Ms. Winfrey:
I am an avid viewer of your show, and believe in most, if not all, the causes you support. Your support of the arts and literature is especially importat to me, since I am a writer.
I, too, watched the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina with first horror and then shock. I believe that as Americans, we should all do whatever it is that we can to support our neighbors to the south. I don't have much money to give, and with a small child and family to support, it's difficult for me to lend any physical help. But author/editor Jenna Glatzer, owner and operator of the AbsoluteWrite website and forums (
www.absolutewrite.com/forums), has given me an opportunity.
Ms. Glatzer has put together an anthology of essays, poems and stories entitled "Stories of Strenght" (
www.storiesofstrength.com) in order to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and all along the Gulf Coast. Over 100 members of the forums, along with some rather well-known authors, have submitted pieces to be included in the anthology. Everything from editing services to cover design has been donated to the project, and we hope to make this project, this book of hope, a huge success.
I don't have much to give, myself. I have very little money, and I live too far away to help for any amount of time. What I do have is my skill as a writer. I was exceptionally honored to be included in this anthology, as this is my first piece of published writing. I'm so glad that it is for such an amazing project, and to help people who need so much more than I could ever give.
Thank you for reading this email; the book should be ready for pulication in mid-October, and I hope you will help us in the promotion of our project.
Sincerely,
Linley