Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "sandra-yuen-mackay"

In the past couple of years I have read some fabulous books by authors you may not have heard of.

There are lots of good books out there, and before I joined Goodreads, I really only read books by well known authors, or books I could find in my local bookshops.

Many of you may still do that. Maybe you only buy the bestsellers or you only buy books you can find in bricks and mortar shops. I think most people are probably like that.

I just wanted to open up a window for you, and introduce you to some fabulous writers who are not bestsellers, their books are not easy to find in your local shops, but their books are some of the best I have ever read.

Here are a few recommendations.

I hope you will pick at least one from this list to try. Then, if you like it, I hope you'll come back and read another.
And most of all, I hope you'll tell all your friends about them.

Books are written because there is a story to tell, that story deserves to be read.

I've fallen in love with these books, and I hope you will too:

Breathing into Stone Breathing into Stone by Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick

Eighteenth century priest, Father Furio Novia, hates his employer, the Archbishop of Modena; almost as much as he hates Italian master sculptor, Antonio Lisi. When Novia discovers that Lisi uses his beautiful daughter's likeness in nearly every figure he carves, the priest realizes he can make accusations to the Archbishop that the sculptor has an incestuous knowledge of his daughter, Anoria. Novia begins to haunt their lives, and every family in their village of Resceto, not because he believes they have sinned, but because he desires Anoria for himself.For two years their lives twined around one another's, destined to clash in Rome; Novia, committing murder to stay free of the church; Anoria, nearly killing him to escape his lust.(some adult oriented content)

The Day the Flowers Died The Day The Flowers Died by Ami Blackwelder

A Passion set in the time of prejudice. A novel about love and loss. The completed final edition. 1930 Munich. Two Lovers. Different Worlds. A Crumbling Country Book Taste Review: Ami Blackwelder paints her words in this gently narrated historical romance set in Munich, Germany early 1930. The scenes recreate pre-war Germany...

Pixels of Young Mueller Pixels of Young Mueller by Jerry Schwartz

Klaus Mueller dreams of leaving tiny Southland someday to be a rock star. When he chooses stardom over college, however, he learns that his real education is only beginning. He endures a series of god-awful jobs while his music is repeatedly rejected, and he wonders how he will ever achieve success. After moving to the city, where he finds a career and becomes a father, he is torn between the great happiness he has found and the success he still craves. Klaus must reconcile his dreams with reality or spend the rest of his life lamenting what might have been.Pixels of Young Mueller is the story of an artist's growth to maturity and of his revolt against his family's Christian values. The tale of Klaus Mueller, as told in this modern coming-of-age novel, provides new perspectives on classic themes when Klaus confronts the forces that threaten his existence. Readers can listen to Klaus' music online at itsthejerrys.com. (edited by author)

Musical Chairs Musical Chairs by Jen Knox

Musical Chairs explores one family's history of mental health diagnoses and searches to define the cusp between a '90s working-class childhood and the trouble of adapting to a comfortable life in the suburbs. In order to understand her restlessness, Jennifer reflects on years of strip-dancing, alcoholism, and estrangement. Inspired by the least likely source, the family she left behind, Jennifer struggles towards reconciliation. This story is about identity, class, family ties, and the elusive nature of mental illness.


Horse Latitudes Horse Latitudes by Quentin R. Bufogle

Time is running out for Chester Sprockett. How is an unemployed, aspiring novelist supposed to survive when the thirty grand borrowed off his dead father's credit cards is almost gone, and the only work he can find is hawking toys and cheesy novelty items door-to-door . . . on commission yet?

And talk about woman trouble: There's Pandora, the beautiful magician's assistant who dumped him for an investment banker and the dream of becoming a performance artist; Beth, his true love, the girl he let slip through his fingers at the beach (maybe it was all that baby oil) and the mysterious blond nymph who hurls empty beer bottles at him from a black Z28 Camaro.

If it wasn't for the occasional visit from the ghost of his father, Chester would almost certainly be losing his grip on reality, and never navigate his way out of the . . . Horse Latitudes.


Caviar Dreams Caviar Dreams by Judy Nichols

Your best friend's in love with a lying, scum-bag thief. How do you tell her? Because what she doesn't know could kill her. This is photographer Lisa Watson's dilemma. Lisa has always relied on her plain, overweight friend Debbie to cheer her up when she's down on her luck (which is most of the time). When Debbie falls hard for a handsome stranger named Derek. Lisa is skeptical, believing Prince Charming is more interested in Debbie's money than her kind nature. Derek may be a small-time hustler, but he has big-time plans. He intends to blackmail his wealthy lover, Robert Helton, a conservative industrialist desperate to hide his secret gay life. However, Derek's plan takes a fatal turn when Debbie is found dead in her apartment.


Harmony Bay: An adventurous slice of waterfront life where mystery surrounds history... Harmony Bay by Tom Gahan

Harmony Bay uncovers the rich historical past of a small town through the eyes of newcomers...Detailed description laced with historical references gives the reader a feel for life in a bayside town

Enemies and Playmates Enemies and Playmates by Darcia Helle

When the abused decide to fight back, the abuser's world might just shatter. Lauren Covington's family maintains a grand facade that belies the life they live behind closed doors. Alex Covington, Lauren's father, keeps a tight rein on his family through dominance, abuse, and obsessive control. Consequently, Lauren doesn't believe she could ever trust a man, much less fall in love with one.

When Lauren meets Jesse Ryder, her carefully constructed protective wall shatters. She falls hopelessly and completely in love. It's only fitting that Jesse is a private detective who had once worked for her father, had defied him, and was now the subject of Alex Covington's wrath.

Amidst devastating loss, betrayal, and her father's destructive pursuit of Jesse, Lauren finds the trust and love she had always longed for.

Digger's Bones Digger's Bones by Paul Mansfield Keefe

Archaeologist Angie Cooper's colleague and friend, Tarek "Digger" Rashid, is murdered in front of her. But not before giving her cryptic photographic clues to a hidden tomb and the two thousand year old bones within. Angie must battle a ruthless hitman, hired by a U.S. senator with presidential aspirations, and a sociopathic religious zealot while overcoming severe acrophobia. Caught in a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal, she works to unravel the secret of Digger's bones. Bones that affect the lives of all they touch.

Digger’s Bones is an action packed thriller that takes you from the churches and burial tombs of ancient Jerusalem to the harrowing cliffs of Bandelier National Monument and the glacier capped Zugspitze in Germany. Angie Cooper, her career in shambles, finds herself on the run from mercenaries, the Holy See, the FBI, and Interpol while trying to solve one of archaeology’s great mysteries. Yet some things are better left in the past.

Twenty-Five Years Ago Today Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by Stacy Juba

Kris Langley has always been obsessed with murder. She blames herself for the violent death of her cousin when they were kids and has let guilt invade every corner of her existence. Now an editorial assistant and obit writer for a Massachusetts newspaper, Kris stumbles across an unsolved murder while compiling "25 Years Ago Today" items from the microfilm. She grows fascinated with the case of a young cocktail waitress who was bludgeoned to death and dumped in the woods. Determined to solve the case and atone for the death of her cousin, Kris immerses herself in the mystery of what happened to Diana Ferguson, a talented artist who expressed herself through haunting paintings of Greek mythology. Not only does Kris face resistance from her family and her managing editor, she also clashes with Diana's suspicious nephew, Eric Soares - until neither she nor Eric can deny the chemistry flaring between them. Kris soon learns that old news never leaves the morgue and that yesterday's headline is tomorrow's danger, for finding out the truth about that night twenty-five years ago may shatter Kris's present, costing her love, her career, and ultimately, her life.

My Schizophrenic Life: The Road to Recovery from Mental Illness My Schizophrenic Life by Sandra Yuen MacKay

Vancouver artist Sandra Yuen MacKay has an abnormality of the brain - a disease called schizophrenia. As she says, "my life is schizophrenic because I have schizophrenia. It will always be there". Much of her life has been a struggle to cope with the symptoms of her disease and the side effects of the medications required to keep those symptoms in check.

Early in her life, Sandra started to exhibit the typical symptoms of this disease which came as a surprise to her unsuspecting family. Her book chronicles her struggles, hospitalizations, encounters with professionals, return to school, eventual marriage, and success as an artist, writer and advocate.

Fade Fade by Darren Smith

"Perhaps the best way to describe just how much this book caught my imagination is to reveal that even almost a year after reading it, there are still scenes that I remember vividly, quotations that I can recall and to confess that I will never think of doughnuts with sprinkles in the same way again."

"Brilliantly written love story captures your thoughts and emotions throughout the whole reading and long after it. The lucid and detailed narration provides multi layered complexity of each character's personality, startling revelations, creative turns of the plot."

"Dramatic and touching, the author does a brilliant job of capturing the reader's attention and reeling them into the depths of his story telling."

What Remains What Remains, by Rosemary Poole Carter

WHAT REMAINS is set on a rundown plantation shortly after the Civil War. In the shadow of live oaks and Spanish moss, Isabelle Ross, who has lost her fiancé to the war, joins forces with journalist Paul Delahoussaye to untangle a web of secrets, lies, and murder.

Road Markers Road Markers by Jason C McIntyre

Dean is a forty-something sales rep for a company that ropes small, mostly blue-collar firms into long term cellphone plans. Heading home from a bad meeting, he begins to see evidence that he can will things to happen just by thinking about them. But will this tantalizing realization lead him to cross the line for good?

* * *

Most of these writers have written more books, and I'm looking forward to reading more of their work.

Give them a try.

Remember, if you like a book, remember to review it, either here on Goodreads, or on Amazon and other bookseller websites. Authors are always grateful for honest reviews. It doesn't have to be anything detailed, just a couple of lines to say why you liked it would be wonderful.

Happy reading!

My guest this week is the multi-talented Sandra Yuen MacKay. She is an artist and writer. I first connected with Sandra via Goodreads over a year ago.
When I read her memoir,My Schizophrenic Life: The Road to Recovery From Mental Illness, I was in awe at how someone who had battled through a mental illness was able to achieve so much. She is a special person and a kind and generous friend. I'm happy we became friends, and would recommend that everyone read her memoir if only because it blows away some myths surrounding mental illness and tells the story through the eyes of someone who lives with the struggle and is able to stand as an inspiration and role-model for others.

As well as agreeing to answer my questions, Sandra is giving away an ebook copy of her memoir, or her new book, Hell's Fire, to one lucky reader of my blog. All you have to do to win is leave a comment below, or simply 'Like' this post, and we'll enter you into the draw. A winner will be picked at random on the 1st October 2011.

Here's the interview:

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

Self-publishing isn't for all writers. Ask yourself, how much money, time and effort are you willing to put into it? Self-publishing gives you control over the content and design of your book and also a larger profit per book sold. If you do self-publish, make sure you edit and proofread your work closely or find someone to do it beforehand. Having said that, you may have a quality book but you still need to promote it.

Weigh your options. If you are concerned about upfront costs consider print on demand or e-books. Do you need an ISBN and do you need to register it? BestsellerBound, an indie website, may connect you with other self-publishers who can answer questions you may have. Word of mouth and building a professional website are a good starting point. Free book giveaways or blog tours may be useful. Even if you have a traditional publisher, you still should promote yourself.

Your book ‘My Schizophrenic Life’ deals with your personal journey and road to recovery from mental illness.  I think it’s a book that should be read by mental health professionals as it gives insight into what someone with schizoaffective disorder is thinking and feeling. Have you had any feedback from any psychiatrists or psychologists who may have read the book and if so, what sort of comments do they have?



Yes I have. David Laing Dawson, a psychiatrist, writer, and filmmaker wrote: "Puts the reader nicely in her shoes experiencing the paranoia, misinterpretations, hallucinations."

Julie Holland, a psychiatrist and author in New York wrote: "There are precious few people who have experienced psychosis and can convey it accurately, clearly, and concisely. Sandra MacKay's story is an important one for all of us in the mental health field - doctors, patients, and their families. It is imperative that we take in the lessons she is imparting to us all, on how to manage, and in many ways, triumph over chronic mental illness."

I've received many favourable comments from people in the health field including occupational therapists and psychotherapist Laura Schultz (see link below for reviews).

You have suffered from your mental illness since you were a teenager.  Do you think the mental health system (doctors/hospitals) has improved in the time since you were first diagnosed?  Also, what do you think they could be doing better?

Previously, medication and electric shock treatment were the most common ways to treat the mentally ill. Since then, they introduced the recovery model, which puts the client first and is built around his or her needs and goals. Health professionals are moving toward a more holistic approach to treating clients. In Vancouver, BC, there seems to be more community supports and organizations to help people with mental illness. There's more community awareness and education in schools to reduce stigma. However, I'd like to see better medications without major side effects and more access for family members and caregivers to get support.

I understand that your creativity helped you to some extent when you were going through difficult times.  I also know that you are or were involved in a project that offered creative classes to people with mental illness.  In what way would you say creativity helps someone with mental illness?



There is a longstanding belief that mental illness and heightened creativity are linked. Personally, I see an association between my imagination and motivation to write and paint, and my illness. Creativity is a constructive outlet for my positive and negative energies.

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What is the one message you would like readers to take from your memoir?

People with mental illness aren't so different from everyone else despite our portrayal in the media. With the right treatment, there are people with mental illness who function well and contribute to society. I could have fallen by the wayside, but I received support and developed insight into my symptoms.

I know that you’re an artist as well as a writer.  I have enjoyed looking at your art work on your website and of course, the cover of ‘My Schizophrenic Life’ is one of your paintings.  You have a distinctive style, very colourful and eye-catching.  If you had to choose between writing and art, which would you choose?

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That's a difficult question to answer! I seek variety in what I do. My creativity comes in cycles. Sometimes I paint for days, sometimes I'm really involving in a writing project for months at a time. I don't prefer one over the other, but rather do both at different times.

Do you have any favourite artists?  If so, what is it about their art that you like?

As I have a background in art history, there are a lot of major artists and movements I appreciate. However, I particularly enjoy the Fauvists, Expressionists, and many Canadian painters like Tom Thomson, Jack Shadbolt and Gordon Smith. Each of these artists has given me something in the development of my own style especially in the use of colour.

Your latest book is a fiction story. ‘Hell’s Fire’ is a science fiction novella.  Is science fiction your favourite genre to write, or have you tried writing other genres?



I've written other unpublished stories in different genres. Some explore mental illness, culture, romance, murder, suicide and the paranormal. So I haven't limited myself to one genre however, all of these stories have pieces of my own experience or what I've observed in others.

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

I enjoy Margaret Atwood, Jeffrey Archer, Arthur C. Clarke, and Lorna T. Suzukiwho wrote the Imago series. I might add Maria Savva to that list as well! Each of these writers has the ability to wind a tale that totally engrosses me as a reader without a lot of fluff. Reading diverse genres suits my tastes.

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

I don't own it, but I've read The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood more than once. I've also read Stephen King's On Writing over again.

What was the last book you read?

Recently, I read Kathryn Stockett's The Help. I liked the way the point of view changed between chapters. Each narrator has a unique voice and personality. Also reading about the racial tension and struggle struck me deeply.

Are you reading a book at the moment?

Currently I'm reading The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson. I find it interesting to see how the characters develop and change over time.

What do you think of e-books?

I don't own an e-book reader but more people are moving that way. Some people still say they prefer to hold a book in their hands, but technology is moving to more paperless communication. I envision e-books in the future that are more interactive where readers can click on words or phrases and link to other trivia sources, or choose the character's next move, complete quizzes, and communicate with authors.

How important are reviews for you as a writer?

Reviews inform potential readers about the quality of a book, which may increase sales. In turn, reviews give me objective feedback, which hopefully can aid me in fine-tuning my future writing.

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

For My Schizophrenic Life and Hell's Fire, I designed the covers using my art and photography. The cover may be the customer's first impression of one's book so they have to stand out on the store shelf. I choose images that are a unique, refer to the content in a way, and as you said are "eye-catching."

Are you working on any other books?

I recently submitted a manuscript to some publishers. It's a novel about a Chinese girl who sacrifices for her sister when her parents divorce. Other than that I'm mostly working on my editor's column for "Majestic," an online newsletter for Lit.org, a writers forum.

Do you have any upcoming events that you’d like to tell people about?

On November 1st after 7 pm Pacific Time, I'll be on a Sound Therapy radio broadcast at CJSF 90.1 FM in Burnaby, British Columbia. I will be selling my book and art at some local art fairs if you live near Vancouver and would like to contact me.

Where can people buy your books?

My Schizophrenic Life is available in print & ebook at:
Amazon USA
Amazon Canada
Chapters Indigo - Canada (print only)
Amazon UK
Smashwords (ebook only)


Hell's Fire is available as an e-book at:
Amazon USA
Smashwords
Amazon UK

Some versions of my book are also available on Amazon in Germany, Italy and France.

Where can readers and fans find you on the internet?

Psychopia video at: http://vimeo.com/27794085
My blog, reviews, and radio/video interviews are at: Letters From Sandra

My art can be viewed at: http://symackay.webs.com
or http://www3.telus.net/sandra_yuen_mackay

I'm the editor for Majestic

Facebook

Linkedin

Thank you, Sandra!

Remember, if you want to enter the draw to try to win a copy of one of Sandra's book, leave a comment below, or click the 'Like' button. Good luck!

Sandra Yuen MacKay is a very talented artist and writer. We've been online friends for a few years.

I read her memoir, My Schizophrenic Life: The Road to Recovery from Mental Illness back in 2010. Here's an excerpt from my review:

'My Schizophrenic Life' is a memoir about Sandra Yuen Mackay's experience of living with schizoaffective disorder. It is ultimately a book about how Sandra has coped with the illness and more importantly the lessons she has learnt from it and how she has been able to recover, although the author does still suffer from symptoms but has now been able to find a way to almost control the effects. The book is a fascinating and compelling story giving valuable insight of the view of the world from the perspective of someone with a mental illness. [...] In many ways this book is important as it breaks down a barrier of ignorance about mental illness. Here we are told a story by a very intelligent, creative woman who works as an artist and writer and has used her experience of suffering with this disorder to help others, by taking part in talks and public speaking.[...] By reading Sandra's story I personally feel that I have learnt a great deal about how Schizophrenia can affect someone's life [...] Sandra Yuen Mackay's book is very important as a bridge to understanding how a mentally ill person feels. She is a great advocate and has put her story across in a way that is compelling and easy to understand. I would recommend this book to everyone. Its worth is not only in helping to dispel certain myths surrounding mental illness, but it's also the story of a person who has overcome great adversity and is now successful and an example to us all. [full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...]





Sandra has just released a new book, Chop Shtick.



About the book:

Are you interested in art, artists, comical situations, unusual circumstances, or stand-up comedy that verges on political incorrectness? If you said yes to any of the above, I recommend my novel, Chop Shtick. Told by Cathy Fung, a single, schizophrenic, Chinese artist, nicknamed the "Queen of Cliches," this story twists quickly into mayhem and amusement. The Big Six, made up of six struggling artists including Cathy, are commissioned to build an Upcycled sculpture in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. Cathy is paranoid about the neighbours' missing cat and strange goings on next door. The artists investigate, which leads into a dangerous escapade. Not only is Cathy envious of her older brother Leonard the Pest but also Nathan X, an aspiring painter in the group, who dates a snobby Parisian named Sylvie. "I know all about Canada. The beaver fur trade, hunting buffalo, igloos and pemmican," says Sylvie. Marco Manicotti, a muscled sculptor, fights with Denise, a Chinese accessory designer, over the position of a pipe. The leader of the group, Raj aka the Big Kahuna, a troubled artist himself, knows Cathy's weaknesses are her naivety and a heart that cares too much. Cathy is led on a path of self-discovery toward her true potential."

Buy the book:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Chop-Shtick-Sa...
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chop-Shtick-...
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Chop-Shtick-San...

INTERVIEW WITH SANDRA YUEN MACKAY



Welcome to my blog, Sandra! Please introduce yourself.

I'm a Chinese artist diagnosed with a form of schizophrenia, living in Vancouver, British Columbia much like the main character of my most recent book, Cathy Fung in Chop Shtick. My first book is My Schizophrenic Life: The Road to Recovery from Mental Illness, published by Bridgeross Communications. I have an art history degree from the University of British Columbia and have won awards for advocacy.

Why should people buy your books?

My Schizophrenic Life is a poignant, inspiring story about my journey through life and recovery from mental illness. It gives insight into symptoms of the illness and is intended to build awareness and lessen stigma. Chop Shtick is a humorous work of fiction about relationships between people and Cathy's search for answers in life and awakening as an artist. The story peaks several times before the final ending, which I hope will surprise readers.

Tell us a bit more about your latest novel.

Chop Shtick is a romp about a group of artists, their intertwined lives, absurd situations, danger, loss, and triumphs. There are many themes in the book, creating a mishmash of ideas and emotions. It's easy to read and the story shifts quickly, reflecting Cathy's scattered thought processes and vulnerable sensibility. The Big Six, a group of struggling artists are commissioned to build a sculpture in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia.

I think Chop Shtick could be considered controversial because of the way I point out ethnicity, like Italian, Chinese, Eskimo, etc. But that's the whole point. If you make an issue of it by pointing it out, are you being politically incorrect? Stereotypes are prevalent in the book, but they are justifiable as a fictional character's opinion. Life isn't so serious, if we can laugh at ourselves. I consider the book to be satirical also because it pokes fun at the individual and serious issues like schizophrenia. You may have heard of Russell Peters, a Canadian comedian and actor of Indian descent. He uses accents and pokes fun at ethnic groups in his acts. I do much the same but in print. If Archie Bunker can be a bigot in the comedic All in the Family, or John Cleese in Monty Python can mock religion or gender, why not today? Are we so afraid to poke fun at anyone at any time?

I totally agree, Sandra.

Where does your inspiration come from?

The inspiration for Chop Shtick came from reading TEMP by Douglas Coupland published as a series in the Metro. A fellow writer James D Young sent me the newspaper clippings from New York. I looked at his style of writing and humor and wanted to write this novel.

Are there any characters in your books that are based on real people?

In stories, you write what you know. I believe all writers borrow from their own experience when formulating a book.My Schizophrenic Life is based on my real life, so the names of persons are changed to protect their privacy. In Chop Shtick, I draw attributes from people I know, but much is fictional as well. I think it makes the characters more multi-dimensional and reality is a springboard for characterization. Also the café Montagna's in the book is based on a café on Main Street in Vancouver.

What are some of the pros/cons of being an indie author?

In my experience, the book industry frowns on self-published books as being inferior and that anyone can publish a book nowadays. However, I have met some very fine indie writers and the big publishing houses turn away good writing. With e-books and the availability for self-publishing, the publishing market has changed drastically. Self-published books may not be as available in bookstores if they are print on demand. Promotion is left up to the author. And so it goes.

Most of my favourite writers these days are self-published, and I grew up reading bestsellers. I think people are missing out on some real gems by only reading traditionally published books.

Who did your cover design?

I designed the covers of both of my books and did some work on covers for other Bridgeross Communications titles. I think the cover is very important to sell the book because that's the first thing you see. It should be eye-catching. For the cover of Chop Shtick, I made it as modern as possible and give nothing away, hoping potential readers will be curious and want to preview it.

You're covers are great. I love your art work. I've been seeing you posting a lot more of it online recently. It's great stuff.

What do you enjoy most about the writing process?

I enjoy word play and puns, and sometimes would rather type than speak in a conversation. The written word is powerful. Writing stories is about creating a believable world for the reader that moves them.

Writing can certainly be a lot of fun and very challenging :)

Thanks for joining me here, Sandra. Best of luck with the new book. It sounds fascinating. I'm looking forward to reading it.

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Author Bio:

Sandra Yuen MacKay has a Fine Arts Diploma from Langara College and an art history degree from the University of British Columbia. She received the Courage to Come Back Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for overcoming severe obstacles to become an artist, writer and speaker on mental health issues.

Her books My Schizophrenic Life: The Road to Recovery from Mental Illness and Chop Shtick are available internationally on Amazon.


Links:

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Sandra-Yuen-Ma...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/symackay/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.yuen....

Blog: Letters from Sandra: http://symackay.blogspot.com

Art by Sandra Yuen MacKay: http://symackayart.blogspot.com