Operation J2tW

I have nothing cool, hilarious or profound to say today so instead I'm going to direct all of you to something that is much more awesome and important than anything I could ever say, too bad it can't be hilarious too, right?

Most of you probably already know but if you don't here it is: My good friend Candace Ganger (at least her blog is normally hilarious) from The Misadventures in Candyland is holding just about the coolest contest ever. Yes the prizes are great and one of them is even a critique and special blog post promoting you from yours truly but the thing that really makes this contest great is the cause it means to support.

The following is from an interview Candace gave to my new bud Rose Cooper, because who can say it better than the lady herself:

Today through July 31st, I'm running the "I Heart Joy Like BR80" contest on my blog, The Misadventures In Candyland. Inspired by New Medicine bassist, Matt Brady (hence the BR80), and his HUGE heart via his work with the non-profit Joy 2 the World, my goal is to raise as much money and awareness.

Joy 2 the World generates micro-loans for the women and girls of Ghana, West Africa to help empower them. It's a huge thing to be able to make something of yourself and take care of your family. And for them, having clean water is even an issue-something a lot of us take for granted.

With my contest, everyone wins and there's FOUR ways to enter: Donate, Create, Buy or Listen. For all the details, on what that means, please go to my blog!

The prizes so far are AMAZING. Aside from Rose's generous donation, Michelle Wolfson, Sean Ferrell, T.H. Mafi and Tawna Fenske just a few of the names contributing. I'll continue to add prizes as they come in, and the more you enter, the more you can win. From gift cards to books to critiques and even a conference call so far.

So please enter! Spread the word! And help make history! If you choose the BUY or the LISTEN options of entering, you don't come out empty handed, and the difference you'll be making in these women's lives is priceless.

Here is a more detailed list of the prizes and who is offering them:

* (5) winners will be invited to attend a private webinar + query, synopsis + 5 page critique with superagent Natalie Fischer
* 30 minute phone call with superagent Michelle Wolfson
* 3 chapter tandem critique by authors Tawna Fenske & Cynthia Reese
* "Lost Dog," "Chasing Smoke" and "Day One" autographed book set donated by author Bill Cameron
* A copy of "NUMB" + 50 page critique by author Sean Ferrell
* A copy edit of your ms by supereditor Gretchen Stelter
* "We Hear the Dead" tee + ms critique by author Dianne Salerni
* Query letter + 3 chapter critique + special pre-order of "Across the Universe" by author Beth Revis
* One of (4) signed prints, (1) signed original, and (2) query critiques donated by author Rose Cooper
* One of (3) $25 Amazon Gift Cards + (1) 10 page critique donated by author T.H. Mafi
* Query, synopsis and 5 page critique donated by author Carrie Harris
* Query critique by author Matthew Rush
* ARC of "Dead Beautiful" by Yvonne Woon donated by Candyland
* MORE PRIZES TO COME!

So obviously this is only my own oversimplified lazy version of an announcement about the coolest thing going on in the blogoshpere but please make sure to visit Candyland in general, but also the specific post about the contest for more info. There are lots of other bloggers talking about this right now as well, so don't feel like you can only get your Joy 2 The World news here.

Go out, spread love, pay it forward, and Babylon shall fall!