in the middle of march i’m going on a two-month-long roadtrip around the united states. i’ll be staying with friends and seeing some sights and writing, writing, writing. what i want to do is write a book about the trip and try to get it published. i’ve always wanted to make a living as a writer, and i’ve been wanting to take this trip for a long time, so i’m combining those two things into a writing/roadtrip extravaganza. i don’t use the word “extravaganza” too often, so you know i’m serious.

i’m telling you all this because i need your help. i’m trying to raise money for this trip, so i’m asking you to make a contribution. any amount you send me will be appreciated, but i’ve also got some rewards to give out:

1. the first twenty people who contribute $50 or more will receive a free signed copy of my book. if the book isn’t accepted by any publishers, i’ll self-publish with lulu and send you that. thank you, first twenty people!

2. if you contribute $20-49 (or if you send me $50 or more and you’re not one of the first twenty people), i’ll send you a postcard from the trip.

3. if you contribute up to $19, i’ll publish your name and link on my list of sponsors (or not, if you’d prefer to remain anonymous).

the proceeds from all the jewelry i sell on i like beads from now until march will go towards my trip as well. if you’d rather order something than make an outright contribution, please feel free to do so.

i’ve been writing on bluishorange for almost seven years, and starting this website is the best thing i’ve ever done in my life. from time to time i’ve considered selling advertising on it, but i’ve never done it, and i don’t think i ever will. advertising isn’t the way i want to earn money as a writer; i’d rather see my name on the spine of a book. if you’d like, you can consider your contribution as a way to thank me for not making your eyes bleed from looking at banner ads.

but any way you want to view your contribution would be fine with me. this roadtrip has been a dream of mine for quite some time. if you can help me make it happen, i’ll be very grateful.

love,
alison

p.s. if you’d rather send me a check, just e-mail me and we’ll work it out.