Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Hey gang. It's Cindy. We are thrilled to have Brenda Novak as our guest rider in the convertible today. She's here to talk about an amazing event that we can all participate in if we want to. On top of that, for all you fans who have been waiting for it, Brenda's new and thrilling release, TRUST ME will hit the stands on on May 27. What is not to love about that?

Here's Brenda. I know you'll all give her a rousing and warm welcome and make sure you ask her lots of questions about everything from her new release to this super cool event she's going to tell you about right now .....

Spring has arrived, and with it the fundraising season. American Idol Gives back was on a couple weeks ago. Most of the major charities are holding Galas, Walks and Golf Tournaments. And I’m launching my 4th Annual On-line Auction for Diabetes Research, which runs at http://www.brendanovak.com/ May 1 – May 31st. I know, as much as we all want to help, this “F” word (fundraising) is a little daunting because we have bills and obligations that need to come first.

But the good news is: I’m not asking you to sacrifice! I’m giving you the opportunity to bid on over 1300 items, many of which you can’t find anywhere else. That means you can make a difference to my son and all the other people in the world who suffer from diabetes by SHOPPING. What could be more fun than that?

Think about it. We all buy books. Why not buy an advanced reading copy of your favorite author’s next novel and have the chance to read it before anyone else? Or do your gift shopping for the coming year by purchasing something personal and unique for those on your Christmas list—like the opportunity to have your loved one’s name used as a character in a book? Or the chance to have lunch with such Big Name authors as MaryJanice Davidson, Christine Feehan, Diana Gabaldon, Jayne Ann Krentz, Debbie Macomber, Ridley Pearson, and JR Ward?

There will be items to fit every budget from a drumhead signed by a whole slew of famous music artists (Michael Jackson, Ringo Starr, Bruce Springstein, and far too many others to list) to a treasure trove of miscellaneous items donated by aspiring author Lauren Hawkeye.

And that’s not all. For those who are aspiring to become a novelist or to advance their writing career, there will be AMAZING opportunities. Many of the most powerful agents and editors in the business have donated evaluations—some with the promise of a 24-hour response (which is unheard of in the publishing industry). There will also be mentoring packages from NYTimes Bestselling authors, media training, web designs, publicity packages and lunch with Sue Grimshaw (National buyer for Borders/Waldenbooks).

How does it all work? Just like E-Bay. You register, you bid, you win what you want. When it’s over, you pay with Paypal, credit card or personal check/money order. In most instances the donor even picks up the shipping. Can’t get any better than that, right? Well, it does. The person who places the highest number of bids over all, even if that person doesn’t win a single item, will receive a fabulous prize package including a brand new camcorder (worth over $1,000), Your Name in My Next Book, an autographed copy of my new novel TRUST ME (released May 27th), and chocolate (lots of chocolate!).

Check out the auction at http://www.brendanovak.com and while you’re at my Web site, enter to win a spectacular trip to Port Orchard and Bainbridge Island (sponsored by Allison Brennan, Debbie Macomber, Susan Wiggs and myself), and receive a $10 gift certificate you can use toward your auction purchases.

What cool items have you won in past charity auctions? Do you prefer on-line shopping to brick & mortar shopping? Do you think this “wave of the future” will eventually overtake traditional fundraising?

Here's to making a difference!

Brenda

20 comments:

Cindy Gerard said...

Once again, Welcome Brenda. Unfortunately I won't be around today as I have several apts but I hope you have a great time! I'll check in later. Have fun!

Fedora said...

Just wanted to say thank you for blogging today, Brenda, and a huge thank you for organizing this event as a way to raise funds and let so many readers and authors participate!! I haven't yet bid on anything, but definitely plan to check it out!! Who can resist more books? ;)

Keri Ford said...

Thank you so much for all the work you've plut into this auction Brenda! There are SOOO many great items up for bid...many of which are on my watch list.

I hope you reach your goal, and trust me, I'll be donating to help!

mslizalou said...

My sister is a diabetic, so thank you for all you are doing Brenda. I'm heading back over to your auction now(I have a few items on my watch list).

Debra Dixon said...

Brenda-- Welcome to the convertible.

What a great way to make a difference.

It's probably too late for this year, but Debra Dixon (of the GMC cult) and BelleBooks would like to help out next year so put us on your nag list!

Now I'm off to look at fabulous auction items!

--Debra

Helen Brenna said...

Hey Brenda! Thanks for visiting with us today!

And thanks for doing your fundraiser. My neighbor and close friend's son was diagnosed last year with juvenile diabetes, so this hits close to home. I was amazed to find out the number of kids who get hit with this disease.

I never thought I'd be an internet shopper, but more and more I'm heading that way. And lately, I've done a lot of donating through the internet. Yes, I think it's the wave of the future!

And you were out in front!! Hope you hit your goal this year!

Unknown said...

Welcome to the convertible, Brenda! congratulations on your new book-- I hope it sells a million!

And thanks so much for putting yourself out there and organizing a fundraiser for such a worthy cause. Diabetes runs in my family-- not the Type I, but Type II. And it's something I work at avoiding every day. Diet and exercise are the key and as I get older, I realize the importance of proper nutrition and education all the more.

I love the pic of you and your son. He looks like a sweetheart... like his mom. May he grow to be a strong and thoughtful and loving man who enriches the world with his own special gifts. And may that wonderful smile of his grace a number of beautiful babies!

:) Betina

Kathleen Eagle said...

Hi Brenda!

Your fundraiser is such a wonderful; program. We have diabetes in our family, too. Type I on my side--my uncle was hailed in medical journals as one of the oldest living years back.

On Clyde's side it's Type II, which is epidemic among American Indians. Medical experts are finally coming to the conclusion that the sudden drastic diet changes the US government has forced in their diet with its polices over the years continues to have a cumulative effect. We need to pay attention to this for many reasons, chief among them is the fact that it's similar to the fast food, empty carb diet that's doing so much damage all over this country. Obesity and diabetes. (Uh oh. You got me started.)

What a great cover on TRUST ME.

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone--

Thanks for the warm welcome. I just came from the auction (what can I say...I'm addicted to seeing how we're doing LOL) and things are really rolling over there. We're nearly $110,000 raised, and it hasn't even been a full week. I'm humbled by the greatness of spirit I've encountered among so many. So...my hats off to all of you for participating. Together, we can make a difference!

Brenda Novak

Anonymous said...

I guess the only way I can post is anonymously. LOL I tried every other option, so...if it says anonymous, it's me! ;-)

Flchen1--I'm glad you're going to check out the auction. There are items that go up for auction each day that also close in the same day. They're a mixture of items-- some for readers, some for writers. So don't forget to cruise through the ONE DAY Auction section.

Kensington also donated quite a few sets of 10 books--a $150 Value--which you can get on a Buy it Now for only $50.

Brenda

Anonymous said...

Hi Keri--

Thanks for your support of the auction. I can't tell you how grateful I am. My son comes home from school each day with the question, "Where are we at?" And we both know that means $$ raised. LOL

Brenda Novak

Anonymous said...

Hi Liza--

I'm sorry to hear your sister is fighting the same battle we are. This disease affects millions. It's the fifth deadliest killer. A lot of times we'll hear that someone died of a heart attack, but diabetes is really at the root of it. My dad died at 64--of a heart attack--but he had diabetes, so I suspect it was the way for him. He never got to see me marry and have children. He's also part of the reason I do this.

Brenda Novak

Anonymous said...

Deb--It's definitely not too late for this year. We have tons of traffic and I'm on the hunt for more items, so please get involved if you're at all interested. :-)

Brenda Novak

Anonymous said...

Hi Helen--

It's sort of ironic that I started an on-line endeavor. I'm not that Internet savvy. LOL I've never shopped at E-Bay or any other on-line place. My oldest daughter does almost all her shopping on-line, however. She loves that you can find new and unique things instead of the same old inventory that every mall carries. She might convert me yet....

Brenda

Anonymous said...

What a nice sentiment, Betina. He's a very special boy. I think this little story will tell you what he's like. When he was only seven years old (he's now eleven), we were riding quadrunners in the sand dunes of Mexico. He was determined to drive every minute he could, so I let him drive and got on the back of him. He was going so fast that it was making me nervous. I said, "Honey, slow down. You're scaring me." And he said, "Don't worry, Mom. I'd never let anything happen to you." At seven!! That's just the way he thinks. He takes care of others, and is a very wonderful child.

And thanks for your good wishes on the book. I'm really hopeful that it does well.

Brenda

Anonymous said...

Hi Kathleen--

Yes, diet and exercise are very important. It's the only way to manage Type 1 and can avoid Type 2.

I'm glad you like the cover of TRUST ME. I'm happy with it. I really like the cover of WATCH ME, too, which is the third book in the series (they come out back-to-back this summer).

Brenda

Unknown said...

Hi Brenda, thanks for blogging with us. Your story about your son brought tears to my eyes. There's something really special about sons and mothers. Enjoy every minute of it. And best of luck with your auction. You do great work in so many ways.

Lois Greiman

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Lois. Now, if I could only finish the book that was due last week. Yikes! I've been so preoccupied and busy with the auction that I can't get time to breathe, let alone write. Fortunately, my publisher is being very understanding.... The book should be done this week!

Brenda

Anonymous said...

Wow, Brenda 110K in less then a week! Awesome job. I'm still trying to figure out how you do it all.

Cindy Gerard said...

Brenda thanks so much for riding with us today. Here's hoping your auction tops last years!!