Be a part of my "novel" journey!

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read this!
My name is Rebecca Carlton, and starting August sixth I will be traveling throughout the UK until September 10th, writing and exploring. I will be putting together a book of short stories, interspersed with tales from my travels, and also hope to get a good start on a new play.  Since you are a smart person, and know what "gofundme" is all about, you have probably already guessed what is coming. 

The reality is after being a single parent for 24 years and putting my daughter through college, my savings has been depleted. For all those years, my primary focus in life as a single mother was to raise my beautiful daughter Hannah who is now a college graduate working full time and living out in the big bad world on her own.  I couldn't be prouder. (That is my spawn up there, next to me. ) I did manage during her childhood  to write and produce a few plays here in Orlando, and raised over $100,000 for Habitat for Humanity through the efforts of my production company over the years. But throughout all that, she remained my priority. Now is the time to strike out on my own, take a leap and pursue my dream of supporting myself by writing. 

I am currently employed with Disney as a scenic artist, (which I can resume when I return). It is a wonderful job, but the crazy hours and exhausting work leaves little time for writing with any sort of regularity. Unfortunately I receive no vacation pay, which makes taking care of my existing bills while I am gone problematic as well. I am hoping for sponsors for this adventure, in the tradition of artists and writers receiving financial support from patrons that has been the mainstay of the artistic community for hundreds of years. 

So, how can you help? By going on this adventure with me!  Generosity doesn't need to be measured by the *size* of the gift, only by the intent and kindness of spirit indicated by the willingness of one human being to reach out in support of another. Even a $1 contribution, given by enough people, can change the course of a life...in this case, mine, and by extension, my daughter's. (Who, by the way, has been extremely supportive of this endeavor, even though she is terrified I won't get enough funding and will be forced to sleep on a park bench in London between two hobos. I keep trying to tell her that they don't HAVE hobos in England, but so far she isn't buying it. Probably because of that damn degree in International Studies)

So, here I am, humbly asking you to help me take this leap of faith.  No matter what, I am flying out on the sixth, completely dependant on friends, family,and even the support of people I have never met and those I will befriend on my travels. At the conclusion of my adventure, I will have a rough draft of my first book, which I will self publish if the traditional route is not an option. And it will all be due to YOUR generosity.  Your donation could yield me a bed in a hostel, help pay my bills while I am away, or provide me a decent meal. Hell, if everyone is extremely generous, I might even be able to afford a pint or two! 

I am also offering as an option: If you are able to donate $100, I will name a character in one of my stories after you(or another name if you wish) and send you a copy of the book after it has been published. (In either Ebook or hard cover, depending on what is available). 

I am creating a website, which I will update often so if you should choose to donate you can keep tabs on my process, and make sure that I am not abusing your generosity with immoral shenanigans and hijinks. Each story I write will be added to the webpage as it is finished.(My writing style tends to be quirky, surreal and humorous, veering into the horror, sci-fi and fantasy genres)I will publish the link as soon as it is ready. (Do you know how tedious it is to create a website? I did not...) You may also friend me on Facebook (Rebecca A. Carlton) as I will be updating that daily , and follow me on Twitter @marymagnut. Please feel free to ask me any questions, and I thank you again for taking the time to read this.