BOOK PROMOTION - UKIYO - BLUD BY MARIO SAINCIC

Title: Ukiyo

Series: Blud

Author: Mario Saincic

Genre: Fantasy

Release Date: 18th June 2015

BLURB from Goodreads

Archaeology professor by day, backup shooter by night… 

On a routine assignment, Ukiyo finds herself dragged into a world of danger and deception when she is forced to pull the trigger and kill a man. Torn between the agency that funds her research and a man she knows nothing about, she has to choose sides in a secret war that dates back hundreds of years.

Guardian, protector, and her own personal demon… 

Burislav vowed to watch over her, but hiding his cursed birth right ends up being a secret that could cost Ukiyo her life. When he’s forced out of the shadows after more than twenty years, keeping her safe isn’t as easy as he thinks.

Goodreads Link

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon US

Amazon UK


EXCERPT

“Not so strong now, Burisalv,” said Jan. He spat on the floor. “Now relax, all powerful demon lord, while I slice your precious little sister….”

A flash flew past Buri’s head, followed by a pock sound. Jan’s words faded and he froze. He dropped Lela and clenched his face. Holding the feathered end of an arrow, he roared when he pulled it out of his eye socket. Blood oozed over his face and he stared at Buri with his good eye, his face a torment of agony. His axe hit the floor, sent sparks flying. When the nine-foot madman’s body slumped to the floor, unbelieving eyes from the rest of the monsters stared past Buri. He turned his head to see Mia standing at the base of the stairs, her next arrow ready to be fired.

“He talks too much,” she said.

INTERVIEW

What is your name, where were you born and where do you live now?

Mario Saincic. Born and live in South Africa although I have done extensive travelling.

Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

Funny enough, a DJ

When did you first consider yourself as a "writer"?

Probably when I sent a compilation of words off to my (now) editor, expecting the worst, only to have an ‘I want more!!!’ response.

Did it take a long time to get your first book published?

Self-publishing on Amazon is very easy, so no.

Do you work another job as well as your writing work?

Yes, I do. I need to pay the bills until the day I buy an island in the tropics and retire to full-time writing.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say?

Ukiyo, book one of the Blud series. The best description would be that Ukiyo is a combination of fun, fantasy, suspense, intrigue - and is definitely out of the box.

Who is your publisher? or do you self publish?

Self.

Do you have a "lucky charm" or "lucky routine" you follow when waiting for your book to be accepted by a publisher?

Even though I have written four books to date, only two are available on Amazon. The other two I decided to hold back and follow the traditional route of publishing. It is a lengthy process, though, and rather frustrating. I was brought up with manners as my motto, and it really aggravates me when people don’t have the common decency to respond to a request, even if negative. The funny thing is that the top agencies, even though receiving thousands of query letters, make the effort. Maybe that is why they are rated higher than everyone else.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

My first book was done and dusted in five months, my second in three, and the third took a bit longer at seven months. Ukiyo, when I actually sat down to write it, was finished in four months.

Which of your books were easier/harder to write than the others?

Each and every book has a unique message or feel, so none is harder than the other.

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

Well, Ukiyo started as a challenge to write out of my romance genre, so for the future I will have a combination of both. After the Blud series, there is a fantasy series planned, a paranormal and mystery co-write, and a few more romance novels begging to be told. In addition, I am also working on my father’s story and a children’s series with my boys.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

Book two in the series is already underway and will be available in December.

What genre would you place your books into?

My romance books are actually classed as ‘life stories’ more than the norm. It’s about people, not unnecessary sex and billionaires…just people. The Blud series is a different story. Even though urban fantasy with paranormal elements and creatures, it has a definite outline of suspense and mystery. Basically, I am a very fussy reader and bore easily when writers think readers are daft and can’t easily follow a story.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

Why not?

Do you have a favourite out of the books you have written? If so why is it your favourite?

Each represents a stage of my life, and no growth as a person or writer will be complete without each step being taken. Therefore, no favourites.

Do you have a favourite character from your books, and why are they your favourite?

In Seasons, it has to be little Nastassja. She is a six-year-old that brings relief to her father after his wife died. She reminds me of my youngest son and the way his innocence brings clarity to my life.

If you had to choose to be one of your characters in your book/books which would you be, and why?

There is a small part of me in each and every main character I write.

How long have you been writing, and who or what inspired you to write?

I wrote from an early age and excelled with writing at school, but have only been actively shaping stories for the last three years.

An event in my life gave birth to the desire to put my thoughts down on paper and it hasn’t stopped since. As far as inspiration, there are a number of people that have touched my life and heart - those that pushed when I needed it the most. Starting a new relationship recently opened my eyes to a world of beauty, a way to look at

everything in a different way.

Where do you get your book plot ideas from?

To be honest…they hit me with the impact of an oncoming train.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

I just sit and write. And when I question myself, I write some more.

Do you have anybody read your books and give you reviews before you officially release them?ie. Your partner, children, friends, reviewers you know?

Family, as with any writer, don’t play a role. There are a few very select people that I allow to read my stories both during the process and on completion. Beta readers and editors are crucial in this process, too.

Do you gift books to readers to do reviews?

Yes

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

Every single one.

What was the toughest/best review you have ever had?

No matter the rating or comment, each review carries merit and I look at the positive.

Would you ever ask a reviewer to change their review if it was not all positive about your book/books?

Never. Their review is their feeling of what the book did to or for them. Honesty is all I ever ask for.

How do you come up with the Title and Cover Designs for your book/books? Who designed the Cover of your books?

I usually have a title before I start writing any book. The covers, on the other hand, are where I hand over control to a professional. Heart Covers, a new designer, has full reign and has to date delivered a beautiful face to every baby I gave birth to.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

Title first.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

Randomly.

Are character names and place names decided after their creation, or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?

Character then the name that I feel suits their persona.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

To create a book, you need to cast the characters. To do this, I have them pegged right down to the way they walk.

Do you basic plot/plan for your book, before you actually begin writing it out? Or do you let the writing flow and see where it takes the story?

My books always have an opening and closing scene first. After that, I outline the story of how the two meet, and then pretty much go with the flow.

How do you market/promote your books?

At this stage of my career, I am trying pretty much everything. What works on one day fails the next, so I’m still trying to find my feet.

What do you think makes a book a really good/bestseller?

Write what you want to write, open and honest, without following trend or what agents want. Seasons change and phases come and go. Do you want a book that sells for a few months or a story that will stand the test of time?

Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?

I have that with every book. It isn’t so much a block, but more a case of ‘Who am I fooling that I am a writer?’ When this happens, I put the story aside and begin another.

What do you do to unwind and relax? Do you have a hobby?

Writing is my hobby, and passion, and absolute goal. In between, I cook up a storm and enjoy copious amounts of red wine.

Have you ever based characters on people you know or based events on things that have happened to you?

Yes, I have. It makes it more realistic.

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")

Yes. I don’t write them as messages for the readers, but more in a way to make sense of my own life. The amazing thing is that I am not alone in this boat we call life.

Is there a certain Author that influenced you in writing?

Dean Koontz, from a young age.

Which format of book do you prefer, ebook, hardback, or paperback?

Personally, I prefer paperback. But with the changing market and travelling quite a lot, eBook makes more sense.

What is your favourite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once?

The Hobbit. It was the first book I read that said: “Do whatever the bloody hell you want when creating a story and characters.”

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favourite/worst  book to movie transfer?

A movie is only as good as the director as a book is only as good as the writer. Some stories sell purely because of the movie adaption (and although tempted, I won’t mention them).

Shawshank Redemption would be one of my top favourites.

What are you currently reading? Are you enjoying it? What format is it? (ebook, hardback or paperback)

I haven’t read anything of late, but have highlighted a few new indie authors that are completely underrated.

Do you think ebooks will ever totally replace printed books?

I hope not. That way my dream of walking into a book store and seeing one of my own on the shelves will fade like a blanket of mist in the midday sun.

Do you think children at schools these days are encouraged enough to read? and/or do Imaginative writing?

Having two boys, I would have to say no. Too much emphasis is placed on technology and not enough on the free creative mind.

Do you have a favourite genre of book?

Anything that grips me.

Is there a book you know you will never read? Or one you tried to read but just couldn't finish?

50 Shades of Grey.

Is there anything in your book/books you would change now if you could and what would it be?

Nothing. Even though looking back I may feel like the idea was off, it was right at the time and displayed my frame of mind.

What do you think about book trailers?

I like them.

What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?

Listen to that tiny little bugger inside your head, and feed him in small doses.

Do you or would you ever use a pen name?

Never. I am who I am, and I’m proud of it.

If you could invite three favourite writers to dinner, who would you invite and enjoy chatting with?

Pratchett for fun, King for creativity, and Sparks to help me fall asleep.

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