From: KEEPING THE CANDLE LIT
By Emily Bristow
"National Novel Writing Month introduces thousands to the thrill of authoring the great frantic novel, and in the process it changes lives. A 13-year-old discovers that writing can actually be fun. A 60-year-old woman finishes her "someday" novel. A shy and lonely person finds a place where he belongs. Hearts beat faster—and soar as newly minted novelists cross the finish line. It’s an amazing experience for all of us, with its caffeine overdoses, night sweats, and the opportunity to lay ourselves bare in the company of total strangers."
I could not have described the NaNoWriMo experience better. Each year NaNoWriMo offers us a unique opportunity to meet new people, push ourselves to the limits and experience the "writing life" firsthand. One of the best features about it is that we can experience all of this free of charge. Unfortunately, it is quite costly to keep this program up and running and since NaNoWriMo is largely funded by participant donations and merchandise purchases it is important that all of us try to give a little back.
As an ML, I am asked to ask you to give back to NaNoWriMo. Last year only 5.42% of all participants donated to the cause. This year we would like to double that in honor of our tenth anniversary. We consider all of our writers in the Shenandoah Valley to be angels and for a small donation to the Office of Light and Letters you can show it to the world. Anyone who donates $10.00 or more to the Office of Letters and Light will have a stylish halo displayed on their profile and in the forums.
For your halo, visit NaNoWriMo’s Donation Station, or, if you’re short on change, check out the Donating When You're Broke page. Every little bit helps the Office of Letters and Light continue to make noveling dreams come true!
Thank you to all!
Your Co-ML Susan
----------
2006: The Scrapbook - I did it!
2007: Leaving Lucy (working title) - Success!
2008: Undecided, but it might start something like...He was a dark and stormy knight....
51,469 / 50,000
nov. 29, 2008 - 21 13
Hey everyone,
Suzie and LaMishia have been very kind and not brought up donating to NaNoWriMo since a month before we started this wild and crazy ride. They've not hounded us or made us feel guilty or pressured. I appreciate that from them. Thank you, Suzie and LaMishia.
However, I know what it's like to be part of a non-profit organization that does really good work, and makes a positive impact in a world that needs a whole lot more "positive-ness" that what it gets. It's hard work, and you don't get much thanks. And you wonder if anyone notices anything that you're doing. And yes, you sweat over whether or not the electric bill is going to get paid.
I know that most of you have already donated, and that's fantastic. And I know we're not the largest region on the map. But if you haven't donated, then I would encourage you to donate to NaNoWriMo, even if it's only ten dollars. That's less than a regular pizza, and not much more than a combo at Wendy's (and no, I don't eat out every night, but I do have kids so I know what the current prices are, lol!). And unless you're out of a job right now (and I know of one WriMo that is currently unemployed), in the long scheme of things, that's ten dollars you're really not going to miss. BUT.... it's ten dollars that Tavia and Chris are going to be thrilled over.
So if you haven't donated yet, would you please consider it? I for one would like to see the forums and the messaging be able to stay open for the entire next year, from now until next October, when we start this rollercoaster ride all over again!
And if you try to donate, and it takes a while or it seems like the site has locked up, then keep trying. I finally got my donation in today, and it took a long time. But that made me feel glad, because I figured it was acting so slow because of all the other people that were trying to donate at the same time. (My halo should show up by Monday.)
So donate if you can. Let's keep this site open for a full year!
Blessings to all,
Nonny
50,221 / 50,000
nov. 30, 2008 - 08 01
Thank you so much Nonny! I was just about to gently mention this again. Like you said, I'm afraid if we dont get enough donations we wont be able to access all the information on the site that we didnt have time to look at during November because we were busting out the best or worst novels of our lives. I would appreciate it that opportunity so to those of you who havent donated yet, please do. It will not only keep this site open but it will support next year for those of you who want to participate!!!
You will reap the benefits. I promise. Thanks for the donations. :-)