• First, sign up to write! Fill out as many of the fields as you can. It's especially important to include a bio and excerpts. A link to your website and/or personal blog helps, too. Your name and a link to your new writer's page will appear automatically on the Browse Writers page of the Write-a-Thon site.
• Be sure to upload a recent photo of yourself. A .jpg that is a maximum of 200 pixels in width is ideal. But our software can resize it for you if necessary.
• Post frequent updates everywhere. Refresh your Write-a-Thon writer's page often with new excerpts. Post writing progress reports on your personal website, your blog, your Facebook page, and your Twitter feed. Make sure all of your efforts link to your Clarion Write-a-Thon writer's page.
• Line up your sponsors. Contact friends, family and fans to let them know you're raising money for Clarion while nurturing your writing life. Your writer page comes complete with personalized donation buttons to make it easy for your supporters. Feel awkward about asking? Here's a model letter to use as a starting point.
• Participate as both a Writer and a Sponsor. When you support others, they'll support you in return.
• Join a team and get a mentor. Once you have $20 in donations, you'll have the option of joining a small group of eight Write-a-Thon writers. Each group is mentored by a Clarion Workshop instructor or graduate, ready and waiting with advice and encouragement. To join a team, wait for your emailed invitation, or write to treasurer@theclarionfoundation.org.
• Get Write-a-Thon badges for your blog and your website.
• Remember, there are prizes! We're giving away iTunes, Amazon, or B&N gift cards to our top earners, along with Write-a-Thon keepsakes. And each writer who brings in $250 or more gets a free story critique from a Clarion author!
• You can also earn Write-a-Thon merit badges. You can begin writing any time. But beginning on the June 24, the official start of the Write-a-Thon, we have a special treat for you. On your Write-a-Thon writer's page, you'll see a grid with a question mark in each square. You can earn a maximum of one merit point every 24 hours by clicking the "I WROTE TODAY" button that will soon appear near the grid. As your merit point total passes certain milestones, merit badges will appear in your grid. We're keeping the formula secret, so you never know when a badge will appear or what it will be. It's all part of the motivational fun. We're also trusting you to be honest. Only click the button if you really did some writing!
• Sign up for the Clarion E-bulletin mailing list. It's the best way to keep up with the latest Write-a-Thon news.

Make a general donation now, or browse our list of participants to make a pledge or donation in support of your favorite Write-a-Thon writer.

Browse the writer's list
Make one donation for multiple writers
Tips for Write-a-Thon sponsors

Register now, set your goals, and line up support. Bringing in $20 or more qualifies you to participate in a team of 8 writers mentored by a Clarion Workshop instructor or graduate -- completely optional.

Register now!
Tips for Write-a-Thon writers

Sharpen the pencils, keep the coffee hot, and be ready with a word of encouragement. Learn how to support your favorite Write-a-Thon writers as they strive to reach their goals.

Write-a-Thon writers, update your progress bar, see who's supporting you, and keep your official Write-a-Thon page current with new publications and recent excerpts.

View your writer profile