It's that time of year again. Clarion West and Clarion San Diego are in full swing and dozens of laptops and computers are aflame as writers donate their writing to raise money for Clarion West.

It's not hyperbole when I tell you Clarion West changed my entire life for the better. Most importantly, it made me a much better writer.

Clarion West is a non-profit organization, surviving (for twenty-seven consecutive years now) primarily from donations and fund-raising efforts--tuition pays for a very small portion of the costs associated with such a venture. I hope you'll find the time to check out the Write-a-thon page, linger over the participants at the bottom of the page, and even find someone you'd like to sponsor. No amount is too little. Don't feel embarrassed about giving up your latte for one day and donating the cost of your caffeinated yumminess; the $4 donated to Clarion West will go further--guaranteed. For one thing, Amazon is offering Clarion West a matching grant up to 25k this year, but only on funds collected into October. For another, you'll be able to brag to friends, neighbors, family, and the Klingon-speaking hottie hanging in the dealer's room at your favorite con that you helped support the wonderful, talented alumni we'll be seeing in print in the future. It's a multi-faceted investment :D.

And yes, I am participating in the Write-a-thon this year. I'm writing two new short stories and rewriting one story and sending it out into the cold, cruel world. I'm currently in the middle of one short story and rewrites. I'll let you know how it goes.