For more than ten years, I was writing a novel. And re-writing it. And re-writing it some more. And shoving it in a drawer. And editing it. And moving it to another drawer. You get the idea. What can I say? Nervousness masquerades as thorough practice of one’s craft, sometimes.

At last, however, I took the plunge. Rather than traditional publishing, I did something a bit more unorthodox; I released the whole thing in podcast form, with some musical backing and my own voice reading the story aloud for you. New chapters were released every two weeks until the entire story had been told. Listeners wrote notes of encouragement and appreciation; some became patrons of my work here on Patreon.

Now, we have together reached a milestone: I have published The Flower of the Cedar on Amazon in audiobook, ebook, and paperback formats (the latter of which is for those who—like me—hanker after hard-copy books for their groaning, benevolent bookshelves). My especial gratitude goes out to Esther Hart, whose artwork you see as the project’s cover art and here on the website (hire her; she’s magnificent); to Julianne Feaver, whose graphic design work helped bring you the paperback, audiobook, and ebook formats of the story; and to the generous folks at Signum University, who partnered with me to publish my work in this rather unorthodox fashion.

We are, of course, not stopping here; we mean to press further up and further in—which is where you come in.

I am transforming my Patreon platform from a project-specific one to a place where readers can offer support for me as a writer. Each month, I will be posting something new. Some months, this will be a new episode of the Inking Odd Inkings podcast, wherein I offer meditations on the writing life, weave in beloved quotes, and have virtual fireside chats with you all. I've already begun another novel, and some months I'll be sharing snippets of it here with my patrons as I go about crafting a new imaginary world and peopling it forth with new faces. Other months, I'll also be sharing shorter pieces I develop—short stories, poems, and the like. Patrons at lower tiers will have access to the written forms of these creations, while patrons at higher tiers will have access to both the written and narratively performed iterations of my work.

You can show your support for me and my work in a variety of ways:

Subscribe to the podcast, “The Flower of the Cedar,” listen, and enjoy!
Tell a friend (or heck, a dozen of them) about the podcast.
Share the podcast on social media, or post a recommendation of the book to your timeline.
Leave a five-star review for the podcast on iTunes to help it be seen by more people.
Become a patron of mine here on Patreon.
Buy a copy of the book for yourself; buy copies as gifts for others.
Leave comments, write messages, ask questions, and engage with the creative material I am crafting.

I am beyond grateful for any help and support you’re willing and able to offer. Already your enthusiasm and generous participation has lit up my life as I have undertaken the podcast release and gone on this journey with you all. I am excited to round the bend at your side and see what is next in store.

Warmly,
Kay

About The Flower of the Cedar (official website)

This is a tale of dryads, from a time long before human history began. Lara, a young dryad, once had three hearts (as with all her kind). To recover them and bring them to life, she must set out on an unknown journey. Fearing the god of the land, who reportedly devours hearts, and inexplicably drawn to the lamia (who, tales say, revive hearts by an ominous method called guttings), she leaves her home, embarking on the heart-finding quest.

For lovers of fantasy, mythology, and fairy tales—for those whose bookshelves may harbor the works of J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Madeleine L’Engle, and others of their glad company—or for dabblers in mysticism and the sacred feminine—this story will doubtless have deep resonance.