What inspired you to write the Dark Dreams series?

The inspiration came from an NBC series called Blind Spot, which starred Jaimie Alexander. The opening scene of the first episode shows a bomb squad tech approaching an abandoned duffle bag in an eerily empty Times Square. Emerging from the bag is a woman covered in tattoos from the neck down. The woman doesn’t remember who she is or how she got the ink. When I first saw that woman with the tattoos, I wondered what it might be like to have to live with markings that weren’t of your choosing. That was the seed for the first book, and I developed it from there.

Was it always going to be a series?

I had hoped there would be enough meat for a series, but my initial goal was to write one solid book. I’m not a fan of cliff hangers, so I knew any further books in the series would have to stand on their own. Happily, the events that unfolded in book one inspired book two. Book three came about when I asked myself what would happen if the protection extended to Jane Walker through her blood marks, was instead given to the bad guys. It was fun to play with the good vs evil trope.

Is your character Jane Walker a figment of your imagination, or a combination of real people?

She’s a figment of my imagination, but some of her characteristics come from real people. Her annoying need for neatness is one of my own quirks. Her fierce independence is something I saw in my grandmother. Her nonjudgmental attitude is something I wish I saw more of. 

How did you come up with the idea of the body markings and visions?

I underpinned Jane’s story with Inca artifacts, so JD&J Book Cover Designers used Inca patterns as their inspiration for Jane’s markings. The visions she has of past events came from my desire to deepen the story. I enjoy complex storytelling, and these visions provided another layer of mystery.

Do you feel Jane’s adventure is at an end, or is there more to come?

There may be more to come, and there’s certainly enough depth to the characters and their storylines to continue the Dark Dreams series, but at the moment a coven of witches and warlocks has all of my attention.

What attracted you to this paranormal genre?

My earliest recollection of being drawn to the genre came about when I read The Chrysalids by John Wyndham. I loved the idea of using telepathy and other supernatural abilities to tell a story. It feels limitless.

Are you working on a project now?

I’m currently outlining a story about two sisters, who are witches, and the warlocks that move into their neighbourhood.

What inspires you the most?

People who overcome adversity.

How has recognition with many awards enhanced your writing career?

The awards boost my confidence, not only in my writing, but with the stories I choose to tell.

Where can readers find you and your books?

Through my website: jpmcleanauthor.com.

Praise for JP McLean:

McLean's writing is as ingenious as her protagonist, ranging from grunge to repartee to sophistication to laugh-out-loud snarks. Ghost Mark is gripping. You won't put it down till it's done. —Ottawa Review of Books
A captivating nail-biter that will leave readers thirsting for more! —InD'tale Magazine
Will keep you on the edge of your seat . . . an intense, riveting, and fast-paced novel. —Literary Titan
JP McLean continues to showcase her natural flair for originality, memorable characters, and deftly crafted plots replete with unexpected twists and turns in the kind of narrative driven storytelling style that keeps the reader's rapt attention from first page to last. Highly Recommended. —Midwest Book Review
An exciting blend of action, mystery, suspense, and thrills with a supernatural kick that will leave you wanting more! —Ann Charles, USA Today bestselling author of The Deadwood Mystery series

OTHER BOOKS IN THE DARK DREAMS SERIES

Bio

JP (Jo-Anne) McLean is a bestselling author of and supernatural thrillers. She is a 2021 finalist for the Chanticleer Paranormal Award for Supernatural Fiction, and the Wishing Shelf Book award for Adult Fiction. Her work has won a Readers’ Favorite Award, a Gold Literary Titan medal, and honourable mentions from the Whistler Independent Book Awards and the Victoria Writers’ Society. Reviewers call her work addictive, smart, and fun.

JP holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, is a certified scuba diver, an avid gardener, and a voracious reader. She had a successful career in Human Resources before turning her attention to writing.

Raised in Toronto, Ontario, JP has lived in various parts of North America, from Mexico and Arizona to Alberta and Ontario. JP now lives with her husband on Denman Island, which is nestled between the coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. You can reach her through her website at jpmcleanauthor.com.