2016 Wrap Up Post!

"Th-th-th-That's all, folks!" (This is not a pig, btw. It's my piggy rescued dog, Chloe)

We did it, folks! We raised a total of $1790 for the kitties at Fat Kitty City with this year's Pens for Paws Auction!

Jeff popping his head out to say "Thank you!" Really, he's more impressed than he looks.

We had the most items on offer this year--in fact, I had to turn some donors away because I just couldn't handle any more posts by myself--but there were a handful of items that didn't get any bids at all. I did hear from one person that they'd tried to bid, but Blogger was acting up for them. I may look into alternative hosting sites for next year.

Speaking of next year, I may have to change the timing of the auction--I took on the Illustrator Coordinator position for SCBWI CA North/Central, and our regional conference usually takes place in April or May. It was crazy enough this year to have both events back-to-back, when I was just stepping into the IC role and also my other volunteer duties at the conference!

What would really help ease my mind is if I could get some commitments from volunteers who would like to help, so that next year can be even better than ever! I'd need help with arranging donations (don't worry, the agents and authors are friendly), scheduling posts, monitoring bids, closing out items, and compiling a list of donors for Fat Kitty City to send out thank you notes.

This might be a good time to mention that out of respect for privacy issues, no one is added to a mailing list for FKC--but if you'd like to stay in touch, you can find a newsletter signup and social media links here

Thanks so much to those who donated items, and those who bid. A grateful Cindy from Fat Kitty City says: "This year is our 10th Anniversary since we started back in 2006, rescuing 73 cats from Pollardville, and we've managed to save over 3000 (cats, kittens and even a fair amount of dogs and puppies, too). Amazing what a difference people can make!"

Package of Books #4 From Agent Suzie Townsend

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU
When agent Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary said she'd send me some books for the auction, I had no idea of the riches that would arrive on my doorstep! These hand-picked titles offer valuable insights into what an agent's tastes are. Suzie and her assistant Sara sent so many notable titles that I've had to divide them up into separate listings (not including the "New Leaf Prize Package," which is its own thing); this is the last of four packages and includes:
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Operation Awesome Package from the Awesome Operatives

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU
Operation Awesome is a group blog of writers, both published and unpublished.

We blog regularly, sharing writing tips, hosting contests (like #OAFlash Fiction and #PassOrPages), and talking about books (like in our monthly #OABookClub).

For this year's Pens for Paws Auction, our members are offering an entire package that includes:
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Signed Copy of Death of An Assassin, Plus Query Critique by Ian Hiatt

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS ITEM, THANK YOU
Author Ian Hiatt is offering up a signed copy of his forthcoming debut novel, Death of an Assassin (Curiosity Quills Press, June 16, 2016) plus a critique of your query!
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Paperbacks of The Curious Cat Spy Club Series by Linda Joy Singleton

Author Linda Joy Singleton is offering up signed paperbacks of the first two books in her Curious Cat Spy Club Series, plus a CCSC badge!

Autographed Books by Author Nina Berry

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS ITEM, THANK YOU
Author Nina Berry has been a loyal supporter of Pens for Paws Auction, and she's stepping up again to offer a collection of her autographed books, plus some bookmarks! This is a great way to catch up on her Otherkin trilogy and try a new one, and this item includes:
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Critique of Query and 1st 30 Pages from Beth Phelan of The Bent Agency

Beth Phelan of The Bent Agency is offering a critique of your query, plus the first thirty pages!
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Hardcover Copy of The Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU
 Agent Caryn Wiseman of Andrea Brown Literary is offering a hardcover copy of her client's book, The Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan. Tara has also said she's happy to send a personalized bookplate to the winner! (This is one of two copies on offer)
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Package of Books #3 From Agent Suzie Townsend

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU
When agent Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary said she'd send me some books for the auction, I had no idea of the riches that would arrive on my doorstep! These hand-picked titles offer valuable insights into what an agent's tastes are. Suzie and her assistant Sara sent so many notable titles that I've had to divide them up into separate listings (not including the "New Leaf Prize Package," which is its own thing); this is the third of four packages and includes:
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Lovingly Crafted Scrap Quilt by Michele Groth

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU
This quilt, crafted by friend of Fat Kitty City, Michele Groth, features one side with colorful scraps, and a frog theme on the other side (the frog print section does show some slight fading/wear where it was folded for storage)
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Critique of Query Plus 1st 50 Pages from Natalie Lakosil of Bradford Literary

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU
Agent Natalie Lakosil is once again stepping up for the kitties, by offering a critique of your query and first fifty pages!
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Color Ink Drawing, and Book, from TLC Creations

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU
Author-and-artist Terri Crisp is offering a gift certificate for a 9x12 color ink drawing of your pet like this one (from your photograph), plus a copy of her book.
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Critique of Your Query by Alex Barba of Inklings Literary Agency

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU
Alex Barba of Inklings Literary is offering up a query critique!
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Package of Books from Ann Collette of Rees Agency

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU

Books that are handpicked by agents offer valuable insights into their tastes. Literary agent Ann Collette of Rees Literary is offering some outstanding books:

(click on the headline above to see more!)

Package of Books From Rees Literary Agency

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU

The Rees Literary team are all cat lovers, and they've joined up to offer some great books:
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Package of Books #2 From Agent Suzie Townsend

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU
When agent Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary said she'd send me some books for the auction, I had no idea of the riches that would arrive on my doorstep! These hand-picked titles offer valuable insights into what an agent's tastes are. Suzie and her assistant Sara sent so many notable titles that I've had to divide them up into separate listings (not including the "New Leaf Prize Package," which is its own thing); this is the second of four packages and includes:
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Parrots Jewelry Set by John Groth Glass

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU!
This set of colorful parrot pendant and earrings, made of dichroic glass by John Groth Glass, is sure to brighten up any outfit! Gorgeous tones of blue, violet, and black.
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Signed Copy of Bean Counting for Authors by Christina Mercer

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU!

Author Christina Mercer is offering a signed copy of Bean Counting for Authors, plus a surprise goody bag!
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Critique of Your Query by Brent Taylor of Triada

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU!
Agent Brent Taylor of Triada US Literary Agency  is offering a critique of your query!
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Art on Metal by Angelica R. Jackson

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU!
While I'm working on some book-series stuff behind the scenes, I've also been developing gifts and products featuring my artwork through my newest venture, Crow & Pitcher Press. For this auction listing, I'm offering up two special prints on metal--they're not even available in my store yet!

(click on the headline above to see more!)

Utopia Con Fan Package

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU!
I was able to attend the UtopYA Con (now called Utopia Con) last year in Nashville, and I'm so disappointed about not being able to attend this year. But some friends I've made there have joined me in donating for the auction as Utopia Con Fans (since this isn't officially associated with the Con). We have a fantastic package that includes:

(click on the headline above to see more!)

Hardcover Copy of The Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS ITEM, THANK YOU!
 Agent Caryn Wiseman of Andrea Brown Literary is offering a hardcover copy of her client's book, The Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan. (This is one of two copies on offer)
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Package of Books #1 From Agent Suzie Townsend

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS ITEM, THANK YOU!

When agent Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary said she'd send me some books for the auction, I had no idea of the riches that would arrive on my doorstep! These hand-picked titles offer valuable insights into what an agent's tastes are. Suzie and her assistant Sara sent so many notable titles that I've had to divide the books up into separate listings (not including the "New Leaf Prize Package," which is its own thing); this is the first of four packages and includes:
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Lovingly-Crafted Quilt by Michele Groth

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS ITEM, THANK YOU!

This lovingly-crafted quilt by friend of Fat Kitty City, Michele Groth, features a field of stars on one side, and a selection of colorful, Asian-inspired fabrics in a bowtie pattern. It measures 52 by 61 inches. Click on each photo for a larger view.
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Critique of Your 1st 10 Pages by Author Sarah F. Henson

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS ITEM, THANK YOU!
Author Sarah F. Henson is offering a critique of your first ten pages!
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Signed Books By Author Marie Lu

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS ITEM, THANK YOU!
I'm putting up signed copies of books by Marie Lu, from when she appeared at our local independent bookstore, Face in a Book:
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Critique of Query and 1st 10 Pages from Jessica Watterson of Sandra Dijkstra

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS ITEM, THANK YOU!
Literary agent Jessica Watterson of Sandra Dijkstra is offering up a critique of your query, plus your first ten pages!
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Original Watercolor Pet Portrait by Taryn Skipper

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU!
Taryn Skipper,  of Skipper Bay on Etsy, is donating a 4x6 watercolor pet portrait from your photo.

(click on the headline above to see more!)

In-Depth Manuscript Review From Editor Kimber Leigh Wheaton

BIDDING ON THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU
Author and editor Kimber Leigh Wheaton is offering an in-depth review for manuscripts up to 100,000 words
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Signed Paperbacks of the Fireflies Series by Lisa Ricard Claro

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS ITEM, THANK YOU
 Author and animal-rescue supporter, Lisa Ricard Claro, is offering books 1 & 2 in her Fireflies series, plus some swag.
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Geometric Glass Jewelry Set by John Groth Glass

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS ITEM, THANK YOU
Dichroic glass necklace and earrings by John Groth Glass (donated by Michele and Robert Groth)
(click on the headline above to see more!)

New Leaf Literary Prize Package

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS ITEM, THANK YOU!
The good folks at New Leaf Literary & Media have teamed up to offer some highly-coveted ARCs of forthcoming books!
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Critique of A Picture Book Manuscript Or Query by Kathleen Rushall of Andrea Brown Literary

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS ITEM, THANK YOU!
 Kathleen Rushall of Andrea Brown Literary is offering a critique of your picture book, or a query (bidder's choice!), plus a 3-book bundle of her client's books!
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Peerless Package from the Fearless 15ers

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS ITEM, THANK YOU
The Fearless Fifteeners is a community of middle grade and young adult authors debuting in 2015, and we've joined together to offer a peerless package of goodies!
(click on the headline above to see more!)

Critique of Query and 1st 10 Pages from Elise Capron of Sandra Dijkstra

BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS ITEM, THANK YOU!
Elise Capron of Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency is donating a critique of your query and first ten pages! This is for a 1-2 page written critique of a query letter and first 10 pages of a fiction or non-fiction manuscript(click on the headline above to see more!)

Meet the Fat Kitty City kitties!

The auction is coming up fast, and I wanted to share a few pictures of the Fat Kitty City sanctuary and its residents. (For the full album of pictures, go the Pens for Paws Auction Facebook page)

I hope you're as excited for the bidding to start as I am! See you back here on May 2nd--the first items for that day go up at 3:00 AM EST.   >^..^<  Don't forget to check out the How It Works page for details on how to bid

Pens for Paws is happening in 2016!

It's official! Items in the Pens for Paws Auction 2016 will go up May 2nd through 6th! Look for critiques from agents, editors, and your favorite authors, plus signed books, jewelry, and handicrafts.

All proceeds go directly to support Fat Kitty City, a no-kill, cage-free, cat (and dog!) sanctuary in El Dorado Hills, California.

Feel free to explore past auctions to see the kind of items we've offered in the past. I'll be keeping a running list, too, as I get confirmation of donated items for this year's auction. If you'd like to donate but are not sure what we're looking for, go to the Donate page