Book Loving Kiwis discussion

Use this folder to discuss Behind the Hood.

Can you tell me the best place to order a paperback version in NZ? I've tried the usual online stores and TradeMe but no results.

Colleen wrote: "Can you tell me the best place to order a paperback version in NZ? I've tried the usual online stores and TradeMe but no results."

It's not in NZ bookstores yet, but it's on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository. Amazon has it on special for $12.95, like Barnes & Noble. Book Depository has it for eleven pounds something, but it says that they don't charge postage. If you want you can ask a bookstore to order it in, but it'll probably be more expensive doing it this way.

If you want a cheaper option, the ebook is $4.99 on Amazon or $2.99 on Smashwords (which will be changing next week as that's a special).

Colleen wrote: "Can you tell me the best place to order a paperback version in NZ? I've tried the usual online stores and TradeMe but no results."

Here's the direct link to Behind the Hood on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Behind-Hood-1-M...

Colleen wrote: "Can you tell me the best place to order a paperback version in NZ? I've tried the usual online stores and TradeMe but no results."

I forgot to say, it's not on TradeMe as I'm living in Singapore until the end of next year.

Ok Thanks.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Movies-TV/VH...

Oh dear, a KKK book with the same name!

Greg wrote: "http://www.trademe.co.nz/Movies-TV/VH...

Oh dear, a KKK book with the same name!"

Lmao, didn't see that one coming. Guys, don't buy that book, it's not mine. My book is not on TradeMe. Click on my book link on Goodreads or go to Amazon, Book Depository, Barnes and Noble, or Smashwords.

Greg wrote: "http://www.trademe.co.nz/Movies-TV/VH...

Oh dear, a KKK book with the same name!"

Looks like that auction is closed anyway. Still funny.

I've already read "Behind the Hood" prior to October, but since the read has officially started I thought that I could start asking some questions. I'll just begin with one at the moment so as to not overload things. So, here goes...

Your characters come across as so real to the point that I thought this could possibly be based on real life, especially with the way you gave some surprises with Tama and his family. I just assumed that he was going to be portrayed as a purely bad guy, nothing else. Yeah, he was pretty bad alright (and I wanted Nike to take him down in a big way), but you introduced his family and that really took me back. But, in a totally good way. It added different layers to him. Many authors don't make the villain so realistic. So, what I want to know is how did this come about for you? In the sense of introducing his mother and sister, mentioning his late father, as well as giving him (as a villian) a more substantial role in your drama.

I gave Tama (on the cover) the central role because in "Behind the Hood" everything revolves around him and his actions. And because of this, as well as my genre being realism, I had to give his background to allow readers to understand why he is like he is. Because his mother has mental health issues (schizophrenia), his father has died, and his stepdad is in prison, he is largely left to his own means. And, it's this sort of family background that you usually hear about on the news when teenagers are caught for some horrible crime. I wanted to make my story as real as possible.

Plus, Tama's family have been based on/influenced by some real people, specifically his mother and sister. A lot of authors do this - take characteristics from people that they have come across in their life and incorporating them into their work. I think it's natural to do so, and for me it makes my writing all that more personal.

Thanks :)

Marita wrote: "I gave Tama (on the cover) the central role because in "Behind the Hood" everything revolves around him and his actions. And because of this, as well as my genre being realism, I had to give his ba..."

Thanks, that's answered what I wanted to know.

I just used the sneak-a-peek feature on Amazon to read the first few pages of Behind the Hood.
Wow. It's pretty dramatic stuff.
To be honest, I'm not keen on the swearing, but I understand this needs to be there to portray real life in this environment. What a sad way to live.
All I can say is that I'm soooooo glad I grew up as a country kid in NZ.

Rose wrote: "I just used the sneak-a-peek feature on Amazon to read the first few pages of Behind the Hood.
Wow. It's pretty dramatic stuff.
To be honest, I'm not keen on the swearing, but I understand this ne..."

Yeah, I did feel uncomfortable at times with the language used. But, as you've said, it needs to be there to portray this type of environment. The story is based on a place in Manurewa that I used to live in (Clendon Park) and this is the type of language that I heard spoken there. If anything, I probably put in less swearing than what's normally used because some of these guys use the f-word in every sentence, and I'm not kidding. Which of course I couldn't do. Anyway, I hope it's a good balance that comes off as natural.

Rose wrote: "I just used the sneak-a-peek feature on Amazon to read the first few pages of Behind the Hood.
Wow. It's pretty dramatic stuff.
To be honest, I'm not keen on the swearing, but I understand this ne..."

The language used is strong, but definitely needed in this type of story. I've read "Once Were Warriors" a while back, but for the life of me can't remember how much swearing was in there in comparison to "Behind the Hood." However, I definitely preferred the movie of "Once Were Warriors" over the book as I did find Alan Duff's style not really to my taste. I like Marita's style better. Sorry, I guess "Once Were Warriors" gets mentioned a lot in relation to your book Marita. How does this make you feel?

Angela wrote: "Rose wrote: "I just used the sneak-a-peek feature on Amazon to read the first few pages of Behind the Hood.
Wow. It's pretty dramatic stuff.
To be honest, I'm not keen on the swearing, but I und..."

I don't mind, because I'm used to it now. "Behind the Hood" was compared to "Once Were Warriors" a few times on Authonomy (the writers' website), and once described as "Once Were Warriors" on steriods, lol. Still, two different stories. However, people tended to compare it more to the movie than to Alan Duff's book.

By the way, I loved the "Once Were Warriors" movie. But, I never thought of it while writing my book until people started comparing it. Because of the comparisons I checked out the first three chapters of Alan's book on the internet. I thought his style was very original with the way he'd combined the dialogue, action, and thought all into one. I saw the book in Borders the other day. I should've bought it, but I want to read "The Bone People" first.

I'd be interested to hear what you think of The Bone People. My partner bought it for me a few years ago. It is quite different, but there is something really special about it.

Angie wrote: "I'd be interested to hear what you think of The Bone People. My partner bought it for me a few years ago. It is quite different, but there is something really special about it."

Will do. I wanted to buy it at the airport, but my husband convinced me it would be cheaper on the other side, but it wasn't there. I'll get it on the way back.

I found out that if you buy from the UK Amazon store my book is only £8.84 there, and if you purchase over £25 from the store they ship to Australia and New Zealand for free. As far as I know with the US store you have to pay postage.

I finished reading Under the Hood a couple of days ago; I couldn't put it down. I just kept reading. This was one of those books which gives a window into a world and way of living to which most of us have not ever experienced. I gather from the discussions that Marita has and perhaps that's why the book moves so quickly and involves one into the story with its immediacy.

I could not help thinking about Once were Warriors while I was reading it as the themes seem so close. So thank you, Marita, for writing this book! Linda

Linda wrote: "I finished reading Under the Hood a couple of days ago; I couldn't put it down. I just kept reading. This was one of those books which gives a window into a world and way of living to which most of..."

You're welcome :) I'm happy that you enjoyed it.

Linda wrote: "I finished reading Under the Hood a couple of days ago; I couldn't put it down. I just kept reading. This was one of those books which gives a window into a world and way of living to which most of..."

In relation to the comment about me writing about experiences, here is one of my answers to the Q&A I did a couple of weeks back on Goodreads:

Denna wrote: "Were you able to create some of the more unsavory of your characters from imagination only, or did you perhaps pull from personal experience with the more unpleasant side of New Zealand? Even though I know there can be evil in any area, we almost always hear about the good side of New Zealand. I admit to being somewhat surprised by the comparison to gang-related issues we deal with every day here in the States. "

My reply: "You'd be surprised at New Zealand's gang problems. As a NZer I hear about it quite often on the news, even more so in certain areas, such as South Auckland,and Wanganui. I remember there was a march over the murder of a liquor store owner in Manurewa (South Auckland). People were so frustrated and upset over the continual and senseless violence in this area that they wanted to be heard, wanted it to stop. The murder was even made into a short film called "Manurewa."

Claydon in my book is based on a suburb called Clendon Park, which is a part of Manurewa. And since I lived in that area I did see the problems more readily. Though, don't think the place is all bad, it isn't. It definitely has good aspects, and like anywhere else in the world, it all depends on the individuals you come across.

In relation to my characters, the inspiration came from people that I have come across in my life, words I hear, actions I see, all mixed into new individuals. I have even put a bit of myself in the story, which is seen in Maia's problematic grinning when she's in trouble.

In relation to Tama, you'd be surprised at how many guys speak like him. There are even a few of his lines that are real, such as his thoughts about Jess in chapter 10, what he wants to do to her. That was really said to me. Also, the crude comment about Bob in chapter 2 was also said in regards to someone the person knew.

So, I guess what I'm saying is, the book may be a work of fiction, but it has real elements that makes it all the more believable."

Hi Marita, i'm new to this group so this is my first comment and posting. Thank you for pointing the way to Authonomy, what a great tool for writers ... I read the chapters of your book available there and can't wait to read the rest. Many congratulations on getting it published :)

Laura wrote: "Hi Marita, i'm new to this group so this is my first comment and posting. Thank you for pointing the way to Authonomy, what a great tool for writers ... I read the chapters of your book available t..."

You're welcome, and thanks also :)

One of my friends (on facebook) noticed I had started reading this, liked the sound of it and downloaded it then and there. Easy as that! I'm finding it really easy to read. It is pretty raw in places, but I know that's how things are.

Angie wrote: "One of my friends (on facebook) noticed I had started reading this, liked the sound of it and downloaded it then and there. Easy as that! I'm finding it really easy to read. It is pretty raw in pla..."

I love Goodreads' connection to Facebook. For self-published authors it's vital for getting our books seen. So, I'm happy to hear that it does work.

Yeah, my book is raw due to the content, but you're correct, that's how things are and I wanted to do things as realistically as possible.

Just to say, I'm back in Singapore now. The flight back from New Zealand was almost eleven hours. The last two hours was hellish, I was very sick, then had to go straight to a Ball. But once I got there I was okay. Though, I miss New Zealand already.

New Zealand misses you too, Marita. I just know that your book is destined for big things in NZ. I wait in anticipation for the day I am able to say, "I told you so!" 40% read in less than 24 hours!

Angie wrote: "New Zealand misses you too, Marita. I just know that your book is destined for big things in NZ. I wait in anticipation for the day I am able to say, "I told you so!" 40% read in less than 24 hours!"

Thanks. I hope you're enjoying it :)

WOW! What a powerful book. It is one that I think every New Zealander needs to read. I usually cringe when the 'F' and 'C' words are used, but this book certainly wouldn't have been right without them and all the other vulgar sayings and actions. The wee twist at the end certainly surprised me too.
I'm not sure if there was an error in my addition from Amazon or not, but the girl in the bed next to Maia in hospital was called Stella for most of the book, but in the chapter that she goes home with Zane, and Tama is at the house, she is called Sheila. I figured it was a mistake, but thought I may have not read closely enough and it was a different character.
An amazing book, Marita. I look forward to Behind the Tears.

Angie wrote: "WOW! What a powerful book. It is one that I think every New Zealander needs to read. I usually cringe when the 'F' and 'C' words are used, but this book certainly wouldn't have been right without t..."

I can't believe I let that slip. I am so annoyed with myself. Even my editor didn't pick the Stella/Sheila error up. Thank you so much for finding it because I was going to order 50 copies for my book launch today. I'm going to fix the name in chapter 36 straight away, well once I figure out how to do it.

Greg, can you point me in the correct direction to updating my Kindle edition? I know how to do the Createspace one (sigh, it's going to cost, but at least I can get it sent to the US military post office here, so the postal costs shouldn't be such a big sting.)

I thought it would be something you'd want to know about! Hope it isn't too hard to fix.

Angie wrote: "I thought it would be something you'd want to know about! Hope it isn't too hard to fix."

I don't know how to fix the kindle edition yet, just searching for instructions. But, it definitely needs to be done because I don't want people thinking it's a different person because it'll weaken the threads. I'm hoping, like you, that they think it's the same person, especially since the names are similar.

Once I fix things out the kindle edition will only take a day or two to update, but unfortunately the paperback will take slightly longer due to postage (the proof). But, if I get onto it straight away and pay for the fastpost it'll hopefully only take a couple of weeks, fingers crossed less, depending on how the military sends things. Anyway, I'm extremely grateful. Thanks again:)

Angie wrote: "I thought it would be something you'd want to know about! Hope it isn't too hard to fix."

I found how to fix it, I just need to upload a new file and it'll automatically change it within a day or two. So, onto that right away!

Angie wrote: "WOW! What a powerful book. It is one that I think every New Zealander needs to read. I usually cringe when the 'F' and 'C' words are used, but this book certainly wouldn't have been right without t..."

With the mention of the twist at the ending, I'm hoping people will pretty much guess who that book is about (Ash and Chaz, along with Dante also taking a major role, as well as Sledge, Juliet, the Connors (Corey, Naf, and Beth) and Aroha. Nike comes back as the central character (along with Jess) in the third book "Behind the Lies" where Leila gets the picture on the front cover. Craven rears his head in this book. I'm looking forward to drawing and designing Leila's cover. Chaz is on the cover for "Behind the Tears" (doubly appropriate with his teardrop tattoos).

Very appropriate. I was unaware of the significance of teardrop tattoos until I read about Chaz. What a sicko! I really liked Nike as a character. I'm glad to hear he'll be back in the third book. However I'm already feeling nervous knowing that Craven rears his head in this book. You are very clever to draw and design your own covers, and the titles are great too.

Angie wrote: "Very appropriate. I was unaware of the significance of teardrop tattoos until I read about Chaz. What a sicko! I really liked Nike as a character. I'm glad to hear he'll be back in the third book. ..."

Thanks, I was an artist before a writer.

Teardrop tattoos mean different things in different countries. As far as I know it's only Australia and New Zealand that has this meaning, and it's forced upon the person while in prison. I must admit I didn't like writing the prologue (ten years prior) for "Behind the Tears," and it caused me a lot of trouble with rewrites until I got it right, but everyone that has had a sneak peek tells me that the prologue is necessary so people will understand Ash and Dante better. Once the prologue was over and it goes back to present time I felt better.

Someone else who has had a sneak peek tells me they like the second book better, but I think they have a thing for Corey's character, who goes through a startling change. She also told me off for being too hard on him, lol. People do tend to link with certain characters. I'm looking forward to finishing "Behind the Tears" and doing the third book as I like that storyline the best. I've already structured it and with fingers crossed it all goes to how I have planned.

How many books do you intend to have in the series? Just the three or many more?

Angie wrote: "How many books do you intend to have in the series? Just the three or many more?"

Many more. From the top of my head the list goes like this:

Behind the Hood
Behind the Tears
Behind the Lies
Behind the Surface
Behind the Beat
Behind the Bars
etc.

The first three are set in that order, but after that I'm not sure which will come next until the end of Behind the Lies. I like the endings to hint at the followup.

A lot of the secondary characters get their own books.

Glad you found out how to get that Kindle version right, Marita. Sorry I didn't get here earlier, only got the update e-mail now.

When editing your second version of the CreateSpace version, you don't have to order a proof. Good news, that. Saves on postage and time to print.

Does having a US military postal address mean that you will be able to order the new Kindle Fire? I am ordering two of them tomorrow and having them sent to Switzerland via a US postal forwarder.

Greg wrote: "Glad you found out how to get that Kindle version right, Marita. Sorry I didn't get here earlier, only got the update e-mail now.

When editing your second version of the CreateSpace version, you d..."

I saw on some internet chat that it costs to change things with Createspace even without doing a proof. Just wanted to know if that were true or if it only relates to changing the cover. The reason being is that I was thinking of being totally pedantic and taking out a semi-colon on the back of the cover and replacing it with a comma. But, if the cover costs to change and the text inside doesn't then I won't do it.

Greg wrote: "Glad you found out how to get that Kindle version right, Marita. Sorry I didn't get here earlier, only got the update e-mail now.

When editing your second version of the CreateSpace version, you d..."

I assume I could get a Kindle Fire (of which I've never heard of :) I read my ebooks on my little computer notepad, so won't be buying it (no matter how much I want to get a Kindle. My husband keeps telling me it's wasting money buying one, humph!).

It costs nothing to change either the cover or the interior with CreateSpace. The only cost would be getting a new proof sent out, but they are trailing a system where you don't have to get second proofs.
A lot of the 'chat' out there is rather outdated. With Lightning Source, it still costs.

Kindle Fire is the new Amazon iPad killer alternative that hits the market in middle of November. It will cost just $199 and does everything an iPad does and more, on Android platform. It is also a little smaller so is handier to carry about. I can't wait to get one.

They also introduced new Kindle versions including touch-screen Kindles. They start at just $79 now, so many many new Kindle readers will be buying your book soon. At $79 there is no excuse for people not to try it out.

Greg wrote: "It costs nothing to change either the cover or the interior with CreateSpace. The only cost would be getting a new proof sent out, but they are trailing a system where you don't have to get second ..."

What's Lightning Source?

Greg wrote: "It costs nothing to change either the cover or the interior with CreateSpace. The only cost would be getting a new proof sent out, but they are trailing a system where you don't have to get second ..."

Forgot to ask. I know you've updated the inside of your book, but have you done it to the outside? I think I might forget about the semi-colon.

Lightning Source is another POD supplier. They have printing houses in the UK, US and Australia (good for NZ market).
But setting up with them is a big job. No help etc, it is intended for small publishers not authors. I took it into careful consideration and still chose CreateSpace.

I did change my cover after first proof. I adjusted some of the colours and contrast to make sure the text on the back was readable. I had no troubles. I just received 5 copies of my latest interior edit and everything still looks exactly as expected. I have to deliver them straight down to a local bookshop (selling pretty good in Switzerland).

I would change it, if you prefer the comma. It costs nothing and if you only change that then 'she'll be right'.

When is your next book out Greg? No pressure!

Greg wrote: "Lightning Source is another POD supplier. They have printing houses in the UK, US and Australia (good for NZ market).
But setting up with them is a big job. No help etc, it is intended for small p..."

Thanks, because everything else on the cover is fine.

The way I feel about the market (particularly in NZ - very high prices) and the amount of time required to promote a book, maybe in about 10 years (hopefully not that long).

I started to write and research the next book (a lot of research on cults, mind control, mountaineering and farming) but had to take the decision a couple of weeks ago to put my writing on hold while I finish this Masters degree and some projects at my 9-5 job.

I hope it doesn't disappoint too many folk.

Marita is going to keep pumping them out to ensure the shelves are filled.

Knew I could count on you, Marita.