Leah & Bobbie's Literary Journey to Maine
A cross-country trip from California to Maine with writer and artist, Leah Scott-Kirby, and protagonist and sculptor, Bobbie Muller.
Cat’s out of the bag:
I have been planning a cross-country trip for a few months now. While I have several routes mapped out, and must-see destinations along the way, I have still been trying to figure out the best way to raise funds for this trip, as I am not in the best position to fully finance it on my own. I believe that the best approach is to explain why I have chosen to drive instead of fly, what you would gain from helping me reach my destination, and for the sake of transparency, the reasons for the tight finances regardless of the mode of transportation.
Why I’m Driving:
The Experience: In the beginning of "The Longshore Current," our main character, Bobbie Mûller, a 33-year-old sculptor, decides to leave California and drive back home to Maine. Through writing Bobbie’s story, I've learned that hands-on, visceral research is more valuable for authentic storytelling than internet research. Experiencing the trip will contribute to the authenticity of my writing. I want the story to be lived so it can be believed (heh, see what I did there?).
The Convenience: I currently work part-time for a local brewery. My job primarily involves social marketing but has expanded to encompass any kind of marketing. Working remotely allows me to balance my job with this kind of trip. I aim to experience this adventure while maintaining a small but steady income, giving me the flexibility to travel. If all goes as planned, post MFA life won’t afford me this same luxury.
The Adventure: Anyone who knows me, knows I love to travel. I’ve been this way for a long time. Never understanding why anyone would want to stay in one place for too long. There’s so much more out there to learn, to experience, to enjoy. I’ve been to several other countries in my life, but I’ve hardly seen most of the U.S. I’ve dreamed up this trip in many different ways, one even being a cross country bicycling trip. While I have been on many adventures over the years, it doesn’t stop my long-standing quest for new experiences.
What I’m offering:
I had a fun time crafting up the different levels of perks I’d like to offer based on your donation amounts.
All Donations: Access to journey updates on my Substack.
$15Â Amber: Secret access to daily vlog! Follow along with the journey in real time!Â
$25Â Opal:Â Sneak peek access to works not yet released to public. Personalized postcard from one of my stops.(in addition to aforementioned perks)
$45Â Amethyst:Â Personalized piece of art during the roadtrip, inspired by Bobbie the sculptor! (in addition to aforementioned perks)
$175 Turquoise: All of the above + a super special gift acquired during this journey. (in addition to aforementioned perks)
$500 Obsidian: I will name a character or place in my book after you! Your choice! (in addition to aforementioned perks)
Financial Challenges:
Education: I am graduating with my MFA in Creative Writing this summer. Hell, that’s the number one reason I’m headed to Maine as it is! While this last semester is required, it is not covered by any financial aid. I am not technically ‘enrolled’ and therefore I am not a ‘student.’ That means even though I am required to be physically present to deliver a presentation, conduct a reading, participate in the graduation ceremony, and launch issue #21 of the Review, I do not have the necessary financial assistance for housing or the fees required for graduation.Â
Career: Concurrently, over the past two years, I have been diligently working on my thesis while holding a full-time job. Fortunately, during this last semester, I have secured part-time employment, which offers the flexibility to work on my thesis, in this case, a novel, as well as assume the role of Editor in Chief of the Stonecoast Review. While I express no grievances, as this opportunity is an absolute dream and I am deeply appreciative of the support and affection that I have received during this time, the truth of the fact is this all puts my in a super sticky-icky financial situation.
A breakdown of expenses:
Gas: According to Roadtripper.com, gas will cost approximately $1,100 round trip. This is not far off from how much a flight would cost.Â
Accommodation: The trip there will likely span 7-8 days. The trip back probably a bit less. Ideally I would sleep each day. I’m elbows deep in researching campsites, couch surfing, motels, airbnbs, etc. So the range is a bit wide: anywhere between 400 to 1200.
Food: I will be prepping at home and bringing what I can along with me! But just be safe, budgeting ~500 for sustenance.
Residency/graduation costs: Ideally I could cover this with what I make from my part time job. But with accommodation needed in Maine, commuter fees, regalia, etc, roughly 1500-2000 is what I’m looking at.Â
Misc/Emerg/Tolls: Any extra funds would be put toward the worst case scenarios and unforeseen circumstance.
Your help means a lot to me and would make a big difference in achieving my goals. I'm really grateful for any support you can give as I continue to work on my dreams. I hope we can make this journey enriching and enjoyable for everyone involved!
Please do share this with your friends and family.
Donations can be made on any of the following platforms:
Venmo: @leahscottkirby (last four digits of number if required: 5604)
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Leahscottkirby ($ amounts are slightly different here as they are a monthly donation, not one-time)
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/leahscottkirby/leah-bobbies-literary-journey-to-maine (this is a must-reach-the-goal site in order to receive anything)
Become a PAID subscriber HERE on Substack:
Paypal: leahscottkirby@gmail.com
Feel free to email me with anything questions, suggestions, information, anything at all!
Leah@leahscottkirby.com
(Had a nice little chat with AI and this is what Bobbie looks like…)