Kickstarter

For twelve years, I’ve been a high school English teacher. I’m retiring at the end of May to work as a full-time freelance writer. It's a life long dream, and I could use your help to get started.

I want to create a Short Story of the Month Club. If you pledge at least $10 to this project, you will have purchased a ten-month subscription. It's that simple.

Each month you'll receive an email with a new short story written by me, with illustrations by the artist. The stories will be available in pdf and epub formats. (Epub is an open format, compatible with many e-readers.) At the end of the year, I'll collect these stories into a single book. The project will allow me a creative outlet during this first year, which I'm sure will have its own challenges.

****UPDATE: To encourage more backers to jump on board, I've decided that even if the project doesn't get funded I will still send the June story to everyone who pledged. Free. So, just by taking a chance on me, you'll get something even if the project isn't funded and you're never billed.****

Are you new to Kickstarter? Here's a friendly reminder of Kickstarter law. "Every Kickstarter project must be fully funded before its time expires or no money changes hands." This project will not happen unless we reach the $5000 goal.

The rewards are listed to the right. -->

Let's answer some questions.

When will I receive my first short story? June 2012. The subscription will last for ten months. Ten stories, ten months, ten dollars (minimum pledge).

When will I get my book? If you pledge $25 or more, you will receive your book sometime in May 2013. I'm allowing myself an extra two months from the end of the digital subscription to get the books formatted and printed.

How long will each short story be? I'm planning for each short story to be around 3,000 to 5,000 words. Don't worry. I wouldn't dare give you a scrawny short story -- only the best for my supporters!

What will the stories be about? It's a surprise, of course. I'm guessing 80% will be literary fiction, stories about normal people stepping into extraordinary circumstances with a few twists here and there.

Will you wuss out? Nope. I've been writing for several years, and I know how to finish what I've started. Click here to see some of my published work. I've allotted enough time. I'm good here.

Tell me about the art. All the short stories will be illustrated by my very talented wife. There will be one major illustration piece per short story. Although, who knows what April will add? I'm giving her the freedom to be creative. I don't want to just send a good story; I want the overall layout and design to also be worth your time.

How are you getting the book printed? I plan to use a print-on-demand publisher (e.g., Lulu, CreateSpace). I've done some research on shipping, pricing, and overall quality. However, I'll probably wait until we get closer to the end of the subscription before I commit. Because who knows? If there's a publisher that wants this short story collection, I'm not opposed to it, but my priority is to the people who pledge.

Will you ever make these stories available for free? No. If you want to read any of these short stories, you will have to pay for them. I might include a brief sample on my blog to entice the non-subscribers, but that's it.

So, I'm basically paying you to quit teaching? No, no, no. First, I'm retiring/resigning, not quitting. To me, there's a difference. I love teaching. I did it for twelve years, but I decided it's time for a new adventure. My students, co-workers, friends, and family have all been very supportive. Second, even if this project doesn't get funded (perish the thought), I'm still going to freelance full time--but this short story project will not happen unless we reach the $5000 goal.

Are you going to do this every year? Retire from teaching? No, it's too stressful to leave the classroom. You have to pack up all your posters and textbooks. The students want to throw all these farewell parties. Even though, you know it's just an excuse for pizza... oh wait. You mean the Short Story of the Month Club. Probably not, but if the idea takes off, I might continue. That said, this Kickstarter project is a one time thing. You know, because the word is "kick-START."

Any other questions? Please contact me.

Thank you for your support.

Music for Kickstarter video from "Make It Last" by Lovie. Listen to this song and more on their official website. All Rights Reserved. Song used with permission.