The Madhouse Patreon
Yello Madlings, Today is a short update on plans because they shifted slightly. After much discussion with people wiser than me, I have decided to build the Patreon I have been putting off forever. I have been putting it off because, if I am honest, I don't see value in myself and my writing, so it took quite a bit of prodding from my closest friends to convince me that my talents are valid.
Madlings, I am excited and terrified to announce that I have a fully active Patreon, which you can find at www.Patreon.com/MaidensMadhouse. This is exciting because this is the first step in "The Obsidian Wail" becoming my full-time job. I know we are still very far from that, but my dream is for me to be able to bring stories and love to this world. I have been telling stories through roleplaying and other venues for over a decade, so I am thrilled to share my little dark fantasy universe. I am terrified because the Obsidian Wail was how I dealt with a lot of trauma. Many of these stories are incredibly personal, and every character represents a part of my life.
The last few days have been spent pushing through the emotions of feeling dirty "selling" anyone the Obsidian Wail. I am just a simple nerd, and it is hard to believe that people will enjoy the world I have cultivated. In a platform that churns out AI posts daily, how do I, a father of now five, find the time to compete without using the same AI trick and removing the soul from my work? It took me a while to wrap my head around the fact I don't need to compete with these people. From day one, I promised to be honest and genuine on this website and intend to continue that dedication.
Maiden's Madhouse is and has always been, how I process life. Sometimes, you will get the manic-depressive Maiden who rambles endlessly. Other times, you will get a happy, thoughtful Maiden who can see the big picture and push forward with vigor and grace. Most days, you will get something in between, but you will always get honesty. If I am struggling, you will know. If I am prospering, you will know. No matter what state the Madhouse is in, understand that each of you shines a light in these halls that drives me forward.
With all that in mind, let's discuss my ideas moving forward.
1. While greatly appreciated, Patreon is entirely optional. Yes, it helps me integrate this into my job, but I don't want to limit my content or world behind a considerable paywall. Patreon is for those able to support my journey and choose to help build the Madhouse; it is NOT A REQUIREMENT.
2. This is the beginning of my monetization journey, so I don't have many "perks" to offer those kind enough to support. The Patreon has four tiers but will all receive the same content now. Please only help at a level that does not hurt you financially.
3. The Patreon will get a "Rough Draft" Chapter every week until I feel the novel is ready to publish. I will not build 400 chapters that get posted daily of fan fiction with 500 thousand words combined and say, "Buy my word vomit;" that is not my intention. Our opening story is my Madling Queen, Perlysia Luna. I have outlined the story already, and while it is likely to change a little as I write it, know that you are getting a story with a beginning AND an end.
4. Chapters will be released every Friday on Patreon unless being the dad of five kids eats my time that week. If this happens, I will openly explain why and find something to post to fill that week, either a Music Madhouse post or something explaining the holdup. The chapter will be released on the Maidens Madhouse website two weeks after Patreon gets it. So again, The Madhouse profoundly appreciates the financial support, but payment is not required for you to enjoy our space here.
5. I hate this as much as I am sure you will, but I will likely put a few Google AdSense ads on the site as our community grows. As a friend told me, ads are just a part of the internet now and are mostly ignored/blocked. I promise they will not be intrusive or annoying or placed somewhere to trick you into clicking them on mobile. They will be limited to only helping me keep the lights on so the Madhouse can continue to grow and prosper.
Madlings, I am truly blessed to be in a position where I can even attempt to make the Madhouse my job. This is where I belong. I have found my village, and in that village is a Madhouse that I call home. Welcome to my Madhouse, and I promise I will work hard to learn how to grow our community. Blessed Be, Madlings!
