Gypsy Tales #3!

So! I've started work on chapter three and I've already decided on a story and snack so the writing began just a few moments ago. I thought I'd take a minute to explain my process so folks can get a better idea of just how I write.

I don't use an editor or pre-reader. I have a vague idea what I want to do when I start writing, but I like to let the characters speak and act for themselves. So basically, all I'm doing is sitting down in front of my computer with notepad open and I look inside at each character and simply ask them what they're feeling. The method seems to be working for me and I was wondering if anyone else out there uses a similar method?

Oh, another thing that I don't do (and most people that write will stare at me like I have five heads when I say this) is use any sort of drafting system. What I write the first time is what you see when it's finished. I will go back and polish occasionally, but it very rarely happens. For instance, in the second chapter Gypsy told a folk story based on Death Coach and that story is usually told in the present tense to further draw in the listener. I originally wrote it that way.. but, well.. It was pretty grating to go back and forth between present and past tense so I adjusted.

I'd like to think that I know what I'm doing and I have been telling stories for well over twenty five years, so I hope that you're all enjoying it as it is. If not, I'd like to hear why and what you think I can improve. Like I mentioned in a previous blog post.. I've been GMing games for a long time and it requires a certain type of storytelling flair to do it successfully. My players seem to enjoy my games so I'm confident that I do it well and I've got the years and experience under my belt to know what works and what doesn't. Still, if anyone out there feels like there's something I could be doing to improve the way I write these stories, please let me know! I'd be more than happy to hear from you and we can discuss whatever it is you think might need improvement.

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I have heard back from a few people with their own interpretations of Gypsy and I'd love to hear yours! My favorite thus far comes from a friend in my gaming circles that likened him to "that old grandpa that always has a smile and a story for you". Admittedly, I intended for Gypsy to come off a bit younger and a little roguish but that just wasn't in the cards for him. I suppose he's too pensive to seem young and I've honestly adjusted my own personal interpretations of the character because of that.

I've gotten some praise with my interpretation of Pinkie, though some have remarked that she's a bit more subdued than they would like and I suppose that's because completely random characters are offensive to me. Pinkie doesn't seem random in the show to me, though some of the writers sure what her to be that way. I personally don't subscribe to her being a complete jumble of random thoughts and actions who only pops out meaningful answers to problems when other characters are unable to do so. A lot of authors tend to handle her that way and while I can't argue that it's entirely wrong, it just feels strange to me.

How did I do with Twilight? I really liked how I wrote her. I had the opportunity to show off my knowledge of Renaissance astral theory and mysticism with her and the even greater chance to portray her as someone that has learned and respects the more classical thoughts on magic. A lot of people approach magic in the MLP setting like science and that really bleeds away the chance to paint a picture of epic mysticism. I've been considering a future project where I explore the more mythological side of Equestria, but I probably won't get to that until after I've completed Gypsy Tales.

As always, I appreciate anyone that takes the time to read anything I write and replies and questions are ALWAYS welcome. Don't be afraid to speak up!