One Million Project by One Million Project

Issue 1 October 2016

One Million Project MAGAZINE

Table of Contents

Regulars

New Books and Art ProPage 40–45

Page 1

A sneak-peak

Page 2

Founder’s message

Page 3–6

A snippet of “ Slice of Life” ,

One Million Project book 1 Page 7–9

Review by Kate McGinn

Page 11-14

Interview with Jason Green-

field Page 17–32

Interview with Renata Kopac

Page 35– 36

Cancer Research UK – The

New Book Releases

Features Page 48-50

Book Marketing and

Promotions by Sheena Macleod

World’s Leading Cancer Research Charity by David Butterworth Page 37–38

EMMAUS – Community Ac-

commodation for the Homeless by David Butterworth

Page 15

Page 33

Page 52-53

Contributors

Jason Greenfield Renata Kopac

Gabriela Pometkova Kate McGinn

David Butterworth Sheena Macleod Hope Donnellan Sharon Rhoads Rachel Wollaston Lora Tabakova

“Chocolate were different - everybody loved a choccie cake. But how often did she see one of them? Once in a bloody blue moon was how often. “

Founder’s message Hello and welcome to the first issue of OMP Online, the bimonthly magazine for the ONE MILLION PROJECT When I first thought up the idea of combining a collection of short stories with a way to raise money for charity, there was only literally me and shortly after, a few writer friends of mine. We put together a collection of 24 stories by 14 different writers, presenting tales from a variety of genres and published in late 2015. 2016 has seen a massive expansion, with at the time of writing 90 members of the OMP Network, including writers, artists and lately, musicians. From July this year we brought on board more people for our separate but related OMP Promotions Network and are now looking to expand from one anthology to multiple and more focused themed collections with accompanying art and also OMP Music, where instead of writers contributing a story, it will be musicians contributing a track to an album. We have a website with a regular blogging team, media and promotions specialists and all dedicated towards growing the global OMP brand, raising money for CANCER RESEARCH UK and EMMAUS (an international charity for the homeless) and providing a platform to spread awareness about other worthy causes and important issues, from sexuality to coping with loss to animal conservation. OMP is ever expanding and adapting, making new contacts and plotting new strategies and out of this course of action and our superb OMP Promotions network (only founded in July 2016) came OMP Online. Among other features, our bimonthly magazine will include sample sections of our original 24 stories (2 per issue) with reviews and interviews with the writers and artists. There will also be blogs and articles about our charities and other worthy causes and a New Books section with links and information about published books written by our creative network membership. OMP is dedicated to charity and creative endeavour and I hope you’ll be hearing a lot more from us in the future. #OMP #onemillionproject Please check out the original collection and our future works - all profits to our charity pot.

Thank you, Jason (Greenfield)

“Slice of Life” When Enid were a young lass back during the war and when the family lived up north, she had been the same - dreaming romantic dreams, pining over one lad or other. Who were it again ... oh aye, there was Tommy Fighfield, who used to come round with black market bacon or lamb chops for Mam's table and a bunch of flowers for seventeen year old Enid. Tommy with his line of patter and his spiv suit, always the charmer. Now what had become of him ... maybe he were the one who died at ... Monte Casino, were it? Someplace in Italy any road.

So who were the lad that had got himself killed ... a memory snapped into place. Patrick ... Patrick Cohnlan. Irish lad he were though born n raised in the north but Dad still didn't approve. 'Workshy paddies,' he'd called them. “ Enid hadn't really liked Patrick all that much but her father's strong dislike of the lad had improved his prospects with her.

Patrick and Matthew used to bring her flowers, each on a different day. Friday nights for Patrick and he had to come to the window so her parents didn't know ... she'd wait impatiently for her suitor at eight o clock, but as soon as he'd brought the flowers and entreated her to meet him up at the Roxy one night, she'd find herself impatient to get rid of him. Saturday were the day she'd arranged with Matthew Henshaw ...

Nay, her memory were all mixed up again. Tommy had been a shirker who pulled every dodge in book t'stay out of forces. He'd laughed when she called him a coward and told her dying for yer country were a mugs game. After that she'd had little to do with Tommy Fighfield and he'd hooked up with Mavis Plummer from over on the Crowley Estate, a brassy little Madame if ever Enid had seen one, but her old man had been summated at the brewery and Tommy had liked the connection. Hadn't he been done up for selling knocked off booze in ... 53 were it?

Wednesday were shopping and sometimes a trip to the beauty parlour to get her hair done and on Saturday it were the number 17a to Church Row and the Senior Club. She just had to get there - that nice Mr. Nandoori would drop her back after along with Phyllis and Joy from Flats 143 and 709.

... she smiled remembering how young he looked with his blonde hair and those lovely blue eyes covered with those thick glasses he wore all his life. Her Matthew. Gone six years now after fifty nine years of marriage. She had played them and one or two others against each other but finally she realised Matthew were the one and now she wished

That particular arrangement went back two years and Enid was quite used to Mr. Nandoori now; in fact it were a point of pride about her new found liberal graciousness and she liked to boast about her brown friend ... he were an Indian chap y'know.

She wanted attention or gifts or just company but when she got them, she would soon become irritated and bored by degrees and at age 87 it were no different. Her visitors would come and she would enjoy their company but soon, in her mind she would feel drained and fatigued by it and wish they'd stop bothering her.

4 Copyright ÂŠ 2016 by OMP Magazine Publishing

She hadn't always been so liberal but it weren't like Mr. Nandoori were quite so threatening as the blacks and certainly he weren't like that dark fella her Noreen had been knocking around with back in the sixties. Thought she could keep it from me too!

Enid remembered with grim satisfaction. Knew I wouldn't approve, but they were seen sneaking round back of the flats by Mrs. Narby who told her daughter and it got back to our Jean. The look on Noreenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face when the family confronted her!

Author Jason Greenfield

5 Copyright ÂŠ 2016 by OMP Magazine Publishing

Renata Kopac Portrait of Enid Henshaw oil on canvas 30cm 24cm

“ Slice of Life” Review

Slice of Life opens when the reader meets Enid

We follow the characters while they interact with oth-

Henshaw, an 87-year-old widow. She is looking

ers in the next scene. Each character’s life intertwines

forward to her regular visit from Ross Blair, a so-

with another new character in the story and through

cial worker. Ross stops by on Friday after work to

their interactions, we see how fear and disappoint-

see several elderly residents in the area, chatting

ment has created lasting effects on multiple genera-

with them and making sure they are doing well.

tions and the community as a whole. Violence, intol-

He doesn’t keep the fact that he is gay from his

erance, hypocrisy and bigotry touch each character’s

co-workers or the people he visits.

life in some way during the story.

Enid congratulates herself on her “new found

The book’s characters act out their roles in this small community like actors on a stage. Is young John a tough lothario?

liberal graciousness” in accepting a gay visitor. Enid is a woman dissatisfied with life and very critical of her family and their life choices. She complains about being alone and then gets irritated when visitors come to see her. Her daughter, Noreen, brings her a fruit and cream pie on each of her visits, but Enid focuses only on her displeasure with the type of dessert and doesn’t take the time to notice the physical abuse inflicted upon Noreen.

The author’s depth of understanding of the human

What is Noreen’s husband really like – a nice, white

condition, and our personal interactions with our

boy with prospects as Enid believes? Can Ray stay

fellow men is apparent in his sympathetic treatment

alive long enough among the gang members and

of the characters and their storylines.

drug dealers in his neighborhood to go to college

Just as Enid is unhappy with the pies her daughter

and lift his family from poverty? Will Enid’s son,

brings her, and would prefer chocolate cake, each

Danny, continue to reap out his form of communi-

character in this story has been given their “Slice of

ty policing and ignore what’s under his own roof?

Life” to make of it what they will.

So goes Jason Greenfield’s gritty tale of the realities many individuals face in today’s world. Within the confines of a short story, Greenfield exposes

This short story is one of 24 stories by 14 different writers contained in the book The One Million Project (OMP). The OMP

the weaknesses and humanity in his characters.

is a non-profit whose goal is to raise up to ‘One Million’ Pounds for charity. OMP is comprised of over 80 writers, artists and media people who have volunteered their time and creative work to assist in this effort.

Review by Kate McGinn

Renata Kopac Ross oil on canvas 30cm 24cm 2015

Jason Greenfield What made you want to become a writer? I have always loved telling stories since I was a small child. I started in English class doing exercises and just never stopped, so I don’t think I ever made a conscious decision.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

Do you write alone or in public? With or without music? A

Yes, quite a few, but they’re mostly unfinished. I am working on several projects (adding to them when I have time) and have backburner dozens more ideas that I hope to get back to in the future. As I finish one book, I start another.

mix of all of the above. I mostly work on my laptop or pc at home and sometimes I

What is your writing style? Pen, type writer, or computer, etc.? Computer except in rare cases. I used to write a lot by hand but since my output increased, I’ve stopped as it doubles the work. I only ever write by hand if I’m inspired while out and about.

listen to music, especially if writing an emotive or dramatic scene. In the past I have been known to write while in a library or while working at a school doing supply teaching (in instances where I am moderating a test or doing Time Out room duty, where I am only required to sit at my desk and not interact with students unless they directly ask me for help.).

If you could spend time with one character from your story, who would it be, and what would you do with them? I have thousands of

Does your story have a lesson? a moral? It depends on the story. I write many different types of genres/settings and characters - some are more layered than others. For instance SLICE OF LIFE from the collection is a character study which looks at some elements of society and how people of different economic and personal mindsets interact with their surroundings/ other people.

characters so this is a hard question to answer. I think rather than one character, I would like to spend time in one of the worlds I’ve created so I could meet lots of them. At the moment one of my big projects is called THE HEIST and the world I’ve created is called THE MYTHLANDS, which is a mix of mostly public domain characters and realms from fairytale, fables, literature, legend, myth, folklore and even modern internet memes and real ‘legendary’ people from history who have passed on. I wouldn’t mind spending time in Myth Vegas, having a whiskey or two with The Hare and The Golden Goose while watching Elvis or Amy Winehouse sing in the Rainbow Rooms and also playing cards with some of the high rollers like Mr. Toad and King Babar. The joy of being a writer is you can create your own realities!

What is your favorite part of the story? Character bits, where I get to focus on what makes a character tick or develop their personality. I am also fond of the end because I get to pull everything together. There is a great sense of accomplishment in making it all make sense and concluding your story, especially if its an epic, as I often write freestyle.

What character in your story are you least likely to get along with? I have many bad guys and unpleasant types in my stories so this question has many answers, but I don’t fancy turning up in the Apple verse (home of my character Henri the evil goatee bearded apple) as I would imagine I’d end up in a scenario similar to Gulliver in Lilliput, hauled to the ground by hundreds of small anthropomorphic fruits and either kept as a freak curiosity or in the worst case scenario, Henri would order my dissection in the cause of Apple science!

What do you read for pleasure? I love anything to do with time travel, historical settings and parallel universes. HG Wells and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are my favorite classic writers and I devour anything Sherlock Holmes. I am currently reading Sherlock Holmes: the Spirit Box by George Mann. I am also a huge fan of Marvel and DC Comics among others. Oh and Doctor Who. I don’t like every one I read but I enjoy a fair few of the Virgin and BBC series of books.

Who are the authors/artists who inspire your work? Returning to my Mythical Creatures/Mythlands characters, that is the concept I have in recent times, most researched and most utilised public domain characters for. I love the Narnia books by CS Lewis (though my version of Narnia didn‘t really fare too well!), HG Wells and Conan Doyle as mentioned above (Both the actual reborn Wells and Professor Moriarty from Sherlock Holmes are characters in The Heist), some Jules Verne (I do a lot of Victorian style writing - see Children‘s Story and The Case of the Unofficial Tontine in the OMP - also a bit of PG Wodehouse). I could probably write an essay on who inspires me as I like to read a bit of everything and dip into most genres. As a huge comics fan I like the writing and art of Stan Lee (simple but classic), Roy Thomas, Jack Kirby, John Buscema, George Perez, Chris Weston, John Byrne, Chris Claremont’s X Men, Neal Adams … again I could list writers and artists for pages.

What is your favourite book? Why? Too hard to narrow down, but series that have massively influenced me include the 7 Narnia books by CS Lewis and The Time Wars by Simon Hawke. Narnia among others got me deep into fantasy worlds as a child and Simon Hawke’s time travelling stories were something I picked up as a teen in book stores - both are two stand outs, of maybe hundreds of series that fired my imagination.

Why did you decide to participate in the One Million Project? I was the one who thought it up! Lol.

What do you do for living? I make some money as an agency supply teacher and I am also able to afford the odd carvery with friends from my book sales.

What are your favourite things to do when you aren’t writing? Strange as it might sound - Research, but then again to me, gathering information and knowledge isn’t a dry academic thing, it’s a storehouse of ideas and inspiration for my writing. I can read (a lot! I always have 3-4 books on the go) and watch movies and they will spark off an idea and so everything is research to me in a way. I also enjoy seeing new sights and experiencing new things, in the company of friends.

Do you have any plans to continue writing in future? Maybe I’ll stop when the glaucoma or senility gets me - hopefully I will be pushing 90-100 before I even think of slowing down. To me a life without writing and creating is like one without food and water.

@pialleir

Renata Kopac Who are you and what do you do? I am a Lithuania-born artist and an art teacher. I have my own studio where I work on my paintings and I also teach art both privately and at primary school. I try to incorporate my passion for teaching and painting . My busy career and life do not stop me from developing as an artist.

Why did you join One Million Project and what inspires you to do so? Jason Greenfield and I met at the creative networking event organised by the Lithuanian Embassy a few years ago in London. Jason was interested in collaborating with some foreign/ European writers and artists. One Million Project inspired me and we started working together, some time later resulted in the finished book.

Why do you do what you do? Painting is my passion. I paint for many reasons, because it is a way I can connect with myself and express my feelings. I believe that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a life skill worth developing and, like everything, it requires endless practice.

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How do you work? My process of painting is very long and it is never finished in one or two sessions, however intense they may be. I build my paintings layer by layer until it gets a sensory feeling of the texture. On average, it takes me anywhere from 2 to 4 months of work to complete one painting. Usually I work with just two or three brushes, also applying paint with my fingers or other materials, depending on the effect Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m trying to achieve. I begin with making a rough drawing on the canvas in thin paint to indicate main shapes and proportions. Then I define the darkest point and the lightest point of the composition to set the tonal dynamics. I think in terms of the tonality. Essentially I am working with lots of layers using exclusively oils. Sometimes I can feel that I am getting lost in detail and almost start to ruin the painting then I force myself to stop and come back later and try to approach it differently. I try to explore the boundaries between abstraction and figuration. I believe that the texture I achieve with this technique gives deeper sensation of an object paintings become full of energy and harmony.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your background? I am from Vilnius, a charming city with a great artistic vibe. Painting was my passion since I was little; I was attending secondary school with advanced art studies. I have completed studies at an Art School and have graduated with two Master degrees: one in Fine Art Education and another in Museum and Galleries Management. Teachers qualification gave me an opportunity to work in a secondary school, first in Vilnius and then in London. After graduating, I travelled to many different parts of the world, which made a great impact on me and the things I wanted to express in my works. It was the beginning of the journey where my works were exploration of people, their feelings and relationship. I have finally settled in London 8 years ago and feel that this is the right place for me with lots of opportunities to see different art platforms, scenes and a rich variety of art.

18 Copyright ÂŠ 2016 by OMP Magazine Publishing

What’s your strongest memory of your childhood? My dad bought me a two-wheel bike when I was 7 years old, my first ever time riding a bike with no training. I wanted to make it from my friend’s house to my house without stopping peddling my bike. She lived at the end of the road, and one had to make a sharp turn. I didn't hit the brakes once going down the long road. I wasn't able to turn left at those speeds and hit a drain on the opposite side of the street doing I think 1-2 flips before landing on the side walk. Nothing was broken but I have a pretty big scar on my right knee. I remember the walk of shame home pushing my bike, my leg was bleeding – and I also very much remember the expression on my dad’s face when I finally got home.

What’s your most embarrassing moment? Pushing doors that are built to be pulled and vice versa. It frustrates me that I have a 50/50 shot, yet I consistently guess wrong.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist? I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity in the past to work with pupils with disabilities and support them in their development. Over the past few years, I worked as an art therapist supporting a number of children, some with learning difficulties while others with complex physical needs. Working with children who have additional education needs allowed me to gain a valuable experience.

Name something you love, and why. I love the sound that rain makes on a metal roof. It is believed introverts in general like the sense of isolation that rain offers, but this isn’t the case with me. I like rain because it helps my mind to slow down and then focus on things that are important. There is something mysterious about the rain. I love to be with a cup of tea, when it rains outside, observing people through the window.

What makes you angry? I get angry when people are judgemental of someone or something, when people don’t try to step in their shoes or get time to know the actual story. Criticism of others, intolerance towards people with disabilities makes me both upset and angry.

What superpower would you have and why? Definitely, not the time travel power. I would like to be able to breath underwater like a fish. I could dive without bringing an oxygen tank.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? No one else will do it for you. A person who gave me this piece of advice meant to put your head down and work hard. Never wait for things to happen, make them happen for yourself and appreciate what you got in your life.

What has been a seminal experience? There have been a couple that really marked a turning point. For the past few years I’ve been focusing on capturing different cultures. My Journey and Cultural Portraits Collections. With that series of work, I wanted to welcome the viewers to celebrate the uniqueness of various cultures, defined by different histories, values and the sense of beauty. These series of work are very important to me.

What work do you most enjoying doing? As an artist, I am interested in sharing moments of everyday life. I love teaching. It’s endlessly inspiring to know that I can make some sort of difference in children’s attitudes toward themselves and their lives. I pride myself on creating a warm, supportive environment and understanding how my students think and learn, to ensure they experience a feeling of satisfaction and enjoyment from their work.

What themes do you pursue? Happiness. Love. Sadness. Tragedy.

What’s your favourite art work? The “Saint Jerome Writing” by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, where Saint Jerome is absorbed in his translation of the Bible from Hebrew into Latin. This painting took my breath away when I first saw it. It won me over forever, I guess. Caravaggio had a remarkable talent in his style of painting; it is easily recognizable for its realism, but the composition - it’s beyond anything. The mysterious planes are focused directly into the viewer's space. It’s so powerful.

Describe a real-life situation that inspired you? We know that no two people see things exactly the same way. Ask ten people to describe the same view having seen it at the same time in the same conditions and you will have ten distinct descriptions. I would say it’s applicable to everyday situations and it does not stop to amaze me how different and unique we are.

Why art? I want to somehow communicate my sense of the world - that way of understanding, engaging, experiencing the world - to somebody else. I want them to be transported into the world that I have created with my paintings.

What food, drink, song inspires you? I like simple and healthy food. I don’t have any song that inspires me while I am painting because I prefer to work in silence.

What do you dislike about your work? I don’t like pricing my work.

What do you like about your work? The freedom. I just do it. I never know what my paintings will look like before I begin and this mystery is exactly what creates the excitement and curiosity I need to stay inspired. I rely on my intuition a lot and the concept of “working with what’s working” to keep momentum as my paintings emerge naturally in their own time. I also embrace the freedom to change the course many times along the way, knowing each and every choice will be an important part of the finished painting.

What research to you do? Studying other artists by reading, by visiting galleries and exhibitions. I’m also hugely inspired by color expression and am constantly collecting images on-line and in magazines for color inspiration. I love combining colors in unusual ways, and the act of simply playing with color, whether it’s on canvas with paint or on my computer screen, invokes a lot of ideas for me.

What is your dream project? One where I can lose myself completely.

Name three artists you’d like to be compared to. Gabriele Munter, Sonia Delenay and Elizabeth Peyton.

Professionally, what’s your goal? To expand the type of distribution channels where my art is available by increasing my advertising effectiveness, quality and awareness as well as getting my art into more galleries, exhibitions and art fairs. My new challenge and goal is landscapes marked by technology and industry based on different metal constructions. The first impulse is to protest that there can be nothing beautiful in radar or water towers, motorways or shipyards. I encourage people to approach such things without prejudice, without looking only for confirmation of current habits of perception, and to make room for the recognition of alternative forms of beauty.

What’s integral to the work of an artist? For me an integral approach to art attempts to acknowledge and represent how all of the levels of being exist simultaneously. As an artist this means acknowledging that I am in a co - creative relationship not only with all who view my art but also with the present, modern day culture that the art exists within. On a deeper, more personal level, this efforts to live this integral vision means doing my best to acknowledge not only within my creative endeavors but within all aspects of life.

What role does the artist have in society? There are many myths we like to believe about artists. They follow their own star, do their own thing, regardless of the circumstances or the consequences. Artists are true, heroic and selfish. Being an artist in a society is not only about showing and selling and getting known; it's about understanding your purpose, your calling, and about presenting yourself and your work with unwavering confidence and conviction about who you are and what your art stands for. Having a firm grasp of why you're in this and what compels you to make art is key. Combined with a genuine willingness to experiment with new styles, subject matters and techniques, to continually evolve and advance in your practice, and to reach out to others in ever more creative ways- that is what it means not only survive, but also to thrive and prosper as an artist.

What is an artistic outlook on life? Creativity matters more than ever.

What art do you most identify with? Oil painting.

Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it? I don't think artists must be lonely. I do think that artists are more susceptible, simply because, as a group, our emotions are much closer to the surface, and are amplified in ways others might not understand. I think that it's true that creation is a solitary profession, whether it's painting, writing, or music. Even when we collaborate with others, we are essentially working alone, inside our own heads. I personally need my time alone to create, but when the work is completed I like to spend time with people I love and care about, it can be anything from cup of coffee, dinner, or travel abroad. Actually it's a pretty normal thing for me to feel that I don't want to be around people, but at the same time I have longing for meaningful interaction.

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What do you dislike about the art world? The art market and auction houses are always in need of rare inventory from the likes of Pablo Picasso, Mark Rothko, etc. However, because these artists are no longer living, their work is hard to come by and therefore, highly valuable to wealthy collectors and investors. This keeps the high-end market going and as a result, super-high prices. However, if the art world really wanted to shake things up at the middle and even lower ranges of the art market, it would focus more on where the real action and fun are - Contemporary Art with so many gifted and talented artists.

How has your practice changed over time? Along with skills and techniques, what I value most about what has improved, is adaptability to change and business sense.

Should art be funded? Absolutely.

What role does arts funding have? As a working artist, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not enough to produce art: you need to promote your art and sell. Funding has a crucial role in all processes. While your path to becoming an artist may be more about your inherent need to create, communicate your ideas, and leave your mark on the world, this wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help introduce your work to the art community. Making sure that your work reaches the right audience, and continuing to expand that circle of potential buyers, is crucial to get fund and get sponsored at least for materials.

25 Copyright ÂŠ 2016 by OMP Magazine Publishing

Renata Kopac, painting at her studio.

26 Copyright ÂŠ 2016 by OMP Magazine Publishing

Renata Kopac Tranquillity oil on canvas 60cm 48cm

Renata Kopac Wised eyes oil on canvas 100cm 70cm 2016

Renata Kopac Mongolian Beauty oil on canvas 60cm 50cm 2015

Renata Kopac Wilderness adventure in PNG oil on canvas 60cm 50cm

Renata Kopac Radar 100cm 70cm oil on canvas 2016

Renata Kopac Shard oil on canvas 100cm 70cm 2016

@pialleir

One Million Project is helping ……

Cancer Research UK – The World’s Leading Cancer Research Charity

On the 4th February, 2002, the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and the Cancer Research Campaign combined to establish the world’s largest independent cancer research charity – Cancer Research UK. It prioritizes its work by conducting laboratory experimentation into prevention and early diagnosis of the disease in institutes, universities and hospitals throughout the UK. Because of its obvious complexity, cancer can emerge and spread to various parts of the body, but cancer types can be broken down into lung, bowel, breast, liver and pancreatic. 40% of cancer research expenditure goes on basic laboratory research – the molecular basis which covers all types. The rest of its funding is used to support research into over 100 specific types of cancer: drug discovery, development and early detection, surgery and radiotherapy. Priority is obviously given to cancers where survival rates remain low: esophageal, lung and pancreatic.

Although funding comes through grant funded researches and from its own employers or trustees, most comes from donations by the public, from legacies, in the community, fundraising events, through its chain of high street shops and corporate teamwork. 40,000 people volunteer on a regular basis, some in its shops, others through campaign events such as runs, marathons and walks. On the 18th July, 2012, Cancer Research UK received an unprecedented sum of £10 million which will go towards £100 million needed for a biomedical research centre based in London. Other work the charity undertakes is to provide awareness to the public, the scientific community and healthcare. It works in conjunction with the UK Government to inform and improve cancer services.

It influenced the ban on smoking in England and continues to provide research into smoking and its linkage to lung cancer. The charity lobbies for better screening programmes and advises about new medicines. It holds races to raise money and events to better educate the public such as in the field of breast cancer in which a monthly awareness event is held. On a personal note, I should like to mention I lost a close relative, an aunt, to bowel cancer when I was seven years old. Her untimely death left a big hole, not only for me but for most of my family on whose side she belonged. Although she ate a lot of healthy organic food, it did not stop the cancer. Therefore, the work of this charity is crucial, so it should be close to my heart.

Article by David Butterworth

36 Copyright ÂŠ 2016 by OMP Magazine Publishing

One Million Project is helping ……

EMMAUS – Community Accommodation for the Homeless Those taken care of by Emmaus are called

The first Emmaus community opened in 1992, providing accommodation and useful work to people in communities across the UK. The charity works tirelessly to provide homes for people who have experienced homelessness and feeling left out of society.

‘companions.’ The aim is to put something back into the community which shelters them. The idea is to encourage each companion to be as self-reliant as is possible, regaining a sense of worth, control and dignity. This is working for

Homelessness is a complex problem. The issues that can lead to it are family and relationship conflicts, loss of employment, drug and alcohol addiction and mental health concerns.

82% of companions who say it is the most use-

Emmaus works to meet the needs of insufficient or economic provision both at state and local government level. The crucial aim of the charity, in this respect, is to offer homes and a sense of being wanted or valued. There are 28 communities across the UK giving 750 previously homeless people the chance of a fresh start. Emmaus hopes to offer 1,000 places by 2020.

takes is the donation of household goods, or-

ful and beneficial aspect of their experience with the charity. Some of the work which Emmaus underganizing cafes, house clearances, gardening and clothing shops. Practical skills such as recycling and enhancement of old furniture is also developed as is the recycling and subsequent testing of electrical equipment. Working in solidarity is an important aspect of Emmaus’s work to make an impact in the lives of people less fortunate – extending to communities overseas.

In 2012, a research initiative was undertaken to find out results; what has impacted the charity. For every £1 invested, £11 is generated which keeps people out of hospital, providing accommodation that would otherwise have to be met by local government, and keeps people in work and out of crime, saving the Ministry of Justice thousands of pounds.

Article by David Butterworth

“ Homeless and Hungry,

“Hungry, Homeless—

God bless.”

Please Help God Bless. “

“ I used to be your neighbour.”

New Books & Art Projects By One Million Project Members

Exodus: Clare Thibodeaux Series Book 1 by Kate McGinn

Clare Thibodeaux was working as a nurse in the ER of a busy Panama City hospital. On a chaotic night, the victim of a vicious attack is brought in by ambulance. Still in critical condition, the patient is sent to the OR in the hope of saving his life. While cleaning up the trauma room, Clare finds the man’s wallet and discovers he is her brother’s best friend from Michigan. The news is devastating for her, bringing back memories of her tragic past which she thought she had put behind her. A series of violent events occur, and she is left reeling in shock. The only thing they each have in common is Clare. She believes the demons from her past have reappeared. Fearing for her life, she packs a duffel bag of belongings leaving the new life she had forged for herself in Florida behind her. As a hurricane heads for landfall along the Gulf Coast, Clare joins the mass exodus of Floridians trying to get out of the path of the storm. Clare’s storm is just beginning. With the help of her parents’ friends, she goes into hiding. Two men vie for her affection, but she doesn’t know who to trust with her heart or her life.

Available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Exodus-Clare-Thibodeaux-Book-1ebook/dp/B01KUGX0ZK/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Kingdom By Rachel Wollaston

Pepper Fairfield is a high spirited young woman with an incredible imagination. When she accepts a job as a nanny at Calthorpe Manor, she finds that she has let herself in for a lot more than she expected. With mysterious disappearing doors, magical colour-changing bunnies and a couple of sassy sylphs, this house is nothing like what she’d anticipated. Is it haunted? Or is it something even more? In a whirlwind of events, Pepper finds herself fighting against impossible odds, not only for her life, but for the safety of humankind. What this land needs is a hero, but how do you convince a hero who’s sure he’s anything but? If one thing is for certain, it’s that, in an existent world of non-existence, anything can happen .

Available on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kingdom-YA-Fantasy-Romance-Novel-ebook/ dp/B01FPYKALO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473177611&sr=1-1&keywords=kingdom

The Unseen Man By Jason Greenfield

From Chapter Ten: Heart of Darkness. 'I have killed and I have robbed and I have broken most of the civilized laws of man at one time or another, but I leave no witnesses to that fact … none who have seen my original face. At the point I was empowered and about to take revenge on ******, this was also the cusp of the ultimate phase of my philosophy … it was the tipping point from Niles Novack, cautious but ambitious career criminal to The Unseen Man, Master Criminal. But first I had people to kill.' Who is The Unseen Man? Hero? Villain? Or something in between? He has been among the worst of humanity - he has tried to conquer the Earth and enact terrible revenge for wrongs, real or perceived but in the here and now he is about to give his life to save you ... to save every one of you. He is the Unseen Man and this is his story.

If you love superhero comic books written for adults, you'll love this book. If you love superhero comic book movies, you will love this book. If you're into sci-fi, fantasy and pop culture that takes from the best of all your favourite genres of film, TV, comic book and literature to make an epic world building adventure, the likes of which you've never seen before in prose fiction ... then you, my friend will LOVE this book!

Now available on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unseen-Man-Jason-Greenfieldebook/dp/B011GC7NHI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1475173051&sr=1-1

Cover Design by Carla Capelo

@pialleir

Features

Sheena Macleod

Book Marketing and Promotion

“The path to marketing self-published books is easier than ever with so many online resources, but beware of the potholes along the way.”

Features

So, your first book is written and published

A lot of book sales come from followers on

and available for sale. Congratulations are in

Facebook, Twitter and web pages.

order. Your work is done. Settle back and reap the rewards of your hard endeavour. But wait, there is more - much more, needing your attention before you can crack open the champagne.

A Facebook page and/or website seem to be essential with regular posts, blogs and updates - and followers. Yes, followers are a must. But how do you get them? Well, you can get people to follow your Facebook

As you move into marketing your book, a

and/or web page, directing them to your

slow realisation starts to dawn; a new set of

book on Amazon and Kindle of course. Then

skills is required. It’s like you have been look-

there is Twitter- a few tweets, some follows,

ing down a telescope the wrong way round

and I’m now breathless with the sheer vol-

only for someone to turn it back the right way

ume of followers other authors have- Me 24

up. The scope of the work waiting now looms

followers versus Mr Big’s debut novel, 8,000

large.

followers. Surely not?

Having studied all the tricks of novel writing,

Yes, and 600 recruited reader reviews. What,

turned the art into a craft, it appears you now

never! Legally? Yes. It seems there is a whole

need to learn how to market your work. With

market of books, tweets and posts telling

trepidation, I ventured forth into the scary

you how, and it is all above board. Mmm.

world of book promotion and was over-

Interesting. But what a lot to take in. It’s a

whelmed by the vast area I found.

bit like having a heavy meal that just sits there waiting to be digested. So, it seems

Few if any books sell themselves. So, in the

there are hundreds of sites out there with

absence of a publishing company doing this, and even then authors are still required to do their bit, you need to develop a marketing

readers just waiting to read your book for free.

plan of action.

Features

Ploughing on, I find advice to look and see

Be warned, some people charge to promote

who leaves reviews for similar books on

your book, write your review, or offer a review

Amazon and contact them. Can you do

in return for a review. Some may even offer to

this? I never knew that? That seems a bit

trade positive reviews, and you don’t need to

obtrusive and not really my style. And fur-

read their book. Phew, my eyes are open to

ther advice - Ask everyone to leave a re-

the booming business here.

view on Amazon - please. But- don’t beg

But there are also many legitimate offers to

or bore people with requests to read your

promote your book for free. A search re-

book- offer something back to keep their

vealed numerous non-paying online book

interest. That is only the tip of the iceberg

promotional sites who will promote your

with the advice and strategies out there to

book out to their vast following of hungry

promote your book. Every book, post or

readers. There are also reviewers out there

blog I read led to more strategies and

who are happy to read your book in return for

more suggestions. The area is huge.

a free copy. Some of these readers will even

Delving deeper into the depths of book

leave an honest review on Amazon and, if

promoting, the murky areas started to re-

they like your book, will eagerly await your

veal themselves. Be warned, tread carefully

next one.

here. Like anything else, there are those who are out to make a pretty profit from your position. Wherever there’s a need, you’ll find lots of people willing to meet it. But are they all as they seem?

Blog by Sheena Macleod

Features

One Million Project Publishing Team

ompmagazine@gmail.com

www.theonemillionprojectcom.wordpress.com

@JayGreenfield