New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak is a force of nature. For
the past six years she has run an online auction to benefit juvenile diabetes
in honor of her son who has the disease, and this year's proceeds put the
total of her donations above ONE MILLION DOLLARS! One woman. One million
dollars in donations. That's a powerful image. Makes you think you really
can do
anything, right?
I was honored to donate a full manuscript critique in 2008 and raised more than $1,000. So I agreed to donate that same item in 2009 and not only earned more than $2,000 for diabetes research, I also ended up offering representation to the writer who won my critique, Alexandra Tillson--a wonderful writer of dystopian fiction whose book, Sasha 124, I know you'll all be reading soon.
But this year I topped all expectations! The winner bid $5,100! Then Brenda did the unexpected. She contacted the runner up in their bidding war and with my agreement offered another full manuscript read to her. She said yes! So one tiny agent was able to donate $10,100 to this righteous cause!
I feel like I'm floating on air this week. And I hope their writing is stellar so I can add two more clients to my list. Who knows. What Brenda has taught me is: anything can happen!
Note: to all you unpublished writers out there yearning to break into publishing. Contests, auctions and other venues are wonderful back doors to get an agents full attention. Plus it makes you feel good to donate to a worthy charity. I highly recommend it! :-)
Comments
Brenda Novak said on Wednesday, June 02, 2010:
Your post made me feel wonderful, Laurie--but it really isn't just ONE woman. It's every single person who's contributed an item (like you!!) and every single person who's bid and every single person who's encouraged others to participate. That's what I love about my auction. It's created the most wonderful, giving COMMUNITY. I'm thrilled with the progress we've made and so grateful to you and everyone else for helping to make it happen!!
Sarah M. Anderson said on Wednesday, June 02, 2010:
That's awesome! It's nice when things work out in the best way possible for everyone.
Lindsay B said on Monday, June 07, 2010:
Thanks for putting up your time like this! I don't know who the runner up was, but I'm glad she/he is getting a read, too. I can't make any promises about stellar writing, but my characters are usually good for a few laughs, at least. :)
~Lindsay
Alexis said on Tuesday, June 08, 2010:
This is an inspiring post, Laurie. Thanks so much for putting it out there!