Still alive, and new story whenever it gets published

Oh, Fleur...

Anyway, I'm not dead yet (though the way my bowels have been feeling...), I've just had trouble working. First with writer's block then the excitement of getting a new computer (nothing special, midrange but perfect for my needs), learning Windows 8.1, figuring out how to start this new story, and dealing with network card issues on my new comp (it connects fine, it just has no speed all too often). Anyway, with all that out of the way I was able to push out a new story, called Flipped. It'll be up when they decide to publish it. Also, next week, expect another chapter of Crowns and Apples, Butterflies and Lilies to appear. Photo Shy and Luna Looks For Love are still stuck in writer's block (though I do have a plan for the former. Just need to refine it a bit)

Basically it's a story where the mane six, Princess Luna, and two of their friends all travel to the Crystal Empire on the invitation of Princess Cadance. After their first day, a bright light shines through and the entire empire has two of everyone, one of each gender. There is so much fun I could have with this concept.

Anyway, I decided to move my random production notes to my blog instead of the A/N section from now on, just because not everyone's going to be interested in them, but I like writing about them. Anyway, here they are

First off, the idea was actually a combination of three different ideas:

An idea for a rule 63 story where everyone's R63 counterparts appear in Ponyville
A story idea where Fluttershy and Fleur are in the Crystal Empire as a couple (no, this isn't a sequel to The Model Caretaker)
An observation about how Luna and Cadance have almost never been seen seriously interacting in canon or fanon as far as I know (usually it's limited or focused on being funny, or both).

They were merged (and Ponyville was changed to the empire) because IMO, they didn't have enough substance to stand on their own. I did find a way to merge them largely seamlessly, though

It took three attempts just to get the start I wanted (each one starting a bit later in plot progression than the last). The first failed due to poor pacing from loading everyone on the train and getting them to the empire, etc. The second failed due to the fact that I spent even five minutes on their train trip managed to put a minor, quickly resolved plot point of minimal relevance to anything into a disproportionately large spotlight, the third and final attempt, though, got it right.

Also, the contest for a copy of Frozen Synapse...well, I totally blew it. I apologize. I'll get to it at some point, I hope, but accept my apologies.

Also, I'll be gone a few hours, because I need to get my car serviced.