Barbara's Apartment Fund

Hi, folks. Having completed the year's residence at the Fire Lotus Zen temple in Brooklyn, I am camping out temporarily on my daughter's sofa. I need to find my own place asap, however.  I find I need to scare up some money so I have some available for a deposit and the move. Just $1,000 would make all things happen.  Then I can continue my work at About.com Buddhism and The Mahablog. 

I have three books to write in mind, and I'm not sure which to start first. A Beginner's Guide to Buddhism (non-sectarian, in plain English, no zenspeak)? A No-Bullshit Pocket-size History of Zen ? or Practical Karma -- What is karma, anyway, and how does it  relate to my day-to-say life? If you have a preference, let me know.