Thursday, April 25, 2013

Congrats winners! (Payment info)

Congrats to the winners of the awesome items of the auction. Your generosity has been overwhelming and touches my heart. Thanks so much for making this auction a success.

Here's how we're going to do it, to make it the best for all of us.

First, if you haven't yet - email me your contact info at AngiNicoleBlack@gmail.com. I need an email so I can put you in touch with the person you won your item from. If it's a tangible item, I'll need your address to pass along. If it's a phone call, I'll need your number.

If you donated an item, please email me your Twitter and any websites (blogs, Etsy, etc) you want listed for people to find you and your items. :) 

Second, to make your donation go directly to http://www.redcross.org/index.jsp
Click on the Relief efforts. Enter your amount. (If you won an item for less than $10 email me or if you just want to donate the minimum amount of ten dollars, go right ahead.)

Then either enter West's zip code in the top right space for "your area" (76691) or click In Honor Of. In the space that comes up enter West, Texas Plant Explosion Relief Effort. (I did both.)

It will then go to the billing page. Once you've paid, email a receipt of donation to me and I'll put you in touch with the person who donated the item/items you won.If you won more than one item, you can just make one donation and in your email of receipt give me the item numbers you won.

Also - print your receipt for next year's taxes!!

This is the best way for Texas to get all the funds we've raised without any fees, taxes etc.

***You have one week to make your payment and show receipt of donation. If at the end of the week, the second highest will notified and awarded as the winner of that item.***

THANKS SO MUCH TO ALL OUR WONDERFUL DONORS!!!! I'll be putting together a blog post with everyone's websites and Twitters and Etsy pages so you can find them if you didn't win but want some of their awesome things!(It'll be on my real blog.)

THANKS SO MUCH TO ALL THE BIDDERS! Collectively, we raised almost $4000 dollars. Wow. Just wow. I stand in awe of you and your kind hearts.

Thank you to everyone who contributed and tweeted the heck out of this to make it a success. That money will go along way to food and shelter to the residents of West, Texas affected by the blast.

With all my love and gratitude, Angi Black

P.S. If you want to just make a donation, let me know after you do so I can add it to total we raised for Relief!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Auction Item #62

What's up for grabs: Hand painted decorative letters for your wall

Who donated the awesome: Jessa Russo

Why you have to have it: Because they're beautiful. And you get three. And Jessa made them and she's beautiful. And oh, just go bid already. Jessa will discuss colors and theme with you after you win. All letters six inches tall.

You can pick ONE of the following options:

A wedding set. Either I do or your initials.


-OR-
Initials for a kids room
-OR-
This.


Auction Item #61

What's up for grabs: A Hello Kitty Star Wars shirt

Who donated the awesome: Megan Whitmer, author of BETWEEN

Why you have to have it: Cause Megan Whitmer picked it out and modeled it for you. (See picture below) And she is the absolute bestest thing ever. Her taste in T-shirts is top notch and you can wear this with pride. And Hello Kitty plus Star Wars. Must have. (Women's Large, but has a slim cut to it)


Auction Item #60

What's up for grabs: A first chapter critique

Who donated the awesome:Stephanie Diaz, author of EXTRACTION

Why you have to have it: Stephanie is a publishing intern so you'll get great insight. Plus she's an author so she knows what to look for. Good, good stuff.

Auction Item #59

What's up for grabs: A query crit by an editorial intern

Who donated the awesome: Lauren Spieller, author of SIGHTLESS

Why you have to have it: This is great because Lauren is an editorial intern. That means you get to hear all the right things to make your query something that will survive the slush. You gotta have it.

Auction Item #58

What's up for grabs: A signed copy of Twilight

Who donated the awesome: Ashley Turcotte

Why you have to have it: Because it's signed obviously. and say what you like, I know you like Twilight. It's okay. Some of the best people do...or and the majority of the world. It's a paperback copy and a great addition to your book shelf.

Auction Item #57

What's up for grabs: A 3 chapter Critique and a phone call to discuss the chapters

Who donated the awesome: Mandy Schoen

Why you have to have it: Basically, Mandy is awesome. Plus, she's the managing editor at Swoon Romance and an editor for Month 9 Books. She likes wallabies and did I mention she's awesome? True story.

Auction Item #56

What's up for grabs: Custom portrait of your main character in either pencil sketch or pen and ink.

Who donated the awesome: Phillip Bartles (Yep, Veronica's other half)

Why you have to have it: Because you need a picture of your main character and there's only one other on here and one is not enough. Maybe you should get both. But how great to have a picture of your MC exactly how they are in your mind? Pretty great.

Example:


Auction Item #55

What's up for grabs: A full format for your finished manuscript (for paperback format, not ebook)

Who donated the awesome: Rachel O'Laughlin

Why you have to have it: If you're self-pubbing a novel, you need this! You have to get it formatted anyway, why not help out a great cause too? Plus Rachel is so cute, you have to bid for her stuff.

Auction Item #54

What's up for grabs:  A signed copy of THE CHARGE (NA), a query crit plus first 30 pages.

Who donated the awesome: Sharon Bayliss, author of THE CHARGE

Why you have to have it: First, it's sci-fi NA. That should do it right there, but to get a crit too? And the book is signed. Come on. Just bid already.

Auction Item #53

What's up for grabs: A 50pg critique

Who donated the awesome: Roseanne Wells

Why you have to have it: Roseanne (you know her as @RivetingRosie) is a lit agent. An agent is offering a critique. Can you find something better? I think not.

Auction Item #52

What's up for grabs: A fanfic piece featuring you! That's right, you!

Who donated the awesome: Lisa Kajue

Why you have to have it: Lisa will write a story about one of the following universes and stick you right in the action. You can choose either: Narnia, HP, Sherlock, or Doctor Who (9 or10). I bet I know who will bid on this first. :)

Auction Item #51

What's up for grabs: Original art 'The Snow Queen"

Who donated the awesome: Roselle Kaes

Why you have to have it: This piece of art is trading card size. 2.5x3.5in. How cool is that? And it's one of a kind. You can't beat that.


Auction Item #50

What's up for grabs: A signed copy of A SHIMMER OF ANGELS and some swag to go with it.

Who donated the awesome: Lisa M. Basso, author of A SHIMMER OF ANGELS

Why you have to have it: Lisa wrote it, she's going to sign it and send it to you when you win. Plus swag. Everyone loves swag. You NEED the swag.


Auction Item #49

What's up for grabs: A signed copy of PLAYING NICE, plus a 100pg critique (YA)

Who donated the awesome: Rebekah Crane, author of PLAYING NICE and ASPEN

Why you have to have it: Because Rebekah writes beautiful words and she loves musical theater. PLAYING NICE is such a lovely switch from what you usually find on the YA shelf, a story driven by friendship, not just a love interest. And I know what great crits Rebekah gives because she's one of my CP's. So go on, bid.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Auction item #48

What's up for grabs:
-A paperback copy of EVER
-Bookmarks and swag
-Five chapter critique

Who donated the awesome: Jessa Russo, author of EVER

Why you have to have it: Jessa is a proofreader and editor at Curiosity Quills. And a great writer because EVER is a fantastic book. You have to read it- like yesterday. But I guess now you'll have to bid and read it when you win! Plus you get a critique and swag.



Auction Item #47

What's up for grabs: Another wand because one is not enough.

Who donated the awesome: Darci Cole

Why you have to have it:  Because you'll have a wand like no other. It will pick you and it's made by Darci right there at Colevander's. And you never know when you need to fix your glasses, call your broom while fighting a dragon or turn someone into a ferret. Wands are important people!

Here's an example of some of the fine work Darci does. (Remember, yours will be unique, as all wands are)



Auction Item #46

What's up for grabs: A wand. Yeah. A wand, people!

Who donated the awesome: Darci Cole

Why you have to have it: Because it's a wand. "You're allowed a wand." And it's an original wand straight from Colevander's. (That's right, Darci is going to make the wand.) It'll be different from the picture because the picture is of my wand and you can't have it...I mean, it picked me. That's what I meant to say.


Auction Item #45

What's up for grabs: A custom portrait of your book's MC!!

Who donated the awesome:S.P. McConnell

Why you have to have it: S.P. is a fantastic artist and lives in Austin. This relief effort hits close to home. I've included an example of his work, but remember - a portrait of your MC...just how you imagine...in real life for you to look at whenever you want.


Auction Item #44

What's up for grabs:
 Query Sanity Package:
a query crit
assorted candies
herbal tea
an "autographed" good luck 5x7 of my chicken Phyllis Diller.

Who donated the awesome: Heidi Schulz

Why you have to have it: Because Heidi and her chicken, Phyllis are practically Twitter royalty. I'm not kidding. Phyllis even dressed up like Dr. Horrible for Halloween. No, I'm not joking. And this is a great package. I've included a picture of Phyllis although your celebrity shot will be new and unpublished.


Auction item #43

What's up for grabs: A query critique plus your first 50 pages.

Who donated the awesome: Brenda Drake, author of LIBRARY JUMPERS

Why you have to have it: Mostly because it's Brenda Drake and she's the contest guru. She has great taste and an even better eye for what works and what doesn't in your story. You want this. Also - any genre, too. Did I mention how amazing she is? Just trust me. *


*This prize will be available in June. Brenda is finishing Book 2 and has a deadline. So this is perfect if you're not quite ready for crit, but will be soon!

Auction Item #42

What's up for grabs:A writer care package
-tasty treats
-coffee
-tea
-two books on craft
-a journal
-pens
-a surprise gift

Who donated the awesome: Nicole Tersigni

Why you have to have it: If you're a writer you need this to make through drafting, revising, editing, life. The two books on writing should be enough, bout look - coffee AND tea! Gotta have it!

Auction Item #41

What's up for grabs: 10pg proofread/edit (MG,YA)

Who donated the awesome: Connie B. Dowell

Why that makes it something you must have:I know personally, the editing process is something I could live without. But now you can for ten whole pages because Connie will do it for you! And she's a freelance proofreader/editor.

Auction Item #40

What's up for grabs: Mixed media canvas 18x24

Who donated the awesome: Tabitha Martin

Why that makes it something you must have:See? I told you. This one's bigger. Again, you get to talk with Tabitha and pick your quote and color scheme for your original art.

Auction Item #39

What's up for grabs: A mixed media canvas (12x24)

Who donated the awesome: Tabitha Martin

Why that makes it something you must have:Tabitha is another one of my multi-talented friends. Not only is this original artwork, but you get to talk with Tabitha and pick the quote and color scheme you'd like. she'll make it especially for you. 12x24 not big enough for you? See the next item then.

Auction Item #38

What's up for grabs: A song written especially for your book

Who donated the awesome: Brianna Shrum

Why that makes it something you must have:This is the one I want the most. Brianna will write a song for your book, or character or the overall story, or a certain relationship therein. And you can use it for promotion, writing inspiration, or just to tell everybody that this is your song. So get to bidding. You can't stop the awesome on this one.

Auction Item #37

What's up for grabs: another beautiful pair of handmade earrings

Who donated the awesome: Heather (@LadySepulchre)

 Why that makes it something you must have:These earrings are so beautiful, that's why. They are wire wrapped hematite and you must have them now...and remember - they might be delivered by dogsled.*




*Not actually delivered by dog sled.

Auction Item #36

What's up for grabs: Swarovski crystal handmade earrings (Does contain small amounts of lead)

Who donated the awesome: Heather (@LadySepulchre)

Why that makes it something you must have: Heather is a writer and crafter and she lives in Alaska.  And these earrings are beautiful. Beaut-i-ful. And I'm just guessing here, but I'm pretty sure she had to use a dog sled to get the supplies to make them. That's the only way they travel in Alaska right? NO? Oh...well, a girl can dream.


Auction Item #35

What's up for grabs:

-Paperbacks of UNEARTHLY and HALLOWED by Cynthia Hand from Gina Ciocca
-New YA release from Misfit Megan Whitmer
-Query critique from Erica Chapman, Associate Editor at Entangled Publishing
-3 chapter critique from Misfit Jenny Kaczorowski
-Synopsis and first chapter critique from YA author Maggie Hall (YA adventure trilogy, coming from Putnam/Penguin, 2014)
-Guest post on YAMF's Band Geek Thursday

Who donated the awesome:The amazing crew at YA Misfits

Why that makes it something you must have: I would bid on this just for the guest post alone. Band Geek Thursday! Come on. But it's even better. You can split up your critiques, over time or with friends. How cool is that? Just about as cool as the Misfits themselves. Don't be fooled by the moniker. These ladies can rock the argyle and still sit at the cool kids table.

Auction Item #34

What's up for grabs: A query critique plus first chapter (YA, NA)

Who donated the awesome:Vicki Orians

Why that makes it something you must have: Vicki is a member of The Writer Diaries. She great at what she does and...wait for it...she does a brilliant Yoda impression. You probably won't hear that in your query, but you can imagine her saying the crits like Yoda and why wouldn't you bid on that???

Auction Item #33

What's up for grabs: Handmade knitted hat

Who donated the awesome:Veronica Bartles

Why that makes it something you must have: Another great donation from Veronica. This hat is precious and fits an adult. I mean, who doesn't want something handmade that's this awesome and by someone like Veronica? Everyone does. Bid now.


Auction Item #32

What's up for grabs: Handmade purse.

Who donated the awesome:Veronica Bartles

Why that makes it something you must have: Another great creation made from recycled and repurposed materials. This purse is also the perfect size for a Kindle or Nook. It measures 5.5inX8in.

Auction Item #31

What's up for grabs: Handmade 20 in Necklace

Who donated the awesome:Veronica Bartles

Why that makes it something you must have: Not only did the fab Veronica make it, but also she makes things out of recycled materials and you know that makes my little hippie sing. She repurposes items into beautiful things for you. So obviously, that's why you need it.











Auction Item #30

What's up for grabs: A query and 1st 10pg critique (MG/YA)

Who donated the awesome:Jennifer Malone

Why that makes it something you must have: Jennifer is a writer and a freelance editor. She's also a TwitWit and super cool. She's also one of the few MG crits we have on our auction!

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Auction Item # 29

What's up for grabs:
- Full, comprehensive edit of first 50 pages of MS, as if author is on my desk and on the way to publication. It will be in .docx format with Track Changes. This includes, but not limited to, looking for redundancy, passive writing, inconsistencies, misspellings, punctuation, grammar, characterization, POV, world building, transition and plot issues. 
- One page letter regarding the first 50 pages, the strengths and weaknesses. 
- Conversation with author regarding what experience they are looking to give their audience and how best to achieve prior to edit. 

Who donated the awesome:T.J. Loveless, copy editor at Curiosity Quills

Why that makes it something you must have: You want it. Professional copy editing, an editorial letter about how to improve your work and a talk with the editor about how to move forward? The reason you must have it is a no brainer...because you must have it.


Auction Item #28

What's up for grabs: A guest blog spot on YATopia

Who donated the awesome: Sharon Johnson of YATopia

Why that makes it something you must have: YATopia is a great blog. They have so much wonderful information and you get to guest blog there. That's lots of eyes seeing you, finding you, finding your words, hearing what you have to say. You want this, trust me.

Auction Item #27

What's up for grabs: A query critique plus your first chapter. (Adult)

Who donated the awesome: Sarah Blair

Why that makes it something you must have: Sarah is my other half. She completes me. She'll probably complete you, too. She has a wicked eye for detail and continuity in your story. She also has the Midas touch on queries. Thank goodness she's my CP and you don't have to outbid me on this one.

Auction Item #26

What's up for grabs: A query critique plus your first ten pages AND your synopsis. (Adult, NA, YA)

Who donated the awesome: Angi Black (Hey, that's me again!)

Why that makes it something you must have: Well, I'm a writer. I'm a member of The Writer Diaries and a leader for Write Club. I'm also a literary agent intern and I'll give your query, synopsis and first ten a thorough going through. I'll probably dance and sing while doing it, too. I'm just that way.

Auction Item #25

What's up for grabs: Another pair of writer "hobo" gloves

Who donated the awesome: Still me, Angi Black

Why that makes it something you must have: So I put a second pair on here because the fingerless gloves are all kinds of awesome. And it's still snowing in most of the country, so I probably have lots of friends with cold hands. You still get to pick your color.

Auction Item #24

What's up for grabs: Writer "hobo" gloves, crocheted for you and yo pick the color

Who donated the awesome: me, Angi Black

Why that makes it something you must have: This is an awkward moment. You know I'm the ambassador of awesome and that I'm 80 percent water, 20 percent caffeine, but how to talk about me so you'll bid? So just bid on these fingerless gloves I'll be making for you. Now you can stay warm and still reach your keyboard. Basically, hobo gloves are like Snuggies for your hands. That's cool, right?


Auction Item #23

What's up for grabs: A handmade crocheted baby prop outfit. Shape of...a sock monkey!

Who donated the awesome: Aimee Arnold

Why that makes it something you must have: One, she loves donuts so I love her. Second, she's super crafty talented and you need this. Don't know what a baby prop is? You know those super cute pictures where the baby has a hat and bottom and armbands and you see the picture and say, "Oh look! A shark! A hula dancer! How cute!"?? That's what it is, except SOCK MONKEY. Need I say more?

Auction Item #22

What's up for grabs: Full critique of your adult or new adult manuscript (up to 90K)

Who donated the awesome: Irene Rose, author of CHARCOAL AND HOT CHOCOLATE (NA)

Why that makes it something you must have: Besides the fact that I know Irene and she'll work hard for you, she'll tell it like it is and you'll probably only need one kleenex for your tears, this is for adult or new adult, and there aren't too many of those on here. Plus - full critique.

Auction Item #21

What's up for grabs: An original piece of artwork on canvas

Who donated the awesome: Andrea Hannah

Why that makes it something you must have: If you haven't seen Andrea's artwork, well, where have you been? She's uber-talented and she writes too! Basically - she's made of awesome. This will mostly likely be worth lots and lots of money one day, so you should get it now, and then you can say - But I had a Hannah first. All while you sip your brandy, wearing an ascot, and for some reason, I imagine you'll be twirling your pencil thin mustache.


Auction Item #20

What's up for grabs: An ARC of THIS LOVE (NA) with notes from the author in the book and a Skype date or phone call about self-publishing, marketing, etc.

Who donated the awesome: Nazarea Andrews, author of THIS LOVE and EDGE OF THE FALLS

Why that makes it something you must have: Nazarea is a great friend and a very talented writer. An ARC is an advanced reader copy which means you'll be getting it first. You'll be getting inside the head of the author with the notes inside. You'll be falling in love with her words and desperate for her to write another book. Plus, you get to talk to Nazarea about her successful journey to self-publishing and marketing. She'll answer questions you might have so you can be successful too! So why are you still sitting here reading this? Go bid.

Auction Item #19

What's up for grabs:
Ink in Motion E-Book Formatting (a $75 value) 
What’s included:
-Setting front cover and author photos.
-Formatting of headers, chapter breaks, table of contents, author Bio, front matter including copyright and dedication pages.
-Setting metadata including key words/tags, jacket flap content, and ISBNs provided by author.
-Author will be provided both mobi (for kindle) and epub (nook) files.
-Up to three revisions.

Who donated the awesome: Chantee from Ink In Motion

Why that makes it something you must have:Again, this is a killer donation. Just go on, bid. I can't think of a reason why you wouldn't want this.

Auction Item #18

What's up for grabs:
$200 gift certificate, good for any Ink in Motion product:
- Animated Book Trailers
- Stock Photo Book Trailers
- Live Action Book Trailers
- Video Pitches
- E-book Formatting
- Commercial Advertisements

Who donated the awesome: Chantee from Ink In Motion

Why that makes it something you must have: I think this answer is self-evident. You want this. This is an amazing donation especially for anyone self-publishing or thinking about a book trailer. Ink In motion does such solid quality work. So go start bidding, this one will be in demand.

Auction Item #17

What's up for grabs: A critique of your query and first chapter (YA)

Who donated the awesome: Jamie Corrigan

Why that makes it something you must have: Jamie is awesome and she'll give you the lowdown on your query and first chapter without making you cry. That's a prize all itself.

Auction Item #16

What's up for grabs: A copy of Clockwork Princess signed by Cassie Clare

Who donated the awesome: Tawney Bland

Why that makes it something you must have: This is a great prize because it's signed by the author. And I don't have this book yet, so you might have to outbid me. Tawney is a fave on Twitter too. She's always there with a smile and now with a helping hand, too.


Auction Item #15

What's up for grabs:Graphic design service for a book cover (Perfect for the self-pubber!)

Who donated the awesome: Isaac Romas, The LNG Company

Why that makes it something you must have: A full cover design by a designer. If you're self-publishing your book, this is a must have! You'll be getting fabulous work that you already need and be helping out a great cause, all at the same time!

Auction Item #14

What's up for grabs: You pick a critique of your query or first 20 pages.

Who donated the awesome: Anne Riley, author of SHADOWS OF THE HIDDEN(YA)

Why that makes it something you must have: Anytime a pubbed author says let me look at your work for you, you do it. What makes this one great is it's either a query or your first twenty. Not everyone needs both looked at, and here's an opportunity to just get one or the other. All win.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Auction Item #13

What's up for grabs: A critique of your query plus the first 3 chapters.

Who donated the awesome: Talynn Lynn

Why that makes it something you must have: Talynn is a literary agent intern. She loves coffee. And she's mother of many. If she can handle all that plus write, you know she's going to rock your critique.

Auction Item #12

What's up for grabs: A 50pg manuscript critique

Who donated the awesome: Vikki (Also from The Writer Diaries)

Why that makes it something you must have: First- she's British. She lives in London, so in my mind Diagon Alley, right? Right. Second, she keeps fish. I'm not sure what that means, but I like it. She has four. Third, she's a great YA writer and she'll give great thoughts on your words.

Auction Item #11

What's up for grabs: Line edit of a manuscript up to 120K words

Who donated the awesome: Brianna Shrum

Why that makes it something you must have: Because I say you need it. Brianna is so great. She'll make your manuscript better just reading it, but if you listen to her critiques, you're golden. She's also one of my sisters at The Writer Diaries.

Auction Item #10

What's up for grabs: Cable knit slouchy hat.

Who donated the awesome: Meagan (@mgnwrites)

Why that makes it something you must have: Meagan is a book blogger and an owl lover. So of course, I'm on a mission to be her friend. But aside from that, this hat is awesome and you get to pick the color too. She's going to make it just for you! It's even her own pattern.



Auction Item #9

What's up for grabs: Customized hand-lettered name plate

Who donated the awesome: Elyse G.

Why that makes it something you must have: Because you get to talk to Elyse about color and your name and you'll have something one of a kind for a great cause. Cool, art loving, do-gooders are so in! Plus she's an avid reader and only in her teens. Put a bid in for her motivation alone.

Here's an example of her fab work:



Auction Item #8

What's up for grabs: A hand made, custom bible quote in calligraphy

Who donated the awesome: Patty Quixite Marg

Why that makes it something you must have: This is our first piece of custom made goodness up for bid. Plus Patty is another Whovian and has a zoo. A ZOO. Oh, she also has her own Etsy store and you'll be getting something custom from there. Sa-weet!

Auction Item #7

What's up for grabs: A full copy edit up to 120K words (YA)

Who donated the awesome: Rachel Lynn Soloman

Why that makes it something you must have: Rachel is a DJ and a former Guinness World Record holder for largest gathering of natural redheads in one place. Doesn't that make you want it already? Rachel writes YA and I'm pretty sure is made of general awesomeness.

Auction Item #6

What's up for grabs: A pair of painted Tom's and you get to pick the design

Who donated the awesome: Erica Nash

Why that makes it something you must have: Because it's a pair of painted Tom's and you get to pick the design! Erica sent me several pictures for examples and her work is incredible! She'll hand paint a design discussed by the two of you after you win. You'll have to wait 3-5 weeks for the finished product and I promise it will be worth every minute. Erica also writes and buys magic beans.

Here's some examples of her work: (but remember, you get to pick what you want)


Auction Item #5

What's up for grabs: -1 signed copy of GIMME A CALL by Sarah Mlynowski
-1 notebook with macaron-print cover
-1 box of Harry Potter Bertie Bott jelly beans
-Assorted bookmarks & other little treats
-Winner is also gets a (totally optional) 20-minute phone call to discuss any publishing matters or questions.

Who donated the awesome: Dahlia Adler Finch

Why that makes it something you must have: Well, first because Dahlia donated it and she's one of the most spectacular people I know. She's a New Yorker, has a brilliant blog that will teach you all you need to know, and is prone to wearing tiaras and argyle sweaters. Dahlia is incredible and so knowledgeable in this field. Plus she's a copy editor and an agented writer. Her blog is always full to the brim with helpful tips and deep thoughts to help on your writing journey and now you get to talk to her IN REAL LIFE. Just try to outbid me on this one. Just try.

Auction Item #4

What's up for grabs: Copy of the novel REAPER* plus a critique of the first 10 pages of your manuscript.

Who donated the awesome: L.S. Murphy, author of REAPER

Why that makes it something you must have: Because the author is giving you her book, and obviously that makes it better. Plus, a published author is going to critique your first ten pages. So tell me again, why haven't you started bidding?


*REAPER is a YA novel about a young girl who finds out her destiny - to be the next grim reaper.

Auction Item #3

What's up for grabs: CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL (Parenthood edition)

Who donated the awesome: Drema Drudge

Why that makes it something you must have: Drema hearts art. She writes about art too, fiction and non-fiction and lots of lit mag publications. So why do you need this book? Because why don't you, is the question. Everyone needs a new book. Always. All the time.

Auction Item #2

What's up for grabs: Full critique of a MG or YA manuscript

Who donated the awesome: Marieke Nijkamp

Why that makes it something you must have: Because if you haven't been critted by the amazing Marieke, you probably don't know how good you could actually be writing. She's has great insight, ideas and thoughts and bottom line, your book will turn out better in the end. And she loves Dr. Who. If you bid a TARDIS*, you win.


*Must be actual working TARDIS.

Auction Item #1

What's up for grabs: One full professional copy edit (up to 120K words)

Who donated the awesome: Rebecca Weston

Why that makes it something you must have: Rebecca is a freelance copy editor and such a fun person! You guys, she loves Whedon like I do. You must love her! Plus her blog is a must read!




West, Texas Relief Auction

Hey there friends! This has been a crazy week here in the states. I know people everywhere have been affected by the events happening all week. It's crazy to think that some countries live with things like this ALL THE TIME.

But we're very lucky to be where we are. And we're even luckier to be able to do things to help those in need. Aside from the horrible events in Boston, a fertilizer plant in the town of West, Texas literally blew up this week. Many were killed, more were injured and between sixty and eighty homes were leveled.

I saw many fundraisers going for Boston and reminded people not to forget about those affected in Texas. The fab Jessa Russo agreed and suggested I put something together.

So I did.

You know I'm more than talk when it comes to helping people, greening up the planet and being my general hippie self. So in spreading a little love and beauty of creation I asked the most giving community I know, the Artists. Boy, did they ever rally! We have stuff for writers, original artwork, handcrafted jewelry, and many knitted/crocheted items, all made by hand with love. We even have a song for you!

Here's how the auction will work: 

 - Every item will appear on a separate blog page. Bid in the comments. (If you have it set to not show your name when you comment, please include that in your bid.)

- Bidding will remain open for three days. The highest bid when comments close wins! (US dollars only please!)

- You'll have a week to pay for your items. Online wins (critiques, copy edits, etc) can be claimed right away. For hand-crafted items, times will vary. Since many of the pieces are custom order, the artists can't begin until the auction closes.

- We are raising funds for relief in West, Texas and all proceeds will go the Red Cross located there, with our funds being earmarked to stay in the community. They will be able to help the most. ( I got this info straight from the city of West.)

- When you have won your bid, email your name and info to AngiNicoleBlack@gmail.com with WestTexas Auction and your item number in the subject line. Your win will then be confirmed and arrangements made for payment and to either get you your winning item or put you in contact with the awesome person donating it.

- If you want to contribute but don't find anything in the auction you would like, or if auctions just aren't your thing, contact me at AngiNicoleBlack@gmail.com and I will give you the info needed for straight donations.

- Handmade items/gift baskets/books ship to the US only. Sorry for any inconvenience! 

Please address any questions on this post and keep comments to only bids on the posted items.

A special and very huge thank you to all the amazing people who donated items to this effort. When the auction closes, I'll post a page with more about each of them. I'm such a lucky lady to know such awesome and talented people. It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful this community and my friends are, inside and out. 

Remember - when destruction and hate try to take hold, love and creation will outshine them everytime.

Now - stop reading and get to bidding! No really, go on. You need to beat me there. I already know what I have my eye on.

** The only comments removed by me will be spam comments, just to keep the bids easily visible. **