On Saturday, Feb. 1st,  a bunch of SCBWI Tampa Bay group members met at Nancy Cavanaugh's home. Cavanaugh's the author of  This Journal Belongs to Ratchet, published by Sourcebooks, and the group was meeting for a Pajama Party Schmooze. Yup, you read right. Not only was it great fun and time to relax and talk with other authors, but the event had a charitable purpose too.

 Each member brought a new pair of children's PJs and a new children's book to be read at bedtime. The stash of sleepwear and books were to be donated to a program that delivers those goodies, or should I say, necessities, to children in need. Children who wind up in shelters, live in temporary housing facilities and others children in need who have few comforts at a time when they need comforting the most.

The Pajama Program  (www.pajamaprogram.org)  is a national organization, but has 62 chapters in 32 states. Check out one in your area. If there isn't one, maybe you could start one. Or maybe donate money or even one pair of PJs. And, don't think you need to be an author to throw your own PJ schmooze. Create the schmooze that works for  you. Make it as unique as  you are.

Our schmooze was a lovely brunch and Nancy and her daughter were the perfect hostesses for the event. We came in sweats, robes, PJ's, socks and slippers. We ate fruit, crumb cake, yogurt and sipped coffee, tea and juice. We talked about writing, publishing and how great it was to spend time together when we all dedicates so much time to writing alone in front of our computers. We schmoozed for hours. What better way to spend a Saturday morning?

Check out Nancy's first book This Journal Belongs to Ratchet, on her website. Get ready for her next book too, Always Abigail . It's due out in October.

Check out the Pajama Program at www.pajamaprogram.org

See what Sourcebooks offers at http://www.sourcebooks.com

Check out Nancy's website and info on her books and school visits at www.nancyjcavanaugh.com