Big information update (And new story!)

Okay, time to let you all in on the happenings.  I've had a rough couple of months full of goods and bads, and a big life change that is now reflected on my Patreon page.  I'm afraid that most of the changes will be disappointing, at least at first.

First, I apologize for my lack of output.  Even skipping February wasn't enough to keep me on track thanks to three big events.  1) My friend returned from hospitalization for chronic depression.  2) My dog of ten years developed terminal bone cancer and I had to euthanize her.  3) I applied for new positions in California and got a new, really really awesome job in the Bay Area!

Now, when I first started this Patreon, I was pretty negative about my teaching.  I was a first year teacher and was feeling blown out and disheartened, and the second year wasn't much better.  I really hoped this Patreon could prove that I could survive without my teaching job.  But after my third year, I really began to 'get it' and enjoy teaching, and my new job will be even better.

I no longer want to quite my job and write full time - at least, not yet.  I know that this update may be disappointing to you, and I'm sorry, particularly since my first year at this new job, I highly doubt I'll be able to get three stories done per month.  I'm also putting my novel on hold for rewrites and more planning (again).  But know at least that I will be happy!

I've changed my $10 dollar tier and $5 dollar tier rewards to reflect this change in direction.  I cannot commit to the time it takes to stream my writing every week (and I never generated much interest anyway) and I had a lot of trouble writing cameos for those at the $10 level.  For the record, if you are owed a cameo and want me to write one, I will gladly do my best to incorporate your character - but I am no longer offering that reward to new patrons.

Please, if you are disappointed and want to reduce or remove your pledge, don't feel obligated to stay on.  I appreciate your help for as long and as deep as you choose to offer it.  I will be promising at least one story per month, and aiming for two, until I settle in to my new job.  Thankfully, Patreon allows me to receive pledges per story, rather than per month, so the system is basically the same.

I want to encourage everyone to please comment on TSF and to offer more suggestions.  Feedback and suggestions really drive my mind and could encourage me to focus on stories or series you prefer - I know I have diverse tastes that don't match everyone in the world.

Speaking of which, there is a new story posted for Gold members called "To the Victors Go the Spoils" which is part one of a longer epic I'm writing, and the promised story for May.  Please enjoy!