Quiet Keystrokes and Midnight Ramblings

Fundraising for publication of my first novel, Age / Sex / Location  continues to be a lesson in the duality of the world.  It has been the most encouraging, disappointing, elating, frustrating, humbling, ego-stroking and downright confusing venture that I've ever attempted. The amazing thing about the fundraiser is the number of people who are supportive, awed and inspired by my dreams in private... they've told me so through phone calls, instant messages, e-mails and even face to face when I've been out and about... but who also appear to want to keep their support hidden from the rest of the world. To paraphrase the sentiment, "I want to support you, and I think the concept of following your dream is amazing.    But, I want to see what everyone else does first.  Sure, I'd love to help you fund the project, but only if your fundraiser fails." I do want to add that there are some amazingly wonderful people who not only have been publicly supportive of t

Well, I've made it through the first month of fundraising for my novel, Age / Sex / Location  and the fundraising process continues to surprise me!  Through the generous backing of 8 individuals, $600 of the $5,000 I need has been raised so far and I've been told that there are more people waiting for the suspense to build a little more before adding their donation to the mix. The project has been humbling and inspiring so far; reconnecting me with old friends who are interested in what "that crazy Denise" is up to and prompting others to make steps toward realizing their dreams as well!  It is wonderful to know that whether this fundraiser is a financial success or not, there are people out there who believe in me and who take comfort in knowing that they are watching me as an encouragement in their own projects. There is still another $4,400 to raise, and my Mom has offered to get purple highlights once the fundraiser hits the goal as an incentive to anyone who&

Well, I've been working at raising funds for my first novel, Age / Sex / Location  for a few weeks now, and I've got to say... fundraising is exhausting!  There is the elating high when someone new pledges funds toward the project, the hand-wringing anxiety of wondering when (or if) anyone else will find it to be worth backing, pats on the back from friends and strangers, and the strange and tense feeling of trying to explain "why" I am even attempting such an endeavor. This portion of my journey toward a bound and readable novel has been a great and wonderful learning experience.  Not only has it opened my eyes to the continued battle of those who spend their lives raising funds for causes they believe in, but it has also warmed my soul to know that there are so many people who are willing, happy and able to help others reach their dreams. If you have gotten this far in the posting and are wondering where you can get more information on the project I'm talkin