Brenda Novak, the bestselling author of more than forty novels, has a son with diabetes. Understandably, she’s committed to the cause of finding a cure. Some walk, some run, some golf, and some have dinners to fundraise for a charity. Brenda Novak runs the Online Auction for Diabetes Research.
Each May, for the entire month, the literary community comes together, headed by Brenda Novak and the Diabetes Research Institute to raise funds to find a cure for diabetes. This month-long event has been raising more money each year, and for 2010 the goal is $1 million. The goal is achievable; last year, the auction raised over $770,000.
Beginning in 2005, the auction has offered something for everyone, where people may buy or auction anything. Some of the items up for grabs are getting to name a character in the next John Lescroart novel, having the winning bidder’s name be a character in a Debbie Macomber or a Christine Feehan novel.
Writers Workshops and Critiques Up for Bid
Other items include writing workshops and conferences. Margie Lawson is offering a class and a 50 page edit of a manuscript. An ocean cruise writer’s workshop is sure to garner great interest.
Many publishing agents, editors, and bestselling novelists are donating critiques of manuscripts and proposals to aspiring authors. Nathan Bransford of Curtis Brown, Ltd,, Laura Rennert of Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Donald Maass of Donald Maass Literary Agency are three of the agents participating. This is a rare opportunity, and one that always has competitive bidding.
Lunch With Authors and Editors
Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series, Barry Eisler, author of Inside Out, and Margaret Marbury, Executive Editor of Mira Books, are all offering lunch and a chance to discuss the writing craft and industry. Lunch dates for groups, or with a group of authors are offered in the auction.
Auctions Items for Everyone
One doesn’t need to be a writer to find plenty of unique items of interest. Vacations, cruises, jewelry, and crystal are some fine items. Allison Brennan has an extensive doll collection to bid on, and there are quilts, gift baskets, and even a Donna Karan suit that was once owned by Barbara Streisand.
Diabetes Statistics
According to the CDC, Type 1 diabetes affects an estimated 850,000 to 1.7 million Americans. In Type 1 diabetes the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, and the person is dependent on insulin injections. However, insulin is not a cure for diabetes, it is a treatment. Type 2 diabetes, in which the body has a resistance to insulin, affects 23.6 million Americans, approximately 8% of the population.
All of the money raised in the Brenda Novak 2010 Online Auction to Benefit Diabetes Research will go to the Diabetes Research Institute. The auction begins on May 1, 2010, and continues through May 31.
Suzanne Pitner - Suzanne Pitner is a teacher and published writer. A member of RWA and YARWA, she writes fiction as Suzanne Lilly.
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