PEN America is offering readers the chance to name a character in a new work by one of several writers.
The literary nonprofit organization announced in a news release that it is launching a “Name a Character” auction, which will offer “book lovers the rare opportunity to have their name, or the name of someone they love, written into an upcoming work by an acclaimed writer.”
Proceeds from the auction will benefit PEN America’s Author Safety Program, a new initiative “dedicated to protecting writers facing harassment, threats, and intimidation both online and in real life.”
Authors participating in the auction include Rebecca Makkai (The Great Believers, I Have Some Questions for You); Jennifer Egan (A Visit From the Goon Squad, Manhattan Beach); David Baldacci (Absolute Power, Wish You Well); and Jodi Picoult (My Sister’s Keeper, Wish You Were Here).
Other writers who are participating include screenwriter Scott Frank (Marley & Me, The Wolverine); Lee and Andrew Child (The Sentinel, Exit Strategy); Brigid Kemmerer (Storm, Defy the Night); Christina Lauren (Something Wilder, The Romance Revival); Jean Hanff Korelitz (The Plot, The Sequel); and Sarah MacLean (Heartbreaker, These Summer Storms).
Readers can bid on the auction, which is live now and continues through May 15, here.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
