the entire universe together, housing all my writing such as Mental Damnation, Seed Me, and YEGman. Overall, I would say the soft launch for Into the Macrocosm was a success . . . I did everything opposite what I usually do for a book launch, which made the expectations pretty low.

Into the Macrocosm Madness

Now, why would I do everything opposite? Learning! Experimentation! The short story collection marks my ninth book, and I have tried many different techniques over the years with launching. Due to social distancing in place, in-person events seem unlikely to return for a while still. Besides, most people are familiar with some of the stories found within Into the Macrocosm. These two facts made the book a perfect tool to experiment with online marketing.

The techniques I have learned from launching Into the Macrocosm will be quite useful for launching Rave – the year’s book push. I must forewarn everyone that I will be loud online through social media, the newsletter, and on the blog with everything related to Rave.

Launching Patreon and Cranking the Audiobooks

Usually, at the beginning of the year, people don’t have a lot going on, mix that in the pandemic, and find yourself with a lot of spare time. You can either do something new or stare at the wall contemplating the purpose of existence . . . I’ve done both. Now, most of my time has been spent behind-the-scenes and not falling into an existential crisis.

Quietly throughout the month, I have been injecting my brand-new Patreon. Officially it was announced to the public in the last week of February, and thank you so much to everyone who signed up! The Patreon will include all future short stories, the audio versions, and the artwork. It also has a few other bonuses as well. I’m excited to see where this new extension of the writing business will go and am thrilled to have you be a part of it.

In addition to the Patreon, I am vigorously recording the audiobook versions of my existing works. Seed Me is completed. Fire, Pain, & Ruin and Into the Macrocosm are in the works. Oh, and in between all of that, I’m learning promotional campaigns and ads online. That’s a whole other world that I’m finally dabbling into, intending to expand the reader base. If you found my work recently, and are reading this, then hello! The Unprocessed Thoughts are a monthly thing.

The Writing

All this business revamping, audiobook recording, and marketing haven’t left a lot of room for writing. That’s okay as Rave is with the editor and Into the Macrocosm just launched. I have a nine-book backlog that I should learn to work with. For you avid readers, do not worry, as the monthly stories will continue through the Patreon and the next book is brewing in the back of my mind . . . growing more extensive. . . becoming scarier . . . and more awesome.

Beer Note: Collective Arts Art Brewing: Ransack the Universe

For this month, I tried an unfiltered IPA by the Collective Arts Art Brewing. It is called Ransack the Universe and features artwork by various artists who are all from Canada. Each can has unique artwork. The one in the photo is done by Liam Davidson from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. His tag is @that_Liam. The beer itself is fantastic. It’s not too hoppy, and the unfiltered gives it a fun kick. Usually unfiltered means it’s just too yeasty. I’ve only had one so far, but this is a beer I will be going back for seconds and maybe a third.

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Audiobook: Fire, Pain, & Ruin – Episode 04

Episode 4 of the Fire, Pain, & Ruin: A Rutherford Manor Novel episodic audiobook is here. As with previous weeks, a new chapter will be shared on Thursdays. Enjoy the podcast below and share it around:

Missed the previous episode? Starting out? No worries:Episode Listing Episode 1 Episode 2Episode 3Episode 4

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The final two chapters in Act I: The Corrupters shows Penny and Spalding making critical decisions on how to raise their girls. The midwives share insight into the paranormal events that occurred during the birthing. Billy and Vivian are getting married, bringing Rutherford Manor into the new generation.

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Enjoying the audio story? Get the book. #goodreads-widget { font-family: georgia, serif; padding: 18px 0; width:100%; } #goodreads-widget h1 { font-weight:normal; font-size: 16px; border-bottom: 1px solid #BBB596; margin-bottom: 0; } #goodreads-widget a { text-decoration: none; color:#660; } iframe{ background-color: #fff;width:100%; } #goodreads-widget a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } #goodreads-widget a:active { color:#660; } #gr_footer { width: 100%; border-top: 1px solid #BBB596; text-align: right; } #goodreads-widget .gr_branding{ color: #382110; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; }Goodreads reviews for Fire, Pain, & RuinReviews from Goodreads.com

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I’ve Started a Patreon!

I am pleased to announce that I have started a Patreon page. It’s something I’ve tossed around amongst peers and friends for a number of years and I’ve finally made the leap.
With the launch of Into the Macrocosm, and just shy of 3 years of the monthly short stories in the newsletter/blog, it lined up well for a new phase in my writing.

Check Out My New Patreon!What’s Included?

It’s a single tier which includes:

A Copy of the Into the Macrocosm eBookA Continuation of the Monthly Short StoriesAudio Versions of Monthly Short StoriesAccess to drafts and works-in-progressHigh Rez Short Story Artwork for Phone BackgroundsEarly Access to Author Interviews

Check out the page for the intro video, explaining further why I’ve made a Patreon.

Check Out My New Patreon!

Thank you to the early subscribers from the newsletter, you rock. Check it out, share it, and I hope to see you join us in exploring this expanding universe of the dark cosmic, bizarre, and the fantastic!

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Will of the Shaper

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Audiobook: Fire, Pain, & Ruin – Episode 03

Episode 3 of the Fire, Pain, & Ruin: A Rutherford Manor Novel episodic audiobook is here. As with previous weeks, a new chapter will be shared on Thursdays. Enjoy the podcast below and share it around:

Missed the previous episode? Starting out? No worries:Episode Listing Episode 1 Episode 2Episode 3

Listen

Spalding makes it to fight club and can finally release the pent up frustrations of his family life. He longs for his past – a silly thought. His relationship with Nox needs mending, too, if Spalding plans to be a good father to his new twin girls. It’s time he talks to his business partner and settle their differences.

Enjoying the audio story? Get the book. #goodreads-widget { font-family: georgia, serif; padding: 18px 0; width:100%; } #goodreads-widget h1 { font-weight:normal; font-size: 16px; border-bottom: 1px solid #BBB596; margin-bottom: 0; } #goodreads-widget a { text-decoration: none; color:#660; } iframe{ background-color: #fff;width:100%; } #goodreads-widget a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } #goodreads-widget a:active { color:#660; } #gr_footer { width: 100%; border-top: 1px solid #BBB596; text-align: right; } #goodreads-widget .gr_branding{ color: #382110; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; }Goodreads reviews for Fire, Pain, & RuinReviews from Goodreads.com

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Into the Macrocosm Novel Score and Editorial Review

With the release of my short story collection, Into the Macrocosm, I am pleased to release the complimentary instrumental score: Frequencies of the Macrocosm.

The album roots from improv jam sessions played over recorded readings of each short story since the first release of Runner on the blog. These tracks have been cleaned up, trimmed, and modified to create one cohesive LP. The tracks are themed around each story, ranging in mood, instruments, and emotion and are intended to be listened to while reading any book you please.

Listen to Frequencies of the MacrocosmFrequencies of the Macrocosm: Into the Macrocosm Short Story Collection Score by KonnartistInto the Macrocosm Editorial Review

An editorial review was provided by The Wishing Shelf Awards. Read the review below:

The Wishing Shelf Awards
Editorial Review

Title: Into the Macrocosm
Author: Konn Lavery
Star Rating: 5

TO SUM UP
‘Captivating characters and a cleverly designed, fantastical plot. A highly recommended set of shorts.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

REVIEW
After glancing at the cover for this book and skimming the blurb, I decided this is going to be very dark, very gritty, and very fantastical. And I wasn’t far wrong. Written by the talented Konn Lavery, it follows the Nameless One who is attempting to understand the deaths of 22 souls. What follows is a cleverly plotted story – divided up into 22 individual shorts – populated with intriguing, often charismatic characters who all seem to be in a different state of flux.
In terms of writing style, this is where the author truly excels. Not only is the pacing excellent, there’s also a good balance between powerful descriptive prose and realistic, well-written dialogue. This is a very atmospheric story. The author knows his setting – the mysterious Midway – and wants the reader, like the characters, to be immersed in it.
This set of shorts is not a simple read; the reader will have to work hard to keep up with what’s going on, why it’s going on, and even where it’s happening. But it’s intriguing stuff. It’ll hook you in. And I suspect, like me, you will end up determined to find the answers the Nameless One is looking for.
Who is the book for? Well, if you enjoy the later Clive Cussler novels full of lazy predictability, this book is not for you. But if you don’t mind working a little, if you enjoy being intrigued, of never knowing what will happen next but really, really wanting to know, this set of shorts will be right up your street.
Enjoy!

Into the MacrocosmShort Stories of the Dark Cosmic, Bizarre, and the Fantastic

This story is found within the collection.

Enter the expanding universe through the lives of 22 souls, as the Nameless One and their ghoulish companion attempt to unlock the mysterious past of how they died.

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Audiobook: Fire, Pain, & Ruin – Episode 02

Episode 2 of the Fire, Pain, & Ruin: A Rutherford Manor Novel episodic audiobook is here. As with previous weeks, a new chapter will be shared on Thursdays. Enjoy the podcast below and share it around:

Missed the previous episode? Starting out? No worries:Episode Listing Episode 1 Episode 2

Listen

Nox is eager to finalize the government contract and provide for the Rutherford Manor family. The deal would also allow him to continue to feed his dark desires of experimentation. Billy is fully supportive. Spaulding, on the other hand, is not. He wishes for a simple life for his two newborn daughters while having conflicting desires for his old life.

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Enjoying the audio story? Get the book. #goodreads-widget { font-family: georgia, serif; padding: 18px 0; width:100%; } #goodreads-widget h1 { font-weight:normal; font-size: 16px; border-bottom: 1px solid #BBB596; margin-bottom: 0; } #goodreads-widget a { text-decoration: none; color:#660; } iframe{ background-color: #fff;width:100%; } #goodreads-widget a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } #goodreads-widget a:active { color:#660; } #gr_footer { width: 100%; border-top: 1px solid #BBB596; text-align: right; } #goodreads-widget .gr_branding{ color: #382110; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; }Goodreads reviews for Fire, Pain, & RuinReviews from Goodreads.com

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Supernatural Thriller Author JP McLean discusses her writing career and The Gift Legacy series

For February’s guest author, we welcome JP McLean, who has always been fascinated with supernatural thrillers. Her work has earned honourable mentions at the Whistler Independent Book Awards and from the Victoria Writers’ Society. She grew up in Toronto, attended the University of British Columbia, and lived in many exciting places in her life. Now, she joins us to discuss her writing, The Gift Legacy series, and how she got started.

Let’s welcome JP McLean to the blog!

JP McLean, thank you for joining us. Can you introduce yourself?

I’d be happy to and thanks for having me on your blog. The “J” in JP stands for Jo-Anne, but because Jo-Anne can be spelled so many different ways, I decided to simplify and use JP instead to make it easier to find me online. I live on a small island on Canada’s west coast, or “wet coast” as it’s often called. I’ve been writing full-time since 2010.

I write what I love which are urban fantasy thrillers with a provocative edge. The tagline for The Gift Legacy series is “Everybody wishes they could fly—until it happens.” The books are set on the west coast in the here and now and are about a secret society of people who can fly.

You were always interested in urban fantasy. What got you into writing professionally?

I started writing professionally after my husband and I returned to the west coast. We’d spent five consecutive winters in the sunny south, two in Mexico and three in Arizona. It was late fall, and after we unpacked and settled back into the house, I found myself staring out at the cold, grey, rain-drizzled deck. The days were still getting shorter and the wet weather had just begun. I knew I needed to do something to keep from going stir-crazy. That’s when I started forming the story that would eventually become Secret Sky. And though there have been many bumps along the road since then, I’ve never looked back.

Initially, you were not planning on writing a series, but The Gift Legacy grew! Tell us about the series.

You’re right! I’d thought Secret Sky was a one-off book. But after I finished writing it, I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters. Having spent so many hours every day with them for months on end, I missed them. And so I began imagining how I might grow the series. Something interesting I’ve learned is that flexing the imagination muscle makes it stronger. Soon I had enough material for a trilogy, and the series now stands at six books with a companion book that tells Secret Sky from a different character’s perspective.

Each book in the series ups the stakes for the protagonist, Emelynn Taylor, and her circle of friends. In the first book, Emelynn’s fall from the sky puts her in the hospital where she meets a doctor who recognizes the second lens in her eye that marks her as one of them—a Flier. He introduces her to others like her who teach her how to fly. She falls in love with one of them, but the more she learns about this secret society the more she questions their motives and just how dark their secrets really are.

In the second installment she finds and old book of her father’s that ties her to a powerful family with a sinister reputation. She learns of not one, but two new threats, and one of them aims to kill her.

In the third book, she learns that the man who tried to kill her is part of a larger, organized faction that wants to destroy the Tribunal that rules them. She’s forced to partner with a man she doesn’t trust in order to protect her circle of friends.

In the fourth book, Emelynn has been recruited to use her special skills and work with a police detective. Her first undercover case involves a grisly murder that implicates one of her own kind. To solve the case, Emelynn must get uncomfortably close to a drug-dealing murderer who has no qualms about killing again to avoid being caught.

In the fifth book, Emelynn continues to work with the police detective. This time she’s tasked with finding a missing newborn. But when Emelynn’s lover is the next to disappear, Emelynn suspects the two cases are connected. She and the detective defy orders to unravel this new treacherous scheme. And closer to home, a deeper deception simmers, one that Emelynn has spent her whole life perfecting.

The sixth and final book in the series puts Emelynn’s loyalties on trial. Does she believe the family of Fliers she’s come to love? or a mother she’s estranged from? Her choice is explosive and sets Emelynn on a collision course with two titans and a battle she can’t possibly win.

So, what’s next in your writing? Does The Gift Legacy series continue?

I’ve left a trap door or two in the series that I may open to write another book or short stories, but right now I’m exploring a new cast of characters in a new series. The first book, Blood Mark, is finished and I’m actively looking for an agent and/or publisher.

I quite enjoy your Five Fun Facts about you on your site, care to share a sixth?

Here’s one I haven’t shared before: When I was a teenager, I was so scared to take my driver’s road test that I renewed my learner’s permit three years in a row.

Any advice you’d like to offer new writers who read the blog?

Don’t wait for an idea big enough for a whole book to come along before you start writing. Begin with a small idea or an interesting character. Write a single scene. You’ll be surprised how that act of faith can spur more ideas.

Let’s thank JP McLean for joining us to talk about your work!JP McLean’s Novels

Website

Amazon

JP McLean on Social Media

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Goodreads

BookBub

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Audiobook: Fire, Pain, & Ruin – Episode 01

Following the weekly releases of the Seed Me audiobook, I am pleased to announce the next novel for the podcast: Fire, Pain, & Ruin!

Fire, Pain, & Ruin – Two Chapters Per Episode

The chapters, by nature, in this novel are shorter than in Seed Me and we get two per episode, bringing each episode to about the same length as the previous book.

Listen

Spalding witnesses his wife, Penny, giving birth. He is nervous, unsure if he can live up to the family name—the birthing shows concerning paranormal signs – something all too common with the Flesher bloodline. Rowan, one of the midwives at the birthing, and his friend Billy give him courage. Can Spalding be a good parent, as his father was?

Listen on your preferred podcast distributor:Where to listen

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Enjoying the audio story? Get the book. #goodreads-widget { font-family: georgia, serif; padding: 18px 0; width:100%; } #goodreads-widget h1 { font-weight:normal; font-size: 16px; border-bottom: 1px solid #BBB596; margin-bottom: 0; } #goodreads-widget a { text-decoration: none; color:#660; } iframe{ background-color: #fff;width:100%; } #goodreads-widget a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } #goodreads-widget a:active { color:#660; } #gr_footer { width: 100%; border-top: 1px solid #BBB596; text-align: right; } #goodreads-widget .gr_branding{ color: #382110; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; }Goodreads reviews for Fire, Pain, & RuinReviews from Goodreads.com

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eBook or Print Available

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