My Nonprofit Reviews
Rita
Review for National Novel Writing Month, Berkeley, CA, USA
I came across the Office of Letters and Light when some online friends took up November's National Novel Writing Challenge ... they'd been doing it for a couple of years. A pair of rivals (who were actually mother and 15-year-old-daughter) set up a word war, and it was rivetting - who knew novelling could be a spectator sport? Their efforts sparked creativity in the onlookers, and several of us have gone on to join in the madness. Since then, as a participant, a donor and an education worker, I've become more and more aware of how much OLL programs are doing to foster a love of writing in every age group, from primary school children to first-time novellists in their 60s. OLL go from strength to strength, improving and expanding services to literacy and literature with an efficiency and zest that keeps pace with rapidly rising levels of (now international) participation.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The experience has been indescribably enriching. Vital peptalks from dedicated OLL staff and some of the best writers in the business have taught me to build a novel; the sense of achievement is monumental. Each one has been a journey of discovery and betterment. Are the results publishable? For me it's not the main goal, but a friend's NaNo novel is now being published - and she's finalising the sequel. She was always a fine writer, but the confidence inspired by OLL's project made the difference.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Increase its donor base.
