The Dream Foundation

One of the things I've always wanted to do if I became an extremely successful author (well, I'm halfway there) is to set up my own non-profit foundation devoted to giving people the opportunity to pursue their dreams without stumbling over so many day to day hurdles. Similar, in a way, to the old-style artistic patrons that used to support artists so they could concentrate on their art.

I'd especially like to open it up to people who need a second chance for some reason...those who have taken a misstep in their past and are now struggling all the more trying to make up for it. Ex-cons, single mothers, people with emotional and mental disorders that make ordinary employment a constant struggle.

I'm not sure exactly what the foundation would do...maybe help with housing, or childcare, or materials, or maybe by providing other basic services--something to take some of the burden of everyday living off the artist. Ideally I'd like the foundation to be dedicated to providing them with a way to make money from their art. Whatever it might be.

I first thought of this when I was younger, listening to all the nay-sayers who told me that my dream of being an author was just that, a pipe-dream. I felt as though I had to struggle not only to perfect my craft, but fight against all those who tried to tell me it was an impossibility. On top of earning a living and carving out the time to write.

I can only imagine how difficult it might be for those who have had an even rougher time of it than I have. My own anxiety issues has made some things more of a challenge than they might be for others, but at least I didn't end up in prison, or tied for years in an abusive relationship.

I believe that those who are encouraged to pursue their dreams live happier, more productive lives, and this sort of thing spreads outward. People who receive emotional support are more supportive of others. And sometimes, as difficult as it may be to admit it, sometimes financial support can go a long way toward giving people affirmation.

It's a strange dream, I'll admit. Probably even less likely than my original dream of making a name for myself writing uniquely imagined fantasy novels. But, in the long run, it might end up being generally more worthwhile and fulfilling.

Not to say that writing and getting published isn't fulfilling. I just think I'd like to do more in the long run.

who are happier and more productive because they were encouraged to live out their dreams.

One is a doctor, and one is a musician. Both are women, and one is gay. It is not that easy to pursue medicine as a female. And of course, being gay can present its own obstacles in this country, no matter what the dream or profession.

I think both of those people would have been much diminished if they had not been supported and encouraged to live out their dreams.

Just curious. But I like your dream. I've always had a very similar dream, if I won the lottery or something. Giving hard working people a chance at something they wouldn't get a chance normally because of their poverty or crappy circumstances in life. We will have to do this.

As far as I'm concerned, that's halfway there. :D

I've seen too many people dragged down by circumstances beyond their control... I'd like to give those people a chance they wouldn't ordinarily have.

I watched a MSNBC program on homeless young people on the Los Angeles streets last night. Many were on drugs. One heroine addict, who appeared to be in his mid-twenties, was shown playing a piano in a hotel lobby. He played beautifully, but kept stopping in frustration because he had been unable to practice consistently for some time. He spoke of looking for work and of not being able to hold a job, saying that the only job he had ever loved was giving piano lessons. It was heart-breaking to see this clearly talented young man blocked by drugs and circumstances from being able to do what he obviously loved. I nominate him as a potential recipient for your foundation's care-taking.

We in the United States need to start taking care of each other, helping everyone to fulfill their potentials and their dreams. I am so glad that you were able to fulfill your dream of writing. Why not write more about how you found your passion and carried it out. Such stories can give others hope and impel them to keep on trying for their dreams as well. Until you get all the money you need for your foundation from your writing success, why not give away hope to others by telling your story?

I'll have to think about that.

Something I'd also like to do is to share my love of the language...I wish I could teach, but, though I certainly have the skills and talent to teach English, I can't seem to pass simple algebra...which means a standard Associates degree remains beyond my reach. Frustrating.

The irony is that I could teach ESL anywhere in the world except here...except maybe on a volunteer basis. If I was a tad more successful, I could support myself writing and teach English as a volunteer.

Let's hope they both come true.

http://www.dreamfoundation.nl/
A Dutch organisation devoted to the same goals.

BTW, I think your dream is beautiful.
Just curious, is your sign aquarius? ;-)

I'm a quintuple Virgo. Virgo Sun, Moon, Rising, and my first two Houses as well.

Why am I not surprised that the Dutch have a foundation like that? Good people, from what my wife says. She lived across the border in Germany for 8 years...She really liked the Dutch.

the name of your book?

is "Loki's Sin."

The second is "Of Man and Monster."

The third, "Freak City," is coming out in December.

My fourth novel, "Sword and Shadow," the first in a new series by another publisher, comes out on January 8th.

You can learn all about them by going to http://www.sajewilliams.com

I have to admit, I've never read any SciFi. Can't seem to understand it. I am an avid reader though and you, my friend, might be my first purchase ever of SciFi. Makes me feel like I have a personal stake in your success so your dream can come to fruition! Hope the site tells me where to purchase book #1. If not, lead me to it son.

ps: If I can't understand what I'm reading it will be due to my denseness and I will be pm-ing you for explanation K?

Or just e-mail me from the site. :D



My stuff mixes paranormal stuff like vampires and werewolves with bio-technology and magic...all with a contemporary setting. Well, THIS series anyway. I don't get too technical because I like to focus on the characters rather than jargon.

Just click on the Loki's Sin book cover at the bottom of the front page of my site and it should take you to the ordering page on my publisher's website.

Of Man and Monster. I think I will like it because I read a ton of true crime. The detective thing got me! :thumbsup:

I hope you like it. Let me know what you think when you've read it.

:)

It is a noble and worthy goal and one I used to share more fervently. But I still respect those who have not given up. Do you know about this?

http://www.pen.org/page.php/prmID/152

Whatever avenue/venue you chose, it can't be wrong.