Plugin’ Away…for Toni and N.O.

The irony of being a writer is that we are a breed that craves the opportunity to be alone in our own worlds and yet we so often seek out communities of other like-minded people. For many, many, many years, computer networks have been a nexus for us to gather together in common whining. We are a diverse lot. Some write books, some screenplays, some plays, and some are between projects. Unlike with the traditional writer’s group, we no longer need to be in the same geographical location. My favorite on-line community has members across the U.S. and internationally. We congratulate each other on our success, and encourage each other when there are setbacks.

Toni Causey, a good friend in this community, helped out more than most of us after Hurricane Katrina hit. We gave what we could: money, blood, and necessary items. She and her husband devoted a lot of their time and effort to directly assisting those in need amid the devastation. So, when she asked if some mention could be made to further this goal, I happily agreed. In her own words:

As many of you know, in the middle of writing the current caper / comedy book (which, thank goodness, is done and now in the hands of the editor), we had the two major hurricanes… Katrina and then Rita. I had blogged through Katrina and the aftermath and all of the devastation and changes. Strangely (to me), the blog got picked up by some national and international media… and from that, a publisher contacted me. He was in the process of putting together a book on New Orleans when the hurricane hit, and he’d read my blog and asked me if I could contribute to the essays on New Orleans. The result is now this book:

Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?
http://www.chinmusicpress.com/books/doyouknow/

You want to know the amazing thing? The publisher is going to donate all of the profits of the pre-orders through January 6, 2006 to Katrina relief efforts. His brother had lived there (and he had, in fact, had to go rescue his brother), so they know the devastation first-hand. So if you or someone you know would love a beautifully designed and written book chronicling New Orleans before and after the devastation, I hope you’ll pass that link above along. (I believe they’re also shipping for free.)

So many of you already gave so much, so PLEASE know that I already so very greatly appreciate what you’ve done. In fact, my essay is about you — everyone who gave and said a prayer or wrote or cared. But if you have a blog and wouldn’t mind linking to them, I’d be most grateful. Or send the link out in e-mail. 100% of my fee is going to Katrina relief as well.

Thank you.

Toni