*brushes off FA journal*

Hey all! I’m joining the Clarion Write-A-Thon again this year. This is a six-week period that coincides with the Clarion Workshop, during which I pledge to work on a writing project with a goal to be completed by the end of the six weeks. I’m hoping to raise money for the Clarion Foundation, which helps aspiring fantasy and science fiction writers form communities and strengthen their craft.

Why am I doing this? Well, I attended Clarion a couple years ago, and it was a transformative experience. I want to do what I can to help others have that same experience. Plus this is a good way to have a structured writing period. Last year I wrote about 75% of a novel first draft during this time, and having a responsibility to write every day helped me get that done. This year I will be traveling for about half of the six weeks, so having a goal to meet is even more important.

I’ll be working on a rewrite during the six weeks, redrafting a novel I wrote two years ago that has gotten mixed reviews from beta readers–some like it a lot, some think it could be improved. I’m hoping to keep the parts people like (the characters, the setting, the concept) while also shoring up the parts that were weak in the first draft (world-building and plot). I’ve never done a redraft like this before, so I’m hoping the structure of the Write-A-Thon will help with that as well.

You can help by donating or pledging on my page! The more donations/pledges I get, the more accountable I will feel to all those people putting their trust in me and the more diligently I will write. I don’t think I can get the whole redraft done in six weeks, not with conventions taking up four of the weekends, but I aim to get enough momentum on it that I can finish it by the end of August.

So anything you can spare to help–$5, $10–is greatly appreciated. Plus, if you follow me, you'll get to see excerpts of what I'm writing during the six week period. When I remember to post them. :)

(And P.S., you don't have to be a Clarion alum to join the Write-A-Thon and help raise money! You can just be a writer who might want to go someday, or just wants to help a foundation for a good cause.)