Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "giveaway"

Pinnacle:Author and Book Promotions is giving away one copy of my latest novel.
Here's the link: Win Second Chances!
You can enter between now and the 17th September 2010
Good luck!

Graham Parke, author of No Hope for Gomez! is holding an international party to celebrate the anniversary of the release of the book! He would love you all to attend. There are some great prizes on offer. Here's what the author has to say about the event:


"No Hope for Gomez!" Birthday Party. Win kindles, iPods, and get free books!



“It's the age-old tale:
Boy meets girl.
Boy stalks girl.
Girl already has a stalker.
Boy becomes her stalker-stalker.”


It's hard to believe, but it's been a year since I handed in the final proofs for my weird little book ‘No Hope for Gomez!’ To celebrate this, and the fact that it just became a finalist in 2010's Best Book Awards, I decided to throw an international party. As I’ve had a debilitating fear of throwing parties and no-one showing up since early childhood, I’d be more than delighted if you’d come!

Of course, with every cool, international party comes a gift bag. Here's just some of the stuff attendants will get:

‘Unspent Time’ exclusive short story collection
No Hope for Gomez: The Lost Chapters Making of Gomez: behind the scenes eBook
Signed hi-res poster + bookplate

(These are all exclusive items and will not be available again.)

Additionally, several lucky attendants will win a Kindle or an iPod!

Oh yeah, you can bring as many friends as you like, just don't bring your crazy uncle who drinks too much and then tries to get me to go to the attic with him to see something wonderful. I've fallen for that before and I don't mind telling you, I came away very disappointed!

Find out how to attend HERE.

Visit author Darcia Helle's blog and you will find all the details for this great giveaway! 47 authors are giving away a total of 76 books!

I am participating. One signed print copy of my short story collection Love and Loyalty is up for grabs.

Fill in the entry form and let your friends know about this event!

Good luck everyone!



Indie books Holiday Giveaway




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Author Graham Parke has asked me to let you know about the after party he is having following the online birthday celebrations for his novel No Hope for Gomez!

Here's the official invite from Graham Parke:





“Instead of heading for the big mental breakdown,
     I decided to have a little one every Tuesday evening.” -- Gomez Porter

You are cordially invited to Gomez' online after party. It starts right now and runs till December 10th. You'll receive:

- ‘Activated Carbon’ exclusive short story collection
- Making of Gomez: behind the scenes eBook

A kindle will be raffled off. Extra prizes for those who bring friends.

Simply purchase your copy of "No Hope for Gomez!" from Amazon and forward your receipt to nohopeforgomez@gmail.com. Find out the details HERE

Two print copies of my latest novel 'Second Chances' are up for grabs in Stacy Juba's blog giveaway. To enter, you need to leave a comment on Stacy's blog:

Enter competition here

There are also many other great books in the giveaway including ebooks and print books

Good luck!

I am on Keta Diablo's blog today, 'Quackers and Tease', giving away 2 pdf copies of my new book Fusion

Click here for your chance to enter!
Fusion Competition

Good luck!

I recently did an interview with author, Darcia Helle.

You can read it here: Fusion interview

You can also leave a comment on the blog for your chance to win a pdf copy of my latest collection of short stories, 'Fusion'

Good luck!

In the next few weeks I will be introducing you to some of my favourite writers, many of whom I met here on Goodreads.

My first guest is Julie Elizabeth Powell, author of Gone, Slings & Arrows, The Avalon Trilogy, Knowing Jack and A Murderer's Heart.

I first met Julie here on Goodreads a couple of years ago when we swapped books for review. I loved her book Gone and since then I have become a fan of her work. I’ve read all of her books and we have also become good friends, and I met her for the first time recently at her wedding reception.

As well as answering my questions, Julie has very generously offered to giveaway copies of Gone, Slings & Arrows, The Star Realm and Knowing Jack. For UK winners these will be print copies, pdf copies for international winners.

At the end of the interview, I'll let you know how you can enter!

Here are Julie’s replies to a few questions I asked her about her writing career and her books:

Is there a particular author or book that inspired you to start writing?

No. However, I’ve always loved to read and dabbled with words. But the ‘push’ to actually keep the words that flowed into a book came from what happened to my daughter, Samantha.

That was the basis and inspiration for your first novel, Gone. Please tell us a bit more about that.

I wrote Gone after what happened to my daughter, Samantha, in 1984, when her heart stopped and she died but was brought back to be left severely brain-damaged. A question kept nagging at me – Where had she gone? I mean, her body was lying here, true, but what had made her who she was had just vanished… her memories, her character… everything! On one of those many ‘not able to sleep’ nights, this idea came to me…she must be somewhere else, what if?…and Avalon* was born. I just had to write the story.

(*Avalon is the fantasy world featured in Gone)

At first, writing the book was about satisfying myself... helping me understand her tragic life – and mine. Then, as I continued to write, the world I’d created evolved and I thought this could really help others too. Though I don’t know how many other people that have suffered these exact circumstances, in my experience I don’t think there are /have been many cases like Samantha (brain okay, then wiped, to put it crudely) that lasted for so many years. I thought this book might be an answer that could satisfy a sorrowful heart. Whatever the circumstances, for those left behind, loss is loss… and love gets so tangled; this was one way of trying to sort things out. After Samantha died the second and final time, things didn’t improve for me much (you never get over it), but writing definitely helped… and it’s a tribute to her now. I also like to think that it could be true. Imagine that!

The book was inspired by Samantha. When you read the book, you’ll maybe understand the mixed feelings involved in a relationship like that – but there is no denying, she was my inspiration for this book.

Whenever I choose a book to read, I tend to go for those involved in fantasy, mystery, magic… that sort of thing. So, anyone of a like mind will immediately appreciate the setting etc. and I hope enjoy the story. However, I feel sure that even those who don’t necessarily select this type of genre would be helped or maybe given a lighter heart, if they read Gone, even if they’ve never suffered loss. I know that many will relate to the themes of love, loss, hope, fear, guilt and so on – especially those who have lost a child – and understand the bonds of love and all the strands that can become jumbled. They will gain more than they could guess… I’m sure of it.

I think Gone is different from other books because, yes it’s a fantasy, yes it’s about loss and grief… and finding a way through those things, but this story is about following an identity, which has been stripped from its owner. While a withering body lies waiting to die, its essence, its character, its memories are seen in another place, a mysterious land found by a mother (who thinks she’s crazy, of course who wouldn’t!) where she tries to come to terms with the tragic circumstances of her daughter’s situation. It’s not about Heaven, although some may have that opinion, it’s not about death even, as no one has actually died in the true sense, it’s about life and what makes us who we are and how the bonds of love can never be broken. It’s a battle against fear and guilt, sorrow and all the other emotions put upon us in the wake of loss. I’ve never heard of another story quite like this, not least due to the fact it was inspired by an exceptional truth. It shifts from supposed reality to other plains of existence, not least the added, and most surprising, adventure (which of course is a test) where the mother encounters a talking flower who has trouble remembering jokes, goblins and fairies… just to mention a few. But, more importantly it demonstrates the embodiment of fear, which is a huge hurdle for her to overcome – like for most of us, I would say. I also think that it’s funny as well as sad, enjoyable as well as emotive and will, I hope, help others as well as entertain. I don’t think it’s ever been done in this particular way before. Yes, there are stories about ‘after death’ and there’ve been dramas looking into the effects of such things as Alzheimer’s and cases where people have been brain-damaged in other ways… but nothing like this – the whole unique package.


When did you discover your love of writing?

Always loved it but writing Gone, and then being able to have it published, awakened a need, as if a dam had burst and all those submerged ideas swam to the surface and gulped greedily at the air.


Do you have any tips for someone who is considering self-publishing their own book?

Journey Into The Unknown… And Beyond


When I first found Lulu.com it felt like a million butterflies had materialised all at once and fluttered wildly inside me… and when I published, well… For years I’d tried to find someone, anyone… please, I’ll do your laundry forever if you do… to publish my stories but sadly, as the stack of rejections in that drawer will testify, nobody was interested. Why, I wondered? Not good enough? No! Too old? No? (Well, not for writing). Poor education? No! Not…? The list was endless, of course.

However, it seemed, the only thing ‘wrong’, was the fact that I wasn’t already famous! I hadn’t invented some world changing ‘must have’ (though Gone, my first fantasy novel, was inspired by a life-changing event and would definitely make others think differently); I hadn’t climbed Mount Everest (despite the fact that my second book, epic fantasy adventure, The Star Realm, felt like it); I hadn’t landed on the moon, starred in the latest blockbuster nor had I appeared on any reality show exposing bits best kept hidden (mind you, submitting my books for sale does feel like offering my heart on a plate and asking people to ‘dig in’).

So, where did that leave me? Vanity Press? Hmm, need money for that! Become newsworthy? I couldn’t hurt anyone or steal or run around naked, oh we won’t even go there… well, you understand? But I had talent – I knew it! Ah, you’ve guessed it…self-publishing! But I had no money!

The beauty of Lulu is that it’s free! You do the labour of course but then what would you expect? After that, all you have to do is buy your own work and promote it and…

So what does it take?

A story – that tale that’s rummaged around your head for years or just popped into it while you stood ironing or aligning the brakes on the Mustang…(beware stereotyping… though I didn’t say who was under the car).
You write it!
And write it again… and…! (Sometimes it’s best to put it away for at least a month then…)
You proofread it. WARNING: this is harder than writing the story or, I imagine, climbing Mount Everest, but maybe not as difficult as stripping off in front of an audience? Depends on your point of view. Imagination is the key word here.
Then you join Lulu.

Do you know that term mind boggler? Well, that’s what it’ll feel like at first… just take it one step at a time. Joining Lulu is easy (email and password) and free (beware repetition). Go through the video – more than once. It’ll probably be easier for those really, really good with computers but even then, you learn…okay, I’ve taken on a little more grey hair, I’ll admit!

Then you choose your layout – a layout that you set up in your computer programme (Word, maybe) for your story (the most popular size is 6 x 9 novel). (Tip: don’t put in page numbers until you’ve finished everything else or it can ‘mess things’…as the extra lines on my face will show). Lulu will take you through all the stages but it’s all your choice. It may be an idea to join Lulu first then see your layout /write your story in the correct format from the start – yes, I know, I learnt this after too with my first book. Then save to where you’ll remember, because you have to browse it to uploaded it (seems obvious but you’d be surprised!) Look, I’ve already given away too much stupidity!

Just follow on-screen instructions for conversion /cover upload (I chose a Lulu cover template for all of mine because I’m still learning that side of things) and for those that have an up-to-date modern computer it should be fairly quick, depending on the size of your book (mine’s not quite stone age… well it wouldn’t be, would it… but you know what I mean? Anyway, I’m saving for a new one…). Beware waffle.

Oooh, then Lulu tells you that you have successfully published!!! Blaze of glory…trumpets, garlands… tickertape… pats on the back… butterfly waltz… this is where we came in.

Back to Earth… then the real work starts… re-editing (I told you about proofreading, didn’t I?) And of course promoting… a whole other ball game…

Good writing and don’t stop dreaming – if you want to do it, you will.

You have written 6 books in many different genres, fantasy, murder-mystery, children’s books, and non-fiction. Is there one genre that you prefer more than the others? If so, why?

That’s easy – fantasy! I do like to try various genres but my favourite has to be fantasy because I can do anything in it. If there’s a problem with a character or place or plot then I can manipulate, make it up or just have some fun – fantasy allows that. Though I don’t mind if it’s for children (although that can be even more fun and making new characters in bizarre lands is fantastic) or adults – it certainly allowed me to deal with a difficult subject and perhaps come up with acceptable answers in Gone. Though even if it’s not fantasy, in my writing, the ‘real’ world (for the most part) has to be tempered with something extra, whether it is strange, mysterious, extraordinary, and magical or... well, you get the gist.

Summarise Gone, your first book in three or four sentences.

Gone is about finding answers, especially: ‘Where had my daughter gone?’ after she was severely brain damaged at the age of two, only to suffer agonies for a further seventeen years until her second death. It concerns the exploration of the human condition. It is about hope.


Who are your favourite authors and what is it about their writing you like?

Dean Koontz, Stephen King, JK Rowling, Shakespeare and Chaucer

Taking the last two first – I love the language and the way they understood the ways of being, how people thought and felt. I particularly liked Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and King Lear and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales – the Wife of Bath is fabulous... we could all learn good lessons from her!

Dean Koontz is my all time favourite, as he too understands people but his books always have that ‘extra’, that magical quality and a wonderful optimism. The dialogue between main characters is amazing and very funny. The Frankenstein and Christopher Snow series are my favourites so far though I really enjoyed them all. While Stephen King also gets to the nature of being, his works, for the most part, are far more negative and gruesome – though have some spectacular ideas. They may be more macabre but the best book of his, in my opinion, is Insomnia. Its plot enthralled me (I will not give away any spoilers) though I loved the Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile and The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon – three with a hopeful stance rather than the darker plots. I’ve enjoyed them all – too many to mention.


Is there a book you own that you’ve read more than once?

I freely admit that the Harry Potter series completes one of the best stories ever told. Brilliant – and yes, I’ve read them more than once.

If someone wanted to read your books, which would you recommend they read first, and why?

I can tell you that Gone will always be the most important book in my life but that’s not to say that every book I write doesn’t have my full attention and interest. Gone broke my heart and in a way mended it, and I love to think of Avalon being there ready and waiting for when my time comes, and welcome the idea that Samantha and I will one day be together.


What is the target age group for your children’s trilogy – The Avalon Trilogy? And Knowing Jack, your other children’s book?

Without generalising, I would say about 12. It would depend on the individual and of course I think that adults would enjoy them too. Here speaks a Harry Potter fan.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and why?

There are two: Gone and Slings & Arrows. The first because of the truth behind why I was writing it, and the second because it was the harrowing truth. And strangely, I wrote Gone first. It took 24 years before I could write Slings & Arrows.

What was the last book you read?

Dean Koontz: Your Heart Belongs To Me
Wish I had more time to read.

Are you reading a book at the moment?

Dean Koontz: The Voice Of The Night

What do you think of ebooks?

Great idea and they can work out cheaper, though I have to say I love the feel of a book and being about to sit comfortably and let my imagination relish.

How important are reviews for you as a writer?

Vital, I would say, especially as a self-published author. Spreading the word is the only possible way of letting others know about your work. It also gives much needed feedback – even if negative (sigh). I’m always willing to learn. I’m extremely grateful to anyone that takes the time to read and review my books. It can help the ego too!

How do you go about choosing a cover for your books?

If I had the money, I would have my ideas professionally uploaded. Or, if I could understand how to do it, I would upload my own designs (even Photoshop for Dummies hasn’t helped). However, as I don’t /can’t, I search through the Lulu library and try to find the most appropriate. I’ve been lucky so far.

What are you working on now?

I have the last of the Avalon Trilogy waiting patiently for my head to ‘get on with it’, in addition to a short story & book where I hope to include short stories (obviously), poetry and pieces inspired by other books – amongst other stuff. It’s proving a good test of my abilities and it’s good to play around with other genres. It’s called Figments and I hope to finish soon enough so to help those poor children out of the predicament within which they’ve been left so that Secrets Of The Ice can at last be published. There are a few others things too, so I’m busy to say the least.



Where can people buy your books?

Julie's Lulu Storefront

You’ll find Gone on Amazon
Gone
Quite few sites carry it, however.

Do you have your own website or blog where people can read more about your work?

I had a website until recently but unfortunately the company (and my site) vanished. However, I have been putting together a new one:
Julie's website

It's a work in progress, but there is info about me, my books and maybe some tips that some may find useful. I will add more as time allows.

Do you have anything you’d like to say to your readers?

Wow… thank you so much for buying my book… I really hope you enjoyed it… and that it made you think differently about things. I hope it helped too, if you needed it. Sorry if there are any mistakes but I’m editor, publisher, designer and writer so I might have missed something. And you never know, earlier prints with errors might be worth a packet one day! If anyone wants to talk to me about any of the issues email me at julizpow (at) yahoo (dot) co (dot) uk
Oh, and… please be kind!!! Thanks.


To enter to win copies of Gone, Slings & Arrows, The Star Realm and Knowing Jack (print copies for UK winners and pdf copies for international), all you have to do is leave a comment here. I will pick 4 winners randomly on 28th February 2011. Good luck!

As many of you will already be aware, I recently wrote a murder/mystery novella with author Jason McIntyre.
This week, author Stacy Juba is featuring the lead character from that novella, the evil reviewer, Nestor Maronski, on her fictional online game show.
The game show is an ongoing contest on Stacy's blog to celebrate the release of her latest novel Sink or Swim which is a murder/mystery based on a reality TV show.

You can help support me and my co-author Jason, by leaving a comment on Stacy's blog interview with Nestor. The 3 fictional characters who get the highest number of unique commenters on their posts will win!

There is also a chance to enter to win a pdf copy of Cutting The Fat!

Click here to read the interview: Nestor Maronski Interview

Today I'd like to introduce you to, Catherine Elizabeth Rose, (pen name: C.E. Trueman), author of The Bone Cradle and Grey Amber, the first two books in a children's trilogy.

I first met Catherine a few years ago as we were both using the same publisher, Pen Press, for our books. We were attending a marketing seminar in Brighton. Catherine was sitting on my left hand side and Helen Bonney, another children's book writer who I'll be introducing you to soon, was sitting on my right hand side. We all got on very well and attended the London Book Fair together in 2007.

Since that time we have remained friends and I have had the pleasure of reading both of Catherine's books. They are the type of children's books that can also be enjoyed just as much by adults.

Today is Catherine's birthday. Happy Birthday, Catherine!!



Happy Birthday Comments

















As well as answering my questions, Catherine has very generously agreed to give away a copy of The Bone Cradle and a copy of Grey Amber! More details about that at the end of the interview.

Here are her replies to my interview questions:


Is there a particular author, or book, that inspired you to start writing?

As a child I was very inspired by Roald Dahl. I can remember reading James and the Giant Peach when I was five and being completely captivated. I used to love the way that Dahl’s heroes, who were children themselves, were able to go on fantastic journeys of discovery. Today, I am still in awe of his imagination. I think Dahl had a gift for seeing the world through a child’s eyes.


When did you first discover your love of writing?

I first discovered a love of writing when I was around seven years old. I would make books at home and fill them with stories and poetry. I still have notebooks from my childhood and brought them in to show other aspiring writers when I was invited to give talks for two years running at my daughter’s school.


Do you have an tips for someone who is considering self-publishing their own book?

I would advise anyone who is thinking of self publishing their book to shop around and see what deals are available. Make sure you look at the quality of the publisher’s product. If the end result appears shoddy or badly printed on poor quality paper then no matter how good your story is or how successful the marketing, that will put readers off. Look at the front covers of their titles. Is the artwork eye catching and well done, or is it uninspiring? The front cover is the first thing that attracts a reader’s eye and moreover, it needs to sell your story.

As well as publishing two children’s books, I know that you are also a poet, can you tell us a bit more about that?

I have been writing poetry since I was a child and over the years, have won several competitions. My first poems were published in Pause, the magazine for the National Poetry Foundation during the 1980s. Its patron was the late Spike Milligan. Since then I have gone on to have poems published in several mixed anthologies. You can find details on my page at Authors Register. I have also done readings and was asked to do a poetry workshop at my local primary school, following which they named a table after me!


Which do you prefer, writing children’s books or poetry?


I think I probably prefer to write poetry as I enjoy using descriptive language and imagery. Poetry writing is like whittling. You keep shaving away the excess until you end up with something which is skillfully pared down, beautiful and unambiguous.


I have read both of the first two books in your trilogy, The Bone Cradle and Grey Amber, and thoroughly enjoyed them. They are certainly educational as well as gripping adventure stories. I imagine a lot of research had to be done about the various subjects contained in the books. How long did each book take you to write?

It took me about six months to write each book and yes, I did lots of research. When I wrote Grey Amber, I did some travelling, driving as far west as it’s possible to go in the UK without actually being in Ireland . I ended up staying in a cottage at Llanrian so that I could get a feel for the Welsh setting which is a huge part of the book.


How much can you tell us about the third book in the trilogy that you’re currently working on?

The third book centres around the search for Dylan as Matt and Ollie are given this task by Tobias at the end of Grey Amber. I visited the East Coast of America last summer which was a huge whaling centre in the 19th and 20th centuries so I am thinking of setting part of the novel there. It’s evolving!


What is the target age-group for your children’s trilogy?

The target age group is 9 – 12 years although I know of many adults who have read and love the books, which is great.


Who are your favourite authors and what is it about their writing that you like?

If a writer can make me catch my breath, or shed tears, or leave me with a delicious aftertaste for a prolonged time, then I know they are doing a good job as a writer. Wordsmiths that have done this for me are Emily Bronte, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, David Almond, Sarah Walters, Michael Armstrong and Sylvia Plath but this is by no means an exhaustive list.

Is there a book you own that you’ve read more than once?

There are far too many books to read more than once. If I read a story that moves or inspires me, then the memory of it lingers and I feel that the impact may be lessened on a subsequent read so I don’t tend to.

What was the last book you read?

The last book I read was The Spare Room by Helen Garner. It was well written and poignant, and its characters also frustrated me immensely which I think was the author’s point.

Are you reading a book at the moment?

I am not reading anything right now although I have several books that are ‘in waiting’.

What do you think of ebooks?


I think that e-books are the way the publishing world is going, and for the author it may be good news as it will mean more direct sales, cutting out the middle men who cream off so much of an author’s profit. It will also mean that as readers we will have far less clutter in our homes! (I have shelves and shelves of paper and hardbacks which I can’t part with). Books will be able to become more interactive with additional layers of information contained in them at a click, which is especially useful for further explanation of the different educational aspects in The Bone Cradle trilogy for example. So apart from the fact I am a total technophobe and find it difficult to work a TV remote control, I think the advent and growth of e-books is an exciting new era.


How important are reviews for you as a writer?


I hate the fact that reviews can make or break an artistic endeavour – whether it is a book, film, or art. I think there are a lot of creative people out there, and an equal number of non-creative people who have given themselves the right to condemn in a few paragraphs something which may have taken months, if not years, of hard work. At the end of the day all appreciation of art is subjective so it can only be an opinion. On the other hand, some books can be over-hyped, especially those written by celebrities or more commonly their ghost writers. These will then sell in their thousands whether they are good or not because people are taken in by the hype. I like to think that critics are transient but good books last lifetimes. The trick is to get the good book out there and I’m afraid sometimes, critics don’t help.


How do you go about choosing a cover for your books?

In choosing the covers for my books, I was lucky in that the artist that my publisher used is very talented and intuitive. She came up with the most perfect cover suggestions that any author could wish for. They surpassed my expectations in fact and to this day I have no regrets that I went with the initial designs. I still love to look at them.

What else are you working on now?

Apart from some poems and the third book in The Bone Cradle trilogy, I am not working on anything at the moment.

Where can people buy your books?

You can buy my books: The Bone Cradle and its sequel Grey Amber, on Amazon and lots of other book websites. If you go to Book Butler, and put in the title of the book, it will tell you where it is available to buy. You would also be able to order them from any high street bookstore.


Do you have your own website or blog where people can read more about your work?

I have a page at Authors Register. I also have a MySpace account at MySpace that contains a blog of musings and poetry written over the past three years. Additionally, I write the Memory Lane page for my local newspaper, The Biggleswade Chronicle, and my articles can be read on their website at Biggleswade Today under Nostalgia.

Catherine is giving away one copy of The Bone Cradle and one copy of Grey Amber (Print copies in the UK and pdf copies for international winners).

To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment here for Catherine.

Winners will be chosen on 9th March 2011.

Good luck!