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Mixed Messages: a novella

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Original release: 3 May 2023

Re-release: 3 May 2024

Mixed Messages: a novella

When Clay moves into the empty house next to Esme’s, an unlikely friendship blooms, and yet is constantly held back by the petty prejudices of their parents. But Esme and Clay are no strangers to feeling lonely and will do whatever it takes to keep talking to each other, no matter the rules. From signs in windows, to text messages, to emails, and letters, and hand charades, their friendship only grows stronger, without speaking a single word.

 

Mixed Messages is a short novella, exploring different methods of communication. It’s about pisto, and blobfish, and blue penguin pyjamas. It’s about texts, and emails, and reading signs through windows. It’s about family drama, and false niceties; loneliness and miscommunication. It’s about life sending you a friend when you need one most.

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Available in eBook only, featuring colourful and unique formatting, including text messages, emails, and 'handwritten' letters. 

AVAILABLE FROM:

Also available in other territories and Kindle Unlimited.

Reader Reviews:

Pros:

Click here to reveal the Pros of Mixed Messages: a novella - Unique formatting to replicate different methods of communication (handwriting, text messages, emails, etc.) - Quick, easy-to-read (1-2 hours max reading time) - perfect for ages 13-18 - Fun, light-hearted humour - No romance, just friendship - Discusses family problems, teen mental health, and other issues (see Trigger Warnings for more details) - Dog content ;)

Content Warnings:

Click here to reveal the Content Warnings of Mixed Messages: a novella - discussion of bullying at school and through friends - discussion of alcoholism and verbal abuse - discussion of anxiety and panic attacks - parental control and manipulation

ABN: 49 782 137 665

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