Undergraduate Thesis: Limited Edition Copy

Hello All!

I hope that this message finds you well and thanks for taking the time to check out my page.

As some of you may know, I am going to be completing my BA at Bennington College this upcoming May. Concentrating in Literature and Performing Arts, I am extremely grateful for the chance to pursue higher education and continue to hone my craft. It has truly been a transformative experience, and not only that, although some of you may only know me as an actor, I have rediscovered my passion for literature and creative writing.

Since my sophomore year, I have been building up a steadfast writing practice. Mostly working in short fiction, spanning the realms of speculative fiction to the auto-fictive. The culmination of these efforts has evolved into what I now proudly refer to as my collection: "Lemon Beer Cake." Silly title, I know, but I think it has a lot of depth to offer the reader. And hopefully some laughs too!

As part of my Senior Works class, I have diligently generated new short stories, culminating in a manuscript that is nearing completion. At this current moment, I have 93 pages of polished and refined writing and intend on writing more.

My ultimate aspiration with this project has always been to bring forth a tangible representation of my creative efforts—a printed and bound copy of "Lemon Beer Cake." The envisioned collection is anticipated to be around 100-150 pages, including, forewords, praise, summaries, all that great stuff to make it look as professional as possible. There will be five to six short stories and then an adjoined novella to close the collection. I have high hopes for the project, but the more I work on it the more I realize how determined I am to bring it into the world.

Working with a local Bennington press, InkSpot Press, I am hopeful in publishing 50-100 limited edition copies. Like most things these days, this endeavor entails a large amount of money. Larger than I ever expected! Being a broke college kid, I turn to you, friends, family, loved ones, and general supporters in whatever form that takes, to seek your support in making this dream a reality.

The funds gathered through this GoFundMe campaign, alongside my personal contributions, will directly contribute to the printing and binding of the paperback book. The set goal is ambitious, yet it is reflective of my commitment to ensuring the professionalism and quality of the final product.

Collaborating with a talented Bay Area Illustrator (Natasha Jensen-Albo) for the cover design, I am dedicated to presenting "Lemon Beer Cake" in its most aesthetically pleasing form. My intention extends beyond personal fulfillment; I aspire to share this work with all those who have supported me along on this journey.

With contributions of over $100 a book will be put on preorder under your name with a signature to match!

Your generosity and support will not only help me take myself seriously as an artist but will also play a crucial role in its presence within the Bennington community. My goal is to offer copies for sale to friends, family, and loved ones, while also having the collection housed in the Bennington library and sold by our bookstore. This of course would also be a great milestone for me.

Thank you for your time and consideration in reading through this appeal. Your support, whether through a donation or by sharing this page, is deeply valued. There's no doubt about that!

With sincere gratitude,

Finbar J. LaBelle