Okay. Next week we’re doing the 7th Annual James Garfield Miracle. Every year I think it will be the last and every year the people who were helped in the past ask me if it’s going on again because they’re now back on their feet and they want a chance to give back and this year is no exception, so technically I blame you. But in a good way. (In case you’re new, the James Garfield Miracle is when we get together and help give toys, blankets, and books to homeless children or to children whose parents are seriously struggling during the holidays. It’s done anonymously in this community without any sponsors and it is a great joy to watch.) If you want to help someone, or if you’re unable to buy a toy for your kid this holiday then watch this blog next week and I’ll set it up with all the instructions then. It is awesome and exhausting and THIS IS NOT THAT.
Today’s post is just a small way to say thank you to everyone here who has been so amazing and supportive. Because of the sponsors on the sidebars we’re able to keep this blog going without losing money. Because of the people who buy things using my affiliate links I’m able to give back that money during the James Garfield Miracle. Because you’ve been so incredibly supportive with my writing I now have two #1 NYT bestsellers and can spend my time creating ridiculous things that somehow help others. That’s pretty amazing and I am so incredibly lucky.
As a small ‘thank you’ I decided that it would be nice to give back in some way so I pulled out a stack of my books that I usually drop off at Little Free Libraries and I’m going to give them away to the first people who say that they really need one. Maybe you haven’t been able to afford one of them yet, or maybe you know someone who needs one, or maybe you’re in a bad place and you just need a reminder that someone cares…whatever. Just leave a comment (with an email address!) telling me if you want Let’s Pretend This Never Happened in hard cover, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened on CD, Furiously Happy in hardcover, or Furiously Happy on CD. If YOU ARE HERE was finished I’d give it away too but we have a couple more months before it’s done. I’ll email you for your mailing address so make sure you check your email today.
Additionally, I know there are a lot of people during the holiday seasons who feel alone so I thought maybe I would set up an open thread on my Facebook page if any of you want to become friends or exchange info to send cards or to find someone struggling with similar things to have someone to talk to. I have no idea if this is a good idea or not, but what the hell. Click here if you want to find friends in the community.
And now, comments are open. Let me know if you are in need of a book and be sure to specify which book and which format because it’s first-asked, first served.
UPDATED: Holy crap, that went fast. I gave away the 35 copies I had and I’m going to check the closets to see if I have any more. I think I have a box of Let’s Pretend copies somewhere if I can find them. I left comments on all the comments that I could fill and I’ve already been told that some people are contacting others to pass on their copy or buy one for others. I love you people so hard. If I find more books and email you but someone else has bought it for you since I’ve written this then just let me know and I’ll move on to the next person. Thank you for being you.
PS. I’m not sure how safe it is to have your email address in a comment so I’ll probably go back and delete them in a day or two so they don’t get used for spam or something. Also, if you want to buy someone a copy but don’t want to ask for their physical address you can just confirm that the email works and then send them an electronic gift card. I trust everyone in this community but I’m just throwing it out there just in case.
PS. Thank you.