There’s a lot of heavy stuff going on in the world. It’s part of why I spend such a huge amount of time fleeing into the fantasy realm with a book, a movie, or with my own writing. But last month I heard about an opportunity to help a good cause WHILE fleeing into that fantasy world: #Scrivathon16 on Saturday, November 12, 2016.

A 24-hour word sprint, #Scrivathon16 will raise money and awareness for Syria Relief, a registered UK charity whose aim is simply to ‘relieve the suffering and support the future.’ It has a solid network of committed management and logistics staff on the ground inside Syria—currently numbering at around 1,600—which means they can deliver humanitarian aid in all areas, including the hard-to-reach rural and some besieged areas. In the short space of time since its inception, Syria Relief has established its reputation as a trusted and efficient humanitarian aid agency on the ground, with a track record of the highest level of transparency and feedback.

If the images of children being pulled from the rubble have touched you the way they’ve touched me, perhaps you’ll consider joining #Scrivathon16, donating to Syria Relief through the #Scrivathon16 JustGiving page, and entering to win one of the oodles of raffle prizes A.Y. Chao has put together for this event. You can even win one of several query/critique packages from authors at The Winged Pen:

ENTER HERE with code “Winged Pen Query & 1st Page” for a chance to win one of TWO query and first page critique from The Winged Pen’s contributors

ENTER HERE with code “WP 1st Page Crit” for a chance to win one of FIVE first page crits from one of Laurel Decher, Gita Trelease, Halli Gomez, Jessica Vitalis, and Kristi Wientge

ENTER HERE with code “Winged Pen Query & 1st Page” for a chance to win one of TWO query and first page critique, from either Gabrielle Byrne or from Julie Artz.

Check here for even more amazing raffle prizes!

BONUS BONUS BONUS!!!

Because the world needs a little extra love this week, The Winged Pen will be matching Syria Relief donations made Saturday through our Winged Pen #Scrivathon16 page (up to $500). So consider making a donation.

BONUS BONUS BONUS!!!

Don’t forget to join us on Twitter on November 12 for 24-hours of word sprints, camaraderie, and writing for a most worthy cause.