I've been participating in Nanowrimo since 2009 when I moved to The Netherlands.  A lonely American looking for friends, I ventured out for the "kick-off" party.  I was unprepared to cavort with these Dutch writers so the beginning started off bad.  By the end, we were chatting, exchanging email addresses, and comparing writing styles.  I found a place of community and solidarity through this fabulous one month contest.  Now I would like to extend myself further by sharing my work with a bigger community.  I would like to see if I have the chops to write.  To see if I have good storytelling abilities via the written word.  It's one thing to write for yourself.  I find it liberating.  I want to grow and learn.  I hope you will take a look at my work and honestly say where I need to work harder but also how I am doing overall.