 |
| BUY NOW |
JENN McKINLAY: What a long strange trip it's been (to quote the Grateful Dead) to reach this release day. As most of you know I have written A LOT of books but none have punted me out of my comfort zone quite as far as this book.
What was different? The world building, for sure. In mystery, a dead body really moves a plot along. In romance, there're the conflict between the two people who are clearly supposed to be together, but in fantasy, well, it's whatever you want it to be. Honestly, it felt like there were no rules!!! At first, I was resistant and wrote a mystery with romantic elements but as I turned in draft after draft, my editor kept pointing out that the more fantastical elements, the better, so I went all in.
In the end, our librarian who desires a quiet non-magical life, ends up dealing with a sentient grimoire, a pesky raven, an undead Viking, a ghoul, ghost pirates, and a very evil dark witch. Not gonna lie, it was an absolute blast to write this fantasy. I'm working on WITCHES OF QUESTIONABLE INTENT right now and having just as much fun since I'm much more comfortable in the world I've created. Clearly, getting out of my comfort zone was a good move.
How about you, Reds and Readers, what's something you've done that is out of the ordinary for you?
The staff of the Books of Dubious Origin collection:
More about the book:
When a librarian discovers she’s descended from a long line of powerful witches, she’ll need all of her bookish knowledge to harness her family’s magic, in this enchanting cozy fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay.
Zoe Ziakas enjoys a quiet life, working as a librarian in her quaint New England town. When a mysterious black book with an unbreakable latch is delivered to the library, Zoe has a strange feeling the tome is somehow calling to her. She decides to consult the Museum of Literature, home to volumes of indecipherable secrets, some possessing dark magic that must be guarded.
Here, among their most dangerous collection, the Books of Dubious Origin, Zoe discovers that she is the last descendant of a family of witches and this little black book is their grimoire. Zoe knows she must decode the family’s spell book and solve the mystery of what happened to her mother and her grandmother. However, the book’s potential power draws all things magical to it, and Zoe finds herself under the constant watch of a pesky raven, while being chased by undead Vikings, ghost pirates, and assorted ghouls.
With assistance from the eccentric staff of the Books of Dubious Origin department—including their annoyingly smart and handsome containment specialist, Jasper Griffin—Zoe must confront her past and the legacy of her family. But as their adventure unfolds, she’ll have to decide whether or not she’s ready to embrace her destiny.
Happy Book Birthday, Jenn . . . I'm looking forward to meeting Zoe and discovering how everything turns out for her . . . .
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joan!
DeleteHappy Book Birthday, Jenn! What fun for all of us!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judy!
DeleteWow, I love that your editor encouraged you to go over the top with fantasy elements. I can imagine that the world-building was...complicated! I can't wait to pick up my copy at my local indy in the next town and dive in.
ReplyDeleteAre those AI-generated staff members, or did you (or the publisher) hire an artist to draw them?
In my writing, the couple of times I tried to do something out of the ordinary, it didn't sell, so I retreated to my comfort zone, although a new project (more news on that soon!) is a bit out of the ordinary for me. Otherwise, leaving the day job tor full-time fiction writing was a big leap, and it's paid off nicely!
My editor really made the book extra - thus, it's dedicated to her. The illustrations were portraits scrounged from copyright free sites and then mashed up on an app called pixomatic.
DeleteCongratulations on your new book, Jenn! I look forward to it!
ReplyDeleteI am a person of routine. I enjoy ruts. (This made me perfect for boarding school life!) Recently, though, in terms of getting out of my comfort zone, I have been painting my barn -- with a brush, racing the weather -- and my husband, a mountaineer, has roped me up so I can paint the second story while on scaffolding. I am deathly afraid of heights. I don't even walk near high windows. So this is not my happy space. However, very, very slowly, I'm getting the job done. (Selden)
Selden, I am in awe of you. I have vertigo and the very thought of scaffolding, let alone being harnessed in is terrifying. -- Victoria
DeleteFrom Celia: I applaud you Selden, I get nervy even when watching a movie of someone standing on the edge of any drop. So being roped would be my worst nightmare as for actually doing it - Well done.
DeleteSelden, being roped in would do the trick for me--as long as I feel safely secured, I can do (reasonable) heights. Hmmm, wonder if I could find someone to rope me in to get my gutters cleaned?
DeleteYes, Flora, the webbing around my middle and the big thick locking carabiners attached to slings have really helped me feel safer on the scaffolding. I have been surprised. (My husband has been a climber for over fifty years. When we met he tried to get me to climb with him. He was belaying me on a cliff and he could hear me speaking indistinctly. "What did you say?" he called down. It was all tearful hissed expletives that I could not repeat. Over many tries I never got comfortable and certainly never wanted to pursue climbing as a sport!) But with that gear strapping me in, I can feel almost calm. In fact, I am habitually so absentminded when I'm busy with a task that I have to focus so I don't step backwards off the planking. (Selden)
DeleteSelden, my middle daughter was at one time in her 20s a ranked sports climber, #6 in the country. She took me climbing with her at a gym once, after I had (fretfully) admired her strength, grace, and skill several times at both climbing gyms and sheer rock faces outdoors. I am also terrified of heights, but having her belay me was one of my favorite memories--and most definitely out of my comfort zone, even though my shaking, noodly muscles wouldn't let me climb that last 8' to the top. So you have my total admiration for painting a barn while on scaffolding! That is so brave. Continued good luck.
DeleteEeek! Go Selden! I am going indoor rock climbing with oldest hooligan this week so we'll see how that goes!
DeleteHappy Book Birthday Jenn!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dru!
DeleteI was comforted by your description of the difficulties of working outside the mystery genre, Jenn. It's good to hear about your editor encouraging you to make your new world increasingly fantastical. I'm working on a not-at-all fantastical, present-day novel instead of a mystery right now, and starting to bog down. As you say, without a murder to solve, the plot doesn't move along automatically! But I haven't given up yet. You encourage me!
ReplyDeleteFrom Celia: you can do it Kim, I have faith in your skills.
DeleteI’m with Celia: you can do it! I’m eager to read your novel. — Pat S
DeleteKeep going, Kim!!!
DeleteYes, keep going, Kim! You'll find the story or the story will find you as you go!
DeleteMany thanks for the encouragement from all of you. I'm touched--and (let's hope) inspired!
DeleteI am like Selden-the deeper my rut the better I generally feel. Still being challenged by picking up and moving across the country a year ago. Having to find all new medical providers, person to cut my hair, making new friends. The list is endless. Even little fun things like driving a golf cart the first time in my life make me a little anxious. I retreat into reading books daily as a coping mechanism.
ReplyDeleteFantasy is not my usual genre, but I will give your new book a go, Jenn.
Brenda, I'm exactly the same about trying new things, even fun things. A frisson of anxiety. It seems I have always been this way. When I was a small child apparently I used to cry when my mother rearranged the furniture in the living room. (Selden)
DeleteMy copy arriving today. May it be the first of many in a best-selling series that will bring you international fame and fabulous wealth, and when it becomes a movie franchise may it garner all the awards. And I'm sure all the success will not go to your head and you will not forget the little people who read this blog.
ReplyDeleteFrom your lips... and I promise to never forget any of my JRW buddies!
DeleteCongratulations, Jenn! Witches of Dubious Origin sounds terrific!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brenda!
DeleteHOO WOW! hoot hoot hooray. Yes indeed, the Hogwarts owls are spreading the word about your witches. Congratulations Jenn. Thank you for sharing the pit falls and work through as this adventure traveled from mind to spine. Well done. -- side bar: I wanted to comment yesterday but spilled a cup of coffee on my cat. So here is my yesterday comment. My first fantasy was And to think that I saw it on Mulberry Street" (I was about 5). Back to Witches. I just ordered my e book from the library. Am 7 in line and excited to spin into a new world of lore. ps Blessed Be.
ReplyDeleteme again. Forgot to answer the question. The thing that I have done was to join this blog (10 years ago?) and tell the truth about me. Seriously, my life does read like fiction but i was there.
DeleteLife-changing, Coralee! So glad you did.
DeleteThank you, Coralee!!! And I loved I Saw It on Mulberry Street!
DeleteCoralee, laughing at "i was there" and we're glad you're here, too!
DeleteHurray, Jenn! Can't wait for my copy to come in at the library. How dare other people be waiting in line ahead of me! As for getting out of my comfort zone, I would say being evicted and having to live in my car for 1 1/2 years really did just that. It was terrifying, but I discovered 1000 kindnesses and genuine caring from strangers. You know you're blessed when the Quik Trip folks are glad to know you got a room because they were worried about you facing another winter in the car. Terrifying? Definitely. Worth it? Yes. I have learned so much and grown as a human being. That wouldn't have happened without this experience. -- Victoria
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing, Victoria! Delighted to hear you have a place to hang your hat.
DeleteOlive has a little Charlie Puth/Jason Mamoa thing going on, doesn't she? Is it me, or is she Zoe's evil/magical/?? twin? Is the similarity on purpose? So many questions! Sounds like a fun read, as all your books are, Jenn, but with loads of extra sauce. Delicious.
ReplyDeleteBuying rural property in Kentucky in 2008 was a massive step out of our comfort zone, driven by me, which is totally out of character. Steve is the one who loves the country, being outdoors, yada yada. Plus, we--the least successful landlords in history--have had a succession of families living in the two rental trailers, all of whom needed financial help. Not a great business effort, but one that fills the cup, in so many ways.
That's wonderful Karen. Taking your own leap has allowed for the wellbeing of others. Fabulous.
DeleteCongrats Jenn!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that is the BEST book cover I've seen.
Thank you. I love it so much.
DeleteYay Jenn! Happy Book Release Celebration! So many times life has pushed me out of my comfort zone--public speaking, presenting information in Spanish, figuring out ways to deal with my dear one who is on the autism spectrum. Lots of adventures!
ReplyDeleteSo true! Life will give you a hard shove out of your rut sometimes.
DeleteHurray!!! YAY!! SO happy to see this come to life--you are amazing! Off to spread the word!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hank!
DeleteFrom Celia: BIG Congrats Jenn, The Witches sound fabulous. Way to go
ReplyDeleteThank you, Celia!
DeleteJenn, fabulous cover, and so happy you took the leap and kept at it! I'm always on the look-out for new fantasy, but much of what I see on the library shelves is a mishmash of romance with fantasy elements. Don't get me wrong, I like some romance tossed into the mix, but I want more from a story than romance--no matter the setting. This is why I think your background in mystery writing is invaluable. Can't wait to read this!
ReplyDeleteFor myself, I was single, had worked in my chosen field for over a decade, and suddenly found myself with two infants to care for--can't imagine what my life would be like today had I taken a different path! Plus, during the covid lockdown, I wrote a purely historical novella--kept asking my beta readers, is there a story here? Felt my way through it.
What a fabulous journey, Flora! And, yes, sometimes we just have to feel our way through.
DeleteHappy book day, Jenn! My copy of the book has shipped from Poisoned Pen, really looking forward to diving in! Trying something new, even if in your comfort zone, can always be a bit tricky. I have usually been one who stays in my comfort zone, but now that I’m retired (more time to read!) I’m trying to venture out of said zone.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Suzette! I've been reading more literary works, which is definitely unexpected!
DeleteHappy Book Birthday, Jenn! I'm looking for my copy in the mail today. I think it's great that you were convinced it served better as a fantasy book, and then, you were delighted in writing that genre. I think your joy with writing it will show through big time in just how much everyone will love it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathy! I hope you're right!
DeleteCongratulations, Jenn! This book sounds fabulous. Brava!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz!
DeleteHappy book birthday, Jenn! Love the cover! I love the premise of "discovery that you are a witch". As a child, I was fascinated by witches because of the tv series Bewitched, which were reruns.
ReplyDeleteHave I ever stepped outside my comfort zone? I have to ask myself "what is my comfort zone?" I'm still waking up and I need to sit with this question. Think about my answers to these questions.
Loved Bewitched!!!
DeleteMorning All ~ Paula B here. Jenn, I just ordered the audio version. I have visions of this most excellent adventure surrounding me as I craft my gifts for Christmas this year. I’m late. I’m late. I’m so looking forward to this book. It’s finally here! And by the way, the patio in the morning is finally good to listen or read with coffee and garden. Just as soon as it gets the heck away from the 90 degrees. While I plant, your book will make the planting even happier.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love that image, Paula. I was thrilled that the narrator I chose was available - I hear (intended) that she crushed it.
DeleteCongratulations, Jenn. Thank you for writing so much so often and with so much joy. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elisabeth!
DeleteHappy book birthday! Looks fabulous.
ReplyDeleteComfort zone? I have a magnet on my file cabinet that quotes Neale Donald Walsch's "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone". I've found that true, and fun.
Oh, I love that and it's so so so true!
DeleteJenn, I've long thought the cover is brilliant, but I LOVE the character illustrations! What a fun idea!
ReplyDeleteI believe it's a good thing for writers to spread their wings and try new types of fiction. So, keeping count for you, you've got rom-coms, romance, women's fiction, mysteries and fantasy. I'm waiting with bated breath to see what you do with science fiction, gothics and westerns! :-D
OMG - a gothis, be still my heart. I've always wanted to write a gothic. Hmm.....
Delete*gothic
DeleteJenn: did you intently choose the library world to ground you in the known as you stepped outside your comfort zone?
ReplyDeleteFor me, moving from Indiana to California after college - growing up in Indiana, you hear that everyone in California is weird. But apparently they are my kind of weird. Living someplace with people from every corner of the globe certainly expanded my worldview.
Lisa, I reported for Jury Duty yesterday. The only trial they called for was starting yesterday and expected to go until November 21st. Luckily for me I had a commitment I couldn’t cancel so I wasn’t called for that. Hopefully yours is going well. — Pat S
DeleteYes! I wanted to write a fantasy for the longest time but was intimidated by the worldbuilding, wrote some romcom novellas with the Museum of Literature and realized I'd built my fantasy world without knowing it.
DeletePAT S: my case should be wrapping up this afternoon.
DeleteJenn, I keep checking my front porch to see if my copy has arrived! I considered audio but I wanted to see what you've done with the physical book. Like Julia, I have long loved the cover, and I adore the character illustrations! Can you tell us something about how those came about?
ReplyDeleteYes I would like to know more about how the cover came to be as it is gorgeous!!
DeleteThe cover is all because of the amazing Berkley art dept. Perusual, they crushed it. The illustrations are a mishmash of collected copyright free pics that were then mushed into portraits in an app called pixomatic.
DeleteLove those illustrations! My comfort zone got stretched when I did all the driving in Ireland with my mother-in-law. Prior to that, my husband had always been the driver. And if he's with me, he is still the driver!
ReplyDeleteIrish driving. Preach! I grew exponentially on that trip!
DeletePAT D: I had a similar experience in a Cornwall - tiny roads, rock walls everywhere. It made me much more confident the following year in Italy.
DeleteIs your Zoe supposed to look like Meghan markle ?
ReplyDeleteNo, but that's a nice compliment. I think Rachel Weiss from The Mummy was actually the base portrait before it got manipulated through the pixomatic app.
DeleteHappy, Happy Book Birthday, Jenn! The book cover is splendid! It's the perfect depiction of spooky, gothic, magical and to me...quite welcoming. The books "in flight" are especially wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAnd oh that Jasper is...in a word...DISHY! :-)
It takes so much courage to step out of one's comfort zone. You were brave to take the leap and I have no doubt your fantasy of creating fantasy will be a true success.
Being somewhat of an introvert I am always amazed at people who are able to effortlessly...or at least make it look effortless...get up in front of an audience and tackle public speaking. The fact that all of you as committed authors do so during book conferences as well as promotional book tours is remarkable to me. How do you manage to walk into a room full of strangers and make everyone feel so welcome?! I have always enjoyed meeting people in the public eye whether in the field of entertainment, politics, sports, etc. but it always took a great deal of effort on my part to make the first approach. Having the good fortune of working at a TV station many years ago allowed many of these meetings to happen quite easily. But once I left that job I was on my own along with finding the courage to not feel intimidated to share a conversation with someone I admired if the opportunity arose. But lesson learned...If I had not stepped out of my comfort zone I would have never met so many extraordinary, creative and talented personalities. Along with having some spectacular memories to go with those experiences.
That is wonderful, Evelyn. I am an extrovert so public stuff comes easily but when I am intimidated, I ask whoever I'm meeting for their "origin story" like they're a superhero which usually scores a laugh and some easy conversation.
DeleteEVELYN: also an introvert, but much prefer performing to large groups than speaking 1-1. If I’m presenting, I’m the subject matter expert and have a structure, which I prefer.
DeleteFor 1-1, I never know what to talk about so I will be stealing Jenn’s strategy!