Human x Pony Shipping Survey & New Novel Idea!! (Please Read) · 7:28pm Jan 28th, 2013
Hello my friends! Well, my long weekend is just about over. But it was great while it lasted. Anyway, I have news about my Luna fic, then a short Human x Pony shipping survey and I'm ready to share some details about my new novel with all of you! This blog is a little lengthy, but it will be worth your time to read, and you get to voice your opinion in a survey! Plus, some Luna pics! =D
Okay, this morning I finished the rough draft of chapter 10 of "A Total Eclipse of Their Hearts". It's a little over 8,700 words, so a decent length. I'll start editing tonight! Now I decided to save the next love scene for the beginning of chapter 11, but since chapter 10 is somewhat darker than the rest of this story has been thus far, I did end it on a more upbeat note and used the last scene to build on the romance and set up the love scene for chapter 11. I'm really hoping you all enjoy where this story is going now. Plus with my skills continuing to improve, I think each chapter will be better than the last!
Now, you may be wondering, why is Jaydex having a human x pony shipping survey? Well, before I go into details about the survey, I will first help you understand why, I'm having one. It links in with my new novel idea. Now, you all know I enjoy writing these wonderful pony stories, but we all know if I am ever to make it as a professional writer, I will need to work on novels that can be published and hopefully make me some money. Ultimately, I want my works to do three things - entertain people, inspire them and make them feel loved or even give them hope. Making money is second. I mean let's face it, making big bucks would be great, but if it's my only goal, then I'll never make it. I have to continually have a drive to accomplish something. And I want to offer great stories that people, like you, will want to read again and again! That's my dream!
So keeping that in mind, I can't just write pony stories forever. Believe me, if there were a way to write them and make money off of them, I'd be set. But, sadly, these are stories based off the creation of another, even if I could get permission to make published novels for sale, they aren't really my own creation A, and B, while I love the Brony community dearly, it's a limited audience. Thus I have to think bigger. So I asked myself, how can I have my cake and eat it too. Because I've been trying to work on other novel ideas, but nothing seems to flow very easily. Not like these pony stories do. That's why I got to thinking, well there is plenty of room for creativity in the fantasy realm. A number of inspirational ideas led me to the conclusion, I can create my own magicial ponies for a story. They will be heavily inspired by Lauren Faust's amazing creations, but at the same time they will have my own personal touches and uniqueness. Besides, I'm sure plenty of you are familiar with the axiom - "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." But my new novel idea doesn't stop there. I found a hitch that will allow this story to take place in a fictional setting that will appeal to a much larger audience than just us bronies alone! In creating my new novel, you will be able to trace its roots linking back to the dark ages in 8,000 BC, but my story doesn't actually begin until the modern day in 2013 AD. The summary, which I have prepared will better explain my new idea in a nutshell. Plus this novel will answer the following question - "What happened to all magic using humans?" Okay, here's the summary:
“The Realm of Forgotten Magic” - (Working Title)
Book I
by J. David
Every great destiny begins with a discovery, and is followed by an epic journey. Behind the heart of every legend, lies a grain of truth! Countless centuries ago…magic wielding humans and creatures of myth once walked the Earth, and lived among the unenlightened humans alike. As time pressed on, fear and mistrust caused tensions to rise among the two types of humans.
A war eventually broke out, and as the unenlightened developed new technologies, the magic wielders were slowly being overwhelmed! They were heavily outnumbered, seeing as they made up barely a quarter of the human population. Finally, their leader, the Archmage, was forced to find a way to save his people. In time magic and the humans that wielded it…vanished forever.
Now, follow Nathan as he and his friends search the modern world to discover the truth about a strange artifact he found in his childhood. Together they uncover a gateway to another world, a land rich with magic and creatures of legend! Along the way each of them will be challenged and learn much about themselves. Nathan will even discover that love can be found in the most unlikely of places. So put your imagination to the test, as they explore the mystical world of Terradyne and journey to find out what became of the magic-wielding humans.
This is what will be found on the back cover of the novel, when the time comes for it's completion. Now getting back to the survey. First a little more about the ponies in my story. I've already got a name for their race, which I will not disclose till closer till release time, but I have some creative twists for them, how they get their cutie marks, which won't be called cutie marks in my novel, oh no, and they won't have exactly the same look, just the similar qualities that attracted us all to MLP in the first place. I will however have the four normal pony types - There will be earth ponies, pegasi, unicorns and alicorns. Now keeping that in mind, my human x pony shipping question is this. "Which type of pony do you like to see shipped most often with a human?"
A. Earth Pony
B. Pegasus
C. Unicorn
D. Alicorn
This isn't a vote, rather just me collecting some data, but I will certainly keep your opinions in mind. I will ultimately choice the type of pony Nathan ends up with...that's right! One major aspect of this novel, which no doubt will be highly controversial is a human x pony romance. But it won't be the only thing this story offers, no, only a small but vital key element. I will also be happy to answer any questions you may have about this novel, as long as it doesn't pertain too much to the overall story. I want this be a real treat for all of you when it's done. This story already has limitless possibilities. In fact I have enough material already to take care of the Introduction, the Prologue and the first two chapters as well. I still need to plan more of the characters and work on the finer details of the world I'm calling Terradyne, but thanks to all of your help already, this should easily outshine my first novel. And while I haven't given up on "Echanted Destiny", I know I have no real way of gauging its progress, like my stories on here, and let's face it, it's very rare to become a success on your first book. And I know I still have a lonnnnnnnnng way to go! But I can only get better. And thanks to your feedback and critiques, I've already drastically improved. I'm sure some of you might think this ideal is lunacy, and maybe you're right, but I have to keep trying and keep my dream alive!
For now, I leave you to mull this over, and have no fear, I will still be working on my pony stories! I have no intention of stopping them, ever, I just will be working on this novel as well, so some pony stories may not hit the queue as quickly as I want, but I know in time, everything will work out. Thank you as always for your continued support! You guys are the best!
- Jaydex
Possible D for me.
I always liked these 'New Universe' and 'Other world' stories. They're original (most of the time) and magic will be always a good element in a story for me. I can only wish you a good luck with it, fulfill your dream!
As for your question: Ship him with an Alicorn!
It's honestly a hard question to answer....the question of race is a pretty superficial thing, given that it's the characters and their relationship that really matters, especially in the greater context of something like a human and a pony - that's a much bigger hurdle, I feel, then whatever specific race the pony is.
Oh sure, if someone is paired with an Alicorn, their are loads more implications and things to be mindful for then if it were an Earth Pony, but it doesn't make the relationship any more (or less) special....ultimately, it's the characters and their love that really shines; everything else is fluff that'll be worked out, one way or another.
I have to admit, it's a tough one...I can pick a choice, but it would feel so superficial -- all of them have superficial things would make them seem amazing to a human's eyes.....an Earth Pony, on principle, can be seen as attractive because they are most like human beings and have that down-to-earth quality....a Unicorn is attractive because of their magical abilities, a Pegasus for the flight, and a Alicorn for being the most powerful and essentially being a deity.
See? Worthless - ultimately the issue of race is inconsequential....it's only with an Alicorn that the issue of race really rears it's head because that has the greatest implications that must be dealt with, given what they are....but even then, if they really love eachother, if they (and we readers) really care for them and their growth and so on....I feel the issue of race, no matter what it is, sort of fades away. As before, if we're talking race....the very fact this person is a Pony, regardless of what specific type, is actually the biggest hurdle to cross and much more worthy of attention.
That last Luna picture looks gorgeous, by the way...so ethereal and magical
Usually it's either B or D that i run across. I'll see A or C far less often, but still every once in a while.
I would love to see human and unicorn but mostly love to shipping of Human and Alicorn.
and Princess Luna look so beautful at night.
Personally I always think Pegasus ships are cute, its always cute when they cuddle / wings as blankets etc.... Kinda sounds creepy now that I think about it...
Hmm...D.
Also a very interesting idea.
Good luck!
C is my favorite.
I usually seem to like C and D shipped with humans the most.
Gotta say C and D are my preferences.
I am not going to help much because I would of picked All of the above lol I am one of those types that ships every type. But if I had to pick from personal likes and that would be Earth and Unicorn since my fav ponies is Aj/Earth pony and Twilight/Unicorn
I'd have to say C, 'cuz Unicorns rock!
D. Alicorn.
Your summary has made me want to read the novel now.
B or D for me.
I have honestly always preferred Human x Alicorn or Human x Pegasus shipping.
I've always enjoy a nice alicorn x human story
Unicorns and alicorns.
Unicorns and pegasai.
I don't really care as well as both parties consent to it.
D. make it a forbidden romance, where nathan and a goddess / princess are in love but they be together
Just to let all of you known, I'm currently leaning heavily toward shipping Nathan with a unicorn, but I do like the idea of making his mare an alicorn. Thankfully I have time to decide as I work on the opening of this story.
762102
Alicorns do offer a very unique perspective.
762128
Thank you, I hope it turned out well. And an alicorn...a very interesting choice.
762150
I enjoyed reading your explanation. Even if you can't decide or think your suggestion is moot, you make persuasive arguments for all four types. Though unlike everyone else, I don't see alicorns, personally, as goddesses, more like long-lived very powerful beings, like dragons or elves, so to speak.
I'm glad you like that picture of Luna. I chose it because of the same reasons you like it.
762160
Thanks for the feedback. And to let you know I am personally leaning toward Unicorn. Alicorn us tempting, but I'm not quite sure yet.
762231
Luna does look pretty amazing. And I'm quite fond of C and D pairings myself.
762239
There's nothing creepy about it. Wings are fun in their own light. Shipping with a pegasus or an alicorn adds the unique element of wing cuddling. I for one like the concept a lot!
762349
Thank you, I wanted an idea that would allow me to write something orignal, but allow me to keep writing about what I love most!
762400
I have to say, unicorn is an option I am seriously considering.
762484
I'd have to agree with you there. They make for some magical tales!
762534
I'm seeing a trend in C & D, but hey, there's always been something enchanting about unicorns, and alicorns add wings and more abiltiies, making the fantasy even more amazing!
762693
See, you were helpful. You stated reasons based on two of your favorite characters!
762811
Yes they do, and there is always something special about them!
762926
A good choice, and thanks, now I just need to write this story. It should be loads of fun!
762994
Ah yes, B & D, wings add to the enchantment. At least you can't go wrong with these four types!
763060
BTW, glad to see you switch back to your avatar pic of Luna! I like that one best!
Those are very enjoyable combinations. I know I love writing my Luna and Celestia fics.
763114
Thank you! I can see alicorns are a very popular choice. I myself enjoy that shipping as well.
763118
The magic adds to the romance. I know I'm already leaning toward unicorn, but alicorn is tempting.
763142
Good choices. The wings are just amazing!
763233
Have no fear, it will be a consensual relationship.
763254
I am considering making it a bit of a forbidding romance, even if i go with C, but D would certainly open a wide variety of options. Mmm, I just love the potential this story has with this romance alone!
Any and all, any and all.
763292
Yep, you can't go wrong with any of these four types.
763270 Lol I suppose. If you need help mulling things over or help discussing topics you know who you can talk to.
Hmm. Alicorn.
B or C for me
For me B & D .
Mmmm, unicorn and/or pegasi. Unicorns go swell with the theme of Magic-using humans.
Also this little tidbit.
Behind the heart of every legend, lies a grain of truth!
Dunno if the comma is needed. It works great either way. Shweet.
I think you're helping inspire me to type some fimfix.
Before I throw my coin in the fountain, I'd like to say something I've noticed. It seems like most people I've seen in real life and on the internet prefer Unicorns. It makes someone like me, who prefers Pegasi, a little lonely.
Anyway, you probably guessed my answer. I like seeing humans shipped with Pegasus Ponies. Though I don't have a problem seeing them shipped with any of the other three types of ponies either.
eh is my opinion....jk I have no what the fuck I'm talking about, A
763630
And so does your avatar pic!
You crack me up!
763556
And don't worry, I still plan on working on my RD fic, so you'll get your pegasus fic before too long! 
Like I said in my reply comment, I have time to think it over. I think the reason many like alicorns is it gives you the best of both worlds of a pegasus and a unicorn. I agree that unicorn seems most common, but hey, who knows where things will go. I'll be sure to give all four types due consideration, rather than just make a simple choice.
763520
I have you to thank for the comma assistance. I didn't think about their placement as much before you came along. And glad I could help inspire you, also good choices, and yes the unicorn does work well in this isntance.
763478 & 763378 & 763340
Thanks for sharing your choices. I'll be sure to keep them in mind!
D is a great option because this one takes the best of A,B and C: the beauty of an earth pony, the marvelous wings of a pegasus and the powerful magic of an unicorn, but I will leave to you to take the best option. I know that you can make a great story using any of these lovely ponies.
Great! I'm looking forward to it.
Go Alicorns!
763803 Besides your fics , fics like 'Castle Life' are my fave.
763803 It's no problem. Also Sorry for not saying anything for awhile (blogs, maybe stories) been busy and well I just couldn't really think of anything to say. but hey I've been following you for awhile and I will keep following you to the end
which shouldn't happen in a long time 
now then I leave this 
fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/233/5/3/53021e3ee3d431ca38b01f065410850a-d47demk.png
B.
I am rather interested in your story idea, party due to me having a similar idea for a book. If you were to publish it, then I would definitely read it. As far as what race of pony for the love interest, the majority of the time it involves the race that has some kind of magical advantage that gives off a more unique character. Having magic, flight, or both can be an advantage for the main character or even a disadvantage depending on which direction the story goes.
Small idea: If the the other world has beings who depend on magic as their main power, then any humans there would all be weak physically and would not know how to fight outside of magic use. The main character would then have some advantage if he is strong (call out some honor duel with no magic or something like that) and then all he has to mainly worry about are the battle races, monsters, dragons, environment and all that.
A and B are my favorite options.
Goodness, I'm clearly in the minority here when I say I prefer A over the rest.
But like Shiek927 said, It's not the race that'll make this fic special, it's the characters and their love that will.
The reason being is that in a fic that's surrounded in magic and mythical creatures, I find it awfully endearing that Nathan would find and fall in love with the lesser gifted race. Like you can see here in the comments, its like they're overlooked because they have nothing special about them, but I think that's why I'd choose an Earth pony over a Unicorn, Pegasus or Alicorn. It opens up that kind of tragically romantic "Why would you want somepony who can't use magic or fly?" moment. It's rather sweet to me.
Of course, on the other hand, picking a pony who can use magic, be it Alicorn or Unicorns, will fit the theme of fantasy well. That's not a bad thing, but it seems too easy for my tastes. I understand the temptation and low difficulty that comes with picking either an Alicorn or Unicorn, but I'd feel that, If I were to read it without knowledge of MLP, that I'd say "Oh, of course he'd pick and Ali or Uni over the other ones." when I came to the romantic bits. Again, not a bad thing, but feels too easy. Those two are clearly the majority here, and I don't mind that, but, I suppose that to gather data and see what's popular is the overall point in this survey, huh?
On the topic of Pegasi, I can also see the temptation here, especially in a few stereotypical (but great!) romance scenes. Not so much in the wing cradling (which is always adorable.) but with the Pegasus character flying her mate around since he is unable to. Being able to see the world from how she sees it, y'know? I also like the idea of how Pegasus tend to act (at least in MLP and barring Fluttershy), spunky and lively. Not cocky or conceded, but I imagine them as the type of person who just loves life and can find fun or happiness out of any moment. Not sure where that stems from, but oh well.
I'm very excited to see this come to fruition though. I would very easily pick myself up a copy If I ever came across it.
All in all, I'd pick A for sure. I find it more special that way. In a land filled with Magical and Flying creatures, the main character decides to pick the one that's less special than the others, but at the same time, one far more important (to him). Maybe I just prefer the more boring stuff?
B. and D. cuz those are my favs HMM!
763821
Also thank you for the strong vote of confidence in my being able to pull it off, no matter which I chose. 
Thank you for sharing your choice and even more for explaining why. These comments, yours included, have been most helpful. So many great ideas that will help me as I select the species of pony to ship Nathan with.
763853
More food for thought!
763859
BTW, love the pic, Luna and Tia as the spa ponies, sweet!
It's okay my friend. I'm just glad you're still along and will be here till the end. Sometimes even when you all share your thoughts, I am hard-pressed to know what to say, other than "Oh, I'm Glad, or great to hear that." Which to me, sometimes feel stale and forced, and I want you guys to know my replies come from the heart, whenever possible.
763946
Hey, good hearing from ya, even if it's just your choice. Thanks for sharing!
764110
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I enjoyed them. I'm grateful for your interest, and the ultimate goal of this story is to become an officially published novel. Your viewpoints on pony type and general thoughts about the world in regards to the human's strength vs the magic using humans lack of physical prowess is already something I've been mulling over, but seeing you share that, helped remind me that it's an important element. Regardless this will be loads of fun!
764524
Thank you, and it's great to see more readers that like A and B. A especially seems to stand alone. Though I understand why.
764804
My friend, I can't thank you enough for these invaluable ideas. You make great arguments for all four choices. Which almost makes me wish I could ship the human with all four types. But have no fear, I will chose one, when the time comes. I do like your reasoning for the Earth pony, along with those of a few others. As I said above in another comment, I won't be making this decision lightly.
764992
Thank you for sharing, I appreciate that everyone has taken the time to comment!
765452
'ppreciate the reply, pal. No need to thank us, I'm sure in due time we'll all be thanking you for this story.
I love the idea here, it's intriguing to say the least. Usually (at least here) you'd see the human race in Equestria, or this story's equivalent, but here you flip it to where the ponies were once on Earth. Not only that, but there's Wizards along with humans who are going against the norms of their time with technology. And the wizards and Ponies vanished? But why?? I just love that concept, It's like a four-fer of mystery!
I'd like to ask, besides Faust's work, what inspired you to write this? Were there any fics or novels you read prior that fueled your inspiration with this idea? Also, though I know you want to become a professional author, why was this story the one you decided you wanted published to a larger group of folks?
766990
Well a friend of mine has been sharing with me the root of the brony community. Before Luna and Celestia, bronies used to be fans of Lady Amalthea from the classic tale "The Last Unicorn". I want to read this novel, but some ideas and thoughts shared with me from a close follower of mine, got my wheels turning as did a number of other constant sources of fantasy inspiration. I can't thank just one other source for this new novel idea, but Faust's ponies and "The Last Unicorn" have helped me realize I can adapt my own ponies for this story. But classic RPGs like Final Fantasy, Xenogears, Lunar and countless others have always inspired me in my writing along with animes like - "Outlaw Star", "Record of Lodoss War" to name a few, have helped me realize I can make this story appeal to a larger audience. Music from these sources play a big role in my inspiration as well.
Now in order to help you understand why I want to hit a large group of folks with this, I'll need to help you understand my career goals and ambitions. First, I really dislike my job in the factory I'm employed at. So I need to write a story that in addition to fueling my dream to entertain others with my stories, I can also make a living with. But ponies are my true passion when I write. That's why I had to think, how can I have my cake and eat it too. There must be a way to work ponies into an epic novel that don't plagiarize Faust's ponies, but seem similar or all but like hers, and at the same time can be worked into a vast world that can contain stories that will reach a broader audience, thus having a better chance of succeeding. If I succeed then I can make a living. For me, writing will always be about entertaining first and making money second, but we must be realistic, I need to keep profiting in mind...that's how professional writers make a living, but I can't focus on making money alone. I can't lose sight of my dream nor my passion for writing.
So that's why I want this to hit a larger audience. I want to make a good enough living that I can leave my factory job, take a less demanding job to fill the financial gaps, so I can make ends meet, but have time to keep writing and improving. I know if time I will make it. I just have to keep going and start publishing actual books for sale. I have one so far, but my skills form when I published it are some elementary compared to what they grown two in less than a full year. I know this novel will do vastly better! I know my first book isn't bad, but whenever I flip through its pages, I see so much room for improvment, which thanks to being on here, I've done in leaps and bounds!
Now I'm thrilled you like the concept of my novel, but one thing I am currently evolving in this story is the ponies' location. You're misinterpretation of my summary has given me another invaluable concept to work from. What if my race of ponies was on the Earth first? Originally I was thinking that these ponies would be native to the new world of Terradyne. And I was thinking that the creatures of mythology part of the summary was for more commonly thought of mythic creatures on earth. So I have a lot to consider. Like I Said, this won't be something I enter into lightly and it will be an involved project. My last novel took over a year to complete, not counting submitting it and waiting till the publication process was complete. That took another year. So it could easily be two years till this story hits the shelves. Which is why once I get cooking my pony fics may suffer at times, but if this story really comes to life, it won't matter. If I make it as a writer, I can write pony stories on the side all the time! That and I will need to take breaks from this new novel, so that's when I'll keep working on my other MLP stories, besides all my pony fics are great practice for honing my skills! And you awesome readers and followers fuel my drive to write!
So I hope that gives you a better idea of what got me motivated for this idea and why I want to make it appeal to a large group and hopefully make some money off it at the same time.
Hmm, I'm interested in reading "The Last Unicorn" to further understand here.
I understand your reasonings to become a professional author, but I suppose I didn't make it clear enough. I meant to ask why this story specifically is the one you chose? Before I continue, I should ask, are the majority of your novel ideas pony related? You mentioned Enchanted Destiny (I'm assuming that's another pony novel idea) and I was curious why you're not deciding to go with that one over The Realm of Forgotten Magic? Was it just because ya weren't feeling that one at the time, or because ya didn't feel the idea was strong enough or..?
And I don't know how I mixed up Terradyne with Earth, apologies.
I guess I'm glad my lack of focus helped in some way, I guess! Lol.
I know there was a lot more I wanted to touch on, but today's "controversy" has me rather... blinded by other things.
Take care, pal.
770733
Okay, first off, all of my novel ideas aren't pony related. "The Realm of Forgotten Magic" is my first pony idea. The reason I chose it, is because I've been having issues getting on board with my other novel ideas. Mainly because they aren't pony related. I've had the best time writing stories with ponies, so the reason I partially came up with this idea was to have a pony novel I could write and publish. I added more to it than just ponies so it can appeal to more readers. But with ponies and a pony human romance, I can get on board more easily. First rule or writing is to write what you know, love and are familiar with. If you can get behind your work then so can your readers!
And remember, these aren't the ponies from Equestria, they will be my own creation, inspired by Faust's ponies and by the overall spirit of "The Last Unicorn". It will all make more sense once I've started work on it and can share more of my thoughts, once I have a better grasp on this idea, which is still in its infancy. 
Oh, and for the record, I didn't give up on "Enchanted Destiny" in fact the first book is done and published for sale. Links to my blog about it and where to buy it from my publisher are on my user page here on FIM. The reason I shied away from ED right now is, while I have 3 other books in the first series to write, I wanted something with ponies, and this new idea will allow me to do that. Besides there is so much more to Terradyne than just the ponies alone. (Not that ponies aren't improtant
) This world will boast some real epic wonders, a wide variety of races, new and old, and some elements that might even give it a Final Fantasy feel. 
.
I hope that helps you better understand where I'm coming from.
Sorry if I didn't explain myself properly before, the ill-effects of third-shift leave my mind muddied at times. I'm amazed some days I can write so well.
I think either a alicorn, or a unicorn would be best.
Seems like a hard question to answer, while it won't be hard to answer if it were a fancic, seeing that people in the local market will question the relations of human basically having a romance. I would imagine the mentality in there could be justifiable (in a way), it'll be like if it was a pig, goat, etc. But back to the survey, I would think something simple would be nice as opposed to foreign creatures (such as Unicorns, Alicorns, Pegasus), thus I say 'Earth-ponies' to help have Nathan for someone to relate to with the supernatural wonders of the world
As for the idea of having a knock-off of MLP universe, its not a bad idea if one can do enough alterations, where between the two universe they don't share a majority of similarities as opposed to differences. Nonetheless, it shall be interesting to see the contrast, as your expertise of writing MLP fanfics would help create interesting idea if not create good writing with the universe with similar settings.
Overall, I'm fine with the idea about creating a frictional universe, while true is based on MLP, will be interesting to see how it will turn out. But I have concerns about the general audience who is not aware, if not set aside, about the idea of human with a pony romance who may go out of their way to go against since it appears as a bestiality. And as a precautions, I would recommended that you initially limit your channel of distribution to 'test the water' to see if you'll receive any backfire from the market, therefore just released it as a e-Book for now til it would seem to be a good idea to expand your channel of distribution.
Hope this helps man.