We Write the Stories of Tomorrow

Dear Writer,

Hi there! I have a weird question for you. Who encouraged your writing when you were a kid?

For me, it was a teacher named Judy Barnes. Back in 1991, Mrs. Barnes read a story I wrote in front of the whole class, and I can still feel the glow from that moment today. Her single act of encouragement changed the course of my life.

Maybe you had a similar moment? Or maybe you never got the praise you deserved? Either way, you know how priceless it is to have someone believe in you when you’re young.

Well, I’m here today to put a price on it. That price could be as low as $10.

Yep. At NaNoWriMo, we’re raising money to build a new home for young writers, and we’re funding its creation through hundreds of small donations from people like you. So far, we’ve raised $40,000—80% of our $50,000 goal.

The new Young Writers Program site will be amazing. And because we want to make sure it’s as epic as possible for our 100,000 participating students and educators—and because NaNoWriMo has taught us to never say die—we’re not letting something as measly as an end date stop us from finishing what we started. We’re extending our Stories of Tomorrow campaign until Friday, June 27.

Donating to the Young Writers Program is quick, easy, and deeply satisfying. I loved it so much, I did it twice. Once for me, and once for Judy Barnes, who gave me confidence and pride at a time in my life when both things were in short supply.

If you’ve been touched by writerly encouragement, you know how powerful it is. Please consider giving that gift to the kids and teens who take part in our free creative writing events by donating to the Young Writers Program today.

Big, wordy love,

Chris Baty
NaNoWriMo Founder