The W.R.I.T.E. program will take students from the very beginning of creating the idea for a story to the finished product of a tangible book. “The program will take each young author through the brainstorming, creative writing, editing, formatting, illustrating, and publishing processes,” Alex said. “Each student who enrolls in the program will write, illustrate and publish his/her own book. Students will also meet with authors, artists, and editors, as well as other well-known New Orleanians to support the young, aspiring authors. At the end of the program, each student will receive two free copies of his/her book with the option to order as many as they like. Students will also have the opportunity to build business skills by selling their books online on Amazon and distributing them to local bookstores and retail stores.”
 
Students are already in the process of creating their books, which will be finished by November 1. In the meantime, Alex has set up an IndieGoGo campaign to help raise money for the program. “IndieGoGo is an online fundraising platform similar to Kickstarter. The money raised will be used for pencils, paper, markers, stencils, formatting, printing, and funding our book release party on November 1st to show them that we all love them and support their work.”
 
Alex added, “We need everyone to donate! The W.R.I.T.E. program has already had a profound effect on these students. There are lots of young people doing great things in this city, so let's take a moment to recognize them. Take a look at our community and look at the things we’re doing for our city. Reach out to us because we need help."
 
Alex has until Sunday, October 7 to raise $2,500 for W.R.I.T.E. If you would like to donate, please go to the website, and remember that every little bit counts.

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