Fundraising Tally

We set out with the goal of raising $10,000 for our charity, Every Mother Counts, this year. We are so proud of the work all of you did this year to not only meet, but surpass that goal.

$11,486 for Every Mother Counts

Even with this year being just super crazy, we still were able to pull through. This organization means so much to us as a group and we are so proud of everyone for coming together to make this incredible donation. Check out the bottom of this page to see our group on a leaderboard! We are second only to EMC in their Birth Justice in 2020 campaign this year! WOW.

Together, we can help provide critical maternal care for mothers here and all over the world.

Word Count Tally

We wrote and we wrote and we wrote this year. Even if you didn’t meet your 50k goal (absolutely, 100% a-okay, by the way. That’s a lot of words when your life is full of unexpected craziness), you contributed and you have more words than you started with. That’s all that really matters. Together, we all knocked it out of the ballpark. We even have twelve NaNoWriMo winners! That’s awesome! Way to go, winners!

1,331,814 Words Written

That is over a MILLION. In case you weren’t sure. That is just SO MANY words. I am reeling and I am so proud of us. It’s just been so cool to see that  number shoot up every week. You are a part of something bigger here, and don’t you ever forget it.

A Note From All of You

This year wouldn’t be the success it was without all of YOU.  We have an amazing team of volunteers who work tirelessly to make sure  things run smoothly for everyone and that you all get the experience you deserve. (And that’s not even counting our fearless leaders). All of the writers is what really makes the Mighty Pens tick, though. Everyone coming together to write and sprint and chat and share memes. It’s what we’re all about! So to celebrate everyone who helped the Mighty Pens  soar this year, here are a few takeaways from you!

First up, a thought from one of the incredible volunteers I mentioned. Abigail does so much behind the scenes that this year probably wouldn’t have been as much of a success without her!

Most of the volunteer work is upfront, so it was doable, and it was fun to be on both sides! I found someone who donated every 5K words and that was more motivating than I expected (in a good way). I loved meeting new writers and the community experience of Nano.  – Abigail Fair

Now on to a few messages where you might notice a theme… 👀

During such a generational event, taking the time to write a novel was the lowest of priorities. With Mighty Pens as my Nano buddy, as well as the wonderful milestone gifts my writing crew dreamt up as a secret Santa, I wrote the 50000 words needed by November 15th. Adding an opportunity to donate to worthy causes makes NaNoWriMo 2020 the best I’ve experienced.  – Sevannah Storm

This is a name you probably recognize! She has been a champion sprinter and great supporter of her fellow writers!

This year, my experience with The Mighty Pens was the most inclusive and supportive group encounter I’ve ever had. The Discord server made all the difference for me—I was able to connect to people that I otherwise wouldn’t have ever met. This group has pushed me in all the right ways to be better—at writing, at communicating, at life.  – Wildfaeriecaps

Welcome, CJ! We’re so glad you could join us this year. Hope to see you next year, too!

This was my first Mighty Pens. I expected a great fundraiser, but what I found was also an incredibly community of supportive writers. I flew through my manuscript this year and I know it was because of their support, encouragement, and good humor.  – Sarcasmlemons (C.J.)

We’re so proud, too, Alexandra! Thanks for be a part of it all.

I had a fantastic experience with NaNo and the Mighty Pens this past month! I can’t wait to do it all again next year. The Mighty Pens is a fantastic, supportive community and I’m so proud of what we all accomplished this year, both writing and fundraising!   – Alexandra (politicalmamaduck)

This brings tears to our eyes, Katie. This is why we do what we do here. We’re so happy that you were able to be a part of the Mighty Pens this year.

This is my second year on Mighty Pens but the first one that I felt like I fully tapped into the community. It has 100% been my favorite part. I didn’t quite complete my goal (life happens) but I got so much further than I was, learned many things, and I’m excited to keep working on my project. This community made me rediscover my love of writing after a hard couple of years, and between the advice, recommendations, and of course the Sprints! I grew as a writer.  – Katie

Did you notice the secret  connection? Was it maybe community? Yes, it absolutely was! NaNoWriMo and the Mighty Pens isn’t just about writing the words and fundraising (though, those are certainly huge parts of them), but it is also about finding your writing community. It is so important in this industry, whether  you write for fun or are looking to become a professional someday, to put yourself out there and find your writing community.