You may not know it, but much of what I do is possible because I have an extraordinary wife. Some of you know Misha. Others may reasonably have concluded that these articles are produced by an opinionated old man operating entirely on coffee and dissatisfaction.
There’s considerably more to the operation.
Before I explain, I want to thank those of you who already support my writing through paid subscriptions, book purchases, and contributions. Your generosity makes a real difference in our lives. Writing is a solitary occupation, but you have made it feel considerably less lonely. I’m deeply grateful.
Now, about the woman behind the operation.
For some twenty years, Misha designed and maintained my websites before Alex Went took over that department. And let me thank him as well, and give a shoutout to his WebsitesWanted services. Misha also designed my books and done a remarkable amount of the work that gets my words from this desk to you.
While I’ve been trying to save the world by explaining what’s wrong with it, she’s been helping people change their lives rather more directly—launching businesses and careers, teaching, coaching, and helping establish charities. One of those charities has provided more than 400 assistance dogs to people with disabilities.
I produce arguments. She has helped produce results.
She is also a writer, with manuscripts of her own waiting for attention. But for years, my books and articles have taken priority in our household. At 91, we have both been conscious that I have rather less time available to me.
That arrangement deserves some revising.
Alongside freelance work and everything involved in keeping our lives running, Misha has spent years studying, researching, and developing work of her own. She is now preparing to turn that experience into a business, with her first offerings approaching launch.
I’ve encouraged her because I believe in what she does. And at my age, I give some thought to what life will look like for the person I love when I’m no longer occupying my chair. I want her to have work that is hers, an income that is hers, and room to build both.
My Social Security is doing most of the household’s financial lifting while she gets there. It’s a stretch. Some additional support now would help cover everyday expenses and give her more time to finish what she has worked so hard to build. Frankly, right now there’s too much month at the end of the money.
So I’ve decided to put a little more effort into the business end of my own writing. After all these years of her helping me, I want to return the favor.
I’ve opened a Buy Me a Coffee page at Ko-Fi.com. Readers who would like to contribute occasionally can now do so without committing to another subscription. I understand that distinction. Recurring payments have a way of multiplying when you aren’t looking.
There are five ways you can help:
Buy me a coffee. Choose whatever amount suits you, starting at $7. It’s a one-time contribution, and it helps with rather more than caffeine.
Become a paid subscriber. Regular support is especially valuable because it gives us income we can plan around. If these articles have become part of your week, please consider supporting them.
Buy a book. I also write novels and poetry, a fact that may have escaped readers accustomed to finding me elbow-deep in American politics. With Christmas approaching, a novel makes a good gift—and allows me to introduce myself without immediately discussing the government. Browse my books at Jim-Freeman.com
Gift a Subscription. Substack enables you to buy a paid subscription for a friend. That way you help me increase my readership, contribute and give a thoughtful gift that keeps giving several times a week.
Spread the word. Forward an article, recommend the publication, or invite someone to sign up. It costs you nothing and helps my writing find its next reader.
You needn’t do all five. This is a list of possibilities, not homework.
What I hope to do is keep writing while helping Misha bring her own work into the world. Your support gives us more room to do both.
When her work is ready to show you, I’ll be delighted to introduce it properly. After years of her helping get my words out into the world, I’m looking forward to returning the favor.