Ferox Publishing

Why I wrote a book for charity part 3

The Big Ears Animal Sanctuary receives all the royalties from the sale of ‘Fairy Tales Written By Rabbits’. On Sunday after the book launch I had the opportunity to visit the sanctuary and its residents.

The Sanctuary is profoundly peaceful, save for the occasional crow of a rooster or squawk of a cockatoo. The animals are all relaxed and well cared for. While we didn’t feed them, most were more than willing to walk in out of their paddocks for a scratch or a cuddle.

These animals were all either found as strays, or surrendered by owners with suddenly changed circumstances. Many of them are quite elderly and will be able to live out their days on the sanctuary with members of their own species, indulging their natural behaviours. These are profoundly lucky animals, and this is where the funds raised by the novel are going.

Part 1 here.

Part 2 here.

Why I wrote a book for charity part 2

Jacqui and Brett at the Big Ears Sanctuary in Tasmania weren’t expecting to have a book written for them. My reason for keeping the development of Fairy Tales Written By Rabbits a secret from them was to unveil everything as a huge surprise.

I wrote them a letter to send with a copy of the novel. The letter explained that this novel was written for them, and all author royalties from this book, wherever it was sold, would be donated to their sanctuary. I posted it early on a Monday morning, expecting Jacqui & Brett to receive it the following Friday.

When the following Monday rolled around and still no word, my confidants in Launceston shared my anticipation, keenly reminding Brett Steele to definitely get the mail today and don’t forget to get the mail. This not-so-subtle encouragement resulted in this message to me Monday night:

big ears response

For the less bunny obsessed, a ‘Binky’ is a movement rabbits make consisting of bouncing into the air whilst twisting and flicking their head. It’s generally thought to be an expression of contentment, happiness or joy.

All the waiting was worth it to be able to surprise two good people like this. There will be good in the world if you can make it happen.

Read part 1 here.

Find out where to buy ‘Fairy Tales Written By Rabbits’ and support Big Ears Animal Sanctuary here.

Where to buy ‘Fairy Tales Written By Rabbits’

If you are unable to come to a book launch, you can still purchase Fairy Tales Written By Rabbits at numerous online retailers, in both paperback and ebook version.

No matter the point of sale, all author royalties will still be donated to Big Ears Animal Sanctuary, so you can contribute to their fundraiser while enjoying a good book no matter where in the world you are!

If you are having difficulty locating a copy, or are requesting your local book store order a copy for you, it may be easier to search using the ISBN (international standard book number). The paperback is 9780994306005. The ISBN for the ebook is 9780994306012.

Below are direct links to several online retailers, though it is not an exhaustive list. Check out your preferred supplier, or ask your local book store or library to order it in.

Australia:

United States of America

Amazon.co.uk

Canada

Book Launch Planning

book launch prizes

I never really considered holding a book launch party for Fairy Tales Written by Rabbits until I had the proof copy in my hand. I knew my acquaintances would be keen to get a copy, but my social circles are divided between two different states. This book is written as a gift for the Big Ears Animal Sanctuary so it makes sense to involve them with the launch, if they are willing. Locally they have a strong community presence too, which will only help the fundraising efforts.

The charity happens to be interstate from my current home. I used to live near them and do vet work for them. I can personally vouch for the integrity of the sanctuary, in addition to the substantial vet bills they generated caring for hundreds of animals. A weekend trip is going to be the best solution.

My illustrator has agreed to come with me. Her artwork significantly adds to the charm of the book and I look forward to being able to show her around the best parts of Launceston, where I worked for two and a half years.

I have a venue for the launch and our accommodation sorted. Now I’m planning the actual launch.

Firstly, I have to invite the Big Ears Animal Sanctuary staff, the book is for them after all.

Secondly, I think people are generally happier if you feed them. I’m a good baker, and the sanctuary founders are vegan. I’m planning to give away mini vegan lemon-berry cupcakes with every book purchase. I also have bookmarks arriving soon.

I’m planning to offer a raffle too. Every book purchase earns one ticket, as does every $5 donation direct to the sanctuary. The prize will consist of one super soft snugly bunny plush, a coffee mug featuring some of the book illustrations and a box of fancy chocolates (vegan, if I can find any). I think that will make a decent prize that anyone would be happy to receive.

I will post the bookmarks as soon as they arrive. It’s so exciting to be able to do this for a charity that I feel so strongly about.