I’m Getting Knocked Up Tonight

I’m 31 years old. I have yet to find the woman of my dreams, but that’s okay–I’m very happily single.

The chances that I’ll never have a child of my own increase every day. They’re compounded by the chance that even if I find the woman of my dreams, I may not want to have kids.

Fortunately, there’s more than one way to give birth. And I’m not talking about kittens, as much as I love my cats.

I’ve had two dreams since I was a little kid: Publish a novel and produce a board game. I have worked my entire life towards those goals, even as a kid.

Writing and publishing a novel costs me nothing. It is something I can do without the financial help of others thanks to the advent of self-publishing. Of course, I’m seeking a traditional publisher for my novel, Wrinkle, but if that doesn’t work out, no problem. I’ll put the best possible version of it on Amazon and promote the hell out of it. And then I’ll write another.

The board game is more difficult. The art and graphic design alone are over $4,000. The minimum print run is 1500 games–I can’t just buy 100 copies to see if they sell. It’s one of those all-or-nothing situations.

Fortunately, crowdfunding exists. Specifically, Kickstarter. Anyone can put a passion project on Kickstarter, compliment it with various rewards in exchange for pledges of support, and share it with the world. If the project doesn’t reach its funding goal on time, no one is charged, and the project fails.

So tonight, after two decades of designing board games, 10 months of creating and playtesting Viticulture, and over a month of nailing down every tiny detail for my Kickstarter campaign, I’m finally getting knocked up tonight. I will carry this child for 45 days, and if I reach my funding goal, I will give birth to a beautiful baby board game. (I could probably Photoshop a very graphic photo of what the gamebirth would look like, but it’s probably better if you just picture me in a hospital bed with my legs splayed, doctors all up in my business…you get the idea.)

Now, most people have big dreams, and no one should feel obligated to support anyone else’s dream. Just because it’s a dream doesn’t mean it’s deserving of support. I truly think I’ve created something that will bring more happiness to the world. I think board games bring people together in the spirit of fun and competition. Within the span of 60 minutes you can build something amazing and then start all over again. Board games let us achieve small victories that we don’t always get in real life.

If I’ve piqued your interest and not completely lost you after that paragraph about giving birth to a board game, you should go look at the Kickstarter page for Viticulture. You’ll find a video, a ton of reward options, and the story of the game. If you don’t want to support this dream financially but you know someone who loves board games (or wine), you could share it with him or her.

Just a quick note: These campaigns are all about momentum. Campaigns that start strong have a much better chance of ending strong. You can always go back and change or cancel your pledge later on, so if you want to pledge high at one of the limited levels now, that would be awesome. But do it within reason, because it would be really rough if I crossed my overall goal and then lost it after a lot of people backed out of their pledge.

If anything, you can say that you know someone who put his dream on the line on one of the most visited sites on the internet.

Over the next 44 days, I’m not going to bombard you with reminders about this project. I respect you too much as readers to do that. From time to time I will probably talk about what I’m learning from running a Kickstarter campaign, since that might benefit you in the future. But that’s it.

Thanks for your consideration. Now go watch me try to act in the Kickstarter video.

16 thoughts on “I’m Getting Knocked Up Tonight”

  1. A) The best of luck to you. Tis a noble dream and I will support you (as soon as I get a dollar or two).

    B) You look quite dapper in that photo.

    C) I never ever ever ever ever ever want to think of you “in a hospital bed with my legs splayed, doctors all up in my business”. But thanks for trying.

    Reply
  2. I will follow Ansley’s structure.

    A. Wow, that video is so adorable, great job! πŸ™‚ And I enjoyed the music.

    B. I agree about the pic!

    C. I agree, but at the same time I expect something funny from you, and you delivered. (pun intended!)

    D. Your next book project or short film should be in the Humor dept, I know you can pull it off! πŸ™‚

    E. Good luck!! I think you will reach your goal, goodness sake seems like everyone enjoys wine. Get some people tipsy before they donate. πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • A. Thanks!

      B. Thanks! πŸ™‚

      C. Triple thanks!

      D. Isn’t that what the blog is for? πŸ™‚

      E. I hope we do, but we definitely need all the support we can get!

      Reply
  3. I really wish you the best of luck with your campaign, Jamey. I honestly hope it works out for you….

    because it’s obvious that you won’t have a career in Hollywood.

    πŸ™‚ That video is pretty awesome though.

    Reply
    • Katie–Oh, I know. I know. I learned how bad I was while making a student film in Japan. Apparently I was really good at smiling, but that’s it. And I was the main character.

      Reply
  4. Trevor and I definitely plan to donate money to support your campaign! Couldn’t be happier for you Jamey. Consider this part of your SHOWER gift!

    Reply
  5. On a more serious note though Jamey, I empathize with your desires; to a great degree they mirror my own. I’m currently doing all the legwork and research to help make my own Kickstarter a successful one. So – no pressure, but I am watching your own project with an interest that is not entirely altruistic.

    Reply
    • David–It’s exciting (and nervewracking) to put your work out there for the public to judge…but I think it’s worth it. I’m writing about the process here and on the Stonemaier Games blog, so feel free to copy any of the ideas you like for your future campaign. Good luck!

      Reply

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