Drive

So, I recently participated in something really quite extraordinary.

Rich Burlew, the creator of a webcomic called the Order of the Stick had a pledge drive on KickStarter. Rich was trying to raise $57,750 so he could get some of his old books back in print.

I have enjoyed this comic quite a lot over the years, and so I decided to make a small contribution myself. I think a lot of us had the same idea, because Rich raised the money he needed within 48 hours. But he didn't quit there. He kept proposing new goals, new rewards, new plans and projects. And in 30 days, his fans ended up raising $1,254,120, or more than 20 times his original goal.



It was an amazing spectacle, watching those numbers just skyrocket up every day. But more than that, it was inspirational to see Rich keep pushing ahead. (Read the 28 updates he posted to see all the things he promised to his fans-- some of which he has already delivered.)

When I saw the first mention of his pledge drive, I was about a third of the way through writing a novel. So I decided that if I finished writing before the drive was over, I would reward myself with some fun comic books.

Thanks to this goal, and thanks to Rich's herculean example, I wrote over 55,000 words during that month, finishing the first draft of the novel on February 21st, the last day of the pledge drive.

So, thanks Rich. And thanks to lots of other people for providing their own examples of determination in the face of impossible odds, like my darling wife, who for weeks has been getting up before 4 AM and putting in 12 hour days (or more) at the hospital. You're amazing, sweetheart. Thanks for supporting me, and helping me find the motivation to see this through.

And thank you, imaginary readers. Even though I can't see you, I know you're out there doing something super awesome. Maybe you even want to hit the comment button and share your victories and triumphs.

Excelsior!

--CHISAIBU