It feels really odd to be reviewing on here, not on Serendipity Reviews ! But I have Viv Dacosta’s permission – because it’s all for Tommy.
If you follow me on Twitter ( if not, why not?) the you’re almost bound to have noticed the #TommyVCancer hashtag. I haven’t actually met the outrageously funny and talented Mr Donbavand in Real Life – but his posts really made me want to. Not just that – but to learn from him. I was itching to join his Step by Step Writer programme.
Then the cancer struck. So I did the next best thing – I joined his Patreon. I want to help a decent, funny and talented bloke get through this in what little ways I can. If nothing else, I will then get all that clever advice in the end!
Come on Tommy, win. I need your advice!
Here’s the thing – we can all help a little bit. Buy one of his many, many books, give via Paypal, follow his Patreon – or just take out a Donbavand library book or five. It all helps. If you follow the Blog Tour, you’ll find loads of reviews to help you choose. Here’s one:
The Sand Witch by Tommy Donbavand
ReadZone Books 2015
72 pages in paperback
Summary from the Author’s Website
The Sand Witch tells the story of what happens when twins Chris and Ella are left to look after their little brother on the beach – and the horrific appearance of a cursed old woman, made entirely out of sand…
I live beside the sea – and the combination of the pun and the creepy old woman had me intrigued. Perfect Tommy-style – humour and scariness combined. Having tried to write a quick read like this, I can tell you, it’s really, really difficult to keep it short and yet have plenty of adventure.
Quite how he has packed so much fun, courage and action into such a small space is amazing. It’s fab read for the beach and could inspire hours of make-believe entertainment for sand-sculpting readers. Entertaining to read loud as well – pop one in your picnic basket, or give to grandparents not sure what to read to kids on hols.
The Sand Witch is available from
(It costs around 2½ cups of posh coffee.)
For other books you might like, have a look at the whole blog tour here:
You can win prizes on these days:
Laura Heath/SisterSpooky on June 2nd
Faye Rogers/Daydreamer’s Thoughts on June 9th
Andrew Hall/PewterWolf on June 16th (today)
Vivienne Dacosta and Chelley Toy ~ Twitter chat on June 30th (use #tommyvcancer to join in!)
BONUS
I will write a tiny spooky story ( like this ) for anyone who pops their name in the comments below. You don’t *have* to donate to Tommy, or buy or borrow his books – but it would be kind – and sort of the point, really.
I loved this little book too!
How clever to fit so much into such a quick, fun read?
Would you like a story then?