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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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:

The next mailing will include

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.

Howdy...

So, the first round of mailings will go out tomorrow!

Those who are receiving their books will get an email with the tracking info by Friday.

All items are shipped with tracking so make sure you check the tracking if you have questions.

I'll be ordering the hardbacks in once I clear a few more books out of my office. I need more room...

Again, thanks so much for your patience.

The spraying of edges has begun!

First coat. New set up.

A little easier & more even, but slower.

Cards will be charged for shippin  next week.

Again, thank you for your patience! 

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.

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!