Blood on the Banana Leaf

Today I’m not trying to sell you any of my books, honestly! Quite the opposite, in fact. Well, almost the opposite. I’m still trying to sell you a book, just not one of mine. And you can’t purchase it yet either.

Tabatha Stirling (left) and Clari, one of the women who inspired her to write Blood on the Banana Leaf

Sorry, I’m babbling. I’m excited. Here’s why: For a little over three years now, I’ve been part of a very fine community of writers, kind and supportive people, highly creative, some brilliant minds among them and oodles of talent. If you had asked me at any given point during those years, who’ll be the first in your group to become famous, my answer would have either been Adam Oster or…Tabatha Stirling. And now it looks like I wasn’t too wrong.

Tabatha’s book Blood on the Banana Leaf has been accepted by Unbound. They’re a publishing house who, according to their website, think people who love books – primarily readers and writers – deserve a say in what does or doesn’t get published. In other words, they let their authors pitch their books to the public, and everybody who’s interested pledges a bit of money to help that particular book be born. They also split the book’s net profit 50/50 with the author, which is absolutely amazing (usually you can go on your knees and say thanks if you get so much as 10%).

So…you’ve probably already guessed what I’m aiming at. I’d love for you to pledge a bit of money on Tabby’s book. Why would you do that? First of all, because she’s an excellent writer. If you don’t believe me, read her contributions to Gifts from the Dark and Hearts & Other Dead Things (all proceeds for both books go to charity, so you’d be doing some good purchasing them). Second, because the story she tells is important. It deals with how human rights are ignored in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with what can only be called modern day slavery. But Tabby herself explains it much better than I ever could. Here’s the video, have a look, it’s only three minutes. And when you’ve watched it and pledged your support, get yourself a free copy of My Name is Not Alice as a reward (still free 2nd & 3rd of August. If you read this and it’s not free anymore, let me know. I’m totally willing to give a few free books to anyone who supports Tabby).

Thank you!