Stories of Strength--A gift that keeps on giving.

Stories of Strength anthology raised $1000 in 3 days for disaster relief charities. It's #1 Bestseller at Lulu.

The anthology, born in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, shares stories about what it takes to beat the odds. More than 100 writers contributed these essays, fiction and poetry to raise money for disaster relief efforts in the region. Featuring writing from Orson Scott Card, Wil Wheaton, and Robin Lee Hatcher.

Do you have a number of “hard to buy for” people on your Christmas list? You know what I’m talking about…the one’s who say, “Oh you don’t need to buy me anything for Christmas. I really don’t need anything.”

Ladies and gentlemen, we have the perfect gift for you! The Stories of Strength anthology is a gift that will keep on giving. Not only will it touch the heart of the person you buy it for, each copy purchased will add $5.09 to disaster relief charities.

The Stories of Strength anthology is the brainchild of Jenna Glatzer. I’d met Jenna online when I’d run across her AbsoluteWrite newsletter announcing a call for submissions from writers all over the world to contribute to the 911 America tribute.

Four years ago, my first impression of Jenna was this girl’s going to go far, and she has. Jenna is the author of numerous magazine articles and several books including: Conquering Panic and Anxiety Discorders – Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer – Outwitting Writer’s Block and Other Problems of the Pen – Hattie, Get A Haircut -Celine Dion: For Keeps and others.

She’s young, intelligent, exuberant, and along with all those wonderful qualities, she’s one of the most genuine people I know. It’s not often when a person you’ve never met personally can touch your heart in a way you know he or she always will be a part of your life. Jenna reached into my heart and she continues to daily.

A few years ago, when she hadn’t received a monthly column for her newsletter, she took time from her busy schedule to send a note to the author she’d only met through e-mail. How do I know? Because I was the recipient of the thoughtful and caring e-mail asking if I was okay and if there was anything she could do for me. I have the utmost respect for Jenna Glatzer and she always will hold a place in my heart. She continues to touch hearts each and every day and I know her latest venture Stories of Strength will touch your heart as well.

Stories of Strength is a gift that keeps on giving. Help us help others by ordering your copy today.

Thank you, Jenna for being the wonderful person you are. I’m proud to have met you and honored to be part of your wonderful project.

Here’s the official press release for Stories of Strength.

Writing Community Unites to Write “Stories of Strength” for Disaster Relief
As they watched the coverage of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, writers who had gathered on the AbsoluteWrite.com message boards decided not to sit by helplessly any longer. Instead, they set their pens and keyboards to work-- writing uplifting essays, short fiction, and poetry on the theme of “strength.” The result is the 316-page anthology Stories of Strength, with 100 percent of the proceeds to go to disaster relief charities, including the Red Cross, Americares, and the Salvation Army.

Headed by Jenna Glatzer, author of acclaimed Celine Dion biography For Keeps, this project attracted contributions from many well-known writers, including a story and an original hymn by award-winning science fiction novelist Orson Scott Card, an essay by famed actor Wil Wheaton (Star Trek, Stand By Me), and a short story from Christian romance author Robin Lee Hatcher.

With more than 100 pieces from writers all over the world, and the gracious efforts of prominent editors and graphic designers, Stories of Strength is a tribute to the human spirit: celebrating true stories of courage and endurance in challenging situations that range from the death of a child to living through natural disasters, to smaller-scale trials, like dealing with returning an overdue book to the local Library Troll.

Alternating between tear-jerking and humorous, Stories of Strength is guaranteed to inspire and remind readers that the human spirit knows no boundaries.

“Many people have said they plan to order copies for everyone on their holiday list,” says Jenna Glatzer. “What a fantastic way to give a present that also helps people rebuild their lives.”

The writers hope to turn their words into sizeable long-term contributions to disaster relief charities. In addition to the writers’ donations, publishing company Lulu (http://www.lulu.com/) is generously donating its profits from the project. Lulu will also donate several media review copies.

Most writers are available for interviews, readings, and book signings.

Ordering details are at http://www.storiesofstrength.com/.

The book became available direct from Lulu on November 1, 2005. On the first day of sales, proceeds totaled over $500. Stories of Strength will be available to order from bookstores worldwide soon.

Book details:Stories of Strength
Editor/Publisher: Jenna Glatzer
Publishing services provided by Lulu
ISBN: 1-4116-5503-6
Release date: November 1, 2005
316 pages
Price: $15.95
6.0 x 9.0 in., Perfect-bound, 60# cream interior paper, black and white interior ink, 100# white exterior paper, full-color (CMYK) exterior