A novella about the beauty and tragedy that is found in small town life.
Who is Eli Godbolt?
I'm a father of three, a teacher, a brother, a son, and a lover of words. And that is enough for now.
High school creative writing is my passion, and that passion gave me license to write a couple novels over the years. This novella, Small Town Glory, is pretty near and dear to me, as it deals with a town that is almost like an echo of my childhood.
What is the story?
The story is simple. Eli, a senior in high school, sees a friend of his pulled from the local river by police. He gets spooked. Rattled. Shaken to his core. Because of this, he decides to enlist the help of his friends and film a documentary around town - one that interviews the locals and their experiences with death and loss.
The novella flips between tales of loss, and Eli's own reflections on his surroundings and friends. Through this continual look at death and life, the beautiful and tragic pieces of small town existence come together through short vignette-style stories.
Where will the money go?
The 3000 dollars raised on Kickstarter would allow me to make paperback copies of the book (three kids, a dog, a cat, and a mortgage don't leave me much spare change). It would also allow me to go on small weekend "tours" through Western Washington to local bookstores where I could meet people face to face and share my love of words and language.
Thanks for your time and possible donations. I'm excited to see what we can all accomplish through this fundraiser!
~Eli Godbolt
Interested in seeing more of the novella?
Check out a free sample of the book at Smashwords or Amazon.
Original artwork by Matt Cory.
Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
The greatest risk and challenge after the project is done? Honestly, it's balancing my time between three lovely children, a full time job, and this passion of mine. But I suppose there are other, more concrete challenges to think about...
Since the novella is already complete, the real work comes in designing the best "looking" book that I can. The cover art is gorgeous (thanks Matt Cory), and the book is already properly formatted, so I'll be working hard on the "extra bits". A Dedication, further works, a sneak peak at my newest novel, etc.
The greatest challenge will be in networking with local bookstores to coordinate author events. I've never been the most outspoken person, so this is a bit outside of my comfort level. But I'm passionate about writing, books, and connecting with people through the power of words. Hopefully that passion will help to bolster my confidence when navigating the tricky road of "networking".
FAQ
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Yes. If we reach the 3000 dollar goal before the deadline, the stretch goal of 4000 dollars would ensure that EVERYONE who committed to a book would, instead of a paperback, receive a hardback book. Can we get there? Most definitely, if everyone spreads the word.
13
Backers
$698
pledged of $3,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on October 24, 2012.
Funding period
Sep 24, 2012 -
Oct 24, 2012
(30 days)
- First created · 4 backed
- Eli Godbolt 315 friends
- Website: writingthenoise.weebly...
Pledge $1 or more
3 backers
Good Karma is sent your way. Everything helps!
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $5 or more
0 backers
A digital copy (PDF or .mobi) of the novella.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $15 or more
0 backers
A physical copy of the novella, plus a digital copy if you so desire. And karma, because karma is cool. Or is it kool?
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $25 or more
6 backers
A signed physical copy of the novella, plus a digital copy. You'll also get a bookmark for being so awesome.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $50 or more
0 backers
FOR INTERNATIONAL backers only: A signed physical copy, a digital copy, a bookmark, and a personal "thank you" note from me - because I care that much about you.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $100 or more
1 backer Limited (9 of 10 left)
TWO signed books, a digital copy, a bookmark, a thank you note, and a mention on my website for being so wonderful.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $200 or more
1 backer Limited (9 of 10 left)
Everything from the $100 donation, PLUS a mention in the book dedication. Awesome, yes? Forever in print.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $400 or more
0 backers Limited (3 of 3 left)
Wow, you're amazing! You get everything above, plus I'll call you on the phone and personally thank you. I'll go one further: I'll NAME A CHARACTER after you in my next book - "From the Dark Valley". That's right.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $600 or more
0 backers Limited (3 of 3 left)
Wow, I'm blushing because you're so wonderful. You'll get everything above, PLUS I will come to your town (anywhere in Washington) and do a reading for you and your friends at a local coffee shop or some place suitable.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
There should always be a "wild donation" category, right? You'll get everything above, plus I'll compose a short book (full of vignettes/poetry) that will be delivered digitally to you and only you. Plus, I'll take you out for coffee and a good conversation when I come to visit your town (limited to Washington State).
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
