Doing What I Can (Patreon)

Hey all,

I wanted to start by saying thank you, as always, for your support on this Patreon. This account started as my book sales were taking a natural downturn. That was totally normal, since I hadn't released in a while. I don't know if I'd go so far as to call it a lifesaver, but it has definitely been a real boost in practical ways as well as my spirits in general.

True story: this page all started one night when I caught myself I donating to this thing and that person and thought, "Wow, I need a Patreon to feed my GoFundMe habit" and the idea finally clicked in my brain. Then I needed a book cover, and I needed plane tickets for an important thing, and computer keeps making cranky noises, and I'm sure you know the drill. Life happened.

I have, however, turned some of the Patreon bucks to supporting some GoFundMe and Ko-Fi call-outs from people in need. Some of the Patreon money has gone to commissioning work from artists who have been between gigs. Like I said, I'm not drowning, but I haven't been in a position to get ambitious with this yet.

With the latest Wandering Monsters book out the door and things fairly stable, I wanted to turn turn this to something good. I figure now is a good time to start.

RAICESTEXAS.org is a nonprofit on the front lines helping undocumented immigrants and refugees through the current nightmares being inflicted on them in the US. I strongly suggest checking them out. They've done a lot of good. So with things as they are, I figured I'd let you know I'm donating the next (July) payout--after tax withholding--to RAICES as soon as it hits my account.

If this results in supporters leaving this Patreon, I'm fine with that. I like to think readers can tell who I am from my books, though I realize that doesn't always happen for everyone.

I'll be honest: sometimes this Patreon will go to paying the bills. Sometimes it's gonna go to artwork. But sometimes, hopefully more often than not, it's going to go toward good causes and people in need. I hope everyone is on board with that, and for everyone who is, I am super grateful to you.