Shannon Hale and Brandon Mull to Write for Charity

New York Times best-selling authors, Shannon Hale and Brandon Mull have organized a wonderful charity event catering to writers and benefiting those around the world in need of wheelchairs.

WRITING FOR CHARITY

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Several children's authors, including New York Times bestsellers Shannon Hale and Brandon Mull, are hosting the Writing For Charity event at the Salt Lake City Main Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, with all the profits going to The Wheel Chair Project.

The Wheel Chair Project is a branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Arm. Over 100 million people worldwide need wheelchairs with very little hope of ever getting one. The Wheel Chair Project provides those wheelchairs regardless of religion, culture or country. This is your chance to learn from the best, improve your craft and help someone desperately in need become mobile. What more could you ask from a Saturday?

100% of the proceeds (after the nominal location fee) go to The Wheelchair Project. A wheelchair can completely change the life of a disabled person, offering mobility, increased independence, and a chance to go to school or find employment. Because this charity is administered by volunteers with LDS Philanthropy, there is no overhead and every penny donated goes directly to purchasing wheelchairs.

Participating authors: Brandon Mull (Fablehaven); Shannon Hale (Princess Academy); best-selling fantasy authors Laura and Tracy Hickman , Mette Ivie Harrison (The Prince and the Hound), A.E. Cannon (Pirate Pete and Pirate Joe), Kristyn Crow (Bedtime at the Swamp), Becky Hickox , Kimberley Heuston, Anne Bowen, Aprilynne Pike, Ann Dee Ellis, Mike Knudson, Wendy Toliver as well as agent Amy Jameson and editor Chris Schoebinger.

The writers will talk about their process, how to write for a young audience, storytelling tips, and the ins and outs of the publishing business. In addition, participants can have their picture book text or first page of their novel work shopped by professionals.

When: Saturday July 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Salt Lake City Main Library (200 East 400 South, Salt Lake City, Utah)

Why: The events purpose is to raise money for The Wheel Chair Project

On the day of the event, participants need to bring 15 copies of the first page of your novel or picture book text (maximum word count: 300 words) for some hands on workshopping.

Space is limited, first come first serve. To reserve your spot, mail in the $45 registration fee.

• Mailing address: 1176 E 2620 N, Provo, UT 84604-4132
• Make checks to: “LDS Philanthropies” (the organization that runs The Wheelchair Project) and write “Wheelchair” in the memo line.
• Also include: Your name, age, phone number, and area of interest--picture book writing, fantasy novel, or realistic fiction novel.
• Cost: $45 (tax deductible -- be sure to ask for a receipt when you get there)

The Event breaks down like this:

9:00 am -- Registration
9:15 - 10:15 am -- Panel discussion in the auditorium
10:30 - 11:15 -- Break out discussions in topic groups
11:30 - 1:00 -- Small group workshops

Shannon Hale was willing to answer a few questions, which she posted on her site.

"Are there still spaces available?"

As of today, there are oodles! But please register in advance rather than wait for the day of. We have a limited time frame to get everyone registered that morning. Pre-registering not only guarantees you a space but will make it faster for you that morning and you won't miss anything.

"I don't have a first page of a book to workshop. Can I still come?"

Yes! During the workshop portion, it will still be instructive to listen to other people's pages being workshopped, and I promise no one will point at you and laugh. Except maybe Brandon Mull.

"I sent in my check and haven't received anything in return!"

And...you won't. Sorry. We are an orphan Annie operation (as my dad would say) and aren't set up to be all cool like that. But if you sent it in, we have it and there should be no problem.

"Can kids participate?"

Sure! We're going to have one break out group just for teen writers. Younger than that might be bored. My four-year-old, for example, will be staying home.

So here's my suggestion. Mail in your registration right now. This will be a day you don't want to miss.