Launched by author Vikki Patis, Book Fuel is an online auction to raise money for National Energy Action, a charity which works to end fuel poverty in the UK.
It is estimated that around 4 million homes are in fuel poverty in the UK. On top of increased food bank use, the reduction of cheaper food in supermarkets, and the effects of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, the recent energy crisis will see even more people struggle to make ends meet.
Auction lots include a mentoring session with author of Lowborn Kerry Hudson, editorial feedback from Hodder Commissioning Editor Bethany Wickington and HarperCollins Editorial Director Phoebe Morgan, the chance to appear on Daisy Buchanan’s podcast You’re Booked, and Sam Blake is offering a complete online course to guide you to write your own bestseller. Also up for grabs are signed books by authors Sarah Hilary, LJ Ross, Jennifer Saint, David Nicholls and more.
Originator Vikki Patis, a bestselling author of psychological thrillers who also writes historical fiction under the name Victoria Hawthorne, said, “Families across the country are being forced to choose between heating and eating, a choice nobody should have to make. The money raised by this auction will be donated directly to National Energy Action and Energy Action Scotland, helping people across the UK who need it.”
The auction will run from Friday 25th February to Monday 7th March 2022 via the Book Fuel website: https://bookfuelfund.wordpress.com/. Winning bidders will be asked to make payment via the JustGiving page once the auction has ended, and all proceeds will go to National Energy Action, a charity which works to end fuel poverty in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Their sister charity, Energy Action Scotland, works towards the same goals in Scotland.
“The response has been amazing,” Vikki Patis said. “What started as a Sunday night tweet has grown into an auction with a hundred lots. The publishing industry is full of generous and caring people, and this goes to show how passionate people are about this issue. I’m grateful to everyone who has donated so far or otherwise helped to bring this auction about.”
Vikki Patis is a bestselling author of psychological thrillers. She also writes historical fiction under the name Victoria Hawthorne, and is represented by Emily Glenister at DHH Literary Agency. She lives with her partner, two wild golden retrievers, and an even wilder cat.
