I wish more people would ask: “How is Whale Song making a difference in the world?”

My answer: There are two main ways Whale Song is making a difference—it has changed the way people view life and death, and a portion of my royalties is going to three nonprofit organizations. I’ll elaborate.

Whale Song has a series of beautiful messages for anyone who ‘gets’ them. Not only does forgiveness set you free, life is something meant to be lived and enjoyed, and those who pass on live in each of us. I have had many emails from people who have lost family or friends and they have said my novel has helped them deal with their loss. I have also had amazing emails from mothers and daughters whose relationships have been healed after reading Whale Song. I never expected that—especially from a work of fiction—but I am truly grateful.

After the murder of my brother Jason in 2006, I not only dedicated Whale Song to him, but I wanted to do more. So I contacted the three organizations that tried their best to help my brother and I’ve made arrangements for 5% of my royalties to go to EACH of these: Hope Mission, the Mustard Seed Church and the Bissell Centre. They help combat social issues like poverty, homelessness and addictions, and I believe they are worth giving up 15% of my royalties.

You can read more about my brother and these organizations at:

http://www.jaysporchmonkeys.com