I remember turning ten was a pretty big deal. Double digits! It was as if a significant (albeit still unknown) milestone had been reached. That was the year I became a "big girl" which of course meant expectations shifted and life really got underway.
Brenda Novak's annual auction is undergoing a similar experience right now. Turning ten is a huge accomplishment and not one I'm sure she ever thought she'd see. When she started holding her annual fundraiser to raise money for a cure for diabetes (her youngest son Thad suffers from Type 1), she jumped into the deep end of the pool and, not surprisingly, ended up swimming a marathon. As someone who just signed her first contracts as an author (www.authorannastewart.com), I honestly have no idea how she's managed to balance everything--the writing, the family, the fundraising. Every year she's raised more money than the last and in 2013, we hit the $2 million mark (cumulatively). But here's the important point...that marathon that isn't over.
We haven't found a cure. Yet.
Every year as we gear up for May 1st - 31st online event (https://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/), our auction team, most of whom are tireless volunteers, puts their heads together to see what we can do better. How we can improve the experience for both donors and shoppers? What haven't we thought of yet? How can we step things up? Well, this year, thanks to a suggestion from one of Brenda's best friends, A SWEET LIFE was born.
With the rising popularity of anthology eBook sets on multiple reader platforms, Brenda put the call out to many of her fellow bestselling authors. We were blown away by their instant willingness to jump on board and contribute a novella to this one of a kind anthology. To receive the instant support from these amazing individuals was beyond Brenda's hopes. Not only does A SWEET LIFE feature stories by Brenda, Bella Andre, Barbara Freethy, Heather Graham, Julia Kent, Susan Mallery, Carly Phillips, Jennifer Probst, RaeAnne Thayne, Rachel Vqan Dyken, Susan Wiggs, Lauren Hawkeye (who also has a son with Type 1), Steena Holmes and Jane Porter, #1 NY Times Bestselling author Debbie Macomber wrote the foreword. I don't know if we could have asked for a better line up and they have our sincere gratitude for their support.
We're also hoping this anthology is only the beginning. Plans are underway for next year's special offering, but as far as 2014 and our 10th anniversary here's the best news:
For the month of May, this collection of 14 stories will be on sale for $2.99! But ONLY for the month of May. On June 1st, this set goes away.
That's money that goes directly to research. The possibilities are so exciting and we can't wait to see how many people grab up a set during the month-long sale. So tell your friends, your family, gift copies (did you know you can do that?! and help spread the word that A SWEET LIFE is a super easy and fun way for everyone to help make a difference.
It will be available on Amazon, BN, Kobo, and is already up for pre-order on iTunes/iBooks.
But let's not forget about the auction! We just crossed the 1000 item mark on this year's offerings. The generosity of our donors is truly inspiring and we honestly could not do this event year in and year out without them--or our shoppers! This disease affects so many people and we need a cure. NOW! If you haven't already registered, please do at https://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/ . You can't win if you don't bid. Whether you're a reader, a writer, a collector, or an avid shopper, I can promise you there's something for everyone on the auction. Bidding will open May 1st and run the entire month--but keep your eyes on those "one day" auctions--these are items that will be up for bid only on ONE day! We'll also be doing some giveaways throughout the month...you won't know what and you won't know when, so visit and bid often...you might just win something fabulous!
Happy bidding!
NOTE: Romance Books '4' Us is offering a one-year promo full ad page at our website: http://www.romancebooks4us.com. Don't forget to bid on our donation...and all the wonderful donations at Brenda's auction!
