Writing for Relief

On a fundamental level, writing fiction is an intimate act. It's about trying to reach out and affect readers at their core; to inspire a visceral reaction, to make them consider (or reconsider) closely held beliefs. For many writers, it's also about self-expression and self-examination -- about relieving an internal tension that otherwise builds up until it can become unendurable.

So the act of writing can be a source of great relief. How awesome, then, when that relief helps others and not the author himself?

I'm absolutely thrilled that my short story "Storm Rider" has been accepted for inclusion in the Anthology House anthology intended to generate proceeds for Habitat for Humanity. The point of this particular fiction project is to raise awareness of the eco-fiction genre while simultaneously raising money for a very worthy cause: efforts to rebuild in the wake of the devastating hurricanes (Harvey, Irma, and Maria) that struck Texas, Florida, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

I've been writing speculative fiction for a pretty long time. I've rarely had a chance to contribute (as a writer) to a cause as laudable as this one. ASEI Arts is leading the charge on this effort to channel eco-fiction stories in the direction of hurricane relief; I can't commend them enough on their visionary approach to "writing for relief."

Here's hoping that we'll see more projects, like this one, that focus creative energies in the direction of sorely needed humanitarian aid or environmental causes. It's a win-win. I'm certain every contributor to the ASEI Arts anthology is more than happy to forego payment in the hope that their work might generate some funds to help people desperately in need.

Writing for Relief Rocks!!!

#SFWApro