Saturday 10 December 2016

Christmas Present Suggestions

What kind of gifts should you get friends and family for Christmas?  Why BOOKS of course!
Here's a Christmas shopping guide to the books I've been involved in. For each one, I've included a suggestion for who to buy it for, what it's about, and a random point of interest. 
 They are available through your local bookstore, through Amazon, or by contacting me at darian-smith@vodafone.co.nz
Enjoy!  And have a wonderful Christmas holiday! 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWZOTWS/
Kalanon's Rising
Give it to: Yourself! You deserve a gift too!  Or anyone who enjoys fantasy and/or mystery.
It's about: Brannon is a war hero trying to live a new life as a physician but when a member of the royal family is ritually murdered, he and a strange team of experts must figure out what schemes are afoot before the war restarts and a magical hell breaks loose on their world.
Points of interest: This is the first adventure for Brannon and his team. There will be more.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U8Q968I
Currents of Change
Give it to: Your mum, your sister, or anyone who likes a romantic story with a bit of mystery and paranormal suspense.
It's about:  When Sara takes refuge from an abusive relationship in her grandmother's childhood home, the last thing she expects is to find love with the single dad tradie next door or a ghost in the run-down house.  But there's more to her family history than she could have believed and this small town has secrets.
Points of interest: This book was given the Koru Award by the NZ Romance Writers Association


https://www.amazon.com/dp/0473334461
The Psychology Workbook for Writers
Give it to: The writer in your circle of family and friends. The one that dabbles in storytelling but never lets anyone read it.  The one that always says they have a book in them.
It's about:  Using psychology theories to help writers develop fully rounded and realistic characters in their fiction as well as add conflict to storylines. Each chapter covers a theory in easy to understand terms, cites examples from popular books and movies, and then contains worksheets to help use these theories your writing.
Points of interest:  Understanding how people tick is a great way to create interesting and realistic characters in fiction.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0473256886
Baby Teeth: Bite-sized Tales of Terror
Give it to: The parents of that weird kid who you never really liked anyway.  Anyone who enjoys a seriously creepy story that will make the hairs on their neck stand up.
It's about: Inspired by the (hopefully!) unintentionally creepy things children say, this is a collection of short stories that take the creepy child idea and run with it.  The things that go bump in the night aren't always under the bed!
Points of interest: All proceeds from sales of this book donated to literacy charity, Duffy Books in Homes.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0121OUVS8
Shifting Worlds
Give it to: The friend who likes to look at facebook posts in the bathroom and you think should try something a little less Trump-focused.  Or anyone who likes a good story but doesn't have time for a full length novel.
It's about: Sixteen short stories that span the human experience of dealing with change - from a couple facing disability to drag queens fighting zombies, there's something for everyone in this collection.
Points of interest:  Many of the stories in this collection have won prizes or been nominated for awards in their own right before being brought together for this book.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OWXKEAW
The Best of Twisty Christmas Tales
Give it to: A child aged 8 to 12.  Or anyone who loves the joy of Christmas.
It's about:  Tales about Christmas with a wacky and/or New Zealand twist.  In the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas generally isn't white.  And when it's a little bit twisty, it can be a whole lot of fun!
Points of interest: A portion of profits from this book are donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association to help with their work with those who have neuromuscular disease.


http://mda.org.nz/
Beyond DNA: Stories of Challenge and Triumph
Give it to:  Anyone who likes inspiring true life stories.
It's about:  The real experiences of New Zealanders living with neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy, charcot marie tooth disease, and others.  What are the most challenging things about living in a body that is differently abled? How are those challenges overcome to create lives that are both wonderful and ordinary?
Points of interest:  All proceeds from this book go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of NZ.


For more information on these books, check out my Amazon Page or www.darian-smith.com 

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