My Nonprofit Reviews
kioni
Review for National Novel Writing Month, Berkeley, CA, USA
In October of 2004, a friend of my mother's introduced me to National Novel Writing Month, organized by the Office of Letters and Light. It was my first exposure to other aspiring novelists - and I'm completely hooked! I love that anyone can ask for help unraveling a thorny plot issue, or for information and details on pretty much anything, and someone out there will know the answer.
A couple years ago a friend kept trying to plan a group fiasco for November, and I kept trying to talk him into October, instead. He finally asked, "Why can't you socialize AT ALL in November?" Very enthusiastically, I told him all about Nano. He said, "I KNOW about Nano. That's all you've talked about since JUNE. Take two hours off!"
I ... um ... didn't.
The Office of Letters and Light also organizes Script Frenzy, in April. I had never thought of scriptwriting before (actually, I'd never even SEEN a script before), but I love it! OLL offers tons of technical help, with things like formatting and advice on software. The community is friendly and supportive and, like with Nano, they know everything.
I ... um ... didn't socialze in April, either.
Friends come and go, but characters are forever.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Broadening my experience and my reference base for writing. They have put together an online climate where it's easy to learn, and encourage the exchange of ideas. Their Municipal Liasons offer encouragement, and they've pulled together some awesome, published authors to do the same.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Try to find more ways for people to contribute money when they don't have any to spare. The partnership with Good Search is a great idea, as was the book drive this past November. Wish I had some suggestions!
