«
»

NaNoWriMo Halo Giveaway - 30 Halos

by Jamie Grove on Monday, October 20th, 2008

If I told my friends that I was going to give away halos, they'd probably would wonder just who is in charge of hiring at the Pearly Gates, but those aren't the kind of halos I'm talking about. I'm talking about NaNoWriMo halos.

nano_halo.jpg
Something so wrong with this picture.

When you donate to NaNoWriMo, the good folks at the Office of Letters and Light attach a little halo to your profile on the NaNoWriMo site. The money from your donation goes to fund the servers and the staff and the offices that make NaNoWriMo possible. It also goes to helping schools participate in NaNoWriMo through the Young Writer's Program.

Well, after I made my donation, I was feeling pretty good about getting my halo and I decided to tweet about it and encourage other Wrimos to donate if they could. Not long after that message went into the Twitterverse, I received a reply that reminded me that not everyone was in a position to contribute.

It only took a second for me to realize that there was something that I could do to help: I could sponsor halos.

At first it was going to be a handful, and then the number grew to ten. Then I decided that with 30 days in November I'd donate a single halo for each day of the event. Not only that, I'd give writers a chance to tell their writing stories here on How Not To Write. After all, this website is devoted to helping people get over their own fear of writing by watching me diagram my failures. Why not take it to the next level and help people get out there and write?

How the How Not To Write NaNoWriMo Halo Giveaway Works

So here's how the NaNoWriMo Halo Giveway works:

To enter, just fill out the form below. Yes, that's about it. However, please only fill out the form if you do not believe that you can donate to NaNoWriMo this year. If you can afford to donate, please save a halo for others. [Donate to NaNoWriMo]

On October 31st (at noon EST), I'll pick 30 random people from the list of entries and submit an order for their halos to the good folks at the Office of Light and Letters.

If for some crazy reason I do not get 30 entries, I will extend the contest till the slots are filled. Oh, and please only submit one entry. Seriously.

If you are selected, I will also give you the opportunity to write a guest post on my blog. The theme of your post should be "Why I'm Entering NaNoWriMo" or something to that effect. Actually, you could write about most anything you like as long as the post concerns your personal experience with writing. Could be something fun and zany, might be something sad. Note: The guest post is entirely optional.

Help Me Help Other Writers

Please help me spread the word on this little giveaway. Feel free to forward this post on to any Wrimo you know who may need a halo boost! Thanks!!! :)

Doing NaNoWriMo? Buddy up with me!

Thanks to everyone who helped spread the word! The contest is closed!

NaNoWriMo Fun

Previous: The Journey of Discovery

Next: The Terror of Titles

In the Series: NaNoWriMo Fun

  1. Twelve Step Program for NaNoWriMo Acceptance
  2. Keep Your Laptop Charged
  3. Plan Ahead or Don't
  4. Say Hello to Your Inner Critic and Write Faster
  5. Thinking about What to Write
  6. The Journey of Discovery
  7. NaNoWriMo Halo Giveaway - 30 Halos
  8. The Terror of Titles
  9. Getting Some Fresh Air
  10. NaNoWriMo Halo Giveaway Update
  11. The Month Ahead
  12. Measuring Progress - Keeping a Log
  13. A Writing Fear and A Lot Of Rambling: A NaNoWriMo Profile
  14. Born again writer: A NaNoWriMo Profile
  15. The Best Laid Plans: A NaNoWriMo Profile
  16. How to Use Your Excuses to Fuel Your Writing: A NaNoWriMo Profile
  17. Long Live Procrastination: A NaNoWriMo Profile
  18. Fear is the Mind Killer: A NaNoWriMo Profile
  19. The Hardest 10,000 Words: A NaNoWriMo Profile
  20. The Look in Their Eyes: A NaNoWriMo Profile
  21. On Expectations and Doing the Work: A NaNoWriMo Profile
  22. NaNoParaNoia: A NaNoWriMo Profile
  23. Shut The Hell Up And Write: A Whiner's Guide and NaNoWriMo Profile
Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • TwitThis

Email This Post Email This Post

Did you like this post? Consider a Stumble

33 Responses to “NaNoWriMo Halo Giveaway - 30 Halos”

  1. Jenny Beans Says:
    October 20th, 2008 at 9:49 pm

    This is a fantastic idea! I think you have a generous heart to donate and give halos away to those who can’t afford to donate, but love NaNoWriMo anyway. I will definitely spread the word and retweet this, and I hope you don’t mind. I added you to my NaNo Buddies. :)

    Jenny Beans´s last blog post..Why Write Horror in a Horrific World and Time?

  2. Jamie Grove Says:
    October 20th, 2008 at 10:07 pm

    @Jenny Beans Thanks!!!! :)

  3. Laura Tamayo Says:
    October 20th, 2008 at 10:57 pm

    What a fabulous idea! Hopefully it will even serve to inspire a few people on the fence to finally take the plunge and join NaNoWriMo.

    Laura Tamayo´s last blog post..Provocative Paint

  4. Jamie Grove Says:
    October 20th, 2008 at 10:59 pm

    @Laura Thanks! I hope so too!

  5. Writer Dad Says:
    October 20th, 2008 at 11:01 pm

    This is awesome Jamie. I’ll tweet it again tomorrow. I’ve been totally dragging my feet on my donation. I’m totally poor right now, but I am planning to participate, and ten bucks is just thirty three cents a day. I have no excuse. I’ll have a halo on my site tomorrow. Great job, Jamie.

    Writer Dad´s last blog post..High Five!

  6. NaNoWriMo Halo Giveaway | Juiced On Writing Says:
    October 21st, 2008 at 6:45 am

    [...] Grove, on the How Not to Write blog, is giving away 30 NaNoWriMo halos to NaNo participants. Fill in the form on his blog to participate in the draw. The halos are given [...]

  7. Karen Putz Says:
    October 21st, 2008 at 6:51 am

    Jamie, you rock!

    Karen Putz´s last blog post..Working with Your IEP Team

  8. Jamie Grove Says:
    October 21st, 2008 at 7:03 am

    @WriterDad @Karen Thanks folks!!! Btw, Sean, you’re making me feel like Sally Struthers with that 30 cents a day. :)

  9. Writer Dad Says:
    October 21st, 2008 at 8:19 am

    Ha!! That’s funny.

    Writer Dad´s last blog post..The Perfection of Pixar

  10. Karen Swim Says:
    October 21st, 2008 at 8:58 am

    Jamie, the halo is perfect for you. :-) You are so generous for doing this for other writers.

    Karen Swim´s last blog post..A Verse of Hope

  11. Tom Harold Says:
    October 21st, 2008 at 9:54 am

    What a great idea! I’ve my own halo, but I admire your generosity and think that allowing people to post their own stories on your blog about their own writing lives is a great way to spread the word about NaNoWriMo. Great stuff!

  12. Sarah Sprouse Says:
    October 21st, 2008 at 2:04 pm

    That’s such a fantastic idea. I’m sure you will inspire others to take the plunge and try NaNoWriMo for the first time. I’ve donated in previous years and was even an ML for a couple of them, but the economy and my own finances are so bad that I just don’t see it happening this year. But good on you for helping others make the donation!

  13. Joi Says:
    October 21st, 2008 at 2:45 pm

    I’ve done the same for a few newbies who couldn’t afford to donate in previous years. It’s fun!

    I would LOVE to see every Wrimo with a halo, and after seeing the Office of Letters and Light this past summer, I can attest to the fact that NaNoWriMo can definately use the funds. :)

    Way to go!

  14. Liz C Says:
    October 21st, 2008 at 3:45 pm

    Love that halo!

    I’m thinking about donating some amount of $$ based on how many words I write in November. I haven’t spent any time on the NaNo forums yet — has anyone else done that?

    Liz C´s last blog post..Breaking new ground

  15. Jamie Grove Says:
    October 21st, 2008 at 3:47 pm

    @Karen Thanks so much. I hope it helps others who can/should donate give and helps other writers who want to join jump in.

    @Tom Thanks! I’m really looking forward to the guest posts from those who choose to participate in that part.

    @Sarah I’ve heard from a few who read this post already and went to make their donation, so that makes me doubly-happy. :) Thanks!

    @Joi Thanks! Your comment sums up the big picture for me so perfectly.

  16. Jamie Grove Says:
    October 21st, 2008 at 3:49 pm

    @Liz I think your idea of sponsor by the word is great! Did you know that NaNo has a sponsorship program? http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/sponsorship

    As for the forums, I’ve put up a few posts but I think I’ll get more into it when Nov rolls around. Some great talk in there though!

  17. Deb Says:
    October 21st, 2008 at 5:48 pm

    This is so fabulous. And to think, we knew you when. Sadly I have to mail mine this year so I may never get a halo but no matter. Oh well, I’m off to spread the word on my thread groups.

    Deb´s last blog post..Ohio wind storm of September 14

  18. Jamie Grove Says:
    October 21st, 2008 at 7:57 pm

    @Deb Oh, you’ll still know me later when I’m still here putting out my little posts and still dreaming about the day my book shows up in a store. Thanks for spreading the word, Deb! :)

  19. Jenny Says:
    October 22nd, 2008 at 3:49 am

    Sounds like an awesome plan!

  20. Helen of FortDoberdale Says:
    October 22nd, 2008 at 9:11 am

    I just read about you on nanowrimo’s site, which brought me here. What a generous way to help the organization and its members. Very creative! I had to add you as a buddy. Trying hard this year to get past the finish line. Good luck to you, too! Helen

  21. Jamie Grove Says:
    October 22nd, 2008 at 9:30 am

    @Jenny Thanks! Good luck this year!

    @Helen :) Thanks for buddying up. I added you back. Best of luck this year!!!

  22. Jenny Says:
    October 22nd, 2008 at 5:03 pm

    Thanks. I need it…my first time.

  23. Stacie Says:
    October 22nd, 2008 at 6:08 pm

    Hi, I just wanted to let you know that is a great way to help those who cannot afford to give, but would love to give. Some have employment issues or some might be just barely paying bills and living from paycheck to paycheck.

    Stacie

  24. Jamie Grove Says:
    October 22nd, 2008 at 9:15 pm

    @Jenny Stop in anytime! :)

    @Stacie Thanks for saying so. Best of luck to you this year!

  25. Britt Says:
    October 22nd, 2008 at 11:26 pm

    This is a really great idea. Thanks so much from everyone for doing this!

    I’m still hoping to raise a bit to put in myself. :)

  26. allisoncm Says:
    October 22nd, 2008 at 11:37 pm

    Great work.

  27. Jamie Grove Says:
    October 23rd, 2008 at 9:15 pm

    @Britt @allisoncm Thanks!!! :)

  28. Dee Stewart Says:
    October 27th, 2008 at 7:15 am

    Thanks for doing this. Found you on twitter @deegospel

    Dee Stewart´s last blog post..Brainstorming the Story Core

  29. Jamie Grove Says:
    October 27th, 2008 at 11:46 am

    @Dee Thanks for the note!!! :)

  30. Nathalie (Spacedlaw) Says:
    October 29th, 2008 at 3:00 am

    That is a lovely idea! I have the means to donate so I won’t take advantage.
    (got here following a comment you left on Kimberly’s NaNo story – she said she liked what you wrote, so that’s some recommendation for you!)
    Greetings from Rome.
    N.

    Nathalie (Spacedlaw)´s last blog post..Purr

  31. Jamie Grove Says:
    October 29th, 2008 at 9:41 am

    @Nathalie I loved Kimberly’s post abut NaNo. She’s so funny. :) Thanks for stopping by!!!

  32. Amber Stults - Book Reviewer and Author » NaNoWriMo - Inspiring Others To Give! Says:
    October 30th, 2008 at 11:13 pm

    [...] Grove of “How Not To Write” is giving away 30 halos to NaNoWriMo particpants who would like to donate but find themselves unable to do so.  If you feel you qualify, you have [...]

  33. NaNoWriMo Halo Giveaway Update Says:
    October 31st, 2008 at 12:14 pm

    [...] Alright, folks, it’s time to give away those NaNoWriMo halos! [...]

«
»