E.D.E. Bell✨Adjust the lighting✨, because I, Emily Bell, author of award-winning queer comedic psychological fantasy Just-Bart, 2022 Can*Con Editor Guest of Honour, co-runner of Gen Con Writers' Symposium Programming, mom, friend, and Twitch mod - have a SPEECH.
People think, wow she's really going hard for this charity con, she must really like her friend. Oh, I do. I do, I do. Mess with him and find out. 🗡️ But - that is not all this is about.
Everywhere I turn, even with all my privilege, I am being kicked in the literal business by the System that does not. want. indies. to. have. power. The System has its place, but it's getting in mine and mentally disabled me a damn FIGHTER. I've had to be.
I just got mocked for losing an indie award to a mega-institution. I was told that the deal for a book edited by Hugo and Lambda winner Bogi Takács was disqualified for Publishers Marketplace announcement because some of our other books have taken pre-orders by crowdfunding.
I learned I could fund three stellar authors to attend Gen Con by snapping my fingers the right direction but I can't sell these incredible books that have been praised by some of the BEST writers in the business. And look - look what we are trying to do this weekend.
We have an indie community using outside-the-box methods to raise awareness for indie scientists running outside-the-box research to reduce suffering in our world. My fingers have been snapping yet... anyway. Here's the thing.
The projects enough should be enough to cause a flurry of (even smaller $) donations and certainly shares. Yet I've had more likes talking about farts. I understand the appeal, but let's do a little calibration here:
(And, look! For those of you so supportive, you gotta know this is not for you. You're with me on this, under my buff mama wings.)
SUPPORT INDIES. Indie work is vital on so many levels. If I have to explain why, I'm probably not going to reach you today. I think people know. I think people are overwhelmed. I get that. But now, of all times, indie everything needs you. Now, look, I need to recharge, and will soon. But rnow, I've got a passionate indie community, led by an indie gamer, writer, teacher, and extremely huggable friend with a funding goal for these incredible scientists that we are damn well going to meet by 6e.
Once, a coworker who I quite liked, not understanding he was a quiet right-winger, told me "One of these days, Emily, you're going to realize that when you charge into battle, no one is behind you." At the time, I thought this was sympathy.
Then, later, he cut ties after telling me I'd turned hateful. And I've realized - that's what they do. They discourage. Don't charge into battle, because we'll *make sure* people don't follow.
Well I've got my swords out, and I'm running today, and I want to know who is with me. Now, here are all the things you can do to help:
1) If you have any amount of money to spare, donate it here before 6 pm: https://donate.tiltify.com/@arvaneleron/arvcon2023
(Skepticism is quite well-advised, if you want to learn more, check out Damon Runyon or this recent video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unaKQ4pEEnQ )
2) If you don't have money, please share! Boost! You don't have the energy to write things up, just copy and post: "Someone I trust is asking for donations to this link by 6 eastern today, if you have any to spare: https://donate.tiltify.com/@arvaneleron/arvcon2023"
OR you can hang on the channel, whether you're watching or not. (Though the programming today will be really uplifing and joyful, featuring @therisingtithes @valerievaldes Mike Underwood and the Damon Runyon scientists!) Views help. They really do!
3) Message that friend who is generous with donations, and let them know. Tell them it's for community-centered, independent cross-specialty research to combat cancers and viruses and try to reduce and prevent future suffering.
4) If you simply don't have time to help today (or see this later) you can support Damon Runyon directly at any time. Or you can support my favorite charities: http://www.blackbottomarchives.com/ and https://www.ferndalepride.com/ - or just buy an indie book. Support an indie patreon. Message me for reccos or links!
*sips water on podium; wipes sweat from brow*
This is not a new revelation. The best power is with people, with community, with passion and ideas. When the System tries to squash that, it's intentional.
Support Indies. And please consider supporting #ArvCon2023. Thank you. 🥰