New Sun Rising: Stories for Japan

It's a typical Sunday afternoon for me, except it isn't typical. I have spent the last couple of days editing and writing for a project I am involved in that I would like to share with you all.

Wisconsin has surely been through what can only be known as a democracy mess as of late, and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight for some time yet. Through all of this hustle and bustle, tragedy struck in the eastern hemisphere and devastated an entire nation. Unless you have been under a rock the last month, you already know what I am talking about; Japan.

I still had my concerns about the goings-on here in Wisconsin, I have donated time to the cause because it's all I have to donate, but I sat wondering what I could do to help Japan. I have no money, and the skills I have do not really translate into cash. That was, until my friend Solange told me about a project put together by Frankie Sachs called New Sun Rising: Stories for Japan. She said that they were still looking for submissions and volunteer editors on the project. Finally! Something I am good at that would be of help!

New Sun Rising is still (until the 11th of April) taking submissions in the form of photos, art, haiku, haibun, flash fiction, short stories and poems as a collaborative effort to help Japan in their time of need. All proceeds from the book (I believe it will be available in both e-book form and physical copy) will go to helping Japan. Maybe you're not a writer, artist or photographer... you can still help by spreading the word on this project to your friends and family who are, or you can buy a copy of the book and ask your friends to do the same. This project won't really get off the ground unless we have people to buy it, so any help you can offer is appreciated.

Now that I am doing something to help I don't feel powerless anymore. I know it's not the same as being out there with my protest sign and walking with my fellow Americans, but it's what I can do to help. I am not a wealthy person and I don't have a cell phone to text HELP to *90999* to the Red Cross (but you are welcome to). I am doing what I am good at, and using it to help.

If you would like to help in any way on this project, please visit the website www.booksthathelp.org for more information. Spread the word, spread the love.