Gretchen Cornwall

Dear Friends and Patrons,

This is long but I’m not sure how to cut this down in size – I’ve spent a few days writing this message. I’ve thought about it all weekend…  Cutting it down and re-writing again…  I hope it comes across as intended… It’s never easy to lose a Patron, but it happens. I had two important Patrons leave this last weekend which prompted my blog. I have given this post so much time and thought, and now I just have to trust myself and publish! I have a book to write and want to be productive for my current Patrons and followers.

Did you know that my Patrons are my sole source of income?

I do not have a retirement or a full-time career in another field. Granted this is MY choice and we reap what we sow. But here are things you may not know about writing, TV appearances, and the high cost of research, the physical toll, and the time required in this field.

I have thought long and hard about this post. To some, this will be considered poor taste, others may view this with glee-that I am seriously struggling financially.  Such are the dark corners of some hearts…  But my friends/followers, will not know what is happening in my life unless I’m forthright. I keep a stoic public face as a policy.  I have seen famous published authors in my genre send out similar posts…  I am not alone…  This is a tough field…

I am grateful for my Patrons and those who have supported me in the past. Without you, my last two books would not have been written.  I am honored to have you as Patrons!  Some of my Patrons have been friends for many years and have helped my work behind the scenes, which is invaluable, I thank you for your time which is the greatest gift –

Leonardo da Vinci created his works through the benefice of his Patron, Francis I of France. It was considered high-status, street-cred, to have an artist and alchemist in your castle! All nobility wanted to keep up with Lord and Lady Jones, and competed with each other for an artist, and especially an alchemist! As a result, the world admires Renaissance geniuses today. Without Patrons, we would not have the Mona Lisa and sciences would have been set back hundreds of years.

The list is endless of artists, writers, mathematicians, theologians, and engineers sponsored by the wealth of nobility. Patreon.com has brought this concept to the present to give creatives and investigators the gift of time with the patronage of modern knights and fair ladies of vision who can see the path ahead! Though Da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michaelangelo are of stellar status and I am not a master in their fields, my work involves studying their brilliance and sharing my findings with you –

I am currently writing my 4th book due out later in the summer, all being well. Very few authors are paid to write – That cost is absorbed by the writer. Imagine not having an income for six months, or more, to write a book… Again, my choice… Most authors make this choice. The majority of books you’ve held in your hands were funded by the author during the writing/research/editing and publicity process… An author may not make a profit for over a year and a half until sales start coming in from publishing.  Only superstar fiction writers like J.K. Rowling and Lee Childs are paid upfront with true financial living standards… But not for their first book…  A lower-tier author with a track record can expect an advance of $5000.00 to $10,000 to help with living costs while writing.

Writers are in danger of elderly poverty as they often don’t pay into social security or other retirement pensions. They are too busy living month to month for their next book with high hopes. Authors choose to live in the now and hope that a best seller will improve the future. All books have an arc of life with a low point in sales, a peak and then as the market is saturated, profits start dropping. Authors have to keep writing to stay relevant. I’ve seen several well-known authors underestimate future needs and are not able to weather swings in the economy. In order to keep up appearances, authors do not bring up these topics in public. It’s taboo- Becoming a well-off author is just as rare and difficult as being an actor with regular work.

If you’ve not met me yet, let me introduce myself:

I am an expert in the Knights Templar, their cousin Order the Cistercians, and their leader, Bernard de Clairvaux.  My knowledge of Art History and multi-discipline artistic mediums is strong.  I understand master paintings, statuary, and architecture.  I am versed in 1st-century spirituality.  I have studied mason marks and carvings.  Castles and Churches and Caves, oh my!  I have spent my adult life studying… I live with one foot in the past… I am a lifelong student… Everyday is a Learning Day.

I am self-taught… I reverse-engineered academically accepted authors’ works in my chosen field as a Medievalist and in Comparative Religion.  I taught myself how to write based on the best authors out there – I also honor the pioneers in the Templar, Ancient Mysteries genre who have blazed trails.  I am happy that some of them are in my friend list.  They are the great thinkers of our day. Many are highlighted in my first book.

I’ve been a theorist on The Curse of Oak Island which is grindingly difficult, requiring stamina and mental resilience. Just stepping through the War Room door is a brilliant opportunity and a high-pressured feat. In my case, it has been virtual with a rare location shoot. I became entwined with Oak Island due to my expertise in these matters and I am proud of my War Rooms, especially the Royston Cave episodes.  Marty & Alex Lagina with Charles Barkhouse were very professional. The crew was focused and amazing. All were gentlemen and it was a fantastic experience to have shared Royston Cave with my Fellow Acorns!

I do believe that the Headstone of Nolan’s Cross represents John the Baptist, the Patron Saint of the Knights Templar, and I was filmed making this statement in 2018 –

I was inspired to visit European locations filmed by The Curse of Oak Island and made further discoveries which are in my 3^rd book.   I wanted to investigate these locations myself, so I went… Who wouldn’t ?? It’s exciting to travel and immerse oneself in these important locations in the Old World. It revitalizes the body, mind, heart, and soul for those interested in the Knights Templar and 1st-century mysteries.

I have also been a contributor and leading cast member in Templars – The TV Series, on Amazon Prime, which has won dozens of national and international film festival awards. I consider the drone footage to be another cast member, it’s beautiful!

I have met incredible people through the process of filming and traveling for both production companies. These fantastic people and places have left an indelible mark on my memories for which I am grateful and thrilled to have had such rare adventures. The friends and professional colleagues I’ve met will always be a treasured memory, even if our paths don’t cross again… I wish them all well in their endeavors.

I have taught myself filming, editing, research methods, publishing… I have taught myself how to wear all these hats and more.  I have not failed… I’m just not earning a living doing this… I still have aspirations in this field… But it may show up differently in the future.   The future is not yet written, but I must address my current situation.

People’s lives change and they have to make decisions. One Patron had increasing medical bills and had to withdraw her support. I honor every Patron I have had from $1.00 to off the charts.

One Patron in particular has kept me in this game, and I owe this person a debt of gratitude.  I pray I will be able to honor Ms. Hinman with continued strong works. I owe this Patron so much…  She has become my inner-circle friend… Stalwart Patrons have been instrumental in my work and life: Sir Andrew has helped edit a short writing project and offers continued advice and encouragement. Sir Drew the Scholar, has assisted with filming and video editing. Sir Dr. John has been generous with photography and background music for video production. Sir Dr. John has been absolutely invaluable, and has truly been there for me… My other Patrons have been there for me financially and routing from the sidelines, thank you, Lady Anne Psota! Sir Brian Johnson has been very generous with his support, doubling donations to my great relief, bringing the total from Patreon.com to $260.00 for June –

Recently, I had a Patron step away due to my use of the term ‘Viking’ – I was stunned that he made this decision. He identifies strongly with the Men of the North. 30% of my DNA is from Norway, Scotland, and the Netherlands – The rest is Germanic French. I can speak on this subject. Most English speakers will never read or speak these languages and all academic books written about this historical group use the term ‘Viking’ – Right or wrong… But regardless, the Patron left due to this person’s feeling of offense at my use of a historically accepted term, necessary for instant recognition of this population base…

This is the problem with communication. In one fell swoop, I, and the entirety of my work was dismissed, due to my use of one term…  It was my work that drew him to me in the first place.  I wish he had come to me and asked why I was using the term ‘Viking’ – I would have welcomed the conversation.  This person is still in my friend list which is very cool!  So, while I lost his patronage, I still have the connection!  I’m thinking of doing a podcast on this subject as it is complex and he is right that there is more to the Norse other than the term – ‘Vikings’ – I have many contacts in Norway and it would be a cracking good topic!

Like my ‘Viking Patron’ – I have been prompted by my Patrons to view information through different lenses, and my work has grown as a result of their input. Sometimes my Patrons come up with research that has been invaluable! Patrons are so much more than ‘money’ to pay bills! They become friends, colleagues, and Fellow Travelers on the Path of human potential, knowledge, and spiritual growth. Perhaps together, we’ll all find an earthly buried treasure someday?!

I recognize that we are in difficult economic times.  Absolutely!  By all means!  Your priorities have to be hearth and home first. Your family needs you!  I would feel terrible if a Patron overextended themselves on my behalf. I don’t want anyone to suffer because they are supporting me… So, please, be good to yourself and take care… If your circumstances change, I would be honored to have you with me again.

I have two months of hard work in front of me for the book – I believe in this project and my chosen field… It’s who I AM – But I am not taking anything for granted in the future and must consider making big changes.

Being on television does not equate to being wealthy.  I urge you to keep your day job.  A TV appearance helps with book sales initially and is extremely helpful for one’s CV, but it is a moment only –

The average Non-Fiction writer earns approximately $30k to $25k a year which is considered good for the field. As you can tell… for me… this year?  It’s far less… And I’m stressed…

Non-fiction/history/mystery authors earn the lowest on the totem pole – Those who have a stable career in a university, or other related job to support their interest in writing will fare best.  Do you know the highest-selling topic in all genres? Romance novels! LOL! Believe me, I have thought about it!!!

As you can tell, I am in a state of distress and have been in a depressive state since last fall, but I am getting better and pulling myself together. Longer days and the hope of summer is helping. My main goal is to get this book done and then reassess where I am truly at, with my work. I have always felt that silence, in public, is golden and honorable. I am making an exception today but hopefully in a diplomatic manner with hope for the future.

No one wants to admit their back is up against a wall, let alone broadcast it… I have aspirations in my chosen field. I can’t sustain this for free, no one can… I am not independently wealthy.  I wish I were – I have a list as long as my arm of research I have not been able to get out there in published form.   If I had the funds, I’d hire my own research team, social media, film production, and more… Also, a potential treasure unrelated to Oak Island. In the meantime, I will form professional alliances with brilliant souls, who, like myself, are involved in this field of Historical Mysteries because it helps us Understand the Beautiful Wheels of the Universe and Our Place in it.

I look forward to sharing the wild discoveries made in the last several months.  It is nowhere to be found in the public domain.  It’s new…  It will blow your mind…

I will need to replace my computer soon – I’ve had it repaired once already, but the black screen is flickering again due to loose internal wiring. I’m not sure how long I can keep my laptop going… Right now, I can’t even afford to repair it again…  Granted, this is not your problem, it’s mine, and my choice to be writing…  Am I exhibiting courage or folly? This will depend on the reader. I’m just hoping to get this book across the finish line before my computer breaks down again. I will get through this –

Here’s how you can help me write this book:

Free Options:

1.  Share My Posts or Profile on Facebook:  Thank you to those who have shared my posts – That’s support that can’t be bought!  A book called The Tipping Point found that 150 people talking about a subject will exponentially explode awareness.  Please help me reach out to 150 people.

2.  YouTube Channel:  Thank you for sharing my YouTube Channel, Like and Subscribe – It’s free to you and takes moments.  It’s a form of donation as it will help my channel grow. https://www.youtube.com/@GretchenCornwall/videos

3.  Library:  Click for Instructions: Please consider going to your local library and asking them to buy my book – It’s free and does make a huge difference. 

Patronage:

4.  Patreon:  If you choose to participate by financial means, please consider Patreon.

5.  Paypal:  Private message me/Direct Message for my Friends and Family email address or leave a comment.

6.  Please consider buying a book or give one as a gift:

Thank you for being with me, to those who have been supportive, and those who want to be, I am Blessed to be on this Journey with you –

Current Patrons:

Lady Bonnie Hinman – Sir Brian Johnson – Sir Dr. John – Lady Ann Psota

Sir Andrew Lamb – Sir Drew the Scholar – Sir Tom Burns

Lady Brenda Dixon – Sir David Sellers – Lady Betty Robinson –

Sir Jarid Tadych – Lady Florence Lusier

Thank you for ‘seeing’ me – I appreciate your time,

With Thanks and Gratitude,

Gretchen