I'm Brian K. Morris and I'm just one of many big fans of Amy Hale and her husband, John ("Mr. Amy Hale" as we like to call him).

Amy is a participating author in the Havenwood Falls franchise, as well as titles such as Ulterior Motives, Letters From Jayson, Catching Whitney, The Shadows Trilogy, and her latest, Neurosis.

John is Amy’s supportive husband and constant companion. Years ago, after freelancing in the magazine field, Amy wanted to come home full-time to write fiction. Without hesitation, John asked her to do that, and she did.

The Hales and I met several years ago at a comic convention in Cape Girardeau, MO. My wife and I were struck by their positivity and shared sense of humor. In addition, Amy and John have been very helpful to several other writers, along with me. If we need information or even just a kind word when life's circumstances prove too challenging, the Hales are a wellspring of just that.

Also, they set the pace for us as creators, of always putting our best work forward while reaching back to help others rise, of creating fearlessly, and never being afraid to work in an unfamiliar genre.

Well, it’s no secret that the last three years have been trying for us all. It's been even more so for the Hales.

Between job uncertainties, supply chain problems for John's job, family issues, changing jobs for Amy, and both of them catching Covid-19, that would be enough to kill anyone's passion for writing.

As if that weren't enough, Amy's diabetes has not improved, her short-term memory has deteriorated, her chronic Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder that limits production of one’s thyroid hormone), has been exasperated, and recently she's been diagnosed as severely anemic. For the last malady, Amy might require surgery, although other treatment methods are currently being pursued.

Also, John's medical case required serious hospitalization; both of them suffered long-term neurological damage from their bouts with the coronavirus. Naturally, this means accumulating medical bills as the insurance pays for less and less as the Hales need help more and more until it's impossible to pay these debts off easily.

Like many creatives, Amy suffers from depression, and the confluence of all of the above has done nothing but increase that to the point where everything is hard, especially doing the writing that she loves.

On December 12, 2022, Amy did a Facebook Live broadcast (https://www.facebook.com/100006933889228/videos/519151306828517) where she poured her heart out about her difficulties in being able to write. She wants to but is weighed down by the pressures of all her mounting troubles. Writing is her passion and she cannot bring up the mental strength to do so now.

Amy and John have done so many wonderful things for the writing community and have proved a constant inspiration to all of us. Plus, she is such an amazing talent. To keep her literary voice strong, she can use all our help.

All funds, less GoFundMe's fees, will go to the Hales so they can pay off their current medical bills and hopefully get ahead with their future health needs, including some dental surgery for Amy in the coming year.

So, for anyone who's been touched by Amy's talent, her bright sense of humor, and her caring, or knows someone who has, please consider contributing to this fund.

Thank you so much.