(Your Ego Here)

Hey, I'm into ego gratification just as much as the next guy...but 500 bucks? With over nine days left in the auction? I was intrigued by the idea, but it looks like I'll have to settle for naming one of my own characters after myself instead.

Here's a thought...the first person to donate to the American Red Cross gets their name forever assigned to one of the pilgrims in my novel-in-progress, Eden. And I promise it won't be the pilgrim who murders the dubiously messianic leader, unless you really want yourself to be immortalized that way. All I ask it that you forward me the Red Cross' confirmation email (personal and credit card information deleted, of course) so I can confirm you were the first to donate.