here's the thing about SMASH: it's. it's something, that's for sure. a lot of something, really. more than i think i'll ever know how to explain in a way it deserves. the idea for SMASH has always been there in the back of my mind somewhere, in some form or another. the need to create. the urge to write. the want to find like-minded folk and give them a space to share and learn and grow. know each other. write.

think of a coal seam fire just waiting for the right time to set the forest above it alight. think of adistant hurricane waiting for a butterfly to give it permission to destroy with one beat of its wings.think of a girl with enough going on in her mind to lose control, and think of the riot she'll begin.

think of a community for writers of any kind and creed. that's what SMASH is. that's what we can turn it into. that's why i named it SMASHthegenre. throw out the idea that you can only write a certain way, that there are stories inside of you that don't belong. get rid of the notion that someone who writes horror has nothing of importance to tell a romance writer about just how scary love can be as a plot device (kill your darlings, babe).

i'm not saying that what i hope to accomplish with SMASH is something monumental or life-altering,but why shouldn't i be allowed to say i gave it a shot? if SMASH can bring even five people together on a regular basis to share their passion and give each other advice, then i can at least say i did that much.

why you can help SMASH the funds: because you want to help a small online community continue to grow. right now, SMASH has only small server fees to pay, and for now, every cent donated will be going towards maintenance fees to alleviate some of the financial responsibilities on the moderators of the forum and chat.

in the future, we would love to be able to offer more to our fellow writers in the group, through things like online gift cards for proof copies of their novels, or prizes for writing contests, and coupons for writing/publishing software. right now, such a goal is a ways away.

donations towards this fundrazr will be used solely for the benefit of the maintenance and future of the forum and chatroom that brings the members of SMASHthegenre together.