Hurricane Harvey rocked the state of Texas, and its impact continues to wave and ripple across our country. While the destruction has been inconceivable, the response to Harvey and Irma has been a reassuring emblem of love. A reflection of the positive potential of humanity.
My friend and picture book writing critique partner Rosie J. Pova is from Dallas. For her friends and family, Harvey's fury is personal. Rosie may look familiar, as I featured her earlier this year on the blog.
Below you'll find how Rosie and her writing community have rallied to support those in need. Thank you to Rosie for this special post. Our prayers go out to you and your community, and God bless all involved in this uplifting relief initiative.
In Rosie's word's...
Recently, my home state took a horrendous hit when Hurricane Harvey poured its rage over Houston. Without going into statistics about this unprecedented flood, which you can find here, one thing's for sure – the devastation it caused my neighboring city was heartbreaking.
Dallas, where I live, was lucky enough to stay safe, but I feared for friends who live in Houston, including several fellow Clear Fork Publishing authors and illustrators.
During those days of heavy rains and strong, destructive winds - when peril escalated by the hour - we exchanged prayers, sent out encouragement, and kept in touch through Clear Fork Publishing's private Facebook group. The updates were scary. The pictures looked surreal. We tried to stay positive.
Naturally, as creative minds tend to do in times of crisis, we felt the need to channel all that energy into something beautiful. An idea sparked into the group as we united our positive vibes – the world needed a hug.
Our wonderful Texas-based publisher was quick to act on it and turn that idea into something tangible. Something inspiring.
Clear Fork Publishing decided to put together an anthology titled A Hug for the World, consisting of poems, short stories and art, with all proceeds going toward Harvey relief. The amazing Callie Metler-Smith - the owner of CFP, whose heart is as big as Texas - posted a closed submission call for her authors and illustrators and A Hug for the World started to take shape.
I'm happy to announce that my submission to this inspiring project was accepted. My contribution is a poem titled Brotherhood and Love, and it's about – to quote my publisher who summarized it best – "standing with your fellow brother and lifting each other up in love."
I am so excited and proud of this collaboration of so many talents! Just to mention a few – Lynne Marie, Alayne Kay Christian, Johnny Moore, Vanessa Newton, Melissa Stoller, Sherry Howard, Deborah Weed, Shelley Kinder, Callie Metler-Smith and on and on . . . The beautiful cover was designed by Carina Povarchik.
The anticipation is building and I can't wait for the release of A Hug for the World, slated for 10/10/17. The love that this book will exude will be undeniable. This is our message for the world, and we'd like to share it with the world as we kindly give it a big hug.
A Hug for The World:
Join Clear Fork Publishing's talented authors and illustrators as they celebrate a worldwide HUG in our new anthology. All proceeds will go to victims of Hurricane Harvey, as we are a Texas-based publisher and many of our authors and illustrators live in the Houston area. To pre-order, visit here.
Rosie J. Pova:
Rosie J. Pova is a children's author, poet, wife, and mother of three. Originally from Bulgaria, she now lives in Texas with her family. Rosie loves ice cream, but more than that, she loves to inspire children to dream big and follow their passions. No matter what kind of story she writes – funny, sweet or silly – she hopes to move her readers and warm their hearts.
Sarah's Song is Rosie's latest picture book release. It's a story about a granddaughter who comes to terms with her grandmother's failing health and how that affects the special bond the two share through music.
Rosie is also the author of If I Weren't With You (PB, Spork) and a humorous sci-fi novel, Hailey Queen Pranking Makes Perfect: The Alien Encounter, (MG, Spork). Visit her at www.rosiejpova.com and on Twitter at @RosiePOV.