Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for supporting The Sun Sets Anywhere!

The campaign finished at 654 copies pre-ordered from over 20 countries (print only, so perhaps more for eBooks). The campaign ranked 7th highest in Publishizer history (based on # of copies) – most frontrunners had large existing social media followings, so this was a stellar performance from a group comprised of friends, friends of friends and family! Each of your contributions touched me in a different way, whether I’ve known you for years or have never met you.

A donation of $1 for each copy ordered has been made to three NGOs featured in the book. So, because of you:

-         In Mysore, India, your donation provides all meals for the 50 children who live at Operation Shanti's shelter for an entire month 

-         In Port Elizabeth, South Africa at Ubuntu, your donation supplies food for a child-led household for an entire year

-         In Cape Town, South Africa, your donation pays for Ikamva Labantu to provide medical screenings for 75 children

In terms of the publishing timeline, the book has been edited by award-winning author, Minal Hajratwala, and will shortly be copy edited by James Lochart, Chief Copy of Town & Country Magazine. After all design elements are finalized, the book will be printed – and I hope shipped out by August 1. For those in US and Europe, I hope to get it to you in time for summer holiday reading – and soon after for the rest of the world!

I appreciate your patience (and even more, flattered some of you have been asking for it sooner!) – there are many steps to self-publishing beyond writing the manuscript. Although the process is actually faster than traditional publishing, where a book usually takes 1-2 years from time of contract to release! I will send a more detailed update on when you should receive your book(s) as soon as I have confirmed dates from the printer.

Most of all, I'm so excited to have you guys permanently written into the story of this book. Thank you again – I think back to the momentum of the campaign and am filled with gratitude for your friendship and generosity. I’ll never forget!

xxx Clara

Below is a photo of me with Nomthandaza (age 8 here) in Port Elizabeth, SA in 2005. Her brother works for Ubuntu & this little girl leads the entire Joe Slovo township choir, comprised mostly of adults...she slayed us all with her powerful voice (and smile) :-)