Contribute
to charity.
The
post-apocalyptic world of Partials is fun to read about, in part, because of
how desolate it is: the characters live in a wasteland, scavenge desperately
for food and clean water, have virtually no electricity, and live in constant
fear of disease, bad weather, vicious criminals, and marauding bands of enemy
soldiers. The horrifying, inescapable truth is that this is not science
fiction: there are millions of people, all over the world, who live in
conditions even worse than these every day of their lives--people who would
look at the deadly world of Partials as an absolute paradise. Kira, my main
character, has dedicated her life to helping other people. We have the power
and the opportunity to do the same, and I think that gives us a responsibility
to step up and do it.
Yes, I
have a book coming out next week, and yes, I'd love it if you'd buy a copy. I'd
love it even more if you'd buy two copies and give one to a friend. But you
know what? I don't need your money. I have a house, and food, and clothes, and
running water, and wireless Internet, and really when you think about it I'm
incredibly, amazingly blessed. Not only do I have a job, I love my job, and if
times get tight I can just write more books, which is what I want to do with my
time anyway. So don't worry about me. Take the money you would have spent on my
book and give it to someone who really needs it--someone who's trying to fight
hunger, or cure a disease, or overcome poverty and poor education. If you can
afford to both buy my book AND contribute to a charity, take a moment to consider
how amazing that is. That puts you at a level of disposable income most people
in the world can only dream about. You have the power to make an incredible
difference. Don't waste it.
I've
listed some awesome charities here, or you can pick your own:
Vitamin
Angels Click HERE
- Give
life-saving vitamins and other care to pregnant women, new mothers, and
children under five. Kira would be proud.
Heifer
International Click HERE
- Fight
hunger and poverty through education, empowerment, and sustainable initiatives.
This group is the very definition of "teaching a man to fish" instead
of just giving him a fish and calling it a day.
Midwest
Food Bank Click HERE
- Not all
hunger is in other countries. This and other American charities are helping the
people right under your nose, that most of us don't even see.
Project
C.U.R.E. Click HERE
- The
largest provider of donated medical supplies and equipment in the world.
Books For
Africa Click HERE
-
Literacy and education have a stronger long-term effect than literally any
other charitable effort, bar none.
The
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law Click HERE
- Mental
health is an issue particularly close to my heart. Mental disorders are common
enough that I can pretty much guarantee everyone reading this has a relative or
close friend who struggles with one. Help give them the rights, access, and
dignity they deserve.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dan, and thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your words of wisdom and advice.
Here's his newest release. RUINS Book 3 in the Partials Sequence
Go to Dan's Amazon page to see the books he's got available: AMAZON
If you are a Nook fan, check him out on Barnes and Noble HERE
To find Dan's website, go HERE
He's involved in one of my favorite podcasts for writers and other creative people. Go see Writing Excuses
Overall, check Dan out and celebrate his birthday with him.
