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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, Siren Stories and Artisan Films hosted a #SirensLaunch book release party for the new book Gracemarch, written by JJ Barnes and adapted from a script co-written with Jonathan McKinney.
Gracemarch
In 2017, when JJ Barnes and Jonathan McKinney were asked by Cliff Thomas of Artisan Films to develop a script for a horror film, they had no idea the journey it would send them on. After creating a story about sisters learning about family secrets including witchcraft and murder, the script was then read by several stars of the film industry, including Ross O’Hennessy from Game Of Thrones, and Virginia Hey from Farscape, who each wanted to be involved.
In 2018, production began, and JJ and Jonathan found themselves touring around the country, heading to different locations, and watching industry stars performing lines they had written and bringing their story to life.
This incredible experience changed their lives in many ways, however, production was stalled and when the pandemic hit, things ground to a halt. As the world changed around them and the entertainment industry shut down, Gracemarch became frozen.
Rather than give up, and believing that with enough interest and excitement they could get production restarted, JJ, Cliff and Jonathan came up with a new plan. JJ took the original script and began developing it into a novel. For two years she took each scene, transcribed it, developed it, and added more scenes to the story. Eventually, after a lot of time, passion and work, Gracemarch The Novel was completed in 2023.
Gracemarch The Novel
Jane Waters lives a mundane life, working as a waitress, and with a boyfriend who doesn’t seem to care. Her sister, Cassie Waters, is a glamorous horror writer, traveling the world, and far too busy to listen to Jane’s woes. The two sisters live very different lives, disconnected from one another, and unaware of a family secret that’s about to come to light.
When their mother dies unexpectedly, Jane and Cassie are pushed back together. Their lives become intertwined as they explore the mysteries their childhood home holds, and remember their sister Susie who died tragically when they were little.
As Susie’s memory starts to dominate their lives, they don’t realise that a mysterious organisation is monitoring their every move, and powerful people are closing in on them.
What secrets did their mother have? How are their lives about to change? And what really happened to Susie?
Book Launch Party
On Saturday 28th of October, Siren Stories and Artisan Films co-hosted a book launch party to celebrate the release of Gracemarch The Novel. JJ and Jonathan were there to greet guests, sign books, and give away merchandise including tote bags, books, and blood stone necklaces.
The event was held at The Spittal Brook in Stafford, and was attended by friends, family and fans who were welcomed with a Prosecco buffet and enjoyed chatting with the writers about how the book came to be and learn more about the production of the film.
While many guests tried to find out what really happens to Susie… JJ and Jonathan kept that secret quiet.
Find more from Gracemarch now:
Website: https://www.gracemarch.co.uk/
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3tTvmjy
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3SjXM09
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/40foNnq
Siren Stories: https://www.sirenstories.co.uk/
Artisan Films: https://www.artisan-films.com/
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