Have you ever watched a small child who just found a shiny pebble? They are thrilled with their discovery, and they cannot contain their enthusiasm and desire to share this wonderful discovery with you.
Lately I have been trying, in my own limited way, to support other creators. I want to admire their shiny pebbles, and encourage them to find more.
Not a shiny pebble, but a balloon jellyfish. This was someone's shiny pebble, and I was happy I got to see it.
Even though we are now fully on a fixed income, and our budget sometimes strains a bit, I keep coming back to the concept of sharing the wealth in whatever way I can. I've talked here about some of the challenges we've faced with medical bills and the like, but for the most part we are comfortable.
That's a term we each define for ourselves, just as we each create our own definition of success. For me it means that I don't worry where the car payment is coming from this month (though I truly wish I didn't have a car payment), or if we can afford to grab a meal at the local (inexpensive) Mexican restaurant. It also means that I do have to give serious thought to travel, or large purchases (see above, car payment). It means I am facing the project of re-examining our insurance coverage and trying to find ways to reduce our monthly premiums, I watch for sales and specials at the grocery store, and that Mexican dinner probably won't include a margarita (seriously, have you looked at the price of cocktails lately?!?).
It was my birthday!
Even so, I am looking around me for the opportunity to help other creators realize their dreams.
In the last few months that has meant subscribing to the Patreon channels of people whose work I enjoy. Even a dollar of two can help, and I know I appreciate that small cash flow that comes into my account each month. If you are interested in knowing who I support my current subscriptions are to Justin Scarred, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, and Debbie Mumford. I heartily recommend each of them, all for different reasons.
In addition I have backed a few publishing Kickstarter campaigns for things that sounded interesting. While the ones I've backed have all finished, I urge you to spend a little time looking around Kickstarter - you may be surprised at the things you'll find. The publishing category is relatively new, with a growth spurt giving us a wide range of fiction and nonfiction to choose from. Gaming is a well-established category, as are music and visual arts.
One of the most unusual campaigns by far was the Potato Salad project in 2014. You may remember it, it got a lot of media coverage. Silly, maybe, But it does show that Kickstarter really is for everyone.
Over the summer I have backed humorous fantasy, paranormal cozies with corgis, fantasy romance, Scandinavian noir, and science fiction, in addition to a couple nonfiction projects. I've already identified at least two new authors who will be on my "must read" list going forward.
Go wander around Kickstarter. Search for projects you might enjoy. Many campaigns can be backed for a few dollars for a digital reward. Or pledge as little as a dollar just to support something you think looks cool. Your support, even at the $1 level, will mean a great deal to a creator looking for an audience.
And isn't that what we are all looking for? Someone to share our work with? Someone to admire out shiny pebbles? I've talked about the creators who simply put their output in a drawer or a closet and never show anyone, but I think most of us do want to share our work, and are looking for that recognition.
Speaking of recognition (shameless self-promotion) here's the cover for the short story that's part of the rewards for my Kickstarter campaign. I'll remind you all when it's available at your favorite ebook retailer.
So be that audience to whatever extent you can. Drop a buck in the virtual hat of another creator via the tip jar on their blog or vlog, a Patreon subscription, or by supporting a Kickstarter campaign. Throw your change in the basket of a street performer if you like their music or dance. Buy a handcrafted piece at an art fair or holiday market.
You say your budget has absorbed all the support it can already? Then lend a hand by sharing the creators work with friends and family. Post a link to their blog or vlog or Patreon page. Tell a friend about their artwork. Share their Kickstarter campaign with someone who might find it interesting. Post a favorable review online - likes and follows and positive reviews feed the algorithms that move books and music into favored display positions, and they cost you nothing but a few minutes time.
Each one of those things recognizes the shiny pebble the creator has shared with you. It acknowledges their courage in putting their creations where you can see them, and it helps them fund their next project. Your recognition just might provide the support that keeps them going when their faith in themselves is faltering.
Be the reason a creator keeps creating.