First, let me apologize for the tardiness of this update. Second, apologies for the generic update, because this is going out to several campaigns.
That said…when last we met, I was trying to get over (another) health problem and trying to clear my office out so I could order another batch of books in for the followers of my Bear campaign. I was also wrapping up the updates on my Colbana files so I could start on formatting and adding the art, and working with the artist for the Preterns.
There is a fourth campaign, but I will be honest—I want to finish my Bear campaign before I start ordering in the pins for Pintopia. I still hope to complete shipping by early 2027, but I need to complete the Bear campaign first.
Bear/Kit/Preterns
As referenced in an earlier update, I’m limited on space – when I first started this campaign, that wasn’t the case. Middle Kid had recently graduated and moved out. Last summer, a friend of Youngest’s moved in. Then, early this year, my niece’s housing situation dissolved and now she’s living with us. Even the space I once had is gone, so I have to clear out in batches.
I still need to order the next round, which I should have already done.
This is where I owe another apology.
May is historically a terrible month for me as far as my depression goes due to the loss of my brother some years back. This year, I decided to do something rather than wait for the monthly slump. We vended at a ren faire, something I’ve wanted to do for years. It did help.
But it left me exhausted and my health problems have flared up. I’d get home Sunday, sleep most of Monday and have little energy or focus for work or anything else until Wednesday, at which point I’d have to drill down and focus on the next week’s faire and freelance work.
In addition, there are some family issues going on behind the scenes that are taking a lot out of me. Those are mostly resolved, but it's divided my attention more than I care to admit.
Unfortunately, this means I’ve let other things fall behind.
That includes backers of my campaigns and I apologize.
Bear
I’m planning on getting the next round of books in the mail within the next two-three weeks and the next batch of books ordered.
I’ll be getting another couple of rounds of orders sent out within the next month.
Colbana Files
I’m done with the revisions/bonus chapters and am going to be working on the formatting and adding the art in.
That will take several weeks to a couple of months, depending on if I need to commission any more art. The need for more art will depend on how everything flows with the formatting. I’ll use art to fill in the blank pages.
Preterns
I’m still working on book 3. My artist for the other books has offered to help handle the art since the artist I’d previously hired just didn’t quite meet my expectations, but that does mean more art going to one person. I’ll have an update here as soon as I’m able.
ABCs of Romance Pins
I hope to have a better idea of when I’ll be able to tackle this one once I’ve cleared my plate a little.
Long story short
I overloaded myself and I shouldn’t have. I apologize and I appreciate your patience.
The first mailing that went out was one that included:
trade paperbacks with painted edges & no or few add-ons
add-ons only, bookmarks, stickers, etc but NOT the ones that included the cross collab or printopia bonus
The next mailing will include
trade paperbacks with painted edges & add-ons
non-book orders that include the cross collab or printopia bonus
It's taking me a little more time than I planned because I ended up sicker than expected.
See, I got better.
Then my guy brought something home from work.
And since spouses are supposed to share, he shared. I wish he hadn't.
I had to take a break for several weeks because unfortunately, this crap set my asthma off.
I finally broke down and went to the doctor (again) and they put me on steroids, breathing treatments and antibiotics because YAY, for me, I didn't throw it off in a few days like the guy and everybody else. It settled in my lungs and gave me bronchitis, a lovely asthma exacerbation. On top of that? I have a sinus infection, too.
I couldn't do any edge painting until my asthma flare-up leveled out and i didn't want to hack and wheeze on anybody's books.
So. I'll resume packing and mailing here in a day or two.
Free eBook Bonus - Please Read. Cards being charged for shipping next week!
Just a couple of things...
As I mentioned last update, the trade paperbacks are in. I have to start working on painting the edges but once that's done, I'll start working on packing up books and boxes.
Cards will be charged for shipping next week.
I've already sent the final notice through locking your addresses. If you've moved, please update your address.
Pack Queen - Bonus eBook
My collab partner offered a bonus ebook during the campaign. To download it, go here. Please don't share the link.
For the Pin Lovers!!
I'm part of Pintopia this year. Some of you have backed the campaign, but we're down the final week. As former backers, you have access to both a special edition pin and discounted tiers.
Everybody who backs or maintains their pledge during this final week will get a free bonus pin!
Additionally, my artist is creating a unique design that will be used for a pin exclusive to my returning backers and it is only $5! The design is still in progress, but the idea will be something like this.
It's a great time to back if you haven't already done so!
Discounted Tiers for Returning Backers
Thirteen Ways I Love You - All the Pins + Free Shipping
The trade paperbacks are in! Charging cards for shipping soon.
The trade paperbacks are in. Just a reminder, as mentioned in the previous update, I have to order the books in batches due to space constraints. Once I get the majority of the trade paperbacks shipped out, I'll place the order for the hardbacks.
What's Next
The trade paperbacks came in yesterday and looked good at a glance but I need to look through them more thoroughly. As long as everything looks good, I'll start working on painting the edges for those who ordered sprayed edges.
Time to Charge for Shipping
I'm going to be locking addresses and hitting the button to process shipping charges shorting.
If you've moved since this campaign ended, it's a good time to update your addresses! Just a reminder, I'm not responsible for lost packages due to inaccurate addresses, so...please check your addresses!
Are You a Bookworm?
And are you a romance lover? Do you like cute enamel pins?
If so, check out my campaign, part of this year's pintopia. As a previous backer, you have access to discounted tiers.
And it's a game where nobody loses...unless you just don't play.
There will be a series of questions and as long as you participate in 80% of the questions, you'll get a prize, a little symbol of Ivy's heritage, to be mailed out with your rewards when it's time.
The questions will be posted in the polls...but be warned. As the poll progressed, people might figure out Ivy's secret.
If you don't want to have the secret spoiled...well, I guess you shouldn't play. However, there are layers to her secrets. Like ogres and onions. Cakes and parfaits. Yes, that's a Shrek reference. And some of that secret, you will never guess without reading the story.
Now...pick your team!
FYI, team names don't indicate *anything* at this point other than that's just the name you like, although, you will see this list again.
First, let me apologize for the tardiness of this update. Second, apologies for the generic update, because this is going out to several campaigns.
That said…when last we met, I was trying to get over (another) health problem and trying to clear my office out so I could order another batch of books in for the followers of my Bear campaign. I was also wrapping up the updates on my Colbana files so I could start on formatting and adding the art, and working with the artist for the Preterns.
There is a fourth campaign, but I will be honest—I want to finish my Bear campaign before I start ordering in the pins for Pintopia. I still hope to complete shipping by early 2027, but I need to complete the Bear campaign first.
Bear/Kit/Preterns
As referenced in an earlier update, I’m limited on space – when I first started this campaign, that wasn’t the case. Middle Kid had recently graduated and moved out. Last summer, a friend of Youngest’s moved in. Then, early this year, my niece’s housing situation dissolved and now she’s living with us. Even the space I once had is gone, so I have to clear out in batches.
I still need to order the next round, which I should have already done.
This is where I owe another apology.
May is historically a terrible month for me as far as my depression goes due to the loss of my brother some years back. This year, I decided to do something rather than wait for the monthly slump. We vended at a ren faire, something I’ve wanted to do for years. It did help.
But it left me exhausted and my health problems have flared up. I’d get home Sunday, sleep most of Monday and have little energy or focus for work or anything else until Wednesday, at which point I’d have to drill down and focus on the next week’s faire and freelance work.
In addition, there are some family issues going on behind the scenes that are taking a lot out of me. Those are mostly resolved, but it's divided my attention more than I care to admit.
Unfortunately, this means I’ve let other things fall behind.
That includes backers of my campaigns and I apologize.
Bear
I’m planning on getting the next round of books in the mail within the next two-three weeks and the next batch of books ordered.
I’ll be getting another couple of rounds of orders sent out within the next month.
Colbana Files
I’m done with the revisions/bonus chapters and am going to be working on the formatting and adding the art in.
That will take several weeks to a couple of months, depending on if I need to commission any more art. The need for more art will depend on how everything flows with the formatting. I’ll use art to fill in the blank pages.
Preterns
I’m still working on book 3. My artist for the other books has offered to help handle the art since the artist I’d previously hired just didn’t quite meet my expectations, but that does mean more art going to one person. I’ll have an update here as soon as I’m able.
ABCs of Romance Pins
I hope to have a better idea of when I’ll be able to tackle this one once I’ve cleared my plate a little.
Long story short
I overloaded myself and I shouldn’t have. I apologize and I appreciate your patience.
The first mailing that went out was one that included:
trade paperbacks with painted edges & no or few add-ons
add-ons only, bookmarks, stickers, etc but NOT the ones that included the cross collab or printopia bonus
The next mailing will include
trade paperbacks with painted edges & add-ons
non-book orders that include the cross collab or printopia bonus
It's taking me a little more time than I planned because I ended up sicker than expected.
See, I got better.
Then my guy brought something home from work.
And since spouses are supposed to share, he shared. I wish he hadn't.
I had to take a break for several weeks because unfortunately, this crap set my asthma off.
I finally broke down and went to the doctor (again) and they put me on steroids, breathing treatments and antibiotics because YAY, for me, I didn't throw it off in a few days like the guy and everybody else. It settled in my lungs and gave me bronchitis, a lovely asthma exacerbation. On top of that? I have a sinus infection, too.
I couldn't do any edge painting until my asthma flare-up leveled out and i didn't want to hack and wheeze on anybody's books.
So. I'll resume packing and mailing here in a day or two.
