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About the author and blogger ...

Anne Goodwin writes entertaining fiction about identity, mental health and social justice. She has published three novels and a short story collection with Inspired Quill. Her debut, Sugar and Snails, was shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize. Her new novel, Matilda Windsor Is Coming Home, is rooted in her work as a clinical psychologist in a long-stay psychiatric hospital.

TELL ME MORE

Can you recommend a #reading #charity for me to support through my #booklaunch?

22/10/2018

12 Comments

 
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When my publisher suggested releasing an anthology of my short stories, I didn’t plan to do much promotion. In the UK, short story collections are notoriously difficult to sell. But when I thought about the unpaid time and effort she’d put into editing, and the money into another gorgeous cover, as well as the enthusiasm of my readers for a third book, I reconsidered. My short story collection, Becoming Someone, scheduled for publication on November 23rd, deserves as much chance as any other book. So I got creative.

Yet a few days ago I found myself feeling overwhelmed by the logistics: a Facebook launch when I’m completely inept at that form of social media, alongside leading on a multi-author showcase and pre-Christmas book fair at the Writers’ Studio in early December. I began to resent the proportion of writing time not spent writing fiction, as well as wanting to slap the toddler in my laptop whose maverick attitude to translating my ideas into words on the screen always slows me down.
 
Things began to relax a little when I pinned down the problem to my
perfectionism, and the gap between my high-ranking professional aspirations, and my hobbyist resources and results. I reminded myself a new book is a cause for celebration; it’s not an exam.
 
But hosting that celebration entails decisions only I can make. One such was whether or not to offer
prizes – and if so what – at the Facebook launch. From what I’ve gathered from cyberspace, these gigs are rather like a children’s party with virtual refreshments, presents and games. I’ve had ideas about the games, but received conflicting messages about prizes. A copy of my new book would be the obvious contender, except some advise against this as it might actually discourage those considering a purchase. So token gifts – like notebooks, bookmarks and mugs – might be more appropriate? But, if I want people to participate from anywhere in the world – which is partly the point of a virtual launch – on an equal footing, postage could cost more than the prize.
 
Then I had a better idea, a way of creating a play space in which
all of us and none of us wins. A way for you to help me express my gratitude for the good luck that’s got me this far. For the support of my publisher, readers and book bloggers, for the freedom to spend my time doing what I love. For the happenchance of being born in an era and culture where girls were encouraged to read.
 
I want to use my Facebook event to support a reading charity; I’ve yet to decide on the fine details but it will be along the lines of the more participation the more money I’ll donate. No expectations on the partygoers to contribute, and I’ll set a ceiling amount so you needn’t worry about putting me in debt.
 
So what I’d like from you now is, first of all, to try to commit to dropping in on November 23rd; secondly, I’m after recommendations of charities that support reading anywhere in the world. It could be anything from books for children who don’t even have shoes to a literary service for adults who struggled with the education system first time round. Please share your thoughts.




I will be giving away a copy of my book prior to publication to one randomly-selected subscriber to my email newsletter, anywhere in the world. If you want to be in with a chance,
sign up here.

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Thanks for reading. I'd love to know what you think. If you've enjoyed this post, you might like to sign up via the sidebar for regular email updates and/or my quarterly Newsletter.
12 Comments
Susan link
22/10/2018 10:21:19 am

This sounds like a lovely idea, Anne. I'm sure you already know about Booktrust but Bookaid (https://bookaid.org/) is less well known and has an international remit.

Reply
Annecdotist
22/10/2018 10:39:38 am

Thanks, Susan, that’s exactly the kind of charity I was looking for – and I hope you’ll be able to find time on the day to pop over to the launch.

Reply
Kate Evans
23/10/2018 04:20:20 pm

I've donated to Bookaid several times and think they are a good cause. Well done Anne, it's hard to keep going I know, but you keep coming up with fab ideas...

Annecdotist
23/10/2018 06:39:33 pm

Thanks, Kate, I hope it works out! And great to have another endorsements of that charity – it’s looking like a winner.

Charli
22/10/2018 10:49:55 pm

Your cover is smashing, Anne, and I know it's the icing on a fine cake that deserves celebration. I'll put on my best party boots and join you on Black Friday, preferring to spread literary goodness over commercial profit. As for charities, would you consider a local one? I'm a part of the Copper Country Reading Council (ccreadingcouncil.weebly.com). On Nov. 23, I'll be announcing the winners of the Old Fashioned Radio contest and maybe the local radio will plug your event with yet another local/international literary connection

Reply
Annecdotist
23/10/2018 08:03:56 am

Looking forward to partying with you, Charli. I’d forgotten it might clash with Black Friday, but on the other hand it’s perfect for those of us who hate that frenzy of gluttony.
Thanks for your charity suggestion – I like the idea of going local although at the moment my heart’s more with the one Susan flagged (I’ve also had the suggestion of a similar one based in the US originally set up by an eight-year-old) but if we manage to “raise” enough I hope to be able to support more than one.

Reply
Charli Mills
25/10/2018 01:27:00 am

Somehow I think readers are more apt to avoid the gluttony of consumerism on Black Friday. Yes, I agree with a broader cause!

Annecdotist
25/10/2018 05:41:00 pm

Yes, I imagine readers will be glad of a diversion from that malarkey. Given that we don't celebrate Thanksgiving, it's uncanny how it's taken off in the UK, although I believe there was less of a frenzy last year.

Norah Colvin link
25/10/2018 02:04:52 pm

Anne, first of all, congratulations on your book of short stories. I'm very much looking forward to reading it and hope to attend your launch, if I can work in the time frame.
I love your idea of giving to a reading charity. There are so many to choose from so, obviously I don't need to tell you, you need to choose the one that appeals to you.
These are a few I have heard of.
The Malala Fund https://www.malala.org/
Room to read: https://www.roomtoread.org/
The Read to me Day has a list of organisations https://www.readtomeday.com/literacy-organisations
I'm certain there are many others too. Good luck with your decision, and best wishes for your launch.


Reply
Annecdotist
25/10/2018 05:37:06 pm

Thanks, Norah, I think we tend to overlap in the blogosphere in my mornings and your evenings, so I do hope you'll be able to pop in. I'm quite excited at the prospect of partying internationally rather than just in the UK.
And thanks for those suggestions, I thought you'd have some good ideas. Whichever I choose I plan to put together a post – time permitting – acknowledging all proposals so that be a record for possibly similar decisions in the future.

Reply
Norah Colvin link
30/10/2018 10:28:30 am

I look forward to both the launch party and the post, Anne.

Annecdotist
1/11/2018 05:29:59 pm

Thanks, I'm excited you'll be able to come to the party without leaving home.




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