Author and Frost contributor Jane Cable shares the third in a series of blogs about organising a charity litfest in aid of Words for the Wounded. This month has been all about publicity. And an unscheduled auction.
I’m scared. I shouldn’t be, but I am. Chief Chindi Christopher Joyce is on holiday and I don’t dare contact our venues to see how ticket sales are going. With Chris’s extensive publicity campaign in full swing they should be selling like hotcakes – but you never can tell.
But first I’d like to bend your ears about a way that anyone wishing to support Words for the Wounded can help – even if you’re nowhere near Chichester. It started when celeb chef Simon Rogan donated a set lunch for two at Fera at Claridges – far too good for a raffle prize – so I thought ‘let’s have an online auction’. Alongside this we put Claire Dyer’s Fresh Eyes editorial review (a must for any budding writer and worth £150) and a hair cut from Benjamin James in Chichester. Here’s the link: http://www.chindi-authors.co.uk/words-for-the-wounded-auction/ so bid away and keep an eye on Chindi’s social media for updates.
Unfortunately our leaflet went to press before we’d decided to do this, but following on from last month’s blog local accountancy firm Carpenter Box stepped forward to sponsor the printing and the printers, Artyzan, provided us with double the number we paid for. The leaflet looks stunning and Chindi members have been out and about on the streets of East Hampshire and West Sussex, leaving them in libraries, book shops, gift shops, museums… and anywhere else we think people will read them.
Booklovers can hear all about the events too on our local radio station, Spirit FM. Chindi member Jill King twisted a few arms and recorded a commercial which they are airing for us free of charge. For the first time ever Jill had to do a second take – because during the first one there were spitfires flying overhead as part of the Battle of Britain commemorations at nearby Goodwood. It just served to remind us all the reason we’re doing this.
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If you are in the Chichester area and would like to join us, the events are:
Saturday 17th October: 11.30 – 14.00
Literary lunch with Elizabeth Buchan and Margaret Graham at Woodies Brasserie, St Pancras.
Call 01243 779895 to book – tickets are £25 including a glass of wine or soft drink.
Saturday 17th October: 19.30 – 23.00
Authors’ party at the Park Tavern, Priory Road with live music and raffle.
No booking, no entry fee, but come ready to be parted with your money.
Sunday 18th October: 9.30 – 11.30
Bookswap breakfast at Carluccios, Eastgate Square.
Call 01243 527412 to book – tickets are £15 including full breakfast.
Learn more about…
Words for the Wounded: www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk
Chindi Authors: www.chindi-authors.co.uk
Carpenter Box chartered accountants: www.carpenterbox.com
Artyzan Print: www.artyzanprint.co.uk
Christopher Joyce: www.creaturesofchichester.com
Jane Cable: www.janecable.com