Malaprop's Bookstore/Café, Asheville, N.C., which has been in the forefront of the battle against North Carolina's new discriminatory law HB2, has organized a fundraiser for organizations fighting the law that will feature a group of authors and others. Called "Kill the Bill," the event is the first in the store's event series called Authors for Action, which pairs authors with nonprofits "to amplify a cause, raise the profile of change-makers, and create a space for the community to come together for good."
"Kill the Bill" will be held at the Asheville Community Theatre on Wednesday, May 18, the same day that author Sherman Alexie had been scheduled to appear at a Malaprop's event. (He cancelled his visit to protest the new law, which disappointed Malaprop's and other bookstores that have encouraged authors to come to the state to talk about their opposition to the law and to support bookstores and organizations who are fighting the law.)
The May 18 event begins with a $50 VIP cocktail party at 5 p.m. at Sovereign Remedies. The main event (tickets are $20) begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature authors Sara Gruen, Charles Frazier, Wiley Cash, Joshilyn Jackson, Kim Michele Richardson, Mary Laura Philpott, Jamie Mason, Beth Revis, Jake Bible and others. The authors will all be given the same writing prompt and will share on stage their responses. Books will be sold in the lobby, and authors will sign after the show.
Proceeds from tickets will be divided between the ACLU of North Carolina, Campaign for Southern Equality, Tranzmission and Equality NC.