Part of the mission of The Externalist is to combine literature with activism and philanthropy. In accordance with that mission, I have volunteered to participate in Dzanc Books’ Write-a-Thon, a fundraiser to help them continue their activities for writers, literary journals, and communities. Dzanc Books hosts the most exciting Fellowship for writers that I’ve ever seen, so it was really an easy decision to spend a day writing for their cause. Not so easy is asking for money during a time of economic hardship, a hardship that’s hit a little too close to home for me.
Still, I know of no other organization besides Dzanc Books that combines a literary fellowship program with a community service requirement, so I’ll go out on a limb and ask folks to consider going to their web site before November 15th and donating a few dollars as a sponsor (for me or for your other favorite participant). Thus far, I’ve gathered $200 in flat-rate sponsorships. It’s also possible to make a per-word or per-page pledge. If that interests you, my goal for the day is 2,000 words (approx. 8 pages). I’m also offering to email the results (in .pdf format) of the day’s work to any sponsor who wants it–just send me an email requesting such (editor@theexternalist.com).
I’m happy that The Externalist has been able to provide eleven issues of quality, socially significant writing over the course of two years without charging anyone a dime or accepting a single donation, but I’d be thrilled if a few readers felt inclined to donate to another exceptional and worthy organization on our behalf. 