As many of you know, last November I ran a successful Indiegogo fundraiser to support my efforts with the blog and I help fulfil several lofty goals around a major redesign of the blog both visually and with the content. It’s been awhile, since the topic has come up, so I thought I’d offer an update on where things stand.
1) I sincerely appreciate the many people who offered incentives to be given away to donors. It made a huge difference in the success of the drive compared to previous years. I underestimated the time it would take to get everyone’s stuff mailed off, but am happy to report it was all sent out within 2-3 weeks. Everyone should have received their reward by Christmas at the latest.
2) The redesign and content update: I took initial steps before the Christmas season, but spent most of December and early January working on the eBook that I promised the last week of the campaign to any last-minute donors (or those who increased their original donation). I estimate that eBook is about 90% done. It needs a couple more rounds of editing before I’ll release it.
Progress in general toward these goals has been slower than I had planned. I hinted last year that the blog took the back burner while I focused on other undisclosed issues in my life. Those issues were marital in nature – my wife and I had separated for about five months. We got back together, moved the family into a new home and tried to start fresh, but it hasn’t gone well. The last six weeks have primarily been focused on dividing assets, custody and a myriad of other issues that go with a divorce. The blog has again taken a back-burner position.
Looking into the future, I am still committed to the blog and the goals I set out to accomplish. I need another couple of weeks to settle into my new place, find a groove and start moving my goals forward. With the prospect of a few more quiet nights each week, I plan on spending them at the drafting table. For many reasons Neil Gaiman’s 2012 commencement address to the University of Arts has been influential to me, but his advice on dealing with difficult times as an artist is well received right now.
Life is sometimes hard. Things go wrong, in life and in love and in business and in friendship and in health and in all the other ways that life can go wrong. And when things get tough, this is what you should do.
Make good art.
Wish me luck and thank you all for your patience.
So sorry to hear this. I hope you can find peace and solace in these troubling times.
I’m also sorry to hear about this, Alan. Hope that brighter days are ahead. I’ll say a few prayers for you and your family.
My prayers are with you,Alan.
Take care of yourself first, Alan.
Sounds to me like you’ve got your priorities straight. Don’t worry about us, we’ll muddle through.
So very sorry to hear about what you’ve been going through, Alan. You have a very big community of readers who wish the best for you. I will keep you in my daily prayers.
Take care! Hang in there! And good luck, Alan!
Alan,
It sounds like you and I are in the same boat. We will overcome! I’m here for you if you ever need anything. Thanks for all you do for all of us. I hope you don’t mind but I’m going to post the Neil Gaiman quote on my facebook wall. So I can read it over and over again! Take time for yourself. Good things are on the way.
Alan:
I do feel your pain as you typed these words. I do wish you and your family peace with your future endeavors: https://twitter.com/JoelOsteen/status/434158866176425985
~ Kerry
I’m very sorry to hear that Alan, I’ve been there myself many years ago. Going through a divorce is something I don’t wish on my worst enemy. Don’t alienate yourself from friends or family. They will help you through it, and keep a healthy lifestyle. Good or bad, everything happens for a reason. I learned that as well. All the best to you!
Thanks for raining on my happy Valentine’s Day, Alan. Just kidding:) Sounds like you’ve gone through what many of us have experienced. (Must be a cartoonist thing) I like your attitude and know things will work out the best for everyone involved. Take your time, stay focused and keep drawing, brother! It heals. Thanks for sharing.
It’s hard to draw funny pictures when life is busy kicking your teeth in… But life will do that to the best of us…
Thanks for sharing and thanks for keeping the lights on here – I appreciate it.
Take it easy and keep your head up. It’s not exactly “welcome to the club,” but do know you’re not the first.
Here are some words of encouragement from my other blog …
http://nellieblogs.blogspot.com/2007/12/merry-christmas-to-those-not-having-one.html
I wish you all the best as you go through this tough time. I hope the support of this community is a bit of comfort to you.
All the best to you Alan. I’m excited to see the new design elements.
Good luck, Alan!! All the very best!
Very sorry to hear, Alan. I hope you find comfort with family and friends. Take the time you need to sort things out. Wishing you the best.
Very sorry to hear that, Alan. You”ve done an admirable job of maintaining everything amidst all of that. Hang in there and focus on what you think is most important.
During a very difficult time in my past, I discovered a poem that really helped me. It’s by the late Lucille Clifton and it’s called “Blessing the Boats.”
May the tide/that is entering even now/the lip of our understanding/carry you out/beyond the face of fear/may you kiss the wind then turn from it/certain that it will love your back may you/open your eyes to water/water waving forever/and may you in your innocence/sail through this to that.
You will sail through this difficult time and you will survive and grow and prosper. You have done so much good for so many people through this blog and your other endeavors and those efforts have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Those people are the ones who will fill your sails until you are on course once again.
Be well.