Dearest Readers,
As I was looking through Marie Forleo's archives for some magic, I found a gem that lit a fire in me. It was a video post about street performers [an interesting pair of entertainers that I've also seen in person], and how they weren't afraid to ask for what they really wanted: money for their time and effort. They entertained the crowd, made them laugh, did a little dancing, a bit of acrobatics... and right before their big finale they expressed that entertainment is how they made their living, and if the public enjoyed the show, they should spare a few dollars to keep it going.
Which made me cringe.
Asking for money is something that I used to find gauche and somewhat weak – shit I use to exhibit a mild panic attack every time I had to ask my own parents for money as a child [perhaps because they - especially my Mother - were so tight-fisted! ...But that's another story for another day]. But over the years, I've changed my mind about the concept of asking for money. If you are someone who provides a legitimate service that helps and inspires other people [something which I've done for nearly three years now – stay humble], asking for money isn't something that should be looked down upon. Heck, we all need it to live don't we?
I'm no moocher. I never have been in real life, or on the net. I've done my share, I've put in my time, I've provided value. I've worked harder and used more brainpower these past few years than any other young lady I know. I've survived hell on earth too many times and have come out wiser and mightier on the other side. Suffice it to say:
If anyone is bound to make things happen, it's me.
As you all know by now, I'm starting work on my first novel [a story about ambition – told from various and wildly different perspectives], and due to the scope of the project [along with the countless interviews I'll have to conduct], the time and money needed are just not available to me right now. I'm planning to start work on it after my 24th birthday [June 1st of this year] and finish it near BlueShame's 5th anniversary in late March of 2014. In the meantime, I'll be making every effort to apply for loans and grants. [Oh, this is planned out to a T my friends! The prospects look bright!]
I now have the courage and the clout to ask my loyal readers for financial help.
Fuck a kickstarter or an IndieGogo [they never liked my ideas anyway], my paypal “Donate” button is to the right. All who donate will get personalized monthly emails detailing the novel's progress, and hopefully even a glimpse of what the money went towards.
You must know that in true Lady Blue fashion, I will do my best to follow through on this... and I won't disappoint! I mean, I've already made a public announcement about my plans – so there's no turning back now.
If you believe in me, my work and my vision, please donate some money. I don't care if it's five dollars! Let's make this novel happen.
I'm making this request Loud & Clear, which by the way, is the title of the forthcoming novel. [I told you I wouldn't let you down!]
Kindly,
Lady Blue
p.s. - If you don't feel comfortable handing over your hard-earned dollars to an intangible cause, check out my new and gently used items for sale – shipping anywhere in the world! You could also commission me for work by emailing me with your project or idea.