I'm Cancelling My Kickstarter

Here's why and how/when you can get my book.

Building self-trust is a major theme  in my book, You Belong Here. My painful breakdown this week became an opportunity to flex that muscle and pivot.

After a few hours of crying, at last I believed what my body and spirit have been trying to tell me: I simply cannot handle another Kickstarter right now. It took me time (and a helpful conversation with one of my sisters) to understand these messages as self-preservation, not fear of failure. Crowdfunding is an incredible opportunity AND an agonizing amount of work.

Photo Credit: Kara Vorwald Photography

My new mantra? Showing up does not mean sacrificing myself altogether.

Instead, I’m exploring options for listing my book to purchase online. Ultimately, this will benefit you, too. The price for a paperback ($22) won’t change, and you’ll get it sooner for reasonable shipping rates worldwide. I hope to make this live in May. You’ll hear it here first!

Limited Pre-Order for Local Folks

Next week I’m placing a bulk order for inventory to sell at events. Local folks who want to piggyback are welcome to pre-order.

This window closes on Monday 5/6 at noon CDT.

When books arrive, I’ll share a few dates and times for pick-up. This includes my booth at the Iowa Metaphysical Fair on May 18-19. Entrance fee, times, and location here.

Two more reasons to attend the fair?

• Schedule a reading with me and my beloved oracle decks!

• Attend my free presentation on connecting with animal guides and nature spirits: Saturday 5/19 at 4 pm in Room B.

Photo Credit: Kara Vorwald Photography

Why the Pivot?

Unfortunately, the margins for my book after production are tiny. The numbers just don’t work.

I haven’t shared details of the financial piece before, so here it is. I’ve committed almost three years of time and over $5,500 to this project. My part-time attorney income (and my partner) afforded me the privilege of those choices, but they are not sustainable. Last year, I reported a loss for my small business. For the last pay period at my job, I only worked eight hours so that I could focus instead on campaign and book stuff. I’m not sleeping enough, not taking care of myself. My stress is affecting my health and my relationships with my kids.

I can’t keep doing it.

I’m sharing this because I want to be real with you, not to complain or elicit sympathy. This squeeze is not unique to me! I don’t know anyone who pursues passion projects who hasn’t felt these challenges in one way or another.

Moving from crowdfunding to point-of-sale online isn’t a perfect solution, of course, but it’s the right one for me right now. In exchange for giving up a larger cut of each sale, it means someone else will handle sales taxes, customs/duties/import taxes, and all aspects of fulfillment.

This is such a relief! I want to prioritize my mental health and capacity to enjoy my watching my precious book baby enter the world. I’m so proud of it and can’t wait for you to read it.

Some of the beings from my oracle decks who show up in the book!

For now, ebook and audiobook versions are off the table. That might change once I’ve had a chance to recover from this giant birthing. If you’re interested in these options, please let me know. I’m also happy to answer your questions. Thanks for taking this ride with me!

Love,

“In a world that often finds us lost to each other and to ourselves, You Belong Here is a book that celebrates communion, connection, and courage in finding our sacred place in the world and a way back to each other.”
—ELLEN ROWLAND, Author of No Small Thing

“Kara masterfully blends the mundane with the magical, inviting readers to witness the transformation that arises from listening more closely to their own heart's whispers. This book is not just a memoir; it's an invitation to journey alongside Kara’s sacred dance with life, guided by otherworldly wisdom and the relentless pursuit of personal truth. ”
—JESS SCHULER, Creator of Superlunaris Tarot

---