The convention is almost here, and I want to take a moment to go into a bit more depth about A-kon’s chosen charity this year.  Every year A-Kon chooses a charity to support with our charity auction.  In the past we have chosen such charities as the March of Dimes, and the American Cancer Society.  This year we have chosen the Dallas Charity of The Family Place.  The Family Place is the largest domestic abuse and battered women’s shelter, and we are proud to help support them this year.  As usual, author Helen McCarthy and I have been working hard to provide some great unique items and bargains to our fans.  In a recent email she sent me this:

Rough Guides and Simon Richmond have kindly agreed to donate a signed copy of Simon's new Rough Guide to Anime, due out in June. Simon is based in the States so he's going to send it to me at the hotel. I have here a signed copy of Jonathan Clements' Schoolgirl Milky Crisis, with Steve Kyte illustrations, from Jonathan and Titan Books, which I'll bring with me.

I hope to have a signed copy of the British edition of my new book, Manga Cross Stitch, if it reaches me in time. It's due out on 15 June but I may get some advance copies before I leave. I've asked for a signed copy of the new book about Studio Ghibli by Colin Odell and Michelle LeBlanc. They haven't said yes yet, but who can resist A-Kon? I'll update you on those when I know more.

And this is just the tip of the ice berg.  We hope to see you there.

*NEW STUFF*