This funding from the National Endowment for the Arts has been like the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.

Over the last 40 years the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities have strengthened our democracy by supporting our nation's ideals, institutions and emerging talents,

So when people go to the park this summer, they are not going to have the same quality of a visit. There is not going to be a ranger out on the trail to tell them about the important cultural and historic areas within the Olympic National Park.

Do they have an impact? Absolutely. People feel they have a 'Good Housekeeping' seal of approval, that any CD they see in a Starbucks already has the Starbucks seal of approval, and therefore they're going to like it.

What we're trying to do and focus on is really establish Walden as a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval kind of brand. If they see that name on a film, it will be instant recognition and instant trust and the knowledge that the quality of the product will be of the sort that is beyond question.

What a thrill it is to have my writing recognized by an institution as admirable and vital as the National Endowment for the Arts.