Apologies, progress, and arts! · 11:13am Jul 5th, 2014
I am, truly, greatly, sorry for the delay in any updates. I feel awful that it has been so long. >.<
To that end, I currently have the following projects, and their current progress.
A Stranger Among the Voices - Chapter 7e (The letter after shows the current version from re-writes. ^-^;) = 2396 Words
Solitary Pinion - Chapter 6c = 2162 Words
Mystery Project - Chapter (1?) = 4123 Words
So I am busy writing, but I am finding it hard the more I divert my attention. I will be writing about Viktoria, and then desire to write something about Twilight, Luna, or Ebony. Or I will be writing about them, and wish to write about Flitter, Thunderlane, Cloudchaser, or Viktoria. Or, I will be instead wishing to write about...
Well, I guess it's no secret that I miss writing about Jessica, Mayari, Tala, and all the others. It was my first story, my first real written work and with it, they came alive and developed themselves. I still have no idea how it has so many likes, especially looking back at it and seeing how horrid the grammar, and everything else is. Yet, I don't think I have improved much anyhow. ^-^;
The fact it became so popular astounds me, especially when I think there are far others more deserving of the attention than me. But, to that end, I love those characters, they're special to me. And, I see they are special to others as well. It makes me smile knowing that others care about what will happen to them, or what horrible thing I will put them through next. It goes without saying that I was absolutely horrid to Jessica for most of AVAtS, and I have barely STARTED with Viktoria...
So I just wished to show others that, I am alive.
I know I shouldn't do this, I know I shouldn't give a little blurb of what is inside my head for a future scene. It is a spoiler, but it is something I designed before I even considered writing 'A Stranger Among the Voices'. It does elude to a future scene, one that confused some people, but, for others, they kind of guessed it.
If you don't wish for spoilers, don't read after the pictures!
Oh, wait... Pictures!
I'll get to that in a moment. ^-^;
First I will talk about the mystery project. For some it won't be much of a surprise, especially with me saying I missed writing about Jessica and the others. ASAtV is, well, it is still writing about them, but it's just me typing what was going on in my head when I wrote AVAtS. Somethings I develop more on, but ultimately, I know how it will end and everything in it, so it isn't quite as fun for me to write. I find myself losing interest, wishing to get to the 'good' parts sooner. I want to get to roughly chapter 3 as soon as I can, but, at the rate I am going, it will take a good 2 or so chapters to firmly get to the... Well, the encounter.
That isn't to say I am giving up on it! It is just explaining WHY I am writing what I am. This ties back into the previews for what I planned to do in an earlier blog post, and, as such, the mysterious project is...
Well, I did hint at it in a comment in one of my stories earlier. ^-^;
It's a continuation of AVAtS, a 'filler' of sorts between that, and the sequel to come. The sequel, which is growing in scope the more I plan it out. x.x
I never knew writing would let my imagination go so crazy, nor would I imagine so many would actually care. I feel so overwhelmed, but I really do appreciate the fact people care. Not about my writing, but about my characters. I guess, that is a very strange thing to say, but... I'm a strange person. ^-^;
Anyhow, the pictures! And... Yes, I know I never really revealed what the mystery project is, but I am sure people will be quick to figure it out. I suck at secrets. x.x
So, piccies! I got my first fanart, and I am so, so thankful for it.
Thank you so much to Genbu, I love it so much and Viktoria looks so sad I just want to give her a hug. ^-^;
As for the second, it is actually something I commissioned and just got done. It is the cover art for the mystery project, which... Ugh, I will just come out and say it. It's the side stories. I know, worst secret ever. ^-^;
But yes, it is the side stories, and I was debating for a long time what form Ebony should be in. In the end I settled for inbetween, and it really seems to suit her! Plus, Mayari and Tala... because, well, because they're adorable.
Thank you so much to Dahliabee for this. I love how it turned out, and this will be, as I said, the cover art for the side stories. ^-^
Now, if you don't want to be spoiled, read no further! It's a minor spoiler at best, but... Well, it's one of the reasons WHY I wanted to write the side-telling, along with the overwhelming desire for me to do so. ^-^; I don't like to say no to people, urp...
Okay, so as a further apology, and as a little sneak peek. Here is a small scene from chapter 4 of 'A Voice Among the Strangers', one I copied from my remaining notes and has been sitting on my computer for ages. This is extremely rough, but well, I wanted to give something to people for making them wait. x.x
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"So hey, that was some fantastic luck that you knew exactly where to go to find Jessica, wasn't it? And wow, how about how the changelings in there stood down immediately, who would have thought, right?' Aurora paused while Chyrsalis kept her silence. When the other mare failed to respond the Captain of the Night Guard exhaled before leaning close.
"Look, we're two grown mares so let me just lay it out straight. I know who you are Rosebloom, I know what you are, and I know those changelings in there... obeyed you, for some reason." Seeing Chrysalis suddenly tense up, Aurora grinned and tilted her head. "Hey, relax. I also know that you care about Jessica, and that is what's staying my blade. The Princess agrees with me, so... here's the deal. Those changelings are going to be taken to the castle as... well, 'guests', thanks for making them come quietly by the way, would have been a shame for it to get messy. In exchange, you get to stay close to Jessica, she keeps her friend with her, and I'll keep your little secret to myself."
The grin spread further over the mare's muzzle as Chrysalis frowned. "Oh don't be like that, I think it's a pretty good deal. You see, Princess Luna is veeeeery interested in you and would love to have a chat, face to face, as would Princess Celestia. So... do we have a deal?" Aurora watched on as Chrysalis grit her teeth.
For a second the changeling thought to fight, to flee, but the others were captured, her cover blown. The noctral knew this and seemed to be taking a perverse pleasure in conveying that this was the case. With no other option she hung her head, exhaling loudly.
'Fine... Just... Just promise me that they'll be safe, and Jessica too.' At those words the smugness vanished from Aurora's face, the mare almost appearing appalled by the thought.
"What? Jessica is invited there personally by the Princesses themselves, why would they...? Jeeze, what did you think we were going to do with her? They just want to talk with her and try and help. As for the others, well, as long they co-operate I'm sure we can all be civil, right?" Soon a surprisingly earnest smile came over the Night Guard's face. "We're all friends here after all, are we not? Come on, Jessica will probably be getting worried where her guardian angel is by now." A teasing smirk crossed Aurora's face, further confusing Chrysalis who blinked.
"Oh, and hey..." Aurora's comment caused the disguised-changeling to pause mid-step as she was about to head towards the tent. "For what it's worth, I think she found a good friend in you."
--
Swift Dawn stood, a frown creasing his features as Aurora approached, the mare humming a jaunty tune. "You knew what that pegasus was?" The volume was kept low for others not to overhear, but his tone remained filled with annoyance. "Just how long were you following us for anyhow?"
Aurora continued to hum before flicking an ear, pretending to only just hear her brother before directing a grin at him. "Oh? Well, yeah, Princess Luna kept me informed. Before you ask, which I know you will, just think of her other nickname for a second."
Waiting expectantly, Aurora watched until Swift Dawn exhaled, rubbing at the side of his head with a gilded hoof.
"Right, Guardian of Dreams." Fixing his sister with a gaze he gestured with the same hoof vaguely. "Fine, but humor me, how long were you and your team following us? For you to catch up so quickly it... would..." Swift Dawn groaned, pressing the hoof to his muzzle. "Baltimare... You've been following us since Baltimare haven't you?"
Aurora for her part stuck her tongue out playfully, spreading her wings before seating herself. "Well, to be fair, it was actually only me and two others. I split the others up to cover more ground, once I found you leaving Baltimare I took a nap, got the Princess to inform the rest of my team, and then we met up just before the little fiasco. By the way, you really shouldn't try to peek on a female going to the toilet. Honestly Swifty, I thought you were a gentlecolt. Whatever will I do with my brother?" Feigning despair, Aurora found a glare given her way before she laughed, nudging her brother with a wing. "Hey, lighten up Swifty. As for the changeling, yes, I knew. But you had your mission and I had mine."
With a more earnest smile, Aurora nudged Swift Dawn gently with an armored hoof. "I helped you didn't I? Besides..."
She gazed over at the tent where the others were sleeping, a smile coming to her muzzle. "I think Jessica is in good hooves, even if she is a changeling."
The pause filled the camp ground before a sigh sounded out beside her. Gazing out the corner of her eye she saw Swift Dawn mirroring her gaze, his ears flicking before he offered a small grin in exchange.
"You know, I don't think our training really prepares us for this kind of situation, does it?"
His tone finally carried a trace of humor to which Aurora gave a chuckle and leaned to the taller stallion, feeling his wing lay comfortingly over her back. The siblings watched on before she smiled warmly.
"As Celestia said, we use our judgement. What is yours telling you right now Swifty?" Her question hung in the air as he mulled it over before with a deep sigh he looked at the tent once more.
"That... Despite everything my gut is telling me, that changeling probably cares more about that girl than even she herself knows."
With that comment the two of them sat in silence, the ambient sounds of the forest and the sleeping ponies was all that filled the air. Well, almost.
"Hey Swifty?"
"Yeah?"
"I totally bet you ten bits that she has a crush on Jessica."
"You're on."
---
So there you have it. I will work hard over the weekend to get more done and hopefully have something to send to Treil and then Milo this weekend. And Extraintelligence, if it's Solitary Pinion!
Which it should be, because Viktoria has waited long enough! >.<
-Tystarr
No worries, if it takes time it takes time.
And that is some great art.
Your stories is worth the wait
Take your time we can wait
It is always worth it
Take your time, we can wait. I hate waiting, but you make it worth it.
Also I noticed that for once you didn't tell us how you are Physically. Which is kinda good, Assuming that you are OK....Are you OK? That shoulder still hurting? Regardless Please refrain from causing further injuries to yourself. We Worry.
Arts are cute, but Viktoria's hind leg under her back looks like it's broken or dislocated from thigh joint.
Spoilers are great, thank you! And A. have shipping-eyes! :)
And I join other commenters - have all time you need, it's worth it!
It lives!
Sorta.
Well, seeing a update on how things are going feels like a new chapter in a way.
Looking forward to, well, everything listed.
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Thank you for the kind words. And as for physically, I felt people were sick of hearing how I managed to mangle my shoulder further, or get sick again. ^-^;
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Am glad you liked! I don't notice the leg thing, but that's just me!
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Issa zombie. x.x
Wait, I hate zombies. X.X
Take your time! We don't want you to rush it and possibly make a mistake. I for one am content to wait for your little pieces of perfection.
I see your ten bits and I raise you twenty.
Whoa, you're alive! I was beginning to think we scared you off like jerks, or something. Glad you're sticking around still.
The spoiler really hit me in the gut. It's right after the scene I'm most curious aboot where Jessica learns she is capable of using haoshoku haki (which only works on changelings) and gains the right to stand next to Queens
BTW listen to Sirob1687. This guy speaks in truths.
I like the direction you are taking with that snippet, although it does not really spoil anything because it was fairly obvious that the guards knew who Ebony was after that point, especially with the information we have gotten on Luna's dreamwalking. On a related note, I thought she was going by Ebony instead of Chrysalis at that point so it seemed a bit odd that she was referred to as Chrysalis there.
Also, for the side stories, I would like to see Jessica get a turn at jousting on one of the princesses. They are the only ones big enough for her and it would be a good way for them to relax.
Whoo! Right on!
But hey, write whatever the frag you want to write and don't worry about us. Writing under pressure is no fun, it starts to feel almost like a... a job. *shudders*
And none of us want that
As I wrote many times before: true art must never be rushed, only cherished.
Take your time! I am certain it will be worth it!!!
Nice
Thanks for the art of Jessica.
I wont tell you to stop appologising becouse I know how you'll respond. So instead. As stated by several others. The wait is well worth it. There is a saying here in sweden that goes. "Den som väntar på något gott väntar aldrig förlänge." Translated its like. "Those who wait for something good can never wait too long." And your stories definetly fit the bill on that point for me <3 Keep up the good work cant wait to see Mayari and Tala and hear what they say about Jessica.
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well i did try to make it look like she fell a little bit awkward on her rump... not that she's seriously injured... she just needs someone to help her up and give her a hug.... well that's what i wanted to draw at least, maybe i didn't do the best work in selling it
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Well, her face and overall body are perfect and so adorable! It's just that strange placed leg that make biologist inside me wince. But my inner brony in happy tears because she's so alive and adorable and cute and I want to hug her and comfort her!
hey I never mind a bit of wait, quality(which you write) is much preferred over quantity. Id rather wait for a good/great chapter than have a lot of itsy bitsy ones that don't really progress the plot.
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well she's a catoon character so i guess her range of motion is way beyond a normal horse... i hope
you know, the thought that i may have accidentally drew her in a way that may hurt her makes me feel kinda sad... and guilty. even though she is just a fictional character... a strange feeling
2260356 Looking at it again, I think it is because there is no suggestion of her body twisting to accommodate that leg position. If one wing had been just slightly lower than the other and the body line on the right side had angled slightly across I think it would have worked much better, although you might have also needed to make a few minor tweaks like moving the front leg out a bit so it is less squished across her body. It is not a big deal and the pic is still adorable, but they are some minor tweaks that would probably have alleviated the problem.
take as long as you need i can wait there is no rush
Do you have a deviantart gallery or other art account that we can follow?
Time for a celebration!
Hoo, now that that's out of my system, it's time to say something serious.
Strange to normal people, maybe, but that's pretty common among writers. I tried being normal once, and let me tell you, it was awful. Way overrated. Besides, if we were normal, no one would want to read our stuff.
Now "normal" sounds weird to me because I've said it too many times. Is that normal?
Anyway, don't try to be normal, and don't ever fool yourself into thinking you're normal. After all, no one was remembered for being exceptionally normal.
EDIT: In hindsight, that wasn't quite as serious as I had first imagined it.
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Nu, I don't. ^-^
I have one, but purely to get arts and otherwise. Nothing is on it.
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Cheese is always serious business. ^-^
2271530 oh...Well if you ever decide to post anything, we'd love to see it.
Second image vanished. May you restore it, please?