These Stories Deserve to Be Written.
Will You Help?
Right now, three writers are waiting to share stories that could change lives.
But they need your help.
Their books explore queer self-discovery, healing from abuse, breaking free from fundamentalism, confronting the wrongs of the past, and thriving in marginalized communities.
These stories matter.
But without financial support, they may never be written.
I spent all of 2024 planning the Underrepresented Writers Scholarship with my DEI coach and I’m thrilled to have awarded it to an amazing writer.
But there are three scholarship finalists I just can’t say goodbye to.
Now, more than ever, I’m determined to help them write their books. That’s why I need your help raising $14,000 so they can join the Rooted Writers Mentorship.
Yup. For $0.27 less than the price of a Grande Vanilla Latte, you can help a writer tell the story that someone, somewhere, desperately needs to hear.
If everyone who receives an email about this fundraiser gives just $5.18, we’ll raise the full $14,000 needed to support all three writers.
How bout a round of applause for the power of community, eh?
For Just $5.18
You Can Help Fund a Life-Changing Book
This is the part where I should tell you all about these writers.
But can I be honest?
I used to be a missionary and had to raise my own income. (I’m now an eXvangelical.) One thing I refuse to do again is use people as marketing material. It’s feel exploitative and just…gross.
So I’m not going to divulge all the juicy details.
Here’s what I want you to know about these folks:
I can’t stop thinking about them (or their stories).
These Writers Are Incredible.
Two are BIPOC
Two have a disability
Two are neurodivergent
Two are LGBTQIA+
And their books?
They’re about resilience, justice, identity, and truth.
One writer is crafting a novel about breaking free from fundamentalism while living with hidden disability, a story they desperately needed growing up.
“My story is so much a part of me. I write to allow others to see disabilities the way I do. To understand that just because someone is disabled it doesn’t mean they’re unable.”
Another is writing about a magical Black community and the power of redemption, themes they desperately want to see more often in fiction.
“I’m driven by the need for more fiction with non-stereotypical Black characters who fight injustice and thrive in the world. I hope those who read my work feel seen, or learn to see Black people in all their struggles and triumphs.”
A third is working on a novel that tackles the dangers of fascism and colonialism, showing that, no matter what we have believed, we can believe something new.
“The bravest, hardest thing one can do is to defy their upbringing and choose for themselves what is fair and what is foul. This an opportune time to wax YA about how corrupt the elite was and is… and how the will of ordinary folks is the most difficult yet most effective resistance.”
We find ourselves in unprecedented times
but you can support a writer &
help change the world through story.
4,231 book titles were banned in the United States in 2024.
That’s a 157% increase from 2022.
Here’s 1% of the books banned in 2024.
Why are so many books being banned?
Because stories are dangerous.
Stories are dangerous to those who want to oppress, silence, and erase the people who are different from them. They’re dangerous to those who want to prosper from the exploitation of others. And they’re dangerous to those who are convinced our best days are behind us.
Story is a secret weapon against hatred, fear, and oppression.
It has the power to change the world, because our brains are wired to respond to it. When we read a story, we live it.
To our brains, it’s as though we’ve been the protagonist.
That’s why we need more stories from the people who are being oppressed, gatekept, and silenced.
Even more, stories help us see ourselves.
When the world tells us it’s not okay to be trans or Black or on SSRIs, stories help us know we’re okay, just as we are.
We’ve done the math & we’re spreading the word.
You’re here because you got an email from me or one of my trusted friends.
If everyone who visits this page gives just $5.18, we’ll raise enough to support all three writers and their secret weapons, their books.
Allow me to introduce myself
Hi, I'm Dani Abernathy.
I’m a book coach and Enneagram teacher who helps deep thinkers and feelers write the stories they need to tell so their readers can feel seen and can see others.
Story has changed me.
It’s given me the context to understand people I was afraid of, the courage to confront myself, and the drive to see the world made better.
That’s why I want more books in the world that show the vast expanse of human existence—how we are all the same and different and wonderful—because story is the best way to dismantle hatred, soften fear, and build compassion.
I’m so committed to seeing more stories like this in the world that I designate 10% of my revenue to financial aid for historically marginalized writers.
I’m on a mission to help underrepresented people write the stories they need to tell, and you can help.
The Goal
Raise $14,000 by March 31.
You can make a huge impact with a donation as small as $5.18.
The Impact
Welcome three underrepresented writers into the Rooted Writers Mentorship.
The Rooted Writers Mentorship:
The Difference Your Donation Makes
The Rooted Writers Mentorship isn’t just another writing program—it’s a transformative space where diverse writers receive the support, education, and community they need to finish their novels.
Unlike traditional programs that focus on speed, this mentorship helps writers go deep—ensuring their books are powerful, meaningful, and truly ready to make an impact.
Your donation ensures that these writers receive:
Expert mentorship to strengthen their manuscripts
Developmental editing to refine their storytelling
A supportive community of like-minded writers who believe in their work
These writers deserve the Rooted Writers Mentorship & the world deserves their stories.
Real talk time.
There’s no way all 2,700 of my email subscribers are going to give (though I’d love to be proven wrong). If you’re happy to 2x or 3x your gift or even turn it into a monthly donation, please do.
My little heart will be forever grateful.
How much would you like to give?
Funds Needed for One Writer
Funds Needed for Three Writers
Time Left to Support a Writer
These writers are ready.
Their books are waiting to be written.
All they need is your support.
Will you be part of their journey?
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you don’t hit the goal?
All money raised will go toward these three writers. When we’ve raised $4,666, one writer will join the Rooted Writers Mentorship. At $9,333, another will join, until we reach $14,000 and welcome the third.
What if you raise more than the goal?
What a lovely problem to have! Any money raised over $14,000 will go to support these writers. Depending on how much is raised, they’ll get a second year in the Mentorship, one-on-one coaching calls, or manuscript evaluations.