How much a dollar cost?
Reflections on the long-term vision, my north star, and making a living off what I love
Vowing to myself to balance my long-form pieces with some short-form pieces along the way.
I feel I’m finding my groove with my craft by immersing myself in the few pieces I’ve released recently. Letting my life experiences drive me. Not worrying about how short or long they are. Not instructing. Not teaching. Not taking something I’ve learned and trying to present it to you all. But rather, living, experiencing, loving, being—and letting that lead the way. Transmuting my thoughts, my perspectives, my life, into my art. With hopes that you can see yourself in it and be moved along the way.
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about my long-term vision with this. Of how I can truly start to make a living off of my words. I never want to do this for money. But I also recognize there has to be an element of figuring out what you want in life, and finding the structures that help you get there. Of course those that feel pure, viable, and soothe your soul.
When I think of what a paid tier of my writing would look like, several ideas have come to mind. But they exist in my mind solely. So I’d love to hear from all of you if any of these sound exciting, if it’s something you’d value and support me with, if you can see yourself spending a few bucks a month to support writing that moves you, or if you have any other ideas that would help support this dream of mine. Or not, at all, promise that’s perfectly okay.
Nothing would change here. I will still give you these raw, personal, vulnerable, deep, introspective, reflective, emotive pieces. But really, I’m looking to get a pulse check on what additional items you might find to be of value. Some of the things I’ve thought of are:
Audio recorded version of the piece so you can listen on drives or walks (this would be a bit time-intensive but I think would bring both me, and you the reader, so much joy)
Ever-growing book list to get
Separate piece throughout the month that would include what concepts I’m interested in exploring and what inspired me recently
Music that moves me and why
Dedicated chat feature on Substack (great feature to foster community. only really works if several people are interested and we all engage in there and commune with each other)
Alternatively, one of my favorite recording artists has built such a strong foundation independently. One of his core moves is a “proud to pay” program, in which he allows his supporters to pay whatever they feel his concert might be worth. I love this for so many reasons. It’s allowed supporters who may not otherwise be able to afford experiencing their favorite artist, while at the same time people who do have the means, and feel like he’s worth something exceptional, it’s given them the space to show that appreciation monetarily. And to me, it’s something that feels wholesome and pure. I’d be willing to try it with my own art. I would have to find a way to integrate such a thing here, but can work at it diligently if there’s interest.
Wrapping up, these additional features are all that’s come to mind for now. But my mind has no shortage of ideas, so I’m sure more will present itself along the way. I will include a poll at the bottom of this piece. Would absolutely love your input, or any other feedback you have. Can’t thank you enough always.
Including this here SOLELY because it inspired the name of this piece last minute. Has nothing to do with the actual context. Classic however. Enjoy:
Until next time,
Kevin