Serious post time! The great folks at www.absolutewrite.com called on people to do something to support the victims of Katrina. What evolved is an incredible story, which was in their latest newsletter. Follow the link and buy the book!
"Absolute Write members have been working on a book called Stories of Strength. Everyone involved is a volunteer, and all the profits from this book will go to disaster relief charities such as the Red Cross, Operation USA, and the Salvation Army.
"More than 100 writers are included in this anthology, which features true stories, fiction, and poetry on the theme of strength. We have some big names in the book, like science fiction and fantasy author Orson Scott Card (Ender’s Game), actor/writer Wil Wheaton (Star Trek, Stand By Me), and Christian novelist Robin Lee Hatcher (Whispers from Yesterday), alongside new writers who’ve never had anything published before.
"Then one acquisitions editor, 11 manuscript editors, one copy editor, and two proofreaders volunteered to help me work with the writers one-on-one and produce this book on an unbelievably quick deadline. A wonderful cover designer also volunteered his work, and three writers donated money for us to pay for review copies and mailings.
"Because of the timeliness of this project, we took it to Lulu (http://www.lulu.com), a print-on-demand publishing company. We knew this would bring us some challenges with regard to distribution and publicity (it’s tough to get stores to stock POD books), but because the book was conceived in response to Hurricane Katrina, we thought it was more important to get it out quickly, while people need help urgently. We’re facing the challenges and hoping that Stories of Strength will be stocked nationally by major bookstores.
"But we didn’t know that there would also be great benefits to our relationship with Lulu. Now, if you know me, you know I’m not often struck speechless. But I was, on the phone with one of the Lulu coordinators the other day.
Article comments
1 - Jill
I live in Northeast Ohio, read Eric Olsen's work and have an essay in SOS. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help you help us promote the book, since all proceeds are going to disaster relief.
Thanks for the mention of the book!
2 - Jill
PS - That image isn't the book's cover. You can find it here.
Thanks!
3 - Sara
Hiya! Thanks so much for mentioning the book. It's now available on amazon and bn.com
Thanks again!