Brenda Novak’s Amazing Auction!

Those of you who have followed my JaneBlog for a couple years know that every year I do something special to support Brenda Novak’s auction to raise money to find a cure for diabetes. Diabetes runs in my family. My Grandfather Porter’s mother died in her twenties from diabetes, leaving behind two young children. Insulin hadn’t been discovered yet and this young beautiful mother of two essentially starved to death without insulin. Today we do have insulin, but its not a cure, and even with managing one’s blood sugar, diabetes is still destructive and dangerous.

And this is why I throw myself behind each of Brenda’s auctions. The auctions are so well run, and so full of great things that I go a little bit crazy bidding every year. I don’t buy everything, but each year I do end up with something special.  Last year I ended up winning a wonderful lunch with Randall Toye, a top Harlequin VP. Randall took me to a waterfront restaurant in San Francisco during the RWA Conference and we talked about books, life, and my career. It’s not often a Harlequin author gets to buy a VP and bend his/her ear for an hour or two, so it was a rare treat and a smart career investment. Brenda has lots of opportunities like this for writers this year, too, opportunities to be read (and to meet!) some of the top agents and editors in the business, along with lunches and dinner with some of your favorite authors. So take your time, check out all the wonderful donations, and maybe you’ll find something you just can’t live without.

Speaking of donations, this year I’m giving away another trip, another year of books and treats from me, along with several signed books and goodies.

To whet your appetite for the 6 night get away for two to Seattle and Victoria, BC, (a travel package that includes air, hotel, ferry transportation to and from Victoria, and a lunch or dinner with me while you’re in Seattle) you’ll want to watch the video, Online Auction for Diabetes Research Spotlight: Jane Porter.

If you’re interested in one of the other items, like being my buddy for the next year, and receiving signed books, and gifts and treats from me each month for 12 months (June 2009 – May 2010), check out:  A Year of Books and Treats from Jane Porter.

I’m also giving away a signed ARC of Easy On The Eyes and a Frog Prince package consisting of a soft, plush green frog, a signed copy of The Frog Prince, and a gorgeous purse from Seattle designer designer L. Erickson.  (And for those of you who love Flirting with Forty, Marilyn Shoemaker has donated a signed copy of to the auction as well!).

So browse Brenda’s auction and let me know what looks good to you! The online auction runs from May 1st through May 31st and the many of the wonderful items are available to view now.