Lower subscription cost, and more free posts!
A midyear adjustment in the newsletter plan to serve you better
Hello dear readers!
I have been having a bumpy time figuring out how to provide a balance between free posts and paywalled ones.
Some of my best posts have only been read by my (few, to be honest) paying subscribers, and that’s been a tough call to make. Some of my favorite pieces, like this one on mysterious animal encounters, and this one on the perils of trailering, are not public and never were.
Why have paid posts at all, then?
Because a worker is worth his/her wages. I am a professional writer. I write full time, and I support myself and my family through wordsmithing the page.
Who am I?
Ah, the ultimate question of life. I knew it would roll around one of these days for deeper contemplation!
Many of you came to this newsletter as fans of my writing from my books, but some of you signed up recently with no clue about my background; you just liked what you read in this newsletter, and I’m thrilled about that! Yes! *fistbump* Thank you!
Who am I? I’m a 57-year-old redheaded former therapist (LCSW) who wrote my first crime mystery novel (also free on all book retailers, HERE!) back in 2010, and eventually, through writing lots of books, was able to leave her career in mental health to embark on a far riskier one as a creative writer. My memoir about growing up a hippie on Kauai, Hawaii, in the 1970s, tells more than you want to know about me and you can check it out HERE.
I’m also the wife of one true love, the mother of a grown son and daughter, and the grandma of two darling babies. I love nature and animals, especially my neurotic little pom mix rescue dog, Koa (whose fear of everything, everywhere, is only slightly outweighed by his devotion to me.) I travel, and I read.
I read a LOT. 📚 Growing up, books were friends and companions, and that’s still how I feel about them today. Dogs and books—those are my jam.
I have chosen this mode of sharing my work (along with writing books) rather than pitching to magazines and writing articles and content on websites for a living… but do not be fooled: creating a well-written weekly essay (on any topic) is not easy and takes a lot of time.
I thought it might be helpful for you to know that this newsletter is “extra” writing on top of my usual daily fiction goal, which is 1-2 chapters a day on whatever book I’m currently working on. (Many of the creators and bloggers on this platform ONLY write their column.)
Even so, I want more people to be able to read ALL of the content I write in this newsletter. It’s much more fun to have comments and responses and dialogue!
(“Does a book or essay exist if no one reads it?” 📚 HA!)
So, after much reflection, I’ve decided to change the way the subscription structure of the newsletter is set up, and hopefully, that will work better for more people, including me!
Going forward, a monthly subscription will be cheaper: only $5, and an annual one, $50! “Founding subscribers” get to pick their own support payment over $50, and they will ALSO get an Advance Reader Copy of the Passages memoir when it comes out!
AND, in hopes of MORE people getting to read posts, ALL newsletters will be free the week they publish.
If you’re a free subscriber now, YAY! You get to read everything! and I don’t have to chew my nails deciding what essay to hide behind a paywall (I hATe that!)
When the following week’s essay comes out, the previous one will be locked, and only available to paying subscribers.
I hope this assists with two things: helping the paid part grow by lowering the price while allowing more people to read more posts.
Let me know your thoughts about this blog and change of direction…Comments are open!
And, if you’ve been on the fence about a paid subscription…now’s the time!
Thank you, mahalo, grazie, gracias and merci beaucoup in advance!
Hi Toby,
I’m happy to share my thoughts. I read all your posts and appreciate plus enjoy the content.
As a paid subscriber I appreciate the price adjustments. I enjoy your posts and perspective, a slice of life in a writer’s world. It’s not easy creating interesting content and I have felt it was worth the money to support your efforts. Example - I’ve always wanted to visit PEI and you gave me a glimpse of what I could see and that it would suit my introverted person. A relaxing scene as a writing retreat. Painters seek the same.
Secondly, I think your books are too inexpensive when purchased - so I thought this would help as a buffer to support your efforts and encourage more writing.
Kudos to you and sending aloha.
I'm a free subscriber who reads every newsletter. On a fixed income so save all my loose change for your ebooks. Appreciate still having the free access.