Musings – Blog

Random thoughts that forms my blog.

Hanover Book Expo 2022 Follow up

I had a great time at the Hanover Book Expo. I liked catching up with fellow writers who I hadn’t seen for at least a year, as well as meeting (new to me) authors.

And as ever, I appreciate those who stop by my table, which, I think, looks great. See picture above. I used empty cardboard boxes to add dimension and display t-shirts I designed. Yes, my own limited-edition, from my brain, t-shirts!

Thanks to all who purchased copies of Shadows Within–in one instance, it was for a birthday gift (Happy Birthday, Sandy!).

A New Book Cover for Shadows Within in Progress

In anticipation of completing my latest draft of The Shadowless Book Two and submitting it to my editor, I have thoughts on revamping the cover of Book One, Shadows Within.

You can see images that are inspiring me on my Pinterest, “New Book Cover” board. The new cover will center on a crow. I am working with a designer to put my concept into an attractive cover for ebook, print, and audio (which I also plan to release).

Hanover Book Expo 2021 Wrap-up

I made it to the Expo yesterday. Though less prepared and more harried than I had wanted to be. I had ordered t-shirts to sell along with my books, but they did not arrive in time, despite the express delivery and promise of being delivered earlier in the week (I still don’t have them). Also, the night before the Expo, I nicked myself while cleaning a kitchen knife (I’m ok, folks!), which ate into the time I had left to pack and practice. In the morning, with very little time left to get to my destination, I wanted a bite of something and stopped to get a donut, a blueberry muffin (to cancel out the donut), and a coffee. But once I got through the door of the Expo, I was told I could help myself to donuts and coffee! Just my luck.

Continue reading “Hanover Book Expo 2021 Wrap-up”

Book 2 of The Shadowless Update

I have momentum to finish another round of editing by early next month. This round is focused on the beginning chapters. I had to take a different approach than the initial draft. Nothing was wasted. I’m excited by this new version which not only adds more tension from the start but also puts something that has been a question I’ve had for many years. And it’s addressed in the beginning.

The question is, how does a person go up to a stranger and bite them? Think about it–a decent person has been made a vampire and now must feed on human blood, how does that person go about it? It’s not hypothetical to our protagonist Reed Williams who must do just that.

Do you have a strategy? What would you do?

Vampire Haiku: A Quick Bite of Dracula

Inspired by my recent Working Title podcast with poet Hope Whitby and in honor of National Poetry Month, I thought I’d challenge myself to write some haikus this month.

But I need focus. What can I base these brief poems on? Vampires, certainly. Hmm. Guess I should start with Dracula. Warmer. Ah-ha! How about a haiku summarizing each chapter of the eponymous novel?

So that’s what I will be posted below. Each day I will add a haiku for the next chapter. Let’s see how it goes.

Continue reading “Vampire Haiku: A Quick Bite of Dracula”

Attending the 2019 James River Writers Conference

Thoroughly enjoying the conference this year, which is no surprise. It’s my favorite time of year on my literary calendar. The best part is meeting wonderful, creative, supportive fellow writers.

Looks like Shadows Within is in good company!

Books for sale, including Shadows Within by J. P. Cane
Books for sale, including Shadows Within by J. P. Cane