I’m Beka and I make illustrated fantasy novels ! I’m passionate about encouraging reading with art by making stories with pictures on every page. It feels amazing to finally say that I know who I am and what I’m doing, because it’s been a long road to get to this point.

I’ve dreamed of being a self-published author and artist all my life, but the stars just never seemed to align. I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to make exactly or how to market it, and life pulled me in every other direction so my art was always left in the corner collecting dust.

Then in 2019 I lost my last job, and then 2020 happened. The future was uncertain, but I knew one thing: This was the perfect time to make art!

As exciting as this opportunity was, I went in circles for years figuring out what kind of books I wanted to make, how to make them, finding my own unique writing voice and art style, and how to use social media marketing to share it all with the world.

All the while, I kept applying for jobs but not a single path opened in that direction. All signs seemed to be saying “start your book business” even though I seemed to be doing everything wrong and taking forever to figure it out.

After years of experimenting, I finally have an online business set up and running. I know what kind of books I like making, I have a formula for sharing them on social media, and I have a LinkTree in every bio to easily guide traffic to my books. I’m shocked at how simple everything turned out to be.

I’m finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but my book business is just starting to get off the ground and growth takes time. Though I am confident in my work and business, it could still be a while before I’m able to be financially stable again. I haven’t had income in years, and until then I’m stuck and always praying that my ancient laptop keeps running, my art tools keep working and no unexpected bills pop up.

I’m running this campaign in hopes of getting a leg up for my business and speeding up my journey to the next chapter of my life. With a financial cushion I could breathe easier and focus on my books more, but there are lots of non-monetary ways to help me too!

1. It would help me so much if you’d take a look at my social media sites and see if you enjoy my content, or share it with a friend who likes cute art and stories. The more eyes I have on my work, the more my business can thrive!

2. Check out my free downloads! I have free downloads in my Ko-Fi shop for anyone and everyone! Please go see if anything calls out to you and tell your freebie-loving friends about it!

3. This journey has probably been so slow and grueling because I’ve done everything alone. All the research, learning about social media marketing, experimenting with what kind of content is best for my books, figuring out how self-publishing works, etc… it’s been a lot. A mentor or friend probably would have made this a lot easier, or at least more enjoyable. If you know anyone who’s on a similar path and has any pointers for me, please reach out to me.

But if you do want to support me financially, you can pledge to this fundraiser or check out my available books! 

Thank you SO much for your support in any form. It means the world to me.

Here’s to many more books and brighter days for everyone.