Seeking Support in Producing an Inspiring Storybook for Kids

Hola friends,

My name is Roger Clay, and I’m a 75-year-old writer, storyteller, creative imagineer, and IT tech (or cyberShaman, if you will), living in Northern California. For the past month, I’ve been working with my writing partner, Olga Soboleva, on a joyful, heartfelt children’s book called The Wild Adventures of Joan Muirkat—a colorful tale of courage, redemption, and magical experiences in the High Sierra.

The idea for this story was sparked by Olga, who adores meerkats and hikes the Eastern Sierra several times a year. What began as a lighthearted joke between us—about a meerkat named “Joan Muirkat” (a playful nod to John Muir)—quickly evolved into a rich, funny, emotionally resonant adventure that we believe could become the first in a series of books.

Joan is a lost little meerkat who, with a Western Grey Squirrel she meets in Reno, sets off bravely into the mountains. Along the way, she befriends a glider-flying beaver, a young bighorn sheep, and a mystical white raven—each with their own story—and ultimately finds her place in a wild and unpredictable world.

It’s a story for children, yes—but also for families to read together, much in the spirit of E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little.

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Why I’m Asking for Help

We’re preparing to launch a full Kickstarter campaign soon to fund the printing of the book, along with a companion audiobook and coloring book.

But here’s the honest truth:

I’m struggling financially right now—behind on rent, trying to make ends meet while continuing to create. Over the past year, I’ve battled Lyme disease, and though I’ve kept working and building toward this dream, I’m in a vulnerable place.

This GoFundMe isn’t about funding the product. It’s about helping me stay afloat long enough to finish it.

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How Your Support Helps

Your donation goes directly toward:

• Covering basic living expenses through to October while I complete the illustrations, layout, and production preparation,

• Giving me the space and peace of mind to focus fully on creating something truly beautiful and lasting,

• Supporting a project that reflects our shared desire to bring positive, engaging stories to children, their families, and the young at heart.

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What Happens Next

While this GoFundMe helps stabilize both me and the creative process, we’ll be launching the official Joan Muirkat Kickstarter this Summer. That campaign will focus entirely on producing and delivering the hardcover book, audiobook, coloring book, and sticker sets.

This GoFundMe, by contrast, is something more personal—a chance for people who believe in me, and in stories like this one, to lend a hand before we bring it to the wider world.

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If you can contribute—thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

If you can’t, but want to help—please consider sharing this with someone who might want to support a lifelong storyteller bringing something joyful and healing into the world.

I believe this story matters.

And I’d be honored to have your help bringing it to life.

With deep gratitude and onward with ♥️!

—Roger