Authors For Japan

I don't need to say much more than this, but we've all seen the devastation in Japan. On a personal note, two friends of mine live in Japan teaching English. They both got in touch via Facebook to say they (and their in-laws/families over there) are safe, but many aren't. Like Haiti before it, Japan will need time (and support) to recover from this ongoing crisis.

But, as always, the awesome writing community steps up. Here are some of the ways they are raising money for Japan.

From Galleycat

The Authors for Japan site just launched, as writers and publishing professionals have donated some great prizes to raise funds for earthquake and tsunami relief in Japan.

Donated prizes include: “sex scene mentoring for your novel,” a “first chapter or short story critique,” and a set of “four-week telephone mentoring sessions.” Writers around the world have joined together to support Japan. Over the weekend, author Maureen Johnson raised more than $14,000 in Shelterbox donations for Japan.

Here’s how the auction works: “We’ll be putting posts up throughout the day so you can get an idea of the amazing items available before bidding opens. The auction will open at 8am GMT tomorrow (Tuesday 15th March) and close at 8pm on Sunday (the 20th). To bid, you’ll need to leave a comment (with the amount of your bid) in the relevant comments box. At the conclusion of the auction the bidder who has made the highest bid in UK Pounds will be deemed the winner.

Writers For The Red Cross:

This online event celebrates Red Cross Month (March 1-31). It is intended to raise funds and awareness for the Red Cross and its work in communities across the country. We’re auctioning off publishing-related items and services donated by authors, publicists, agents, and editors. We’ll also have daily guest posts from authors about “What the Red Cross Means to Me.” All donors who give over $25 will also be able to select one free book from a range of books donated and shipped by publishers for the event.

You can also donate to the relief fund via the UK Red Cross. Here is the U.S site.

I'm sure there are some fundraising efforts I must have missed, but I know we are all keeping Japan in our thoughts. 

Oh, before I go... the Operation Awesome March Mystery Agent results will be up today. Keep checking the blog for details.