My Nonprofit Reviews
OrangeBlossom
Review for National Novel Writing Month, Berkeley, CA, USA
I have participated in NaNoWriMo, hosted by The Office of Letters and LIght for the last two years... and actually achieved my goal last year. It was a difficult task, being an at home mom with 'better' things to do with my time than sit in front of a computer and pretend to play author, but I did it-- and honestly, I think I did a pretty good job! While I did receive support from friends and family, the set up and organization of the program was really what helped me to get through. Motivational emails from recognized authors, reference help, bar graphs to help chart my progress-- all of it helped to push me through, especially on those days when nothing went right and I needed to figure out how the villain was going to approach poor Charlotte but she was being so closely guarded that it seemed next to impossible...
I have completed a 60,000 word story that I am now in the process of editing. This is a goal that I've held onto since I'd been a teenager. I'm 36 years old now and have only accomplished it because of NaNoWriMo. Having someone else on the sidelines helping to keep me from getting overwhelmed, providing structure, and just reminding me that the only way to progress was to move forward made it all possible.
I am so grateful for The Office of Letters and Light and am glad that there are people out there who see the importance of nurturing the creative mind.
... and who are there to applaud a job well done at the end.
Thank you.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
that I'm feeling more confident in my abilities. The idea of doing something that I so desperately wanted to do was so overwhelming-- daunting. It's paralyzing to know what you want but don't know where to start. NaNoWriMo was exactly what I needed.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
... I wouldn't change much of anything. It did what I needed, but would be excited to see what sort of changes they could make to an already positive program.
