I’ll take Pot Pouri for $100 Alex
This week you got a bunch of small things that may or may not be connected. But really, I just sort of liked this headline...
“Mr. Baker, Tear down this wall!” - Ronald Raygun
Okay Reagan never actually said that. I can’t believe I’m “quoting” him as I really hate that man. I believe he and Nixon fucked up this country and helped usher in a lot of the shit that is going on today, but that’s another rant for another time.
I am going to tear down my pay wall. Is that how you say it? I’ve had some wonderful people over the years pledge a modest fee to read my work here on Substack. I am so grateful to them for believing in, and/or enjoying my work.
My Substack has always been free for everyone, and it will remain that way. You can choose to make a pledge and support my writing or you can keep reading it for free. It’s up to you.
What do you get by subscribing to me? Nothing that you aren’t getting for free.
I am not offering any extra stuff at this point to paid subscribers. I am already working a lot and the idea of adding to my workload? For my mental health I just can’t/won’t do it. I need to take care of myself and one of the ways I do that is to not over-commit and stress myself out.
I don’t want to feel like Substack has become an obligation and I need to crank things out. I want to continue to enjoy what I’m writing here and hopefully you all will continue to enjoy reading my work.
So there’s that.
My decision to “Tear down the wall” has a practical reason as well. Most of you know that I have had some medical issues recently and some of the bills are starting to come in.
I have spent my life working for myself, on other peoples films, as well as my own. Most of the jobs I have done were freelance and although I faithfully paid my taxes, most years I didn’t make a lot of money. My monthly Social Security check is not very big. I am not complaining! I am grateful every month when that check does arrive, but it’s not very big, which is why I continue to work and will probably always work.
If you subscribe at any level you will be helping to support me and my work. Thank you
I also have a tip jar on my website if you just want to do a one time tip go here - https://angryfilmmaker.com/gear/p/kelleys-tip-jar
Health Update
My Health Team - Hank, Rowdy, Luna, Marcy
I am getting stronger and feeling better. Every morning I do twenty minutes of stretching, 10-20 minutes of light weight training, fifteen minutes of chair yoga and then ten minutes of meditation, working on my breathing. I walk twice a day, late morning after writing, and in the evening. I am up to a mile on each walk, yesterday I was feeling motivated and walked an extra half a mile in the morning. I use trekking poles for balance.
I still have some lightheadedness, usually laying down or getting up, I continue to take it slow. I also take a nap every afternoon.
Next week I have an echocardiogram, more blood tests, and an appointment with my PCP. She is very happy with my progress even if I feel like it’s slow. I’m looking forward to when she will finally clear me to drive again.
A Question for my writing and reading friends.
In the next month or so I will be finishing up the Dennis Barton Is A Bastard and Other Stories Audio book, and I’m looking for a place to post it. I also have the audio version of Road Dog to post.
I do not need help making the audio book, I’ve done that.
When it comes to audio books, what other platforms are people using besides Audible? I am trying to get away from Amazon and Amazon owned companies. I took Road Dog off of Audible, because fuck them! Yes my first book is still available on Audible. If I can find a good alternative I will pull that down as well.
I don’t use the Apple Store either, I just never though people went to Apple for books. Let me know if I’m wrong on this.
Does anyone use Book Funnel? What are your experiences?
What other platforms are out there that you recommend?
Thanks in advance for any information.
Is Four Minutes Too Long?
A while back I made some short videos of my short stories. I wanted to make these videos fun so I found different places to read and then I intercut the reading footage with archival audiences. I shot The Gas Mask in black and white and added a beatnik audience in a cafe, Dennis Barton Is A Bastard I read on The Ed Sullivan Show back in 1956, Mickey The Dog Face Boy in a park with wild animals for my audience. You get the idea.
The videos average 4 minutes in length. I posted and promoted them. These videos have very few views. I’m wondering, is 4 minutes too long? Are people uninterested in this sort of thing? Or do my videos suck?
Here is a link to The Gas Mask - https://youtu.be/698V2fnXjBs
What are your thoughts?
Remember, if you don’t like what I’m writing these days then unsubscribe. And don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
My Books
To the rest of you, thank you for reading, subscribing, and supporting me and my writing and filmmaking.
Don’t let the bastards get to you!
Please Support Independent Artists! Even the crazy ones.
Check out my books, as well as my films, or Angry Filmmaker merchandise on my site. www.angryfilmmaker.com
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