I just had another brilliant story idea, one I think the world needs to hear. But... I'm not telling you. Not yet. Because if I keep telling people my ideas instead of showing them (i.e. writing the stories), then I'll never get any where. Hasn't done well in the past. Won't do well now. I need what works, even if it's a bit difficult.

So. To help me with this, I'm going to try to reduce the amount I talk about my ideas. I think it's better to make announcements about what I'm working on using the journals here, maybe various forums too. And Facebook, yeah. Maybe get a Twitter sometime when I'm ready for it. But there's something you can do to help, if you run into me somewhere, online or off, and start talking your ear off about an idea.

"Stop. Don't tell me. You know it's awesome, right? So go write it up and let me read it later. Show me, don't tell me. I know you can do it. So get it done and shoot me a copy. We'll talk about it then."

In other words, don't encourage me to talk. Please encourage me to get it done, and believe in me. Help me to believe in myself, even if it requires something crazy, like Jesus dressed up like Kamina ("Don't believe in yourself..."). I've talked all my ideas to death in the past. And I'm not alone in this bad habit; a certain red wolf ranted about this problem a couple years ago. I don't really need to talk about my stuff except for vague concepts, and finer details given to close, trusted friends (and Beta readers, though they're not exclusive). The rest of my excitement belongs in the studio. If I'm not creating, I'm not gonna live my dream. Feel free to be excited with me about my stuff. But please... if you be friend or a fan, please help me put my focus where it belongs: at my desk creating new awesome tales for you all.

The rest is mere details. Well, tricky details, yeah, but I've got some help with that. Look up "The Three Jaguars" sometime. That webcomic and the related articles gave me renewed hope for my dream. Maybe I can't live it full time, and maybe I shouldn't. Maybe some jobs have to wait for heaven to really take off. But I can do this. It'll be rough, it'll be heart-breaking even... but if I believe in it, and you do too, I know it can be done. When I have a better income, I'll be sure to tip the Jaguars; I owe them a renewed sense of hope. Least I can do is buy 'em a couple dinners. Or maybe just a Happy Meal. =P I hope they understand.

To those who believe in me, thank you. Keep believing, and remind me of it often. I need encouragement.

To those who don't, that's okay. I'll do my best to convince you in the future, and if I can't, I wish you well.

To those who love me, I love you too. Forgive me if I don't always show it the right way, or respond to how you show me. Humans are complicated, and I will endeavor to learn your Love Language as soon as I can.

To everyone else, may God bless you and lead you to where you belong. I know there's a place for everyone in heaven. I hope to see yours filled.

Be kind, be faithful, and be courageous. This alone will bless you more than you can know.