Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "charity"
Buy a story to help the charity 'Feeding America'
Author Craig Lancaster is writing a special Christmas story this year, and all the proceeds will go to the charity Feeding America
You pay $1.00 through Paypal and the story will be delivered to you by email by 15th December 2010.
Buy the story
You pay $1.00 through Paypal and the story will be delivered to you by email by 15th December 2010.
Buy the story
Published on December 06, 2010 11:10
•
Tags:
charity, craig-lancaster, feeding-america, short-story
Help Support Local Charity for Abused Women
Many of you will know that I recently co-wrote a book Cutting The Fat with author Jason McIntyre
Jason is currently trying to raise money to help support a local charity for abused women and children. His book On The Gathering Storm deals with the subject of domestic violence.
As someone who used to work as a family lawyer, helping women to obtain injunctions against violent partners, I know how real and serious this subject is. Those of you who have read my book A Time To Tell will know that it is a subject that left an impression on me.
As writers, we often write fiction inspired from events in our daily lives, sometimes almost as a way of dealing with things which are hard to comprehend.
Jason's book is currently $0.99 on Amazon kindle (ebook) until 1st March 2011. Prfits from all sales until that date will go to his local charity, helping women and children flee violent homes and get their lives back on track.
If you are able, please visit Amazon and download the book. I haven't read it yet, but I do know that Jason is a very talented author, so there is little chance that you will be disappointed with the book. If it's not your type of book, you can buy it as a gift. Kindle books can be purchased as a gift for anyone as long as you know their email address.
Remember, you do not have to own a kindle ereader to buy kindle books. Amazon provide free apps for mac, pc, iphone, ipad, blackberry and android.
Here's the link to the page at Amazon where you can read the reviews and purchase the book:
On the Gathering Storm -- kindle
Read more about Jason's campaign on his blog, by clicking here:
The Farthest Reaches - Jason McIntyre's blog
If you are on Facebook or Twitter, or any other social networking sites please spread the word about this.
Thank you for helping.
Jason is currently trying to raise money to help support a local charity for abused women and children. His book On The Gathering Storm deals with the subject of domestic violence.
As someone who used to work as a family lawyer, helping women to obtain injunctions against violent partners, I know how real and serious this subject is. Those of you who have read my book A Time To Tell will know that it is a subject that left an impression on me.
As writers, we often write fiction inspired from events in our daily lives, sometimes almost as a way of dealing with things which are hard to comprehend.
Jason's book is currently $0.99 on Amazon kindle (ebook) until 1st March 2011. Prfits from all sales until that date will go to his local charity, helping women and children flee violent homes and get their lives back on track.
If you are able, please visit Amazon and download the book. I haven't read it yet, but I do know that Jason is a very talented author, so there is little chance that you will be disappointed with the book. If it's not your type of book, you can buy it as a gift. Kindle books can be purchased as a gift for anyone as long as you know their email address.
Remember, you do not have to own a kindle ereader to buy kindle books. Amazon provide free apps for mac, pc, iphone, ipad, blackberry and android.
Here's the link to the page at Amazon where you can read the reviews and purchase the book:
On the Gathering Storm -- kindle
Read more about Jason's campaign on his blog, by clicking here:
The Farthest Reaches - Jason McIntyre's blog
If you are on Facebook or Twitter, or any other social networking sites please spread the word about this.
Thank you for helping.
Published on February 21, 2011 14:19
•
Tags:
-0-99, a-time-to-tell, amazon, charity, domestic-violence, jason-mcintyre, kindle, maria-savva, on-the-gathering-storm
International Book Giving Day!
I've just found out that today is International Book Giving Day. This is a wonderful idea to help encourage children to read. Here's a link to the official website that tells you all about how you can get involved: http://bookgivingday.com/
You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter at the following links:
http://www.facebook.com/BookGivingDay
http://twitter.com/BookGivingDay
You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter at the following links:
http://www.facebook.com/BookGivingDay
http://twitter.com/BookGivingDay
Published on February 14, 2013 05:55
•
Tags:
book-giving-day, charity, children-s-books, giving, international-book-giving-day
Guest Post: Graham Parke: Kindle Fire HD raffle for Charity!
“I'm very polite by nature, even the voices in my head let each other finish their sentences.” – from Completely Flappable
As you may know, I hold an event each year during which I give away free books and raffle off some prizes. This year I thought it would be fun to donate the proceeds as well.A while ago it occurred to me that it’s probably not governments or big corporations that wield the world’s greatest financial power. I think it’s us. All the little people together. Then I started wondering what could happen if we all decided to set 1 month of our incomes aside towards fixing this place up a bit. How many of the world’s problems could we actually solve permanently? Half of them, maybe? All of them? That's a pretty cool picture.
But I’m a pretty dim light when it comes to implementing even small ideas, never mind the big ones. So I’m not sure how to get that ball rolling (heck, I'm not even sure where we keep the balls). But I can certainly start with myself. That’s easy enough (I’ve been in close contact with myself for years; I didn't have much trouble convincing myself.)
So, this December, all proceeds of all my novels will go to Child Helpline International. The CHI is pretty cool because they support toll-free child helplines worldwide and they help highlight gaps in child protection systems. They do all this on donations (click the image below for more information.)
But what does all this have to do with you? Well, I'm raffling off some prizes and giving out some freebees to boost the donation (expenses out of my own pocket, not the donation :P )
So what's in it for you, besides that warm, fuzzy feeling you'll get knowing the Xmas presents you’re buying include an automatic donation? Well, how about I give you the new edition to the award winning No Hope for Gomez saga completely free?
And how about a Kindle Fire HD raffle ticket with every purchase while we’re at it?
Simply forward your receipt emails to nohopeforgomez@gmail.com to participate.
And now, on to the pitch. This is the bit where I try to convince you, using only my words, that my novels don’t suck (or at least, not too much.) That they won’t only tickle your brain, but they’ll actually make your life better, if only marginally. That they are, in fact, worthy donation material. Here goes (fingers crossed)...
No Hope for Gomez!
Winner of the Forewords Book of the Year Awards, featured on Kirkus Best Indie List 2011, IBA and USA Book News Award nominee.
Paper: $6.08
Kindle:$2.99
(uk paper, kindle)
It's the age-old tale:
Boy meets girl.
Boy stalks girl.
Girl already has a stalker.
Boy becomes her stalker-stalker.
We've seen it all before, many times, but this time it's different. If only slightly.
"Extremely witty writing containing keen insights into human nature." --California Chronicle
"Challenges the way we think about, and interact with, the world around us." --Kirkus Discoveries
"The antics in this book will leave the reader laughing. Graham Parke is a genius."--Reader's Favorite
Unspent Time
Warning: reading this novel may make you more attractive and elevate your random luck by about 9.332%*
(*These statements have not been evaluated by anyone of consequence)
Paper: $6.08
Kindle:$2.99
ePub : $2.99
(uk paper, kindle)
Permeating the cracks between the past and the present is the realm of Unspent Time. Time that was allotted but never spent. In this realm we find the stories that could have been true. Such as the story of the designer of the color scheme used inside your shoe, or the story of Goki Feng Ho: the Chinese art of decoding the secret meaning of car license plates.
“Captivating. Each story fired up my imagination.” – Alan H. Jordan, author.
"Delightfully mad. Graham's vibrant characters shine from the first page." --Tahlia Newland, author.
If you've read this far, you're already my hero ;)
I hope you like my idea enough to join me in this fun adventure. Let's see how much we can raise this Xmas ;)
Kind regards,
Graham Parke
Published on December 06, 2013 11:58
•
Tags:
charity, completely-unflappable, graham-parke, kindle-fire-hd, no-hope-for-gomez, raffle
Eye Candy Bookstore Anthology - Heels for Combat Boots #charity #99cents

Sex, Love & Combat Boots
An Eye Candy Bookstore Anthology Benefiting Heels for Combat Boots- 90 day limited release on Amazon ONLY

Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1H4MD6O
Anthology Includes:
Rebecca Brooke — Letters Home
Marissa Dobson — Ace In The Hole
MJ Fields — Irons
Jennifer Foor — Love Survives
Kimberly Knight — Angels & Whiskey
Bayli Lane — What If
Kristen Hope Mazzola — Crashing Back Down
Sarah O’Rourke — Cain’s Salvation
Alexis Noelle — Fractured: Volume One
Sophie Monroe — To Love A Soldier
****************************
To Love a Soldier:
Life is short. At twenty-one, Liz Kane knows this. Having lost her dad in combat, she is well aware of life's cruel twists. Still, working to pay her way through school and cautiously beginning a new relationship, Liz is content.
When an accident brings her brother, John, Stateside from his current stint in the Marine's, life gives Liz another twist, this time bringing in an old friend, new love, and the possibilty of happiness for John when he meets Mandy.
This is a story of love, loss, and new beginnings.
Author link: www.facebook.com/sophiemonroewrites
*********
Fractured- Vol 1:
Nothing in life is ever fair.
There are wars we battle and face every day.
Some too close to home.
I had it all.
The perfect husband.
The perfect house.
The perfect...Everything.
Then one moment changed everything forever.
Author link: www.facebook.com/authoralexisnoelle
*********
Cain's Salvation:
Book One in the Passion in Paradise - The Men of the McKinnon Sisters Series
When Dr. Cain Turner's life was literally blown apart in a small province of Afghanistan, it was only the hope and memories of one woman that propelled him forward. But there were more demons to face.
In the small country hamlet of Paradise, Tennessee...Faith waits. Surrounded by her loving sisters, Faith McKinnon had faced her own demons, having thought that the love of her life had deserted her.
But fate...and a few meddling McKinnon sisters...conspired to bring the two star-crossed lovers together again.
Author link: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.orourk...
*********
Crashing Back Down:
Mags McManus has just become a war widow in her mid-twenties. Her late husband, Randy, left for the Army right after their wedding. Instead of celebrating his homecoming and living in marital bliss with her soulmate, Mags finds herself living in constant agony.
Dealing with the guilt of still living without Randy, are Randy's best friends and parents.
Rising from the ashes of this tragedy, Mags starts to learn how to love and trust again, finally being able to find happiness. But sometimes things really are too good to be true and again Mags learns how cruel the world can be as she crashes back down.
Author link: www.facebook.com/AuthorKristenHope
*********
What If:
THIS IS A STAND-ALONE, Contemporary Romance: Due to language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
For some people falling in love was a happy, glowing experience. For Briar Kelly and Arrow Donovan it was more like getting hit by a freight train.
Caring for one another was never an easy feat. They constantly fought to hold their feelings inside, not wanting to jeopardize their friendship. Then, Arrow left for the Marines, and everything changed. Briar was shattered. Arrow was hurt.
While Briar told herself she’d never let another man affect her in such a way, Arrow still remained in the forefront of her mind. For Arrow, his memories of Briar kept him alive in both of his near death experiences. When Arrow’s demons threatened to drag him under, Briar was there, pulling him from the darkness.
"What ifs" keep piling up while resentment and redemption battles continue; will Briar and Arrow be able to find their happily ever after, or will this be one war that Arrow can't win?
Author link: https://www.facebook.com/authorbaylilane
*********
Angels & Whiskey:
Angels & Whiskey is part of a series, however, can be read as a standalone book.
Whiskey, women and sleepless nights…
United States Army Captain Gabriel Hastings knew he would always follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. Serving his country was his destiny.
Until he fell in love…
When Gabe’s love affair is cut short, he turns to whiskey for comfort and swears he will never fall in love again.
Until he bumps into an unexpected angel…
By all appearances, Autumn Jones has the perfect life. Her husband, Richard, is a loving man who wants to be a father to her unborn children. But Autumn knows the truth. Richard has a controlling, dark side that leaves nothing to chance, especially Autumn. He’ll stop at nothing to make her the trophy wife he wants her to be.
When Autumn bumps into Gabe, he consumes her every thought, but she can’t act on her feelings. She’s married to a dark man she can never leave.
When he learns who Autumn’s husband really is, Gabe knows he will stop at nothing to protect her. Or is it too late for him to save his angel?
Author link: www.facebook.com/AuthorKKnight
*********
Love Survives:
This book follows Love's Suicide. It can be read by itself as a stand alone.
Imagine being in love with the same girl since you were ten years old, only to have her fall for your twin instead.
This story is rocky.
It will rip you apart and possibly put you back together again.
I know this because it's my story.
The pain and anguish experienced in this is what it was like to hold onto hope that some day we'd find each other again. I won't sugar coat the details of what I went through to have her, nor will I apologize for any actions that led me right back into her life.
Sometimes love isn't enough.
For me, it took some bad experiences, a little fate, and a lot of time.
Author link: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferFoor...
*********
Irons:
Jax
I was born and bred to be the man I am today. My father and his father were both graduates from The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. Both went on to become helicopter pilots. Both had seen plenty of action. Both had met and caused devastation. Both men, who I respect more above all, had served and protected the United States and her people honorably for decades.
My best friend, William Cruz, who attended the academy with me, had flown beside me, had lived the same life as I had and shared the same ambitions in life, was gone now. This was not part of the plan. Will and I were supposed to have each other’s backs, support each other and never let anything supersede our bond.
Francesca
I sat on Norfolk Beach needing to feel close to him on the anniversary of his death. It was a beautiful day in May and I was cutting class. I had done the same every year since he passed.
Jaxson Irons was only supposed to be in Pensacola for a year. But now three years later I still hadn't heard from him. I saw a man running down the beach and I knew immediately who it was.
Jaxson didn't respond the way I had dreamed he would. He told me we would catch up someday soon. I stood and watched until he was gone.
Thump, thump. I placed my hand on my chest as I felt my heart beat again for what felt like the first time in three years. Thump, thump. I felt the blood moving quickly through my body. It’s heat once again present. Thump, thump. I looked up at the sky and let out a breath. A breath that I had been holding forever. Thump, thump.
I felt tears fall down my face as I raised my hands in the air and laughed out loud.
Author link: www.facebook.com/pages/MJ-Fields-book...
*********
Ace In The Hole:
Ace Diamond left behind the woman he loved when he joined the Navy SEALs. For years he focused on his career, risking life and limb on missions for his country. Now home on leave, he must face his past and ask himself if leaving her was a mistake.
At seventeen, Gwyneth London gave her heart away only to have it broken. More than a dozen years later, she decides to embrace her single life and have a child on her own. Ready to start over in her hometown, she doesn’t expect to see the man who still holds her heart, but when he walks back into her life she’s unable to push him away.
Can Gwyneth and Ace claim the life they were supposed to have, or will they let love pass them by?
Author link: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMariss...
*********
Letters Home:
Life is all about the jigsaw, right? Finding the different puzzle pieces to complete your very own picture. A career you love, a house to make a home, a lover to complete you, and keep you warm at night.
Danielle Renton has a life, and she loves it. A recent law school graduate, she’d been floored when her boyfriend, Nate Lewis, enlisted during their sophomore year of college. At the time, she’d been concerned with what that meant for them as a couple, but in the years that followed, they’d learned to adapt to the logistics of an army relationship.
But when life throws her a curve ball, how will she cope? Can she pick up the pieces and make her picture beautiful again? Or does she realize that, sometimes, the pieces can be too broken to fit back together…
Author link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecc...
******************************
Heels for Combat Boots:
HFCB was founded and created by Kati Sorensen AKA 'Riskay Business' and was officially established on February 28, 2014. HFCB sets out to assist Servicemen and women with PTSD/TBI (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury). They assist with helping these individuals adjust back into the world of civilian life, connect them with the correct outreach and treatment programs, help with their day to day struggles and issues; such as assisting them with paying their bills, obtain groceries, etc. They help to get them back involved with the things they enjoy, introduce them to new experiences, and connect them with hunting and fishing trips. Also getting involved with Vet events, visiting the VA's, and sending out care packages.
HFCB Website: http://www.heelsforcombatboots.wix.co...
HFCB GoFundMe: http://www.gofundme.com/hfcb2015year
HFCB Store: http://www.cafepress.com/hfcb
HFCB Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/heelsforcomb...
HFCB FB: http://www.facebook.com/heelsforcomba...
*****************************
Eye Candy Bookstore:
http://www.facebook.com/EyeCandyBooks...
Cover Model: Riskay Business: http://www.facebook.com/riskayb
Photographer: Scott Adams Photography: http://www.facebook.com/ScottAdamsPhoto
Published on July 08, 2015 11:05
•
Tags:
99-cents, amazon, anthology, charity, erotica, eye-candy-bookstore, heels-for-combat-books, kindle, romance, sex-love-and-combat-boots, short-stories
New Release and Giveaway! The First Life of Vikram Roy, by Laxmi Hariharan
Laxmi Hariharan is a talented author whom I've had the pleasure of meeting a few times. She's releasing the third book in her Ruby Iyer series this month. This fast-paced series is full of adventure, romance, humour, and action.

To celebrate the release, Laxmi is currently running a giveaway on her blog. You could win a $30 Amazon gift card. To find out more and enter, please follow this link: http://www.laxmihariharan.com/p/ruby-...

About The First Life of Vikram Roy (Ruby Iyer Series)
His family is being held to ransom by a deadly mastermind.
Vikram never should have left his family, but when Vikram's father brings his half-brother Vishal home, life will never be the same. Vikram thinks things will be better now that he's gone. He's met the love of his life, his future looks bright and then everything is shattered. Now, his family's life is hanging in the balance, and only Vikram can do what needs to be done to save them. From the bestselling dystopian fiction author with over 200 reviews and ratings of her dystopia books across Goodreads, Amazon and other retailers.
If you’re looking for books like Hunger Games, then this dystopia romance series, The Ruby Iyer Series is it.
Here's an excerpt from the book:
*******
I hear the staccato of shots being fired, followed by yells and howls of pain. Then, the sound of something being smashed and everything goes quiet. The TV no longer chatters. I look to the open door. The recreation room is down at the end of the corridor. The sounds of shots get closer. Without giving myself a chance to think I make a run for the door slam it shut, lock it and it’s as if that’s a signal to the rest of the men to jump to their feet. Without a word, the ten of us scram to our bunks, pull on trousers and shoes.We get our hands on whatever weapon we can find. No guns, none of us have guns. So I grab my cricket bat. (As if that’s going to make a difference?)
Around me the others too are grabbing cricket bats and hockey sticks. Neil grabs an iron rod. An iron rod? Where did he get that from? We drop to the floor, crouch and wait.
Should I hide under the bed? Nope, no way. Like, that is going to help.
And then a crash as the door is broken down, hacked by what looks like an axe till it’s in pieces on the floor and through it step through two men. One holding a machine gun, the other wielding an axe which he drops to the floor and instead grabs the the gun slung over his back. They are both wearing balaclavas, so we can’t see their features. Of medium height, they are muscular and dressed all in black: Black jeans and sweatshirts, their hair covered by the hoods. Their backs are to the door. They point their guns at us, signalling to us to put our hands up. I hesitate, not looking around but sense that the others too are not sure what to do. The first gunman points his gun at the nearest recruit … a boy just out of his teens and shoots him in the head.
There is a collective gasp from the room. A chill runs through me. Who are they? How did they break through the security measures of the force base? And then they are foolish enough to barge right into the heart of the training facilities of the force and shoot its cadets? Why? Why would they do that? The gunmen gesture to us and this time we follow their orders. We walk to the wall at the back of the bunkhouse and line up, hands on our heads, staring ahead.
An alarm rings out then. Finally! It’s been almost ten minutes since the shooting started. Still, the reinforcements should be here soon. Now all we need to do is keep these gun men distracted enough so they don’t kill us. As if reading my mind, the guy who’d shot the young recruit moves forward, his gun trained on us. I draw in a breath and hold it. The sweat trickles down my back. My heart is racing so fast I am sure if I look down I can see it leaping out of my chest. The gunman passes me, walks to the end of the line; then back to the middle where I am.
"You have no idea what this is about do you?" He asks.
He sounds young, as if he is barely a man himself. And something in his voice … muffled as it is, it sounds familiar. A faint recollection grabs the edge of my mind, And then I forget everything because he leans close to Neil who is next to me, and smashes the butt of his gun into his stomach. Neil falls to the ground, moaning, holding his middle. I firm up my stomach muscles. I know I am next, I must be. I want to squeeze my eyes shut, but don’t. The gunman leans to the other side, and shoots another man in the head.
This chap collapses without a cry. What the fuck? I want to jump him right then, but that would be really stupid of me. I am not going to help anyone if I get killed will I? There are six of us left in the room now. One of the younger recruits lets out a sob, at which gunman no 2 holds his gun at him, so he shuts up immediately.
The gunman asks me, "Where are the plans?’
"What are you talking about?" I reply, trying to stay calm, struggling not to show how scared I am inside.
He only grins and in response, and without taking his eyes off me, holds his gun up and I know what what he is going to do and I scream. "No!" But it’s too late. This time he’s shot two more guys in succession. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. These guys are desperate, or crazy or both.
Besides me Neil stirs on the ground.
The gunman takes a deep breathe, as if trying to calm himself and says, "Don’t pretend to be dumb. If you don’t get me the blue prints of the security arrangements being planned by the force for Bombay; the one that you and your team mates are being trained for, then all the rest of you die too."
Only six of us left now. Four young lives, gone just like that. I feel sick. What the fuck are these guys upto? And … and how do they know about the plans? This is top secret. The only reason I know about it, is because I’ve overheard the training officer speaking with the ACP about it on the phone last week. And only because I happened to be waiting outside his room then. And how does this gunman even know that I know the details?
*******
Want to find out what happens next? Follow this link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/A...
About the origins of Ruby Iyer:

Laxmi says, "Growing up in Bombay, my daily commute to university was inevitably nightmarish. It's just how public transport is here. The man behind you on the bus will brush up against you. You know you are going to be felt up on a crowded train platform. All you can do is accept it and get on. Or so you think. I did too, until, a young photojournalist was raped in the centre of Bombay in broad daylight. It made me furious. Nothing had changed in this city in all these years. Then, I had a vision of this young girl who would not back down; who would follow her instincts, stand up for herself regardless of consequences. Thus Ruby Iyer was born. Make no mistake, Ruby’s her own person. She leads. I follow."
You can download the RUBY IYER DIARIES, the prequel novelette in the series free HERE: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MXSLQFU
About The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer

2015 Readers' Favorite (Bronze) YA Action
YA Finalist 2015 IAN Book of the Year Award
Finalist 9th Annual Indie Excellence Awards
When her best friend is kidnapped, Ruby will stop at nothing to rescue him. Criminals run the streets of Bombay. Jam-packed with the worst degenerates. The city is a shell of the pride and joy it used to be. Ruby knows something must be done, but it isn’t until her best friend is kidnapped by the despotic Dr Braganza that she knows that she and she alone must save city, save her best friend, save the world from total destruction. Armed only with Vikram, a cop-turned-rogue they are about to embark on a road they may never return from.
If you’re looking for fast-paced books like Hunger Games or dystopia fiction like Angelfall, the Ruby Iyer series is perfect for you.
Buy on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Many-Lives-Ruby...
Author Links:
Website: http://laxmihariharan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laxmiharihar...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RubyIyer

To celebrate the release, Laxmi is currently running a giveaway on her blog. You could win a $30 Amazon gift card. To find out more and enter, please follow this link: http://www.laxmihariharan.com/p/ruby-...

About The First Life of Vikram Roy (Ruby Iyer Series)
His family is being held to ransom by a deadly mastermind.
Vikram never should have left his family, but when Vikram's father brings his half-brother Vishal home, life will never be the same. Vikram thinks things will be better now that he's gone. He's met the love of his life, his future looks bright and then everything is shattered. Now, his family's life is hanging in the balance, and only Vikram can do what needs to be done to save them. From the bestselling dystopian fiction author with over 200 reviews and ratings of her dystopia books across Goodreads, Amazon and other retailers.
If you’re looking for books like Hunger Games, then this dystopia romance series, The Ruby Iyer Series is it.
Here's an excerpt from the book:
*******
I hear the staccato of shots being fired, followed by yells and howls of pain. Then, the sound of something being smashed and everything goes quiet. The TV no longer chatters. I look to the open door. The recreation room is down at the end of the corridor. The sounds of shots get closer. Without giving myself a chance to think I make a run for the door slam it shut, lock it and it’s as if that’s a signal to the rest of the men to jump to their feet. Without a word, the ten of us scram to our bunks, pull on trousers and shoes.We get our hands on whatever weapon we can find. No guns, none of us have guns. So I grab my cricket bat. (As if that’s going to make a difference?)
Around me the others too are grabbing cricket bats and hockey sticks. Neil grabs an iron rod. An iron rod? Where did he get that from? We drop to the floor, crouch and wait.
Should I hide under the bed? Nope, no way. Like, that is going to help.
And then a crash as the door is broken down, hacked by what looks like an axe till it’s in pieces on the floor and through it step through two men. One holding a machine gun, the other wielding an axe which he drops to the floor and instead grabs the the gun slung over his back. They are both wearing balaclavas, so we can’t see their features. Of medium height, they are muscular and dressed all in black: Black jeans and sweatshirts, their hair covered by the hoods. Their backs are to the door. They point their guns at us, signalling to us to put our hands up. I hesitate, not looking around but sense that the others too are not sure what to do. The first gunman points his gun at the nearest recruit … a boy just out of his teens and shoots him in the head.
There is a collective gasp from the room. A chill runs through me. Who are they? How did they break through the security measures of the force base? And then they are foolish enough to barge right into the heart of the training facilities of the force and shoot its cadets? Why? Why would they do that? The gunmen gesture to us and this time we follow their orders. We walk to the wall at the back of the bunkhouse and line up, hands on our heads, staring ahead.
An alarm rings out then. Finally! It’s been almost ten minutes since the shooting started. Still, the reinforcements should be here soon. Now all we need to do is keep these gun men distracted enough so they don’t kill us. As if reading my mind, the guy who’d shot the young recruit moves forward, his gun trained on us. I draw in a breath and hold it. The sweat trickles down my back. My heart is racing so fast I am sure if I look down I can see it leaping out of my chest. The gunman passes me, walks to the end of the line; then back to the middle where I am.
"You have no idea what this is about do you?" He asks.
He sounds young, as if he is barely a man himself. And something in his voice … muffled as it is, it sounds familiar. A faint recollection grabs the edge of my mind, And then I forget everything because he leans close to Neil who is next to me, and smashes the butt of his gun into his stomach. Neil falls to the ground, moaning, holding his middle. I firm up my stomach muscles. I know I am next, I must be. I want to squeeze my eyes shut, but don’t. The gunman leans to the other side, and shoots another man in the head.
This chap collapses without a cry. What the fuck? I want to jump him right then, but that would be really stupid of me. I am not going to help anyone if I get killed will I? There are six of us left in the room now. One of the younger recruits lets out a sob, at which gunman no 2 holds his gun at him, so he shuts up immediately.
The gunman asks me, "Where are the plans?’
"What are you talking about?" I reply, trying to stay calm, struggling not to show how scared I am inside.
He only grins and in response, and without taking his eyes off me, holds his gun up and I know what what he is going to do and I scream. "No!" But it’s too late. This time he’s shot two more guys in succession. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. These guys are desperate, or crazy or both.
Besides me Neil stirs on the ground.
The gunman takes a deep breathe, as if trying to calm himself and says, "Don’t pretend to be dumb. If you don’t get me the blue prints of the security arrangements being planned by the force for Bombay; the one that you and your team mates are being trained for, then all the rest of you die too."
Only six of us left now. Four young lives, gone just like that. I feel sick. What the fuck are these guys upto? And … and how do they know about the plans? This is top secret. The only reason I know about it, is because I’ve overheard the training officer speaking with the ACP about it on the phone last week. And only because I happened to be waiting outside his room then. And how does this gunman even know that I know the details?
*******
Want to find out what happens next? Follow this link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/A...
About the origins of Ruby Iyer:

Laxmi says, "Growing up in Bombay, my daily commute to university was inevitably nightmarish. It's just how public transport is here. The man behind you on the bus will brush up against you. You know you are going to be felt up on a crowded train platform. All you can do is accept it and get on. Or so you think. I did too, until, a young photojournalist was raped in the centre of Bombay in broad daylight. It made me furious. Nothing had changed in this city in all these years. Then, I had a vision of this young girl who would not back down; who would follow her instincts, stand up for herself regardless of consequences. Thus Ruby Iyer was born. Make no mistake, Ruby’s her own person. She leads. I follow."
You can download the RUBY IYER DIARIES, the prequel novelette in the series free HERE: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MXSLQFU
About The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer

2015 Readers' Favorite (Bronze) YA Action
YA Finalist 2015 IAN Book of the Year Award
Finalist 9th Annual Indie Excellence Awards
When her best friend is kidnapped, Ruby will stop at nothing to rescue him. Criminals run the streets of Bombay. Jam-packed with the worst degenerates. The city is a shell of the pride and joy it used to be. Ruby knows something must be done, but it isn’t until her best friend is kidnapped by the despotic Dr Braganza that she knows that she and she alone must save city, save her best friend, save the world from total destruction. Armed only with Vikram, a cop-turned-rogue they are about to embark on a road they may never return from.
If you’re looking for fast-paced books like Hunger Games or dystopia fiction like Angelfall, the Ruby Iyer series is perfect for you.
Buy on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Many-Lives-Ruby...
Author Links:
Website: http://laxmihariharan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laxmiharihar...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RubyIyer
Published on September 23, 2015 14:55
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Tags:
amazon, charity, giveaway, laxmi-hariharan, new-release, ruby-iyer, the-first-life-of-vikram-roy
A Soldier's Story: A Film with a Cause - Indiegogo campaign

I've just heard about an Indiegogo campaign that has been launched to raise awareness about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). The campaign hopes to raise funds for the UK charity Help for Heroes. Many soldiers return from war with symptoms of PTSD.
This Indiegogo campaign is asking contributors for funds in exchange for perks, and the aim is to produce a short film.
"A Soldier's Story" was written by Rob Shannon, an actor who will also play the lead role in the film.

Bio:
Rob has over twenty years' experience working in the film industry on both sides of the camera. His experience spans starring in television, independent features and Hollywood films in both the UK and the US, as well as producing and developing feature projects he personally believes in. One of his most recent notable accomplishments was starring in the BBC’s "The Coliseum".
He has worked along side some of the best British talent, as well as internationally acclaimed stars like Jude Law, Ray Winstone, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbach, Michael Gambon and Billy Crudup.
Rob has close friends who served in UK Special Forces and he has trained along side them to experience the grueling physical demands of a soldier. Robert has been personally affected seeing friends who suffer from PTSD and wanted to tell the story that is often never heard. He brings these soldiers’ perspective and well as his own experiences to the role of Ryan Manning in "A Soldier’s Story".
The film is all about a soldier returning from war in Afghanistan after witnessing the death of his best friend. The story highlights the effects of war and in particular this soldier's own battle with PTSD.
The director of the film will be Ben Mole.
Bio:
Ben is an award-winning Director who began his career after earning joint honours degrees in Philosophy and Psychology from Oxford University. He started as a lighting and camera technician on Hollywood studio movies, indie films, and Television series in the UK and Los Angeles. He then progressed to directing his own work in music videos, and commercials; and then shifted into writing and directing US and UK television drama-documentary productions. His work has won and been nominated for awards on both sides of the Atlantic.
Find out how you can contribute to this worthy cause by following the link to the Indiegogo page where you can learn more about the film and discover the perks on offer: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-...
By contributing to the campaign you'll be supporting servicemen and women and helping to make a meaningful film that raises awareness about PTSD and the work of Help for Heroes.

Links:
Indiegogo campaign: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PTSD_Film
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASoldiersSto...
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ptsd_film/
Official website: http://www.asoldiersstoryfilm.co.uk
Help for Heroes: https://twitter.com/helpforheroes
Published on October 27, 2015 16:00
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Tags:
a-soldier-s-story, ben-mole, charity, help-for-heroes, indiegogo, post-traumatic-stress-disorder, ptsd, rob-shannon, short-film, war
BBC 2015 Children in Need Appeal - Book Auction

Three of my books are up for auction alongside some brilliant novels by some of the best contemporary authors.
Follow the link below to see the books and other items donated by authors, and for information as to how to place a bid: http://fundraiserpaddy.myfreesites.net/
There is a Just Giving account set up to receive payment for the books, and where you can donate towards the BBC Children In Need appeal: https://www.justgiving.com/paddy-heron
I have donated signed copies of my latest version of A Time to Tell, Delusion and Dreams, and Far Away in Time.

Other authors who have signed and donated books include: Neil Gaiman, Joanne Harris, Ian Rankin, and Lynda La Plante.
Follow the organiser of the auction on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FundraiserPaddy
Find out more about Children In Need: https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/f...
Published on November 10, 2015 13:20
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Tags:
auction, bbc, books, charity, children-in-need
Author Charity Parkerson is running a silent auction to benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital
Author Charity Parkerson is running a silent auction to benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital - the drawing will be on the 1st of May. Here's some more information from Charity:
"As most of you know, St. Jude's Children's hospital is a charity close to my heart. Every year I try to raise money for them."
This year's silent auction basket contains books 1-5 of Charity Parkerson's Hard Hit series autographed, a Kindle Fire, two small swag bags, a carry-on, a Novel Experience t-shirt autographed, and cover art for her upcoming book Clinched signed by the cover model Ryan "Stacks" Harmon and the author. Bidding starts at $150.00 USD and whoever has the highest bid on May 1st wins.
This year's silent auction basket contains books 1-5 of Charity Parkerson's Hard Hit series autographed, a Kindle Fire, two small swag bags, a carry-on, a Novel Experience t-shirt autographed, and cover art for her upcoming book Clinched signed by the cover model Ryan "Stacks" Harmon and the author. Bidding starts at $150.00 USD and whoever has the highest bid on May 1st wins.
Charity says:
"Email your bid to admin@charityparkerson.com
The winner will be contacted once bidding closes. Once your payment is made through Paypal, I will ship out your prize. Thank you!" –Author, Charity Parkerson
Published on March 01, 2016 15:46
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Tags:
auction, charity, charity-parkerson, silent-auction
Bid for books in the Children In Need charity auction!
The Children in Need Authors' Auction is an event uniting authors from all around the world including the U.K, Europe, U.S.A, and Australia.
Authors themselves have signed and in many cases personalised their books with special illustrations and personal inscriptions supporting BBC Children in Need 2016.
These books would make wonderful birthday or Christmas presents to give to family or friends, whilst at the same time supporting a fantastic cause!
The auction ends 9pm Friday 18th November 2016
Click the link to visit the site and browse the books on offer: http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/auction/de...
Please note: P&P of £4.00 will be added to items within the U.K & Ireland, postage costs outside UK & Ireland may vary.
This event is being hosted by @FundraiserPaddy - follow him on Twitter!
The Facebook event page is at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/events/17885...

There are many exclusive offers from bestselling authors including Neil Gaiman and Joanne Harris.
You can also bid on signed copies of 5 of my books:
Lost and Found: http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/bbccinauth...
A Time to Tell (Please note the cover shown is the first edition cover, however the book being offered is the latest edition (2nd edition): http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/bbccinauth...
Haunted: http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/bbccinauth...
3: http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/bbccinauth...
Delusion and Dreams: http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/bbccinauth...
Authors themselves have signed and in many cases personalised their books with special illustrations and personal inscriptions supporting BBC Children in Need 2016.
These books would make wonderful birthday or Christmas presents to give to family or friends, whilst at the same time supporting a fantastic cause!
The auction ends 9pm Friday 18th November 2016
Click the link to visit the site and browse the books on offer: http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/auction/de...
Please note: P&P of £4.00 will be added to items within the U.K & Ireland, postage costs outside UK & Ireland may vary.
This event is being hosted by @FundraiserPaddy - follow him on Twitter!
The Facebook event page is at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/events/17885...

There are many exclusive offers from bestselling authors including Neil Gaiman and Joanne Harris.
You can also bid on signed copies of 5 of my books:
Lost and Found: http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/bbccinauth...
A Time to Tell (Please note the cover shown is the first edition cover, however the book being offered is the latest edition (2nd edition): http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/bbccinauth...
Haunted: http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/bbccinauth...
3: http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/bbccinauth...
Delusion and Dreams: http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/bbccinauth...
Published on November 17, 2016 12:49
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Tags:
book-auction, charity, children-in-need, fundraising


