We’ve started a Cafe Press store for our logo products and for other gear for writers and readers. There are t-shirts, totes and other items. So far, most of the items are for romance writers. We do have some really cute things for writer’s kids.

All the profits from sales of these items will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We’ll be adding products on a regular basis, so do check back often. Feel free to link to the store and let your reading and writing friends know about it.

If you will be attending the RWA National Conference in D.C. this month, we will have an Unleash Your Story table at Moonlight Madness. Be sure to stop by, say hello and check out some of our products.  That’s Thursday night from 8-midnight. We will have special conference prices for these items (plus you will save on shipping). Hope to see you there!

We are getting approaching Unleash Your Story time. Our event starts August 31.

As readers and writers we all know the power of story. Our event harnesses that power by bringing hundreds of writers and readers together–each helping a little so that we can make a big difference for kids and adults battling the dragon we call cystic fibrosis.

Visit the Cystic Fibrosis Website to see the latest news about what they are doing to bring us closer to a cure for this fatal disease. Join us in unleashing your story this August 31 through September 28.

Help us write a happy ending to this story.

My countdown time is showing us close to three months from the beginning of the 2009 Unleash Your Story event.

Time for us to get the website in shape. Time for all of our participants to start setting goals, getting the TBR pile ready and thinking about the stories they are going to write.

Make it more fun by putting a team together. Your friends can support each other in your goals–reading, writing and seeking donations. The time is near. Get ready!

I’m checking in from Uruguay to talk about getting the word out for our 2009 Unleash Your Story event. We’ve started on Facebook where our list of fans has grown from 25 to 66 overnight. Sure that’s a long way from the 1,000 fans we hope to have before our event starts at the end of August, but it is a great start.

Let’s take a minute to talk about our goals. Last year, we made over $11,000, which was great for our first year. This year we will raise over $20,000. How can we do that in a down economy where people have tighter budgets and little left for charitable giving? We continue with our philosophy of many small gifts. The beauty of our event is that we don’t rely on a few large donors. Instead, we spread the wealth to a lot of small donors.

Did I really say spread the wealth? Of course! Because we all know just how good it feels to give to a great cause. To feel as though we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. To truly make a difference in the lives of others and contribute to making the world a better place. Honestly, there is no better form a wealth than simply feeling content.

Now for the math. Last year we had around 140 participants to raise that $11,000. That works out to around $80 per participant. Let’s assume that this year the average will go down to $50 per participant. To reach $20,000 we will need 400 participants. Let’s hedge out bets by aiming for 500 participants and be sure to make our goal.

What can you do to help? First, start by helping us get the word out. If you are a Facebook user, you can start by becoming a fan of our page. Then encourage all your Facebook friends to become fans too.

Next, start talking to your reader or writer friends about forming an Unleash Your Story team. Think about your reading, writing and fund raising goals. Help us reach our goal of 500 participants and we will meet or exceed our $20,000 fund raising goal.

Together we can make a difference in the lives of young people with cystic fibrosis.

In support of fellow author Brenda Novak’s efforts to raise money for diabetes research, the authors of Romance Unleash have donated an Unleash Your Story tote bag full of books.

You can bid on our bag of books and lots of other fun items at:

http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/

Our bag is item number 1389142. Bidding continues until May 31.

We’ve created an Unleash Your Story page on Facebook.

If you’re a Facebook user, you can become a fan. Use this page to help get the word out about our Unleash Your Story event.

Last year some of our readers asked for a Pacesetter Reader. Well, have we got a Pacesetter Reader for you in 2009!

Michelle Buonfiglio of Romance B(u)y the Book has graciously agreed to serve. She takes her reading seriously–see her post on the subject during our 2008 event.

Michelle Buonfiglio

Fair warning, I understand Michelle will be setting a really high goal!

Watch our site for more info and a Pacesetter Reader page coming soon!

Shhhh. Come a little closer and let me whisper in your ear–we also have a fantastic Pacesetter Author set to go. We’ll be making an announcement soon. For now, her identify is top secret.

Want to show the love? Consider a contribution to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It’s easy, just click on this link.

Don’t forget to hug your Valentine, your kids and everyone else you love.  Be thankful for another day of having your loved ones in your life.

We all know Cystic Fibrosis is a terrible disease that shortens lives. Still, there are many signs of hope as we see young people living longer and doing things that folks with CF couldn’t hope to do a generation ago.

Here’s one such story of a man who has lived far longer than predicted at the time of his diagnosis. He’s not only alive at 37, but running marathons. Check out his amazing story.

Go ahead and donate to Mark’s Flying Pig efforts, but consider this a warm-up for Unleash Your Story coming later this year.

Debbie Macomber did a great job as the 2008 Pacesetter Author. She set the bar high for our next Pacesetter. We thank her for all her efforts, especially for taking on an undefined position in a new event.

We started Unleash Your Story with the idea that our Pacesetter Author is an honorary position like the Grand Marshall of the Rose Parade (okay, I grew up in Southern California so the Rose Parade is high on my list of great events). As we say good-bye to 2008 and Debbie Macomber,the search is on for the 2009 Pacesetter Author.

Who will it be? Watch this space for an answer in the next few weeks.