Award-winning author and screenwriter; General Manager; Vancouver Film School graduate; Bachelor of Science: Psychology; film score aficionado; Christian.
Audiobook Now Available!
2023 Best Thrillers Book Awards Winner: Historical Thriller of the Year
2023 NYC Big Book Award Winner: Action Adventure
2023 Literary Titan Book Award Winner
2023 PenCraft Book Award 1st Place Winner: Action
Just finished the first draft of my VERY FIRST novel! I started it on 1/1/21, and finally typed "The End" on 4/30/22. Now, it's on to the revisions...
#amwriting
#WritingCommunity
Editor approved my final manuscript revisions yesterday. This morning, publisher let me know that my book has been scheduled for full production. I'll be hearing from the design team soon for cover discussions. Because it's my debut novel, each of these steps feels monumental.
Nothing vague about this publishing tweet:
Small press publisher just offered me a contract for "Gigantor." Hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audio. Tentative release date: August 2023.
#WritingCommunity
THE BIG SLEEP by Raymond Chandler was published on this day in 1939. The unforgettable introduction of private detective Philip Marlowe. Chandler's incredible prose focused on atmosphere and character. Vivid dialogue remains potent and influential.
#OTD
After decades of struggle, my debut novel was published two months ago. Yesterday, it was featured in a spectacular Times Square video ad.
Our journey might take longer than we ever imagined, but never give up on that dream.
No Surrender.
#inthelairoflegends
#WritingCommunity
I want to share one of the best pieces of advice that I have received this year. If you are going to be a successful writer, you must destroy the spirit of procrastination. You will fail if you don't. I think you can apply this to every aspect of your life.
"Last of the Mohicans" was released on this day in 1992. Incredible historical epic from co-writer/director Michael Mann. Stunning Dante Spinotti cinematography.
Highlights: Wes Studi's unforgettable performance (he should have gotten an Oscar) as Magua; emotional powerhouse
Yesterday, I received a handwritten letter from an old friend. He was so proud after reading my novel that he thought expressing things with a pencil was the best way to tell me how emotional the reading experience was.
The tear drops that now stain that letter belong to me.
Thrilled to have signed my second publishing contract this morning!
This final adventure in the saga will be set in Northern Oregon, 1905.
Publication Day: April 17, 2025.
@blacklionking73
Stephen King's "11/22/63" was an emotional wrecking ball for me. That final paragraph (..the last dance...) on the final page reduced me completely to tears.
It is with no small amount of emotion realizing that my hometown library (Gresham, OR) now has several print copies of my debut novel on the shelves. This is where I would spend so many afternoons as a kid, reading, and dreaming of being an author someday.
Never give up.
"Godzilla Minus One" is an absolutely stunning picture.
Ryonosuke Kamiki deserves an Oscar nomination for his layered and emotional performance.
The movie is a showcase for artistry made by people who respect their audience as much as they do the Big G.
A cinema masterpiece.
My publisher informed me that "In the Lair of Legends" ranked
#7
for their bestselling books of 2023.
Becoming a debut novelist is a long journey with many dead ends, and seemingly endless seasons of incredible discouragement.
No matter what, just keep going.
No Surrender.
My award-winning debut novel (2023 Firebook Book Award: Action/Adventure) is now available for purchase in hardcover, softcover, and eBook editions.
……
……
Elderly gentleman at the gym just approached me, thanked me for smiling at him. Said it's the first smile he's noticed since his wife recently passed away. Think what you do doesn't impact people? A smile might be the rainfall ending an emotional drought in someone's life.
My favorite Thanksgiving movie: "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles." John Hughes created a film that showcases how sacrificial love for the people placed along our path can change the course of someone's life.
#OnlyKindnessMatters
It was emotionally overwhelming seeing nearly 200 friends and family attend the book launch party yesterday. While it was wonderful signing books, what was even better was watching how much fun people were having. The support and encouragement is wonderful!
It's day three of the 2023 Rose City Comic Con! The enthusiasm about the book so far here has been really wonderful.
Looking forward to a great last day of the event.
#RoseCityComicCon
#inthelairoflegends
@donwinslow
@T_J_Newman
It's amazing, but let's face facts: TJ is amazing. "Falling" was the type of book that not only purely entertains, but her incredible personal story offers debut writers everywhere inspiration. ("Drowning" will be spectacular, I'm sure!)
Exactly one year ago today, my publisher sent me a contract for my debut novel.
Today, "In the Lair of Legends" is one of the top 100 Amazon bestsellers (all book formats!) in the Action Fiction category.
Never give up on your dreams!
I'm honored to have been invited to be a part of the Author's Table at the Oregon State Fair this year. I'll be there signing copies of "In the Lair of Legends" from 2-8 on 8/31/23. Hope to see you there!
My life changed one year ago today when my debut novel was published. It represented the end of one journey, and the beginning of another.
The Winterhawk Saga continues on April 17, 2025 with "The Wrath of Legends."
"Predator" was released on this day in 1987. Superb sci-fi action film from director John McTiernan, expertly scripted by Jim Thomas and John Thomas.
Eye-popping stunts, incredible Stan Winston creature effects, and thunderous Alan Silvestri score are highlights.
Arnold's best.
Yesterday, I spent hours working on my WIP. Not a single salvageable page resulted from it. Today, I'm sitting down at it again. Sometimes the words just fight against you. And you have to fight back.
Just cleared the 71K word mark on my WIP. My protagonist is now entering into the final confrontation with his two formidable villains. The finish line on my novel is clearly in sight now!
#amwriting
#WritingCommunity
@snakelst
@T_J_Newman
I started writing my book during the period when "Falling" was released. TJ's story of perseverance was so inspiring, fueling my courage to press on. Her "Dreamers" article now comes three months shy of my publishing debut. Her words continue to impact lives. Wonderful!
My publisher let me know that "In the Lair of Legends" will be getting released as an audio book. I got to listen to five narrator auditions earlier this week, and select the one that I wanted. It was a really fascinating process!
When "Mohicans" had its pending 1993 VHS release, I wrote dozens of letters to Fox about how pan-and-scan would ruin it. I actually received a lengthy letter from Michael Mann. He said my passion helped him pitch the studio on a widescreen VHS release. It's a letter I treasure!
@laurelworlds
Film scores are my PASSION. Have been an aficionado of the art form since I was six. My favorite composers: Jerry Goldsmith, John Barry, John Williams, Rachel Portman, Alan Silvestri...
Thrilled to have just received a positive review from Kirkus!
"...it’s a tense, exciting adventure, and Winterhawk is a charismatic and honorable hero. An effective western thriller graced by a memorable protagonist." --KIRKUS
Official Announcement: We are pleased to announce that our judges of the 2023 PenCraft Awards for literary excellence voted your book "IN THE LAIR OF LEGENDS," as our Fiction - Action 1st Place Winner.
I'm very humbled and thrilled that my book has just received another award!
"The Terminator" was released on this day in 1984. Landmark James Cameron picture remains my favorite of the series. Innovative special effects, and propulsive Brad Fiedel score are highlights. Special mention for the amazing Dick Miller scene. ("Hey, pal, only what you see.")
Gabino Iglesias is one of my favorite authors. Just finished his latest, "The Devil Takes You Home." It's my favorite novel since Tana French's "The Searcher." The greatest study of materialism and the cycle of violence that I've ever read. Unforgettable prose.
@Gabino_Iglesias
"Tremors" was released on this day in 1990. Outstanding monster picture anchored by fantastic performances by Fred Ward and Kevin Bacon. The Graboids are ingeniously realized practical effects. A supremely entertaining film.
It's incredibly thrilling (and enormously humbling) that "In the Lair of Legends" has now spent 11 straight days as one of the top ten Kindle bestsellers in the Action & Adventure category.
Four weeks ago today, Jolon Winterhawk towered over Times Square in an ad for "In the Lair of Legends" that ran 88 times.
One year ago today, I received a rejection letter from a publisher telling me that "...this type of book will never find an audience."
No Surrender.
I was 51 when my debut novel was published. It's a long creative journey. Absolutely none of us walk the exact same path.
But there's one thing we can all do: encourage. Champion each other's successes, and offer perspective during discouragement.
Kindness sparks motivation.
Quick reminder:
My first book came out when I was 40. I'm 48 now, with five novels and a story collection out in the world. Everyone's path is different. I am very lucky, but I've also maintained a profound joy in and respect for the work.
Writing is joy. There's still time.
While my first novel is currently out in the query/submission trenches, today I officially begin working on my second book.
#WritingCommunity
#amwriting
"This is a redirection, not a rejection. I can't take this on right now, but someone else will. Keep querying!"
When sending me a pass on my manuscript, this particular agent offered those kind words. Sometimes even turndowns can be inspiring.
#WritingCommunity
#amquerying
The release day of a new T.J. Newman thriller is always exciting!
She's not just a fantastic author, but an inspiration. I was embarking on writing my own novel when her debut became a sensation. Her incredible story pushed me to continue with my own dreams.
@T_J_Newman
Disappointing rejection after a full manuscript request. Agent said they would "...like to read something else because the writing is strong. Think of me when querying your next book." Guess you gotta take the good with the bad, right?
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#amquerying