So it begins! First short story released!
My first short story has been published to Vocal.media:
https://vocal.media/fiction/brynhilda-s-tall-tale-the-legend-of-the-demon-dragon
Take a read and get to know some of the main characters in my world. This short story revolves around Brynhilda and some of her crazy stories from days of the past. She is an older woman who will end up helping the youth unravel the mystery they will soon come face to face with. She has a lot of connections to the older world and the Lore that surrounds the Valley. Just between me and you, she has quite a lot of knowledge that will be necessary clues, but she doesn’t even realize it yet. It’ll be fun watching them figure it out over the course of this story.
I plan to release a short story for each of the other main characters that you briefly hear about in her story, which the core story will revolve around this group of friends. Of course, there are plenty more characters and creatures that will be part of the story, it’s just this main cast of human characters that will lead us on this journey.
Looking for feedback
I would really appreciate anyone that can read through this short story prologue for a couple of reasons. I do really appreciate all feedback, and thoughts as I work on this project. That doesn’t mean every notion and comment will be addressed, but I like to know how people feel about this story, the characters, and the world they are in. I’ve said it before, but I truly want to make a story that is something new from all the re-runs, remakes and reboots. So, I want to know what you liked about it, what you want to see more of, and if you didn’t like something, I’m glad to hear that too! I want this story to be for you! I question everything, so I truly appreciate open and honest feedback.
Also, please share this story with people who would also enjoy a story like this. I post a lot of art on Instagram, but IG isn’t ideal for these longer story formats. That’s why I chose Vocal.media to post these short stories. The hope is that if you read something, and you love it, you will also share it with friends that love reading stories like this.
Funding this project
I would also appreciate as many reads as possible because simply reading my short story can help me fund this project. I chose Vocal.media because I could potentially get paid for number of reads. Plus, I can accept tips and donations from readers. But I like the idea that just reading the story helps me earn funds to bring this project to life. If you are not able to make a purchase from me, simply reading my stories and sharing them can help.
Continued thoughts on funding
You’ll also notice that I do not do Patreon. I really want everything I create to be available to as many people as possible. I don’t like the idea that only a small group of people get to read or see what I create. I do offer some exclusive types of content with my Kickstarter campaigns, but I’ll leave it to those unique instances for exclusive content.
I also don’t do any branding partnership on Instagram. So far, I do not make any money on Instagram. I just don’t like the idea of promoting other products when it’s the story and art that I want to deliver to my audience. Now that’s not an ultimatum, meaning, I’m still considering potential brand partnerships with Instagram, but they must make sense to the story. I’m just not convinced that brand partnerships on Instagram is the way to go to help fund this is project.
But at this moment, my only funding comes from Kickstarter, selling products on my own website, and now with potential reads on Vocal.Media. I’ll share updates as I learn more and as the project evolves.
More stories on the way
Be on the lookout, I’ll be sending out an email announcement for each new short story that is posted. It’s quite nerve racking to share these thoughts that have been floating around in my mind for so many years, but nothing great comes from comfort and safety. Risk and vulnerability, that’s where it’s at.
Thank you!