Exams and Short Stories

Dear Princess Celestia,

I had hoped that I wouldn't have to write this letter. But today, I'm learning that exams are probably more important than fanfiction - and with my first year exams starting in just two days, I probably can't afford to spend the entire day writing chapter five and editing it to the highest possible standard.

It had been my hope from the beginning of this project that I would be able to write undisturbed for quite a few more chapters than this and that my exams wouldn't put too much of a stopper on my ability to write. Unfortunately, I have clearly underestimated my ability to write in term-time, particularly in the lead-up to exams, so instead of being extra-prepared for this week's update I've spent the better half of a week struggling with a particularly tricky dream sequence. This means I'm going to have to say something that I never wanted to say: I'm delaying this chapter's release by a fortnight.

Since this means there'll have been an entire month between chapters, I feel like I should give some sort of explanation, not only to you but also to my readers. Since I started writing Plans Change, my aims for the project has been twofold: firstly, to produce a work of higher quality writing than I've ever created before, forcing myself to edit and question my initial choices (something I have rarely done in the past and painfully failed to do for chapter 4); and secondly, to force myself to write regularly, to keep writing regardless of what challenges in life I face. Because of the latter, I have been loathe to admit that this week I might have greater priorities, but I think that nopony could blame me for choosing my studies over my writing at this time of year.

There is good news, of course - after this coming week is over, I'm free to write as much and as often as I like. My hope is that this will result in higher-quality chapters for Plans Change than before, but also I will have time to focus on a few side-projects and short stories. This is why I am delaying a fortnight, coincidentally - the next piece of writing you'll be seeing from me will be an entry for The Most Dangerous Game, which I have described to some of my friends as "the most perfect competition ever". I might be a teensy bit over-nervouscited for this one.

Once again, my apologies for the delay in this schedule, but I think you of all ponies would agree that putting one's degree before one's hobby (even if it is a hobby that I hope will be a career, someday) is probably the sensible thing to do.

Your faithful student,
Quill Scratch

P.S. Since these letters are open, I want to take a brief moment to quickly thank everypony who has read, favourited, thumbs-up'd or read later'd Plans Change over the last few weeks. You guys are all kinds of awesome; just seeing that I'm getting as many people reading this fic when it's only in it's infancy as I am is the most amazing morale boost. For anyone actually interested in waiting for an update, I am super sorry about this week, but... well, you know how it is. Thanks for sticking with me - you guys rock!