My 2013 Clarion West Write-a-thon is about other writers.
I have been very fortunate to have massive support every year I’ve participated in the Write-a-thon. So many wonderful people have sponsored me throughout the years, and in so doing have also helped support an organization I love. I am enormously grateful to you all for that, and for giving me so much motivation and encouragement to stretch.
That’s what I kept thinking about as I pondered the Write-a-thon this year: how amazing it feels when someone clicks the “Donate” button on one’s Write-a-thon page and offers money in support of a writing goal. And how much difference it really makes. There is so much fabulous work in the world now that happened in part because a writer participated in the Write-a-thon with the support of family, friends, readers, and strangers.
Consider this: Julia Sidorova worked on her novel Age of Ice in the 2011 Write-a-thon. A Clarion West board member who was impressed with one of Julia’s stories sponsored her not because they were friends, but because “It was clear to me that Julia is a very talented writer.” Julia’s novel will be published next month.
Author E.C. Myers worked on his novel Fair Coin in a Write-a-thon. The book won the 2012 Andre Norton Award for YA Science Fiction and Fantasy.
Stephanie Burgis has worked on her Kat, Incorrigible series (three released so far) during the Write-a-thon over the years.
Cassie Alexander has worked on her Edie Spence novels during the Write-a-thon; again, three released so far.
Cat Rambo has written a boatload of short stories during previous Write-a-thons, and plans to write more this year.
Vylar Kaftan‘s Nebula-nominated story “I’m Alive, I Love You, I’ll See You in Reno” was first-drafted during a Write-a-thon.
These are just a handful of the bazillion examples of writers who put the pedal down during the Write-a-thon. I speak from firsthand experience: when you put money on the table in support of a writer’s goals, it makes a difference to the writer. And here’s another secret: there is no more powerful buzz than having a stranger do it. It holds the writer’s feet to the fire and encourages her to throw her heart into the sky in a way that feels a lot like magic.
I want as many writers as possible to know that magic. So this summer, although I will be doing my own writing — and am madly excited about it, oh my, so many things bubbling up! — I ask you this year to support me by picking another writer to support. Or two. Or as many as you like. It will be a gift to them, a gift to Clarion West, and a gift to me: a chance for me to spread some of the exhilaration and determination that you have all given me so many times.
There are, as of this post, nearly 250 writers signed up from all over the world. Check them out. Find a familiar name or a new one; an established writer or an emerging one. Give that person the gift of your support.
On my Write-a-thon page, you’ll find a dozen writers whose work I hope you’ll pay particular attention to. Tell them I sent you, and that you expect great things from them this summer:
Karina Melendez
Jill Seidenstein
Alison Gresik
Rochita Loenen-Ruiz
Cassie Alexander
Jocelyn Paige Kelly
Michael R. Underwood
Dominica Phetteplace
Caren Gussoff
Erik Owomoyela
Neile Graham
Les Howle
They are all passionate and committed, and any of them will benefit from your support. And who knows what marvelous poems, stories, translations, novels, screenplays, or essays will result from their summer? Who knows what kind of magic might happen?
My deepest thanks to all of you who choose to support the Write-a-thon. And my very best to all the brave, fierce writers who participate!