Operation Paperback by Margot Justes

I’ve mentioned Operation Paperback before.

To use their words, “Operation Paperback is a non-profit organization that collects gently used books nationwide and sends them to American troops deployed overseas.” Since 1999, the organization shipped over 1.3 million books to our soldiers.

We collect books at work and to date have shipped 1,026 books. We accept donations from our employees and a few libraries have given us their ‘withdrawals’.

I love books and for me there is no greater pleasure, than to see someone else enjoy the escape from reality that a book provides. I assume that is especially true for our soldiers. If anyone needs an escape from a brutal reality, it most certainly would be a soldier in the middle of a war.

There is a VA Medical Center that needs books, and it’s not difficult or expensive to send a box. The US Postal Service provides free shipping supplies, and there is a special flat rate for the boxes earmarked for the military.

Joining the organization is easy, just go to: www.operationpaperback.org

I was asked not to provide the name of the facility, however if you e-mail me at mjustes@earthlink.net, I will be able to give you the name of the medical center, or if you prefer to send the books to me, I will give you my shipping address. I’ll make sure the center receives them.

For just a little bit of an effort, you can make a difference in a soldier’s life, make it a bit more palatable for them and let them know you care.

Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris

Chicago North RWA Spring Fling by Margot Justes

The Chicago North RWA Spring Fling is a huge event for our chapter. It is also a tremendous amount of work to put on a conference of this caliber.

I mention this now, because our registration opened up September 1st; but it takes about two years to plan the event-a lot of work is involved.

This year we have a committee of very dedicated members who are doing an amazing job. They lined up bestselling authors and fantastic editors and agents.

The SF Ladies-as I like to call them-signed a great contract with the Marriott, keeping in mind the current difficult economic times.

The publicity, the registration, arranging the panels, picking up our guests at the airport, and all the tiny details that are so important to make the conference a success are being done.

There are a multitude of e-mails, meetings, ideas being tossed back and forth, all of that takes a tremendous amount of time.

I am not a member of the committee, but as chapter president I am privileged to read all the e-mails going back and forth, and I am truly amazed and in awe at the dedication of the SF Ladies.

This promises to be an amazing conference, and if you're a writer, a reader, a fan, you will enjoy the time spent with the CN RWA Spring Fling...Cool City, Hot Romance is our motto.

Here is the link to register : http://www.chicagospringfling.com/registration_form.php

Hope to see you April 27-28 at the Chicago Marriott NW in Hoffman Estates.

SF Ladies, thank you for an inspiring job.

Till next time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com