Last week my wife, Sarah called a meeting and the subject of the meeting was Written to Speak. 

When she said we needed to talk, like any husband, I got a little worried.

But I knew I had nothing to be worried about. 

If you don’t know my wife, well, you’re missing out.

She’s brilliant, hilarious, and thoughtful.

I’m not sharing this because I’m in trouble, that’s just who she is.

One of the things that drew me to Sarah was that she cared for others in a way that I wanted to.

When we moved from Austin to Nashville she was the one who encouraged me to go on a book tour. She didn’t want me out of the house, but she wanted me to be in the room with you.

She believes in me in a way that I cannot explain, but in a way that I will always be thankful for.

And last week she called a meeting.

We sat at the kitchen table and together laid out the next year, 3 years, and five years of WTS. We know that no plans are concrete, but we are hopeful and prayerful about what will come. 

When we looked at our goals and hopes for this ministry… we wondered …
Who else should know about this?
And then I suggested maybe we should share it with everyone….

Sarah was hesitant. I can’t blame her.

What if those dreams don’t become a reality? 
What if they never even make it off the ground?

But louder than those fears is the truth that we are in this together.

You have always played a role in Written to Speak and we believe that you are an important stakeholder in these dreams. 
But I feel it is important to be honest about our hopes with all of you, the people who have been following, supporting, and sharing my work for the last six years, or for however long you’ve been following.

So, as we step into year 7, it is with great anticipation and hope that I share with you a few goals for the next few years.

WTS DREAMS: 

This next year I will continue to bring the Poetry & Stories show on the road.

The past few months have been incredible.

Through your kindness, break through conversations, and compelling confirmation, we’ve decided to continue to do this.

However, starting in March of 2020, I’ll be limiting my time on the road to one week each month.

Book number two will be released in the next 18 months.

We don’t know what this looks like, but I have something on my desktop that is ready to be in your hands.

Advent Devotion will be released in November.

Again, we do not know what this looks like either, but we are working on something.
Together.

Spreading Hope Through Social Media and Media

This year we hope to release even more videos, hope-filled writings, and spoken word tracks.

Local Work

During this next year, I want to find ways to be more mindful of our community in Nashville.
Maybe that looks like doing more work with the local school system, local churches, and local non-profits. When we moved here, we said this is where we would put some roots down.
And in order for us to put roots down in Nashville, I need to be in Nashville.

Non-Profit

I want to create a non-profit that invites students to express their thoughts and emotions through writing, journaling, and storytelling.

Like most of this, I don’t know what this looks like or how to go about doing this, but here we are. 

Our meeting ended on the topic of sustainability.

A few years ago while at Camp Arcadia, Matt Popovits spoke about sustainability. His words were convicting and guiding, something I needed.
When Sarah and I approach life changes we often ask, “Is this sustainable?”

As we looked at the different facets of WTS we asked:

Is Written to Speak sustainable...

Financially?

The truth is, I can’t do this without being paid. As an “artist,” I hate that, but this is my job.

The past few months have been eye-opening and heart-melting. Those of you who have invited me to speak at your churches, schools, and organizations have allowed me to continue to spread hope through poetry and storytelling. Your invitations and gifts have been confirming, encouraging, and overwhelmingly kind.

Thank you. 

Sarah and I have started thinking through more ways for WTS to become financially sustainable.

Patreon

As we enter into 2020, I have launched a Patreon page. Patreon is a crowdfunding membership platform that provides an opportunity for subscribers, or “patrons,” to receive exclusive content while supporting the work.

This is a simple way for those who believe in the work of Written to Speak to financially support our mission. You can read more about all the details at www.patreon.com/writtentospeak.

And all this will create an opportunity for more giving, something we are passionate about.

In 2020, our hope is to give to more non-profits, organizations, and individuals who spread hope and seek to bring light into the darkness. 

For our family?

Like your job, this mission has to be sustainable for our current and future family structure. With changes to my travel schedule, we hope to make Written to Speak more sustainable for our family and friends.

Emotionally, Physically, and Spiritually?

Being away from home is draining.

I love it.

But it burns gas like a Hummer.
We are looking for ways to make “life on the road” more sustainable and healthy.

When I am away, I am not able to part of our church and community, go to the gym, or sleep in my own bed. Dreams require sacrifices, but I’m learning that neglecting emotional, physical and spiritual health is not an option.

One last thing …

We are thankful for your love and support -- like I said in the beginning, you play a significant and needed role in this dream.

We thank God for you daily.

Thank you for opening up your lives to us, supporting this mission, and for being a friend. Written to Speak would not be what it is if it was not for you.

We ask for your prayers as we step into 2020.

Oh, and get yourself a Sarah.

Much Love,

Tanner (and Sarah)
www.patreon.com/writtentospeak