Unplanned Popularity... or Something · 12:56am Apr 20th, 2012
As is my custom, a blog post for a completed story. "Unplanned Parenthood" started off as nothing more than a little shout out for fans of my first story, "Tears in the Snow." Needless to say, when I came home after work the day I released it to find that there were 110 notifications in my in box and it was half way up the "Most Popular Stories" section, I freaked. Big time. I had never imagined that such a thing would happen, and in one night it garnered nearly 300 views. For comparison, it took "Tears" approximately a month and a half to hit 600, so in one day it pulled half the total views of my first at the time of me posting the first few chapters.
I will admit, I spooked a little at the attention I was getting. I never intended to be in the spotlight like that, and was nervous about the concept as a whole to begin with. However, I'm satisfied with the way it turned out. Heck, I even earned my first troll, as somepony felt the need to immediately thereafter dislike each of my stories. I can't prove this, but it seems fairly likely. More than anything, this fic was a blast to write. Sure, half the time I would finish a chapter and say "Well, I think it's... ok." And then I'd release it and people would tell me they loved it. Then, chapter 12 which I personally found very amusing, got nearly no comments at all. I guess I need a little more work gauging what everypony thinks is funny.
I do not have any immediate plans for "Unplanned," but because of all the time jumps, it's open to additional chapters, pending on if I have a sudden flash of inspiration. I would say not to get your hopes up for this, however, because I have my next two to three story concepts in my head already, and I will be posting the next serious fic in my series soon. Since I'm attempting to build one massive, cohesive story, everything will inevitably be linked back to story one, which is "Tears." That being said, I am currently in the midst of giving it a massive re-edit, changing some faulty plot points and generally making it what I hope to be EQD worthy. Right now, it isn't. But with some work, I think it could be. And since each fic builds on the next, I want to finish fixing it up before releasing "Under the Starry Skies," Applejack's story.
Now, everypony who has already read Tears, no need to panic. You will not be required to re-read it, as much of the main plot is going to remain unchanged. Here are the changes I do plan to make, though.
- Twilight is the element of magic, so the scene at the beginning where she runs out of magic makes no sense. I've already completely reworked that scene so her magic cutting out halfway isn't as far fetched
- Somepony, albeit somepony who clearly can't draw any connections themselves, complained that Cerulean was "a shitty OC" because he was "too perfect." Now, I sent said pony a list of every reason he was not perfect in any way, shape, or form, but I am also adding sections to show Cerulean's inner war a little bit more clearly and develop him a little more. It's no longer going to be "Happy go lucky stallion suddenly pulls a 180 overnight and is totally fine emotionally the very next day after being on the verge of giving up on life because he awoke with a mare on top of him," when Cerulean and Twilight meet.
- Perhaps the most controversial issue of my fic, the ending. Now, I have heard opinions that support both endings, but the vast majority of complaints revolved around a: Cerulean being named a seventh element, and b: the introduction of another alicorn. Personally, I thought these ideas were fun. But this story isn't just for me, but also for my readers, and thus I am going to attempt to craft an ending that satisfies everypony, even while knowing that is likely impossible. The issue of the alicorn and the seventh element thing don't play any role in the rest of my stories, so getting rid of them is not going to set me back at all. I like the idea of Bangles having a split personality, so rather than dumping that all in at the last chapter, I'm going to add sections about what's going on with her.
- The curse. Honestly, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense for Bangles, or Spikeflail, to just up and curse Cerulean after breaking him to pieces, save only to be malicious. I think it would be a more interesting turn if the curse was self inflicted, something Cerulean did shortly after leaving Canterlot in a fit of anguish, being ready at that point to die but the spell requiring time to build strength. He comes to regret it after a while, clinging to the hope of finding something more and deciding that he wouldn't take his own life, but having no way to dispel the curse. I don't know for sure that this is the path I will take, but I'm giving it some serious thought.
Input on these changes is always welcome. My life will be complete if I can get one of my stories posted on EQD, and my stories wouldn't be what they are without feedback. I will post again when it is finished, as all the changes will go up at the same time, along with my fourth story. Oh, and to anypony wondering if I'm going to be writing any more comedy... well, we shall see. The problem with comedy is thinking up a concept that is funny, original, and can be fleshed out to an actual story. I may try my hoof at writing a few non-oc related 1 shots, but again, no promises. OminousBrony is a freaking slave driver when it comes to writing, though I guess that is for the best. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have become quite parched. Perhaps a drop of cider would do me good? I hear they are opening a tavern of some kind in Ponyville, but don't tell Applejack. After that little scene where she woke up with other ponies in her bed, she's been rather sore about the subject of alcohol.
Special thanks:
OminousBrony - Wouldn't go so far as to say co-author status on this fic, but he was there every step of the way. He offered encouragement, advice, and ideas which all helped craft this story into what it is. So if you enjoyed this, look at your screen and say, "You rock, OminousBrony. Brohoof!" There have been numerous times when I nearly walked away from writing completely, and it was this guy and a few other fans that kept me sane and dedicated.
Magical Trevor - Dear Celestia, I didn't know how badly I needed a prereader/editor until this guy came on board early on while I was writing "The Risks of Braving a Storm." My grammar was terrible, as was my spelling. Anypony who looks at Tears as it is right now will see all the many errors that are present, even after spending a good two to three hours each morning attempting to edit my own work. Trev, your help is a gift from Celestia herself.
Cant wait til I read the Applejack's story, Im feeling bad for her so far with her complaining there and then about finding a stallion for her own
^ Agreed. Applejack needs to have somepony of her own too.
C-come on now, you're gonna make me blush!
I'm just doing what's fun to do! Besides, it's not like you need me much anymore anyways. Compared to when I first started, you've gotten quite a bit better, so if you keep it up, you won't REALLY need me! xD
Not that I don't enjoy pre-reading! I get chapters early, and all I have to do is help the best I can with grammar, plot-holes, ect! Easy gig on my part, I think. I can't guarantee that I'll be able to fully help making it EqD worthy, but I'll certainly give it my best shot! Now, time to get back to work, since I was interrupted by this, no thanks to Omi! xD
You are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was Unplanned Parenthood that caught my eye and led me to read the earlier two, and I am glad for the experience.
I can't wait for AJ's story.
Congrats on the popularity
To be fair, while Cerulean is indeed a flawed character, a large portion of his problems don't seem to come as much from his issues as they do from somepony with enough bad luck that you'd think he'd broken an entire furniture store's worth of mirrors in a failed attempt to avoid being crossed by a herd of black cats while walking under a ladder convention. Although you do a good job of balancing things out so that a number of his issues arise as a result of his quirks.