Answering Flink: An Update On Where Divided Rainbow Currently Stands · 1:43am Mar 3rd, 2014
[All quotes are from a comment Flink left.]
So I've been checking on this (ya know, just in case...) and going back and rereading my favorite bits.
I was just thinking, the story really could end here. I mean, Lero's got everyone back -- he's reconciled and united his "old" herd and his "new" herd. He has accepted new Rarity and new Rainbow as they are into his heart. He has more than he did before the swap and is feeling that the swap was a good thing in the end. There are some incidental loose ends (Applejack) but for most stories you could end here and we'd be satisfied. So, you know, that's an accomplishment. It also gave me a moment of fear and I almost had to go back and check that this hadn't been marked "completed".Then I read the comments too and let out an embarrassed sigh of relief. After all, there ARE still a lot of open questions (the biggest probably being what happens to the relationships when the swap ends)
Wow. First of all, thanks, Flink. I'm highly flattered that you think Chapter 26 was so well-written, that the story could end there comfortably. 26 was a HUGE one; a major turning point in the story that I was always anxious to reach and show my readers, from the moment I began writing Divided Rainbow.
But you're right on the money. Have no fear: Divided Rainbow hasn't ended. I'll mark it 'completed' when it's completed.
and an author writing at this quality level wouldn't leave so much unexplored.
[PROUD, HAPPY SMILE.] It's readers like you that keep me writing. And you're right: I have too much pride as a writer to leave this saga incomplete.
But now, in all fairness, I feel this is a good point to address a matter. There's a reason a comment like Flink's, here, was written in the first place. And that reason's because it's been quite a while since you fans have seen Divided Rainbow updated, hasn't it?
You have every right to wonder: has Mike abandoned this story?
Rest assured, I have not. It's not forgotten, and it's not 'on hiatus.'
Literally every night, I'm hard at work with my wonderful team of collaborators. For you see, the next installment of Divided Rainbow shall prove to be a TRULY unique experience, unlike any chapter that has come before. And when I tell you this, it is NOT just empty hype.
Fluttershy and Applejack.
Applejack and Fluttershy.
Three down, two to go.
The story is transitioning into new territory, my friends. It's the onset of an all-new story arc. The stakes will be raised. The ordeals to come will be challenging in the extreme; emotionally, physically, and mentally. You WON'T want to miss it; none of you have any IDEA what's in store! Because if you thought you've seen everything there IS to see about the Swap; well, think again!
I promise, it WON'T be a forever-long wait. A few weeks at most. I've set myself a deadline, and I'm working VERY hard to meet it.
(I don't recall anyone mentioning it yet, but I'm also curious what, if anything, Mike will have to say about Twilight's alicornification.)
Stay tuned.
My favorite moments so far have been Lero's first reconciliation with Rarity (the hypothetical), Lero's second reconciliation with Rarity (Rainbow's guest appearance), Lero's reunion with Lyra, and Dash's first date with the herd. I just got to thinking, I don't recall any tender moments between Lero and Twilight. Can someone remind me if I forgot one? Otherwise, can I put in a request for one?
I think it won't be a problem for me to squeeze one in!
Take care, everyone!
I was just worrying about you yesterday. Glad to hear things are OK and you're not just being evil or something.
1890182
I am sorry. Truly, I am. This newest part of Divided Rainbow, well, it's a HUGE one, and no mistake!
Once you'll see it, you'll probably understand why I've taken as long as I have. There's a lot of material.
Normally, I might've split it up into smaller chapters... but as I've said, THIS chapter is a UNIQUE one, and everything has to be just-so.
I'm thankful to all the fine guys I'm collaborating with for all the work THEY'VE been putting in as well.
Oh yeah, I need to catch up on this, don't I? My bad.
1890564
FAN! Oh my God, how I missed you!
You are one of the BEST commentators I've EVER had! I ALWAYS look forward to your responses! I thought you'd lost interest in the story!
I am so ready for more of this. I was wondering if the end was right around the corner too. I always hate it when my favorite stories end. It's so hard to say goodbye to characters we have grown to care about. It's tons easier when we are given a satisfying ending but still sad.
I can't wait to see what's to come if there is more that the swap can throw at them because it does feel like it is wrapping up. Just a couple more weeks you say? Hopefully the time will pass quickly. I'm ready for something extraordinary.
hope in humanity = restored
1890627
No, it's just a matter of real world demands and several hundred other stories in my favorites and read later list.
I'm tickled that my comment got such a large response. (And seems so have shaken loose a fragment of the next chapter.
)
I do my best in my role as a member of the audience community to contribute to the care and feeding of the authors. We give you praise and honest feedback, you give us moving stories. It's a wonderful symbiosis.
(Actually, it seems to me like the authors get the short end of the stick, but if they're happy, who am I to complain?)
I always feel uneasy when an author says they feel bad about taking a long time to update. For me, the worst thing that can happen is for the author of an excellent but incomplete story to start feeling burnt out and resentful of the demands of the readers. I always try to assure my authors that we're happy to wait as long as it takes; just please don't burn out! (Though, I admit, occasional status updates are reassuring and appreciated.)
Oh, and if my wistful request actually influences the addition of a scene, I will be flabbergasted. Ecstatic
, but flabbergasted 
.