What is it?

It is a stunt to raise money for Clarion West, a 501(c)(3). Various CW workshop alumni and others pledge to accomplish a certain amount of writing. Nice people then pledge a certain amount of money, should they meet that goal. Although, actually, you kind of pledge the money anyway.

I thought it started a week ago?

It did. I didn't request to be included until the workshop had already started, and it took a few days to get my page up, and then I was out of town all weekend, and then -- oh, nobody wants to hear my excuses. Anyway, I have been doing the actual writing part of it since June 17, the official start date. So I'm not as far behind as it might seem.

So, how do I sponsor you?

My page is here. Although Google theory holds that "here" is a poor link word choice. Okay, if you want to sponsor Julie McGalliard as a CW write-a-thoner, click on the link.

How much should I pledge?

I am asking Goth House readers to sponsor me in the extremely lucky amount of $13. Or, if you hate me, but like the cause, sponsor somebody else.

And why should I do this again?

Because you love writing. And writers. Even when they show up and want to sleep on your couch and drink your booze and make you take them out for sushi on their birthday.

No, really, why?

Because you love writing. Even if writers are a pain in the coccyx.

Okay, why are you doing this?

Because I believe in the cause, having benefitted from it tremendously last year. Because lots of my CW siblings are doing it, and I started to feel left out. Because I have this novel that I want to finish while I still think it's a good idea.

Are you going to be updating Goth House during this time?

There will be at least one Goth House update between now and the end of the six-week write-a-thon on July 29 -- when I announce the for-sale version of Yellow is the Color of Poison, the next Goth House collection, and the first trade paperback.

I might post progress updates to the parlour. Although I'm not sure if anyone is really interested in reading stuff like, "finally got the bank scene to flow when I started writing it in longhand immediately upon awakening as opposed to staring numbly at my computer screen the previous night."

Also, I'm really hoping to get taken out for sushi on my birthday.