2020 in Review (Patreon)

I could go over various things. I released four books this year, along with multiple audiobooks and various serials. Reporting on various numbers isn't really important compared to sharing some reflections that, fair warning, are overall negative. If you don't care about that and just want to have an impact on the future of this Patreon, skip to the numbers at the end.

I ended 2020 a much more cynical author than I started it. The year contained a number of experiments and I largely didn't like the results. I wanted this pen name to be the one where I followed my writing passions, but I'm now unsure if I belong in this genre.

I'm going to finish what I've started. TWC2 and TWC3 are written. TBS2 and a standalone called Blades Falling Softly will be coming out on schedule. I don't like leaving things unfinished, so you can be certain that I'll continue to move those stories forward to their conclusions. However, I'm going to be redirecting my energy in a number of ways.

This isn't the first time. I had a successful career writing romance that I eventually stepped away from to pursue work I was more passionate about. The difference, it seems, is that I had a more realistic view of the romance genre's audience. I'm not sure when/if I'll spin up something new, but for the time being expect a steady pace on the series I've begun.

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This Patreon will remain open as a place for you to support me if you want. When I'm posting chapters they'll keep to a consistent schedule, but it won't be year round. I no longer really care about reader numbers, the Patreon is more about fun rewards for people who want to see more of my work. So I wanted to talk to you as supporters about a number of potential changes and what they would be worth to you.

1) Naming Rights: First, a fun one. The idea is, at this tier you would get to name a character or sublime material. This wouldn't be creative control, since I'd have to veto anything ridiculous and make it fit the setting, but it could be a way of putting your mark on the story. Would people be interested in this if I added tier(s) for it?

2) Chapter Tier Increase: Several people have messaged me saying that I should charge more for early chapters. I don't want to create a lot of complex tiers, and I'd also feel bad raising prices on people who can only afford $1. I think this one is unlikely to happen, but please give opinions about a $2-5 tier so I have a clear picture of what people think.

3) Further Ahead Tier: Another option would be to post larger groups of chapters further ahead of time. Nothing complex, maybe dumps of ten or so chapters at once. Since I write books well ahead of what I'm currently posting, that's no obstacle, so throwing in too many tiered releases is more of a concern for me, plus whether or not people are interested.

4) AMAs or Special Posts: Some authors have success with special posts where they let people ask them questions, chat, or do other fun stuff, but I don't know. It sounds easy in theory, but I also answer pretty much any question I get asked anyway. 

5) Misc: Speak up if there's something else you'd like to see.

I believe that's all for this review. Please give opinions on the tier questions, if you have thoughts. Otherwise, have a happy new year!