If you've followed my blog, you already know that I came to lesbian fiction via the Xenaverse, as a writer of fanfiction from the TV show Xena: Warrior Princess. The show has been off the air for 9 years, but the fandom is still going strong. At its heart is its devotion, not only to the show's stars, Lucy Lawless & Renee O'Connor, but to their charitable causes. Each year the inimitable MaryD, owner of the Australian Xena Information Page (AUSXIP) hosts an auction to raise money for these charities, and being a bonafide fangirl of Lucy, I always try to contribute something to the mix. In past years, I've auctioned the chance to be a character in one of my books (Sea Legs & Mother Load), but this year I've donated something more tangible:

Autographed set of The Shaken Series in Hardcover from InsightOut Book Club

Hardcover books are rare in the genre of lesbian fiction, and they make wonderful collectibles or even nicer gifts. Bidding on this set has begun at only $35, but I'd like to see that rise. I'll pay shipping to anywhere in the world, and all proceeds from the auction of this item will benefit Lucy's pet charity, Starship Children's Hospital in Auckland, NZ. Even if you aren't a book collector, I'd ask you to consider bidding, as a flurry of bids will drive up the price for this set.

If you're a fan of the show and its stars, you'll find lots more up for bid, including many autographed items from Lucy & Renee. Visit the Main Charity Auction site to look it over. Let me finish by quoting something Lucy once said: "Be generous with your love. It all comes back."

First, let me apologize for letting so much time pass between updates. We had a wonderful Y Tour event in Ft Lauderdale last month, but I took no -- zero, zilch, nada -- photos the entire week. I was waiting to steal someone else's but never followed through. Bad thief. Lots of folks posted pics on Facebook, but linking those is only useful if the pics belong to your FB friends, in which case you've probably seen them already. For a rundown of how much fun we had without you, check out this link on the Bella Forum. I hope you'll plan to join us for our next stop, which could be in Portland, LA, Atlanta, DC ... wherever fine lesbians are found.

At our Y Tour reading on Sunday afternoon at Stonewall Library, executive director Jack Rutland announced my big news, which was that I have been appointed to the library's Board of Directors. It's an honor to serve such a great institution and cause, and a delight to do so with the wonderful people already at the helm. I'll be sharing more about my activities at Stonewall as the next couple of years progress, beginning with news of the 2nd annual Gay & Lesbian Literary Arts Festival (GALLA) coming up April 9-11. Join me in welcoming Susan X Meagher, Lee Lynch, JM Redmann & Ali Vali to Ft Lauderdale for 3 days of panels, readings & workshops. And probably sushi. :)

Another big announcement  -- one that has me giddy -- is that Worth Every Step has been named a Lambda Literary Award finalist, along with books by Karin Kallmaker, Tracey Richardson, Colette Moody & Carsen Taite. Awards night is May 27th in New York. Must buy new shoes!

That's all the big stuff for now. I'm still plugging away on Mother Load, the 4th book in the Shaken Series. We'll settle on a cover soon and I'l hide it here somewhere and send you on a treasure hunt. Happy St Patty's Day!