So, remember Myra McEntire? I’ve mentioned Myra before, right? She’s a writing buddy of mine and she’s awesome, but that’s not why I’m bringing her up today. Today, I’m talking about her because she lives in the Nashville area.
You know, where they just had an absolutely epic flood. Bazillions of dollars in damage. People stranded. Homes destroyed. Landmarks destroyed.
Well, Myra and some other local TN authors got together and started something called Do the Write Thing for Nashville. They started taking donations from fellow publishing people (authors, editors, agents, etc.) and auctioning them off, with the proceeds going to a flood relief charity.
Did I mention how incredible some of these auctions are? Stuff like Lisa McMann flying anywhere in the US (anywhere near a big city, anyway) to have lunch with you. Full manuscript critiques from some of the most awesome agents and editors in the business. Tons of signed books from authors too various and amazing to mention individually. Someone even has a custom quilt up there, made to order just for you. Jewelry. A Clothespin Dolly Parton Doll (no, I am not making that up).
And my own contribution:
Signed hardback copies of Sucks to Be Me + Still Sucks to Be Me plus assorted book swag (bookmarks, temporary tattoos, etc.) plus a 30 – 45 minute Skype Video Chat (to talk about writing or Johnny Depp or whatever OR I’ll do a presentation to a school or library of your choosing) plus a VERY limited edition (only 24 made!) Sucks to Be Me hand-etched and hand-painted batty bottle.