Thanks for changing my life

I don't really know what to say, but that's never stopped me from rambling before. 

I started working on this game about this time, two years ago. I was at a point in my life where I really didn't know what to do. I had been writing novels for about 6 years. I'd published several, but wasn't making very much money from them at all. Definitely not enough to live on. I was at a bit of a crossroads. Either find a way to make a living from doing something I love, or go out and get a "real" job. 

My family had never been very supportive of me. They kept telling me "Writing is a hobby, not a career." That I would never be able to make a living off of it. 

So when I started this game, it was sort of my last ditch effort to make some money. It was my final attempt before giving up and going to a job that I would likely hate. Nine-to-five jobs with a boss and a schedule have never fit well with me. I've never been happy at them in the past. And I already deal with bouts of extreme depression - I'd be lying if I said that self-harm hadn't been on my mind occasionally during these times. 

So in June 2020, I launched this Patreon. The goal was just, "Do it as long as I'm able to, work as hard as I can, until I have to give up and get a job." By the end of the year, I think my monthly income was up around $100. Not much. But it was something, and I was happy that people were playing my game at least. And I was learning a lot and improving. 

Then things started growing. And by the summer, I was making over $1000. That's when I first started thinking that this is working. That I'm not going to have to get another job. That I can actually make a living doing this. 

And now, here we are. I'm probably in the best condition I've ever been in, mentally and financially. I'm making enough to live on. I can pay bills, get health insurance, buy a new car, and not worry about how I'm going to afford food this week. 

From the beginning, the only goal I've ever had on here has been, "Make enough so that I can keep making games." I've reached that goal now. I'm going to keep making games, for as long as I possibly can. I have so many ideas that I want to do, and I love working on them. 

But I should probably set up another goal, so let me know what you'd like to see. It could be something added to Come Home. It could be a specific reward for patrons. Whatever you'd like to see, just let me know and I'll consider it. 

As far as my goals - I said in that original goal that this was enough for me to move to a nicer house, get better internet and such. But unfortunately, rent has basically tripled over the last two years since that goal was made, so I'm STILL not able to actually move to a new place. Eventually though. 

I do still want to hire somebody to help with the art-side of the game though, or to work on one of my other ideas for a game. That's a little tough, because I have to be very comfortable with the people I work with, and I don't know very many people that I would work with at the moment - and they're mostly working on their own things. But I have my eye out. 

Okay, I think I've rambled long enough here. I have so many thoughts in my head and so much emotion in my heart right now, it's hard to convey all of it. But the main thing is, thank you!

It's a pretty amazing feeling that all of this comes from you all and your love for this game that I created. It makes me feel ridiculously good. So, thank you. Thank you so much for giving me this. I'm the happiest that I've ever been, and it's because you decided to support me. 

Thank you.