Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Giving Tuesday and Some News

Today is Giving Tuesday and I wanted to highlight an opportunity to support Fat Kitty City by featuring a few selected photos from the 2013 calendar:









Please go here for the complete calendar and ordering information.

And now for some important news!

March 12, 2013 is the tentative start date for the next Pens for Paws Auction! I've already got a few commitments for books and critiques, but I won't be contacting prospective donors until January. In the meantime, if you have any questions email me at pensforpawsauction (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Thank you and I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!



Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Thanks So Much to All the Bidders and Donors!


We surpassed all our humble aspirations, thank you! For a fundraising auction that was started on somewhat of a whim, we did darn good. Here are the numbers:

Monday's items earned: $290
Tuesday's items earned: $250
Wednesday's items earned: $265
Thursday's items earned: $346
Friday's items earned: $355
Saturday's items earned: $556
Sunday's items earned: $600

For a grand total of $2,662 dollars! And that's not including the donations that came in as cash rather than as payment for a bid.



That will go a long way for our kitties, so we can't thank you enough. We're already talking about whether we will try this again next year, since a lot of the grants we have depended upon in the past have dried up.

We're still waiting on a few payments for auction items, so remember you need to get your item paid for within 7 days of its closing. Otherwise, someone else may get the happy news that the item they thought they missed out on is now theirs due to a default! The PayPal button in the sidebar will remain active, for your payments and any late donations.

So thank you again, to all the bidders and the donors--we couldn't have done it without you!


P.S. Just wanted to add that running this auction was a personal triumph for me. For those of you who don't know, I was diagnosed and treated for thyroid cancer last year. I'm now cancer-free, but it's been a battle to maintain a reliable level of energy while they find my correct dosage of thyroid replacement.
This auction took way more time and energy than I anticipated, but I'm proud to say that I not only met the challenge, I continued to work on my writing projects as well. Although, the housecleaning and homecooking did suffer!
It's nice to feel like my old, capable self again. And I was able to repay the kitties for all the love and affection they gave me on the days where if all I was able to do that day was drive to the sanctuary and sit with the cats, that was enough.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Signed Copy of Storm + Choice of Bonus Item by Brigid Kemmerer


Author Brigid Kemmerer has donated a signed copy of her much-anticipated debut novel, Storm (book 1 of the Elementals series) plus a a 20 page critique, preferably YA, romance, or women's fiction. She say she's "not really the right critter for high fantasy or scifi".

ETA: After a question in the comments, Brigid has changed this listing to include a signed copy of Storm Plus a 20-page critique OR signed copy of Spark once they're available

Ashfall & Ashen Winter Swag Pack from Mike Mullin


We're going out with a bang! Author Mike Mullin has donated an Ashfall swag pack that includes:

35-Page Critique with Assoc. Agent Pam van Hylckama Vlieg of Larsen-Pomada Literary



 Associate Agent and author Pam van Hylckama Vlieg will critique 35 pages of your manuscript!

4-Pack of Signed Books by Lori Mortensen





Lori Mortensen has kindly donated four of her graphics titles for young readers (all hardcover):

These are like graphic novels written on a young reader level! Fun and educational

The Cat That Disappeared
A Visit to the Vet
Working on the Farm
Dirty Gertie

This item will close on May 15, 2012, at 11:00 PM EST. Any bids placed after that time stamp will not be honored. Once the auction closes and payment from the highest bidder is confirmed, the books will be mailed to the address you provide. This item is open to U.S. addresses only.

Signed ARC of Hushed + Critique of 25 Pages & Query by Author Kelley York


Author Kelley York has donated a signed ARC of Hushed, along with a critique of your query and first 25 pages.

Query Critique #5 from Suzie Townsend of Nancy Coffey Literary

Win a query critique from Suzie Townsend!

 

If you're not familiar with uber-agent Suzie Townsend, here's a little bit about her and her book tastes:

". . . she represents adult and children's fiction. She is actively looking to build her list.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Signed Copy of Common Sense Business for Kids


Bluestocking Press has donated a signed copy of Common Sense Business for Kids.

3-Pack of Wild Sarsparilla Soap Co. Soaps


Nicole McInnes donated a set of three handmade glycerin soaps for face, hands and body from Wild Sarsaparilla Soap Co:

1 Bacon Paradise (yes, it's bacon-scented)
1 Roll in the Hay (vetiver & balsam-scented)
1 Gunslinger Roast (coffee-scented kitchen soap)

Each bar weighs approximately 6 oz. Enjoy!

This item will close on May 14, 2012, at 11:00 PM EST. Any bids placed after that time stamp will not be honored. Once the auction closes and payment from the highest bidder is confirmed, the soap will be mailed to the address you provide. This item is open to U.S. addresses only.

The Sister Queens by Sophie Perinot

Michelle Miller of The True Book Addict blog has donated a copy of The Sister Queens by Sophie Perinot.



3-Pack of First Second Books

:01 First Second Books publishes award-winning graphic novels like these:






This collection includes the titles pictured:

Signed Copy of Tankborn by Karen Sandler


Signed copy of Tankborn donated by author Karen Sandler:
When best friends Kayla and Mishalla, genetically engineered slaves on the planet Loka, develop friendships with higher-status boys, they discover a shocking, evil plot that leads them all to begin to question the strict caste system of their world.

Black/White Cat Necklace by John Groth Glass

 Dichroic glass necklace by John Groth Glass (donated by Michele and Robert Groth)

Black/White cat pendant measures approximately 1-1/2 tall and 1-1/4 inches wide, on black cord

Click on the picture for a larger view



This item will close on May 14, 2012, at 11:00 PM EST. Any bids placed after that time stamp will not be honored. Once the auction closes and payment from the highest bidder is confirmed, the jewelry will be mailed to the address you provide. This item is open to U.S. addresses only, unless an international bidder wants to pay the shipping on top of their bid.

100-Page Critique from Super-Awesome Agent Natalie Lakosil of Bradford Literary


Natalie Fischer Lakosil is an Associate Agent at Bradford Literary with lots of good buzz on the internet, both for her deals and for how much her clients love her.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Pet-Lover's Pack from PetsWeekly.com


PetsWeekly.com has become one of the most popular websites in the pet industry and is well-known for their reviews on the newest and most unusual pet products. You'll find pet product giveaways, pet parent advice, the latest pet news, and the strangest reviews while guest blogs by veterinarians and behavior specialists help you navigate the wilds of pet care. Founder Stacy Mantle has put together a pet-lover's pack that includes:

Critiques & Swag from The Lucky 13s


 The Lucky 13s (a group of children's and young adult authors debuting in 2013) really stepped up and helped get the word out about Pens for Paws, and as if that wasn't enough, they're also throwing in a mix of critiques and swag:

Signed ARC of Bloodlines by Richelle Mead


Blogger Tara Gonzales has donated a signed ARC of Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, author of the Vampire Academy series

35-Page Critique from Author Cristin Terrill


Cristin Terrill's debut book, All Our Yesterdays, will be published by Disney-Hyperion in Fall 2013. In the meantime, she's donating a critique of 35 pages of your manuscript!

Dichroic Glass Earrings by John Groth Glass

Dichroic glass earrings by John Groth Glass (donated by Michele and Robert Groth)

These earrings would be right at home in Margaritaville! Blue/green parrot earrings measure approximately 1/2 inch by 1-3/4 inch, on hooks for pierced ears


Click on the picture for a larger view



This item will close on May 13, 2012, at 11:00 PM EST. Any bids placed after that time stamp will not be honored. Once the auction closes and payment from the highest bidder is confirmed, the jewelry will be mailed to the address you provide. This item is open to U.S. addresses only.

Books & Original Drawing by Adam Rex


Hardcover first edition of Fat Vampire and ARC of Cold Cereal by author and artist extraordinaire Adam Rex, along with a postcard with a drawing especially for Pens for Paws!

Query Critique #4 from Agent Suzie Townsend of Nancy Coffey Literary

Win a query critique from Suzie Townsend!

If you're not familiar with uber-agent Suzie Townsend, here's a little bit about her and her book tastes:



". . . she represents adult and children's fiction. She is actively looking to build her list.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Original Painting by Sarah Virginia


Original watercolor painting mounted on board by artist Sarah Virginia. Measures 10 by 10 inches, with wire on eyes on the back for hanging. Cheerful picture with beautiful tones, for your kitty to look at!
This item will close on May 12, 2012, at 11:00 PM EST. Any bids placed after that time stamp will not be honored. Once the auction closes and payment from the highest bidder is confirmed, the artwork will be mailed to the address you provide. This item is open to U.S. addresses only.

Critique from a Teen's Perspective with Riv Re


Riv Re, teenager and aspiring author, will critique your pages with a teen perspective on your characters, their dialog, and everything teen-related, to make the teenage characters realistic. And the amount of pages she critiques is based on a sliding scale, like so:

Sirenz Goody Bag from Authors Natalie Zaman and Charlotte Bennardo


Authors Natalie Zaman and Charlotte Bennardo have assembled a fabulous bag of swag to celebrate the upcoming release of Sirenz Back in Fashion! The goody bag includes:

Signed XVI and ARC of Truth by Julia Karr


I actually won these in another auction put on by Christine Johnson  supporting the humane society of Indianapolis, and now I'm sharing the wealth. This package includes a signed paperback copy of Julia Karr's dystopian book, XVI, and a signed ARC of its sequel, Truth.

Chocolate Royale Necklace by Robyn Chausse


Handmade, one-of-a-kind necklace.

A dramatic chocolate and gold-crystal pendant is the focal point of this enchanting piece.

Query Critique #3 from Agent Suzie Townsend of Nancy Coffey Literary

Win a query critique from Suzie Townsend!

If you're not familiar with uber-agent Suzie Townsend, here's a little bit about her and her book tastes:



". . . she represents adult and children's fiction. She is actively looking to build her list.

Purple/Blue Cat Necklace from John Groth Glass

 Dichroic glass necklace by John Groth Glass (donated by Michele and Robert Groth)

Purple/Blue cat pendant measures approximately 1-1/2 tall and 1-1/4 inches wide, on black cord (it's hard to capture on a monitor, but at first glance the purple dominates over the blue)

Click on the picture for a larger view



This item will close on May 12, 2012, at 11:00 PM EST. Any bids placed after that time stamp will not be honored. Once the auction closes and payment from the highest bidder is confirmed, the jewelry will be mailed to the address you provide. This item is open to U.S. addresses only, unless an international bidder wants to pay the shipping on top of their bid.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Feral Cat House from Feline Furniture

Feline Furniture makes these snug little hideaways for outdoor kitties; we have them all over in our recent expansion of the Fat Kitty City sanctuary.

Critique from The Apocalypsies' E.C. Myers


E.C. Myers, Apocalypsies member and author of Fair Coin, will critique a short story of up to 5000 words, or a query letter and the first 30 pages of a novel.

1st-Chapter Critique & Signed Copy of Buried by Linda Joy Singleton


I scored a copy of Buried: A Goth Girl Mystery, Linda Joy Singleton's latest book, and she kindly signed it and threw in a first chapter critique (up to 10-12 pages) for the auction!

Picture Book & Swag Pack from Rachel Allen Dillon



Author/illustrator Rachel Allen Dillon has generously put up a copy of her award-winning picture book, Through Endangered Eyes, and some swag to go along with it.

Dichroic Glass Fish Earrings by John Groth Glass

Dichroic glass earrings by John Groth Glass (donated by Michele and Robert Groth)

Blue/green fish earrings measure approximately 5/8 inch by 1/2 inch on hooks for pierced ears

Click on the picture for a larger view



This item will close on May 11, 2012, at 11:00 PM EST. Any bids placed after that time stamp will not be honored. Once the auction closes and payment from the highest bidder is confirmed, the jewelry will be mailed to the address you provide. This item is open to U.S. addresses only.

Query Critique #2 from Agent Suzie Townsend of Nancy Coffey Literary

Win a query critique from Suzie Townsend!

If you're not familiar with uber-agent Suzie Townsend, here's a little bit about her and her book tastes:



". . . she represents adult and children's fiction. She is actively looking to build her list.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

20-Page Critique from Operation Awesome + Amarok Swag



That's right, all seven of the brilliant minds behind the popular Operation Awesome blog will read twenty pages of your manuscript--get seven different opinions on your writing! And, Angela Townsend is throwing in some swag to celebrate the upcoming release of her book, Amarok, in November 2012!

T-shirt from Kimberly Pauley, Author of Cat Girl's Day Off



25 designs to choose from (see them here), with motifs from Kimberly Pauley's books: Cat Girl's Day Off or the Sucks to Be Me series.

Signed Cozy Mysteries by Gayle Trent/Amanda Lee



Gayle Trent writes a cake decorating cozy mystery series, and has adopted the pseudonym Amanda Lee for her new cozy mystery series featuring a heroine who owns an embroidery shop. This package includes:

Winter's Frost Necklace by Robyn Chausse



Handmade, one-of-a-kind necklace.

Silver branches, clear "raindrops", iridescent beads and blue Swarovski crystals dance by moonlight or candlelight. If you like to shimmer, this necklace is for you! 16" with Toggle clasp

3-Chapter Critique from Janice Hardy



Author and blogger Janice Hardy is offering a critique of up to 3 chapters--no time limit, so it can be sent whenever it's ready. For a glimpse of her critiquing style, check out her Real Life Diagnostics series on her blog, The Other Side of the Story (which is a treasure trove of writing advice, and one of my favorites).

Black/Multi Cat Necklace by John Groth Glass

 Dichroic glass necklace by John Groth Glass (donated by Michele and Robert Groth)

Black/multi cat pendant measures approximately 1-1/2 tall and 1-1/4 inches wide, on black cord

Click on the picture for a larger view



This item will close on May 10, 2012, at 11:00 PM EST. Any bids placed after that time stamp will not be honored. Once the auction closes and payment from the highest bidder is confirmed, the jewelry will be mailed to the address you provide. This item is open to U.S. addresses only, unless an international bidder wants to pay the shipping on top of their bid.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris & Signed Bookmark

Hardcover First Edition of Unraveling and signed bookmark by Elizabeth Norris donated by Angelica R. Jackson



Canvas Print from Angelica R. Jackson




A 12 by 16 print on canvas of one of Angelica R. Jackson's photos or digital paintings*. Perhaps you want one of the paintings featured in the Fat Kitty City calendars? Or a print from the haunted Preston Castle? And the desk picture above is popular with teachers and writers.

*There are a few very early photos that will not print that large, but if you have your heart set on that one we can negotiate a different size/print type.

This item will close on May 9, 2012, at 11:00 PM EST. Any bids placed after that time stamp will not be honored. Once the auction closes and payment from the highest bidder is confirmed, the artwork will be ordered and mailed to the address you provide. This item is open to U.S. addresses only.

The Apocalypsies Megapack



The Apocolypsies, a group of blogging children's and young adult authors with debut books in 2012, have pooled their resources and are offering a staggering package up for bid, which includes:

Query Critique #1 from Agent Suzie Townsend of Nancy Coffey Literary

Win a query critique from Suzie Townsend!

If you're not familiar with uber-agent Suzie Townsend, here's a little bit about her and her book tastes:



". . . she represents adult and children's fiction. She is actively looking to build her list.

Pink/Multi Necklace and Earring Set by John Groth Glass

Jewelry by John Groth Glass (donated by Michele and Robert Groth)

Stunning necklace and earring set of dichroic glass, pink with multicolors

Pendant measures 1-1/4 inches long and 1/2 inch wide on black cord.
Earrings each measure 7/8 inch long and 1/4 inch wide on fish-hook type wires for pierced ears.

Click on picture for larger view. 



This item will close on May 9, 2012, at 11:00 PM EST. Any bids placed after that time stamp will not be honored. Once the auction closes and payment from the highest bidder is confirmed, the jewelry will be mailed to the address you provide. This item is open to U.S. addresses only.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

What to Expect When the Auction Starts

 
Exciting things in store for the auction tomorrow!

The first items will start posting at 3 AM PST, but remember that they will be open for a while so you don't need to set an alarm if you're on the west coast of the U.S. like me! In fact, I'm praying everything goes smoothly, since I have some appointment commitments tomorrow that were made long before I even thought of the auction.

I will be able to check in occasionally, but please be patient if there's an issue and I can't get to it right away. This is my first auction rodeo, and it's all run by yours truly, so I'm learning as I go along. Thanks in advance for your understanding!

So now to the important bit--if you see an item you want to bid on, how do you do it?

1. Simply click on the post title (like "The Apocalypsies Megapack") and that will open the full post, with a comments field at the bottom.

2. Leave your bid as a comment, and make sure to include an email contact (it's okay to disguise it from web bots by formatting it like this: pensforpawsauction (at) yahoo (dot) com ). Want to see an example of bidding? Go here and see one from last year's Help Write Now Auction.

(I have anonymous commenting enabled to allow folks without online profiles to bid, but if that becomes an issue, I'll turn it off. Same goes for word verification; it's turned off now, but if some spam starts sneaking through then I'll have to switch it on.)

3. DO NOT pay your bid amount at this time. Highest bid/last commenter wins at the close for that item. If you're the winner, you will receive an email from PensforPawsAuction @ yahoo dot com confirming your bid.

4. You MUST reply to this email within 24 hours to claim your prize, or it will be considered a default and awarded to the next highest bidder.

5. Payment is due within one week of the close of your auction. Money will be paid directly through Fat Kitty City's PayPal button in the sidebar. Your PayPal receipt should serve as your proof for tax deduction needs (Fat Kitty City is a non-profit), and you may also get a thank you letter from the kitties!

6. Receive and enjoy your item, along with the warm feeling that you've helped some needy animals! Or if you bid on a critique, start the nail-biting (I wish I could say I was kidding, but as a writer I know that heady mixture of excitement and dread when you send your pages off).

Even more info on the auction and bidding is available at the How It Works page. And feel free to tweet about the auction and your bids (our handle is @pensforpaws ) and share the excitement!

(image source)