K.T. Crowley: May 2013

Sunday, May 19, 2013

2+ Weeks, 100 Donations and A Whole Bunch of Money Raised!

For those who missed it, here is the official post from last night with the grand total raised:

"Annnnd the grand total is in!

*Drum roll*

The #Writestuff4Boston auction raised a total of $7,431!

A humongous thank you to every single donor, bidder and word-spreader involved in this event-- without you guys, none of this would have been possible. Give yourselves a round of applause and a pat on the back; you deserve it!"

What an accomplishment!

As for the incentives winners, here they are:

Donor Who Raised the Most: Eric Ruben, Esq.
Highest Overall Bidder: David Oarr

Way to go, guys! You both get virtual gold stars and fabulous t-shirts. I'll be in touch soon to get your sizes.

I'm honored and humbled by the amount of people who jumped on board from the first message I sent out to get this off the ground, without hesitation. My heart swells just thinking about it.  I knew this writing community was amazing, but wow, I was floored by the generosity and kindness displayed to benefit the victims and families of the Boston Marathon bombings. Many of the donors have ties to Boston, which just goes to show what a special place it. I was also touched by the amount of you who expressed your concern for me and my family. I've never met most of you in person, but you'll all hold a special place in my heart. I'm lucky to have met you!

To the donors, thank you for your generosity. Some of you had never spoken to me before, and yet you still stepped up to donate to the cause. Thanks for your faith in me and this auction. You're all wonderful, caring people with hearts made of gold.

To everyone who bid, thank you for your generosity, as well! Your donations have made a big impact already for both the funds, and that's what this was all about. Thanks for being so prompt with your payments, and for making my job a little easier, too.

To everyone else involved, thank you for spreading the word, your encouragement and support. Every single person made a difference, whether it was big or small, and that's something to be really proud of.

My biggest hope when I started this auction? To get 10 donations and hopefully raise funds in the triple digits--and to not anger anyone, cause it took a lot of guts for me to contact the donors I did. Imagine my surprise when after the first two days I had over 30 donations! Then when the first day closed at over $1500 raised, and people were seeking me out to help, I knew this event was going to be much bigger than I had anticipated.

Though it was a ton of work (if I didn't have my husband's help, I may have actually drowned in emails and postings, so thank you so much, Bob!) it was an experience of a lifetime, one I will never forget, and I will actually miss all of it. I'll miss the daily postings, the email conversations, the tweets and Facebook posts. I'll miss all you guys, so please, keep in touch! I'd love to hear how you're all doing now and then.

In closing, I want to say that you may not be from Boston, or even have a single tie to this city, but you're all BOSTON STRONG. Don't forget that.

The next critique round will be next month, so watch for that announcement, as well as a blog post on where I'm at later this week. And if there are any agents or editors interested in participating in one of my critique rounds, send me an email; I'd love to have you and you're always welcome!

With that said, I officially close the Write Stuff for Boston Auction *sniffle*. Hugs to all of you! <3

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Sprint to the Finish Discounts!

This is the final push to get more donations in. All items left are due to close between now and Friday, but if you see something on the Race to Donate block that has already closed (without bids), place your bid anyway! It's all for a good cause, and I will honor it because it will benefit the funds even more.

And I'm taking one more step to nudge you awesome bidders even further...

DISCOUNTS!!

That's right, discounts off multiple items won in the same day. I'll offer $5 off to anyone who bundles 2 or more separate auction items, $10 off for 4 separate items, $15 off 6 separate items, etc. The only catch is you have to be the first to bid on each item, and it must be all together on the same day. I'll apply the discount to your total in your winner notification email.

Friday night at 10 PM EDT marks the official close of the auction, so don't miss out on this last sprint to the finish!

And finally, if you've donated to the funds and work for a company that matches employee contributions, why not make your donation go even further by submitting it? It's more for the funds, without it costing you anything extra. If you do take advantage of this prior to Friday night at 10 PM EDT, make sure to let me know so that I may add it to the final tally! If 50% of the donations made through this auction are matched, that would push us officially over the 10k mark. How fantastic would that be?? I'll be back after the auction has officially closed with a note to announce the incentives winner(s) and to reveal the grand total raised.

Thank you, everyone, for all you've done. Without you, this auction wouldn't have been this big of a success. Together, we've made a difference and I couldn't be prouder.

BOSTON STRONG! <3

Friday, May 10, 2013

Day 16 Item #20: Author Carol Peacock (3 Available) RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 16

Item #20: Signed copy of RED THREAD SISTERS from Author Carol Peacock

Day 16 Item #19: Author Janet Oakley RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 16

Item #19: Signed copy of TREE SOLDIER from writer/historian/educator Janet Oakley

Day 15 Item #18: Author Hilary Weisman Graham RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 15

Item #18: Signed copy of REUNITED from Author Hilary Weisman Graham

Day 15 Item #17: Indie Ignites Blog RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 15
Item #17: Book Bundle and Sway from Indie Ignites

SOLD! Day 15 Item #16: Authors Carol Post and Missy Tippens RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 15

Item #16: Signed paperback of GEORGIA SWEETHEARTS from Author Missy Tippens and Signed paperback of MIDNIGHT SHADOWS from Author Carol Post

Day 15 Item #15: Author ST Bende (Only 1 Left!!) RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 15

Item #15: Query letter critique from Author ST Bende (Only 1 left!!)

SOLD! Day 15 Item #14: Author CF Winn RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 15
Item #14: Signed copy of SUKI from Author C.F Winn

Day 15 Item #13: Author Mike Kalmbach RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 15

Item #13: Signed copy of CALDARIAN CONFLICT from Author Mike Kalmbach

SOLD! Day 15 Item #12: Teen Writer/Caligrapher Elyse G. RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 15

Item #12: Calligraphy Writing from Writer/Caligrapher Elyse G

Day 15 Item #11: Author Ellen Booraem RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 15
Item #11: Signed copies of THE UNNAMEABLE and SMALL PERSONS WITH WINGS from Author Ellen Booraem

Day 15 Item #10: Author Mike Kalmbach RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 15
Item #10: Classroom pack of WRITING ADVICE FOR TEENS from Author Mike Kalmbach

Day 15 Item #9: Author David Rashleigh RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 15

Item #9: Signed copy of SCIRON from Author David Rashleigh

Day 14 Item #8: Author Kathleen Allen RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 14

Item #8: E-book of HOW TO BE ALMOST FAMOUS IN 10 DAYS from Author Kathleen Allen

SOLD! Day 14 Item #7: Authors Aless Thomas and Lyla Payne RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 14

Item #7: Prize pack of books PICTURE PERFECT and BROKEN AT LOVE from Authors Alessandra Thomas & Lyla Payne

Day 13 Item #6: YA Bundle from various authors RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 13

Item #6: Various YA novels from Authors Sharon Sant, Jack Croxall, Jaimie Admans, Dan Thompson and Lindsay Leggett

Day 13 Item #5: Author Diana Cosby RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 13
Item #5: 2 signed books from the MACGRUDER BROTHERS series from Author Diana Cosby

SOLD! Day 12 Item #4: YAtopia Blog RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 12

Item #4: Guest Blog post on YAtopia

SOLD! Day 12 Item #3: Author L.S. Murphy RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Race to Donate Day 12

Item #3: Signed copy of REAPER from Author L.S. Murphy

Day 11 Item #2: Author Javier Robayo RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Race to Donate Day 11
Item #2: Signed copies of THE GAZE, THE NEXT CHAPTER (THE GAZE SERIES #1 AND #2) and MY TWO FLAGS from Author Javier Robayo

SOLD! Day 11 Item #1: Dina James RACE TO DONATE ITEM

The Write Stuff for Boston Race to Donate Day 11
Item #1: Various book swag, signed copies of All Wounds and Time Heals (STRANGER THINGS SERIES #1 AND #2) from Author Dina James

Race to Donate Items Start TODAY!

Today marks the 11th day of this fantastic auction. We've been through 100 (yes, 100) items from dozens of generous and caring donors. Now here is your chance to bid on items that you may have missed out on.

Only this time, it's a race.

The first person to bid (must be at least the opening bid amount) on that item, wins. Just like a "Buy It Now" option on eBay. The winner has 36 hours to submit their donation and send it to me for verification. Bidders who wish to be "wait listed" should the first bidder forfeit, place their bids after the first. If the first winner to "cross the finish line" doesn't claim their prize, the next person in line (or as I'll call it, the second runner up) gets it. They then have 24 hours to submit their donation. And so on, and so on.

Items will have a longer window of time, so that way they get as must time and traffic as possible. These are truly fantastic items, so I don't think they'll last long. If you want one, don't hesitate--be the first to cross the finish line and submit your Race to Donate bid!

This is the final effort toward raising $10,000 total for The One Fund and the Boston's First Responders Fund. We are so close! As of this post, we are about $900 off track to raising that, but I really believe with enough promotion from everyone, we can surpass the $10K mark. So start spreading the word like paint on a wall--get it everywhere and don't miss a spot!

Have I mentioned you may be able to deduct your donations from your taxes, too? It's a win, all around.

Every single person involved in this auction has been simply amazing, and I'm eternally grateful. I know I keep saying things like that (I really hope I don't sound disingenuous), but I really mean it. You all ROCK.

Any questions? Post them in the comments or send me an email at writestuff4Boston [AT] gmail [DOT] com.

This post may be updated over the next day or two. Keep an eye on it, just in case.

Day 10 Daily Round Up

Day 10 Item #1: Author Hilary Wiesman Graham

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #1: Signed copy of REUNITED from Author Hilary Weisman Graham

Day 10 Item #2: Author Hope White

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #2: Readers care package: 4 signed books, $25 Amazon Gift Card and Specialty Chocolate from Author Hope White

Day 10 Item #3: Author Kathryn Burak

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #3: MS Critique from Author Kathryn Burak

Day 10 Item #4: Author Carol Peacock

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #4: Signed copy of RED THREAD SISTERS from Author Carol Peacock

Day 10 Item #5: Author Mike Kalmbach

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #5: Signed copy of SPOOKY SNACKS 1: REVENGE OF THE DUST BUNNIES from Author Mike Kalmbach

Day 10 Item #6: Author Janet Oakley

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #6: Signed copy of TREE SOLDIER from writer/historian/educator Janet Oakley

Day 10 Item #7: Authors Karlene Conroy, Mia Crews and Jessa Russo

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #7: E-book of THE DON QUIXOTE GIRLS and Signed paperback copy of EVER from Authors Karlene Conroy & Mia Crews and Jessa Russo

Day 10 Item #8: Agent Roseanne Wells

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #8: MS critique from Agent Roseanne Wells

Day 10 Item #9: Author and Editor Jennifer Malone

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #9: Full MS critique from Author and Editor Jennifer Malone

Day 10 Item #10: Auction Organizer K.T. Crowley

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #10: Exclusive, limited-edition auction shirt and journal from Auction Organizer K.T. Crowley

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Day 10 Item #10: Auction Organizer K.T. Crowley

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #10: Exclusive, limited-edition auction shirt and journal from Auction Organizer K.T. Crowley

Day 10 Item #9: Author and Editor Jennifer Malone

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #9: Full MS critique from Author and Editor Jennifer Malone

Day 10 Item #8: Agent Roseanne Wells

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #8: MS critique from Agent Roseanne Wells

Day 10 Item #7: Authors Karlene Conroy, Mia Crews and Jessa Russo

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #7: E-book of THE DON QUIXOTE GIRLS and Signed paperback copy of EVER from Authors Karlene Conroy & Mia Crews and Jessa Russo

Day 10 Item #6: Author Janet Oakley

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #6: Signed copy of TREE SOLDIER from writer/historian/educator Janet Oakley

Day 10 Item #5: Author Mike Kalmbach

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #5: Signed copy of SPOOKY SNACKS 1: REVENGE OF THE DUST BUNNIES from Author Mike Kalmbach

Day 10 Item #4: Author Carol Peacock

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #4: Signed copy of RED THREAD SISTERS from Author Carol Peacock

Day 10 Item #3: Author Kathryn Burak

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #3: MS Critique from Author Kathryn Burak

Day 10 Item #2: Author Hope White

The Write Stuff for Boston Auction Day 10

Item #2: Readers care package: 4 signed books, $25 Amazon Gift Card and Specialty Chocolate from Author Hope White