What is Pants on Fire?

Four years ago on Valentine's Day my life turned upside down when I found out that the man I was planning to marry was a completely different person...down to the fake accent he used. (Yes, really.) To find out more about that, check out the video posted on this campaign or my blog www.pantsonfiretour.com.

Four years later, I am sitting in New Zealand, at the very start of this journey in which I am following the path of this story around the world. Pants on Fire is the name of the blog I am keeping along the way & the working title of the book I am writing. 

Only half of this story has happened. You are watching details of the rest of the story unfold on the blog, and supporting the writing process of the book manuscript. 

Who am I?

My name is Jennifer Casale. I have an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona. I am an optimist. I am a poet. I am an entrepreneur and an environmentalist. I am a hard worker & for the next seven and a half months, writing this story is my job. 

What will you be using this money for? 

I have been working two and three full time jobs for most of the past year. I have purchased the plane tickets, visas and immunizations. It was important to me to get this far before asking for any help. I knew the odds of me being able to pull this off were not great. But here I am. Day 3 into this journey. I woke up in a tent on a sheep farm in New Zealand this morning. One backpack filled with everything I will need for almost 8 months. I have already written more in the past two days than I have in the past three years. Now I just need to buy time. I need to be able to get a cup of coffee and sit and write all day. I need to buy bus and train tickets in each city. I need to sleep in safe hostels. This is a low budget project. 

Best and Worst Case Scenarios:

If I don't meet the goal, I will still figure out some way to survive. I will work odd jobs. I will find a way. I am determined to write this book and send this story out into the world. 

If I meet the goal, I will be able to focus on my job....and I will happy cry. A lot. 

If I exceed the goal, I will first pass out, and then upon waking, make sure any money I don't absolutely need goes towards doing things along the way to make people smile....and those stories will end up on the blog and some of them will surely end up in the book....and you will have been responsible for making all of that happen. I believe we each have a tremendous power to influence and change each other's lives with the smallest gestures. It could be buying toys for an orphanage, paying for a child's schooling, buying groceries for someone, buying medicine, returning a small kindness to someone who showed me kindness without ever expecting a thing in return...whatever is needed, and whatever will make someone smile and feel hope. 

The Impact

I believe it is my job to tell this story and write this book. Even though the details of what happened and why I am here are unique and strange, I believe there is a universal message of love, hope, survival and truth that can be understood and felt by everyone. 

If Harper Collins emailed me tomorrow and offered me a book deal, that would be great, but the chances of that happening are about as good as me winning the Tennessee Jackpot all the way from the other side of the world. It is so difficult for new musicians and writers to get deals. In a way, that is sad, but the most determined artists still find a way to produce their work. I love sites like Indie Gogo that allow art to be nurtured and supported by individuals who believe in the project during the creation stage. I believe there is something so much more authentic about that beginning. 

Other Ways You Can Help

I know that not everyone reading this has money to contribute. I understand. Totally. You can still support this project by sharing this page and the blog (www.pantsonfiretour.com) with friends and family members. Thank you!