When Fans Help Writers

About two weeks ago, I opened my first Patreon account, and so far, I have received some amazingly touching messages and pledges.

I never realized readers were keeping so close to what I was doing, and I suppose, after so many years of working on my craft, I shouldn't be so hard on myself.

But I know I have so much more room to grow! And I want to grow--for my readers. Growth is a painful process, and a very time-consuming process, but I have taken some significant risks these last couple years to really push myself. Including sacrifices that would take a whole other post to even touch on.

Until now, I have never considered opening a Patreon account. It was only when a couple readers brought it up over the course of a week that I gave in. No Patreon suggestion was related to the other. No one was responding to the initial idea from someone else. It was just several honest, interested readers who want to support my books, because they enjoy them.

Joshua and I spend all our time and what money we can in creating the best books we can, all from home, while raising our goblins(*ahem* kids). And I'm going to be honest; though we have reached bestseller status on Amazon and have won international awards with our books, we don't "make bank." But, with all the other sites and projects we're running, we're managing, and this is why we've never considered opening up for help from readers. But I've found that some readers just want to be a part of something they love.

What does this mean for me? Whatever money comes from pledges, goes straight to the editors and artists of Jaydür and my other works. That's the biggest support I can ever ask for! This is literally fans adding to the pot for the most effort possible in bringing these books to life. And believe me when I tell you, artists and editors have been constantly working on my stuff for about two months now.

So, here we are. Patreon is open for anyone who wants to be part of the growth of the many books coming this year. There are rewards, all of which can be seen on my Patreon page.

L.F. OAKE'S PATREON PAGE

Check it all out, and let me know what more *I* can offer you--my readers-- on Patreon, and wherever else you may be.