Maria Savva's Blog, page 54
November 1, 2011
Read my guest blog post at Adopt an Indie!

'Adopt an Indie' month is here! Throughout November readers are being encouraged to read more independently published titles, ask the authors questions, and generally spread the word about all things indie!
My guest post is the first one to be published on the site. Click here to read it: Why "I'm self-published" is not the same as "my novel wasn't good enough to be published traditionally"
While you're there, why not choose an indie book to 'adopt' from those listed on the site. Fill in the 'Book Request' form. My novel The Dream is available. It's already been adopted once, I'm pleased to say, but you can still request a free copy for review.
There are books available in all genres, so take a look, I'm sure you'll find something to interest you.
'Adopt an Indie' month is all about supporting hard working independent writers. I hope you'll take a moment to check it out, and participate if you have time.
If you don't have time to read and review any of the books this month, you could also help by spreading the word. Tweet about it, put a link on your Facebook page, blog about it... whatever takes your fancy.
Be sure to let me know of any fabulous indie books you read this month :)
Published on November 01, 2011 11:43
•
Tags:
adopt-an-indie, blog, guest-blog, independent-authors, indie, the-dream
October 25, 2011
Adopt An Indie - November 2011
I'm participating in Adopt an Indie, this November. My book The Dream is among over 100 books being featured in this event.

You can 'adopt' an indie author by choosing his or her book to read and review, from the list, request the book using the 'Book Request Form' on the site. If your request is successful, you'll receive a free ebook version of the book to read and review!
It's a great way for readers and bloggers to find out more about independent authors.
Here's a link to the site: Adopt an Indie
My guest blog post, which will appear on the site on 1st November, is entitled Why "I'm self published" is not the same as "My novel wasn't good enough to be published traditionally"
I will be posting a link here when it's been posted. I hope you'll all stop by and have a look at the books that are available on the site, and if you have time please participate, either by spreading the word about the event, reading and reviewing some of the books, reading the guest posts, commenting on the blog posts.
Here's a bit more information about 'Adopt an Indie' month that I've taken from the website:
* Readers will be able to talk to published authors and learn about their experiences
* Authors will be able to find out what really matters to readers and if they really care about the ‘indie/SP/small press’ labels
* Bloggers can share their take – do they see traditional books as higher quality? Does the publisher even matter?
In addition, as part of the ‘Adopt an Indie’ theme, readers will be able to read and review one book from a selection available in order to see first hand the quality that is on offer. In effect, they will ‘adopt’ that indie and be able to ask more detailed questions about their work and get more of an insight into the indie world.
[image error]
I hope you'll get involved in this event in some way! If you do, please let me know by posting a comment below! Happy reading :)

You can 'adopt' an indie author by choosing his or her book to read and review, from the list, request the book using the 'Book Request Form' on the site. If your request is successful, you'll receive a free ebook version of the book to read and review!
It's a great way for readers and bloggers to find out more about independent authors.
Here's a link to the site: Adopt an Indie
My guest blog post, which will appear on the site on 1st November, is entitled Why "I'm self published" is not the same as "My novel wasn't good enough to be published traditionally"
I will be posting a link here when it's been posted. I hope you'll all stop by and have a look at the books that are available on the site, and if you have time please participate, either by spreading the word about the event, reading and reviewing some of the books, reading the guest posts, commenting on the blog posts.
Here's a bit more information about 'Adopt an Indie' month that I've taken from the website:
* Readers will be able to talk to published authors and learn about their experiences
* Authors will be able to find out what really matters to readers and if they really care about the ‘indie/SP/small press’ labels
* Bloggers can share their take – do they see traditional books as higher quality? Does the publisher even matter?
In addition, as part of the ‘Adopt an Indie’ theme, readers will be able to read and review one book from a selection available in order to see first hand the quality that is on offer. In effect, they will ‘adopt’ that indie and be able to ask more detailed questions about their work and get more of an insight into the indie world.
[image error]
I hope you'll get involved in this event in some way! If you do, please let me know by posting a comment below! Happy reading :)
Published on October 25, 2011 11:12
•
Tags:
adopt-an-indie, authors, blog, books, event, independent, independent-authors, indie, publishing, the-dream
October 11, 2011
Where am I, and what am I doing? And a few other things you were not going to ask, but I'll tell you anyway :)
The internet is an amazing thing, I can be in 100 places at once without even leaving my chair. Today I am on the lovely Cynthia Meyers-Hanson's blog. Check out my interview at the link below (at the end of this blog post). It also includes a couple of excerpts from my latest novel, The Dream, that you may not have read before, unless of course you are one of the fabulous people who have already read the book :)
For those who have already read the book and are shouting 'When is the next one coming out?', you will notice that I mention in Cynthia's blog that I'm working on a new novel at the moment. A quick update on that: I wrote my new novel with a pen and pad in the old-fashioned way. Not good, because I have to type it up and also try to decipher my handwriting as I do so. When I write, I write very quickly as the words tumble out very fast as ideas come to me, so my handwriting is often illegible. To add to my problems, I am not a speedy typist. I have so far typed up 37,000 words. It's a first draft, which means it will need thorough editing once I've typed it up, although I am trying to edit as I go along. Most writers will laugh at this point as we all know that it takes at least 5000 re-reads and edits before a book can be published :) But of course I am joking, it takes 10,000... At that rate my new book may be published in the year 2050 if I'm lucky. But seriously, I am hoping to finish the book by the end of the year, at a rough estimate.
What is it about? Well, I can't tell you, but what I can say is that it surprised me. I didn't set out to write the book that I've written, but that's usually what happens. The general idea and message behind it is what I wanted but the twists and turns were very unexpected. It's a crime fiction book, so new territory for me in a novel, but crime has made its way into some of my short stories in the past. And it's not the traditional type of crime fiction. That's about all I can tell you at the moment. More news as and when I have it.
Here's the link to my spot on Cynthia's blog: Latest Interview
For those who have already read the book and are shouting 'When is the next one coming out?', you will notice that I mention in Cynthia's blog that I'm working on a new novel at the moment. A quick update on that: I wrote my new novel with a pen and pad in the old-fashioned way. Not good, because I have to type it up and also try to decipher my handwriting as I do so. When I write, I write very quickly as the words tumble out very fast as ideas come to me, so my handwriting is often illegible. To add to my problems, I am not a speedy typist. I have so far typed up 37,000 words. It's a first draft, which means it will need thorough editing once I've typed it up, although I am trying to edit as I go along. Most writers will laugh at this point as we all know that it takes at least 5000 re-reads and edits before a book can be published :) But of course I am joking, it takes 10,000... At that rate my new book may be published in the year 2050 if I'm lucky. But seriously, I am hoping to finish the book by the end of the year, at a rough estimate.
What is it about? Well, I can't tell you, but what I can say is that it surprised me. I didn't set out to write the book that I've written, but that's usually what happens. The general idea and message behind it is what I wanted but the twists and turns were very unexpected. It's a crime fiction book, so new territory for me in a novel, but crime has made its way into some of my short stories in the past. And it's not the traditional type of crime fiction. That's about all I can tell you at the moment. More news as and when I have it.
Here's the link to my spot on Cynthia's blog: Latest Interview
Published on October 11, 2011 13:38
•
Tags:
cynthia-meyers-hanson, interview, maria-savva, novel, the-dream
October 10, 2011
The Dream now available in Paperback on Amazon.com and B&N!

My latest novel The Dream is now available in paperback at Amazon US and B&N
B&N have a special price at the moment of only $6.86 for the paperback! Here's the link: The Dream at B&N
Here's the Amazon link: The Dream at Amazon
In other news, I have reduced the price of Pieces of a Rainbow, my themed collection of short stories, to just $0.99/£0.86 on Kindle at Amazon for a limited period:
Pieces of a Rainbow Amazon US
Pieces of a Rainbow Amazon UK
My books are also making their way onto Nook.
As ever, all the 'buy' links can be found on my website: Official Website: Maria Savva
You can also read excerpts from all my books on my website.







Published on October 10, 2011 14:11
•
Tags:
bargain, kindle, maria-savva, nook, paperback, pieces-of-a-rainbow, the-dream
October 7, 2011
Read my guest blog post on Aobibliosphere!
I'm guest blogging on Aobibliophile's blog today, as part of the Masters and Mistresses of the Genre series.
Click here to read the post: Mistress of Fiction - Inspired by Life
Click here to read the post: Mistress of Fiction - Inspired by Life

Published on October 07, 2011 10:59
•
Tags:
aobibliosphere, blog, fiction, guest-blog, short-stories
October 5, 2011
Celebrate Rocktober with Susan Helene Gottfried at Westofmars!
My good friend and fellow author, Susan Helene Gottfried is celebrating October by combining her twin obsessions, music and books on her website Westofmars. I, too, am a self-confessed music freak, so have decided to celebrate Rocktober with Susan. (It would be great if we could actually change the name of the month permanently to 'Rocktober', it has a certain ring to it.)
In celebration of all things music and literature, I will list below some music inspired books, some of which I have read and enjoyed, others I have yet to read, but are on my to-read list as I would love to read them.
If any of you have other suggestions for music inspired books that should go on my to-read list, let me know :)
As for actual music, there are a few new bands that have caught my eye (or should that be 'caught my ear'?) in recent months who are celebrating new releases. Check out the following:
Le Monnier
[image error]
Get Le Monnier's new single 'Haunt Me' for FREE! Haunt Me Listen to their whole album online: Russian Doll Life
World Versus Me
There are free downloads of a few tracks available, and a new album due out on 11.11.11
[image error]
World Versus Me website
OWL
Currently on tour in NY and LA, Owl have a new album scheduled for release soon.
[image error]
You can watch a video and get free downloads from their debut album on the website here: OWL
Enjoy the books and music!
Happy Rocktober!
In celebration of all things music and literature, I will list below some music inspired books, some of which I have read and enjoyed, others I have yet to read, but are on my to-read list as I would love to read them.












If any of you have other suggestions for music inspired books that should go on my to-read list, let me know :)
As for actual music, there are a few new bands that have caught my eye (or should that be 'caught my ear'?) in recent months who are celebrating new releases. Check out the following:
Le Monnier
[image error]
Get Le Monnier's new single 'Haunt Me' for FREE! Haunt Me Listen to their whole album online: Russian Doll Life
World Versus Me
There are free downloads of a few tracks available, and a new album due out on 11.11.11
[image error]
World Versus Me website
OWL
Currently on tour in NY and LA, Owl have a new album scheduled for release soon.
[image error]
You can watch a video and get free downloads from their debut album on the website here: OWL
Enjoy the books and music!
Happy Rocktober!
Published on October 05, 2011 13:15
•
Tags:
bill-see, book, jerry-schwartz, le-monnier, mark-rice, michael-scott-miller, music, owl, r-j-mcdonnell, rocktober, susan-helene-gottfried, westofmars, world-versus-me
October 3, 2011
Grab a bargain!
I've just been told that Lulu.com have a site wide sale at the moment (through 7th October 2011). If you're in the UK and purchase any books through that site, just use the coupon code: TANGOUK305 and you'll get 15% of any order (save up to £200)!
If you're in the mood to shop, you can get 20% off any purchase over £200 by using code: DANCEUK305
If you check out my author spotlight, you'll see that most of my books are on sale at the moment (up to 40% off!). You can take the extra 15% off the discounted price. I hope this will entice more of you to shop at Lulu. It really is a great site where many independent authors publish their books. I have found many of my favourite books there :)
Here's a link to my book page at Lulu:
Maria Savva: Author Spotlight
I would also like to recommend the following Lulu.com authors to you:
Julie Elizabeth Powell
Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick
Ami Blackwelder
Bill See
Scott M. Liddell
Paul Mansfield Keefe
Susan Helene Gottfried
Mark Rice
Jess C. Scott
Alex Sumner
Happy browsing, shopping, and reading!!
If you're in the mood to shop, you can get 20% off any purchase over £200 by using code: DANCEUK305





If you check out my author spotlight, you'll see that most of my books are on sale at the moment (up to 40% off!). You can take the extra 15% off the discounted price. I hope this will entice more of you to shop at Lulu. It really is a great site where many independent authors publish their books. I have found many of my favourite books there :)
Here's a link to my book page at Lulu:
Maria Savva: Author Spotlight
I would also like to recommend the following Lulu.com authors to you:
Julie Elizabeth Powell
Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick
Ami Blackwelder
Bill See
Scott M. Liddell
Paul Mansfield Keefe
Susan Helene Gottfried
Mark Rice
Jess C. Scott
Alex Sumner
Happy browsing, shopping, and reading!!


















Published on October 03, 2011 13:58
•
Tags:
alex-sumner, ami-blackwelder, bill-see, discount, indie, jess-c-scott, joel-blaine-kirkpatrick, julie-elizabeth-powell, lulu, mark-rice, paul-mansfield-keefe, sale, scott-m-liddell, susan-helene-gottfried
September 27, 2011
Destiny vs. Choice
My latest novel The Dream is a fantasy tale that explores the power of fate in our lives. There is no definite answer as to whether fate determines what happens to us or whether what happens to us is a result of choices that we make. Most people will believe in something in between.

In my novel, Lynne is about to get married, but she begins to question her choice of marriage partner shortly before she is due to walk up the aisle. When the story enters the realm of fantasy, the question that arises is whether Lynne's actions caused her to follow the path she took, or whether fate was holding the cards all along.
The idea of fate and destiny is an interesting one and as there is not definitive answer I found it was a fun subject to explore in a fiction novel. In real life, great thinkers, philosophers, religious leaders, and scientists have been pondering the subject for many centuries and their findings seems to create more questions than answers.
As many of you know, I am a reviewer for Bookpleasures.com
Part of this role involves sifting through emails and choosing books to review. I recently chose to read Destiny vs. Choice: The Scientific and Spiritual Evidence Behind Fate and Free Will by Marie D. Jones. My fate decided that I should end up with two copies of the book in the post... so, as I have an extra copy I am giving one away on my blog.
Will it be your destiny to win my extra copy of 'Destiny vs. Choice'? You'll have to enter to find out :)
All you have to do to enter is click the 'Like' button on this post, or leave a comment. If you do leave a comment I'd be interested to hear your views on whether there is such a thing as destiny or do we choose our future?
A winner will be chosen at random on 8th October 2011.

In my novel, Lynne is about to get married, but she begins to question her choice of marriage partner shortly before she is due to walk up the aisle. When the story enters the realm of fantasy, the question that arises is whether Lynne's actions caused her to follow the path she took, or whether fate was holding the cards all along.
The idea of fate and destiny is an interesting one and as there is not definitive answer I found it was a fun subject to explore in a fiction novel. In real life, great thinkers, philosophers, religious leaders, and scientists have been pondering the subject for many centuries and their findings seems to create more questions than answers.
As many of you know, I am a reviewer for Bookpleasures.com
Part of this role involves sifting through emails and choosing books to review. I recently chose to read Destiny vs. Choice: The Scientific and Spiritual Evidence Behind Fate and Free Will by Marie D. Jones. My fate decided that I should end up with two copies of the book in the post... so, as I have an extra copy I am giving one away on my blog.
Will it be your destiny to win my extra copy of 'Destiny vs. Choice'? You'll have to enter to find out :)
All you have to do to enter is click the 'Like' button on this post, or leave a comment. If you do leave a comment I'd be interested to hear your views on whether there is such a thing as destiny or do we choose our future?
A winner will be chosen at random on 8th October 2011.

Published on September 27, 2011 12:50
•
Tags:
book, choice, destiny, destiny-vs-choice, dream, fantasy, fate, giveaway, maria-savva, marie-d-jones, paranormal, read, the-dream
September 24, 2011
Introducing, Sandra Yuen MacKay, author of 'My Schizophrenic Life' & enter to win an ebook!

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.
[image error]
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?
[image error]
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
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!

Published on September 24, 2011 13:34
•
Tags:
art, author-interview, ebook, giveaway, hell-s-fire, memoir, my-schizophrenic-life, prize, sandra-yuen-mackay, schizoaffective-disorder, win
September 21, 2011
Guest Post: Jason McIntyre introduces his new Novella 'Bled'
Today Jason McIntyre is taking over my blog while I go and make a cup of tea. He's a great guy, I'm sure he will entertain you.
Over to you Jason:

Why is blood so creepy?: discussing my new book ‘Bled’
There’s no denying that there’s blood in my new book. After all it’s front and centre: the title is Bled, after all. And there’s a big dab of it right on the cover, hot red against stark white.
So what’s with suspense and horror writers’ fascination with the stuff? It’s visceral, I suppose. It’s the stuff we are all made of. Pumping in all our veins is this common material. Without it we would die.
And if we see some of it (or lots of it, as the case may be) it probably means we’re on the very cusp of dying. Or hurting. Since suspense is often about what it is to hurt, and horror is often about what it’s like to have hurt inflicted, it makes sense that blood would be bound up in these kinds of fiction.
But how much blood is in my new book Bled, anyhow? Is there’s just gobs and gobs of it? If you read this story, will you have to get on your waders and dive in?
I can tell you that it’s not gory for the sake of it. There are some difficult scenes but my catalogue would never be called gratuitous. Nor would Bled. In fact, I would venture to say I’m not a horror writer at all. Bled is much more about the human condition, much more about facing imperious odds and seeing if one can come out alive. If there’s a lasting legacy with the story, if readers can remember something other than the bloody cover, I do hope it is this: people can push back when they’ve been pushed too far.
So, what do you think of the title and cover? Does blood make you squeamish? Does it excite you? If it does, I might be tempted say you do like horror. But I bet you’ll like this book anyway.

Bled: About the Novella
She only wanted to leave. But he took that option from her. Now she wants it back.
Set on the same island as the reader favorite Shed, the latest literary suspense novella from bestselling author Jason McIntyre picks up the Dovetail Cove saga with this story of one lonely woman...trapped.
Tina McLeod is on the cusp of a new life. Extraordinary change is rare in her world but this newsflash means she can finally leave her small island town for good. No more pouring coffee for townsfolk in Main Street’s greasy spoon, no more living under the weight of her born-again mother. That is, until Frank Moort comes in for his usual lunch and dessert on an ordinary Friday in May.
Bled sees things turn backwards and upside down for each of them. Their encounter is prolonged and grotesque, the sort of thing splashing the covers of big city newspapers. Both are changed. And neither will come out clean on the other side.
A story about taking what’s not yours, Bled explores pushing back when you’ve been pushed too far. It paints in red the horrors from our most commonplace of surroundings: right out in the open where nothing can hide behind closed doors and shut mouths.
About the Author
Jason McIntyre has lived and worked in varied places across the globe. His writing also meanders from the pastoral to the garish, from the fantastical to the morbid. Vibrant characters and vivid surroundings stay with him and coalesce into novels and stories. Before his time as an editor, writer and communications professional, he spent several years as a graphic designer and commercial artist.
McIntyre's writing has been called darkly noir and sophisticated, styled after the likes of Chuck Palahniuk but with the pacing and mass appeal of Stephen King. The books tackle the family life subject matter of Jonathan Franzen but also eerie discoveries one might find in a Ray Bradbury story or those of Rod Serling.
Jason McIntyre’s books include the #1 Kindle Suspense, The Night Walk Men, Bestsellers On The Gathering Storm and Shed, plus the multi-layered coming-of-age literary suspense Thalo Blue.
Bled: Link to buy at Amazon
http://to.ly/bano
Bled: Teaser Trailer
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaSd5I...
Over to you Jason:

Why is blood so creepy?: discussing my new book ‘Bled’
There’s no denying that there’s blood in my new book. After all it’s front and centre: the title is Bled, after all. And there’s a big dab of it right on the cover, hot red against stark white.
So what’s with suspense and horror writers’ fascination with the stuff? It’s visceral, I suppose. It’s the stuff we are all made of. Pumping in all our veins is this common material. Without it we would die.
And if we see some of it (or lots of it, as the case may be) it probably means we’re on the very cusp of dying. Or hurting. Since suspense is often about what it is to hurt, and horror is often about what it’s like to have hurt inflicted, it makes sense that blood would be bound up in these kinds of fiction.
But how much blood is in my new book Bled, anyhow? Is there’s just gobs and gobs of it? If you read this story, will you have to get on your waders and dive in?
I can tell you that it’s not gory for the sake of it. There are some difficult scenes but my catalogue would never be called gratuitous. Nor would Bled. In fact, I would venture to say I’m not a horror writer at all. Bled is much more about the human condition, much more about facing imperious odds and seeing if one can come out alive. If there’s a lasting legacy with the story, if readers can remember something other than the bloody cover, I do hope it is this: people can push back when they’ve been pushed too far.
So, what do you think of the title and cover? Does blood make you squeamish? Does it excite you? If it does, I might be tempted say you do like horror. But I bet you’ll like this book anyway.

Bled: About the Novella
She only wanted to leave. But he took that option from her. Now she wants it back.
Set on the same island as the reader favorite Shed, the latest literary suspense novella from bestselling author Jason McIntyre picks up the Dovetail Cove saga with this story of one lonely woman...trapped.
Tina McLeod is on the cusp of a new life. Extraordinary change is rare in her world but this newsflash means she can finally leave her small island town for good. No more pouring coffee for townsfolk in Main Street’s greasy spoon, no more living under the weight of her born-again mother. That is, until Frank Moort comes in for his usual lunch and dessert on an ordinary Friday in May.
Bled sees things turn backwards and upside down for each of them. Their encounter is prolonged and grotesque, the sort of thing splashing the covers of big city newspapers. Both are changed. And neither will come out clean on the other side.
A story about taking what’s not yours, Bled explores pushing back when you’ve been pushed too far. It paints in red the horrors from our most commonplace of surroundings: right out in the open where nothing can hide behind closed doors and shut mouths.
About the Author
Jason McIntyre has lived and worked in varied places across the globe. His writing also meanders from the pastoral to the garish, from the fantastical to the morbid. Vibrant characters and vivid surroundings stay with him and coalesce into novels and stories. Before his time as an editor, writer and communications professional, he spent several years as a graphic designer and commercial artist.
McIntyre's writing has been called darkly noir and sophisticated, styled after the likes of Chuck Palahniuk but with the pacing and mass appeal of Stephen King. The books tackle the family life subject matter of Jonathan Franzen but also eerie discoveries one might find in a Ray Bradbury story or those of Rod Serling.
Jason McIntyre’s books include the #1 Kindle Suspense, The Night Walk Men, Bestsellers On The Gathering Storm and Shed, plus the multi-layered coming-of-age literary suspense Thalo Blue.
Bled: Link to buy at Amazon
http://to.ly/bano
Bled: Teaser Trailer
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaSd5I...