J. F. Penn

This is a book which I supported on Kickstarter, and I'm very glad I did. I follow the author's Creative Penn podcast, where she gives all sorts of amazing tips and interviews etc for aspiring and established authors, especially around marketing and writing craft for self-publishing. In this book, which is a mix of travel, memoir and how-to, she writes about the experience of pilgrimage, from preparation to journey to aftermath, providing hints and tips on what to expect, as well as how the show more three pilgrimages she did impacted her life. She also includes questions to ask yourself while preparing at the end of each short chapter, and also provides extensive reading and other information.

The three pilgrimages she did were the Pilgrim's Way (Southwark Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral), the St Cuthbert's Way (Melrose Abbey to Lindisfarne), and the Camino de Santiago Portuguese route, from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. I liked that this wasn't just a chapter on one, then the next, then the next, but aspects of each of the three routes were threaded throughout the book. I personally would have liked a bit more of the memoir/reflections side of things and less of the practicalities, but that's just me (and because I am not planning on any multi-day walking pilgrimages any time soon!). I think this is a very useful and thoughtful addition to the pilgrimage literature, for both religious and secular pilgrims, and the photos included in the book are lovely too. show less

Amazing intrigue! The reader is immediately at the edge of their seat in the opening scene, where we witness Dr. Christian Monro's physical and emotional trauma while being murdered. We are brought into the death scene, each agonizing step of the way. The detail and the pace are excellent. The suspense is high voltage.
The protagonist Detective Sergeant Jamie Brooke once again is challenged with high stakes. As in the first book of the series, Jamie is going through hell emotionally after the show more loss of her child, but she is also engaged in the case and wants to understand the true crime. The heroine strives to remain objective while gathering evidence, hoping to see the truth. Along the way many twists in the case elude her, and attempt to veer her from the true crime. She follows the leads and takes the reader down a road of unexpected horrors. Jamie is not faint of heart, but a woman who makes the tough decisions; she is the protector of her co-workers and friends. There is hope - as she is faced with danger even in her most fragile hours, yet somehow finds the strength to prevail.
The subject matter of this novel immediately jolts interest - the history of mental illness treatment and the reminder of abuse done to the mentally ill. This is a topic I too have strong feelings about, and so this story truly hit my heartstrings. The research was done well, as to be expected by this author who always delivers well developed background. This story is not for those wanting a light read, because the reader will be left with some concepts to think about - maybe even choices on how to view others who may not be as fortunate as most. In this world it is too easy to forget about those who suffer with mental illness. Society has swept them from public view, but we know in our heart that more needs to be addressed. I thank the author for writing this riveting story and bringing this topic to the forefront.
To date this is my favorite of J.F.Penn’s books. I truly enjoy reading about Jamie, and this is a great series. Delirium is for anyone who enjoys detective horror thrillers, and is a definite must read. show less

Book 3, of the Mapwalker fantasy adventure trilogy.
I must say dark fantasy novels are not my preferred reading experiences and I rarely read them but I make exception when it comes to Ms. Penn. To be fair to the author and to myself I will say what I like about the book and I will also say what I like the least.
The Mapwalker Fantasy trilogy:
- Map of Shadows #1
- Map of Plagues #2
- Map of the Impossible #3

I am a huge fan of her Arkane series and was quite taken by the Sins series also, so show more when this trilogy was offered for my thoughts I jumped right in and said yes sent me the books. Thank you for doing so Ms. Penn.

In a few words:

Sienna and the Mapwalker team will use the Map of Impossible for their journey through the realm of the dead and face the challenges and the nightmare that awaits them. Can’t they reach their goal before it is too late?

What I like:

The blend of psychology and supernatural written with richness of words, each movement is vividly painted, although extremely dark but most of all full of lively descriptions…very wicked ones most of the time. Ms. Penn is very creative in her story and she loves to include creepy characters and supernatural happenings in order to propel us into a world of fantasy.

What I like the least:

Terror, darkness and “impossible” action. A storyline out of this world totally “impossible” played out by characters that weave spells, flames out of their hands, creepy creature at every corner, lead characters facing “impossible” situation and jumping, twirling in the air, kick boxing….dead birds coming back to life…brrrrrrrrrrr ”Impossible” is the correct word but again this is a fantasy and should be “Impossible”. In a few words the storyline didn’t gel for me but the way it is said is excellent and will please fans of this genre.

Since this story was not my cup of tea, I suggest you do not take my words for it and judge for yourself. show less

I just finished How To Market Your Book by Joanna Penn, and now my gears are *really* turning. A series of books? Advertising? Pricing strategies? Oh, my marketer's heart is beating wildly!

My big takeaways:
1. Make a list of authors or books that are similar to the one I am writing, and start copying/pasting the book covers, categories, and sales descriptions. #onit
2. Consider getting on the New York Times Bestseller list with a single-author or multi-author box set (and Joanna tells you show more *exactly* how to do this!).
3. Get your "street team" ready now as you write so they can be poised to help you when the pre-orders are ready to launch.

If you are an author, you are also the marketing director for your books and writing career. I highly recommend How To Market A Book to help you start your journey. show less