Argh. · 1:35am Aug 2nd, 2014
I've got one scene... One little scene to write before I can write the most important bit of the chapter, and would't you know it? Writers block. Oh, and I keep getting pulled back into Skyrim.
It's one of those awkward little flashback/fill-in-the-blanks moments that I want/need[IMO] to write, but I've just started faltering on it. I mean, it's a section I don't need to include for everything to make sense, but it's one of those things that I want to include because I'm all about Silver's mindset in this story.
So I have a conundrum. At this point, I've gotten as far as Silver meeting Mrs. Cake and a discussion that ends in "Prove it," before the 'memory sequence', at that point totaling 5721 words.
Would you, the readers, prefer I A) cut the chapter off here [nixing the scene I'm stuck on], send it off to the team, and jump right into the action at the beginning of the next chapter, B) muscle through the writers block to complete the scene, and write a longer chapter, or C) nix the scene anyway, continue the chapter, and take a slightly longer time?
Incidentally, there's a fourth option. I kinda sorta want Magic: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2015 on steam. If someone were to buy it for me, I might be motivated to get back to work. It could backfire though, so this is technically a joke.
As an aside, what would you all do if I gave silver an 'ascension moment' like Twilight's, only she becomes a satyr [half human half pone]? I'm not saying this is going to happen, but I had silly thoughts while playing scenes out in my head the other night, and I thought how amusing it would be to make Silver half-human again, because magic, and how neat it would be to write a third story where she acts as an envoy between Equestria and a magically altered Earth. Note that this isn't entirely serious.
I choose option B. I'm rather intrigued to see what it is, and a longer chapter will be welcomed
B and yes for your later idea, do it.
Sorry man, but I'm broke, so no game for you. Also, bit of good news. I managed to have a little breakthrough with my personal problem, and I'm back and ready for editing.
I also say B. It's worth the time for quality.
And I gotta give a thumbs down to the satyr idea, but then that's just me—I'm in it for the pone, and variations thereof don't really do it for me.
2336262 2336269 2336339 Here's the thing about the flashback in question that makes me hesitant to keep it: thus far it literally consists of a stoned/heavily sedated silver following a medical procedure being all goofy and ranting to her orderly escort as he wheels her back to the hospital's mental wing. The entire purpose of the scene is to reinforce something Silver mentioned in her letter at the end of the previous chapter. The sentiment is something that can easily be transferred into an earlier flashback scene in the chapter without losing anything 'of value'. I'm kinda disliking the idea of keeping the scene because it seems too light-hearted for the serious scene it's interrupting. You know what I mean?
If I were to drop that scene right now, I could probably get well into what needs to be done tonight, and possibly finish tomorrow if I don't lose my momentum.
2336384 Keep the contrast. Light goes with dark...and because good ol' Silver is hopped up, it'd be a more extreme dissidence. It'd make any sad or scary moments even more 'that' by the contrast.
There's a thing that all good writers have, a sense, that informs them of necessities and how to get something across. Your sense is flagging between two possibilities. Try looking at the scene both ways. Look at it from all vantages you can. If you aren't satisfied with the emotional equivalence it'll mess up the balance of the story.
I need to read this story. Because you just filled my head full of fucks and I need to figure out how Silver becomes a satyr. If ever. Sounds crazy.
I like crazy.
Hmm... now I wanna see some Silver Satyr x Diamond short story. Kinky. I wonder if DT would be jealous or freaked out if her friend ever became a half human half pone.
"At least they kept my favorite half pony." would have to be worked in somehow.
But seriosuly though, curious to see how one could ascend. Alchemy can do some crazy shit if anime has taught us anything. GO FOR IT! Even if you just make a joke chapter, it was all a dream", stuff. Luna knows that girl can sleep... and drool! (pretty sure Cheerilee sets up those yellow stands with the "Wet Floor" warnings by her desk area. Probably Sweetie too.)
I'm just talking nonsense at this point. But it sounds like you could just cut the chapter a bit short and work on the the scene that could kick off the other half like a rocket up a Luna's bum. Or just take your time till you get right. Forcing it can just spoil a scene sometimes.
Best of luck! I was unawares Silver had a role in the story. Poor girl doesn't get enough love imo.
2336576 Well, the Silver being referred to is actually Silver Script, an OC that evolved from the Author Insert character in When a Pony Calls. Silver Spoon does have a bit of a role around the Ponyville/Everfree arc, but not as much. They do interact, though.
It's hard to vote without knowing exactly what I'm nixing or not. I'm tempted to go with B as well simply because maintaining continuity for readers is a good thing, and it sounds like you're not just repeating something from earlier. Maybe a few new bits of information on the cockatrice scene that weren't included in the first story? Yes, please.
As to Satyrization... I'm not particularly interested in it for this story. To me that feels a bit too far afield. Maybe if this were a more comedic story then yes.
Celestia: "Look Silver, you are ascending. That's wonderful!"
Luna: "Truly! We never expected such, but are extremely pleased!"
Twilight: "Oh, this is so exciting! I never dreamed someone from another world could do this!"
...
...
...
Silver: "I'm a fucking half-horse?! WTF!"
All other: **the sounds of brains breaking**
2336702 2336424 Welp, I went with B, and completed the scene, but I think I managed to shore it up nicely.
While you are not-seriously considering it (dream sequence?) I'll go ahead and mention that a satyr/faun with horse parts instead of goat is a Sileni (or Seilenoi)
Doing a search for images in deviantart.com brings up some very interesting images of males and females of that kind...
2336384
If you're able to, I think the structure would benefit from that scene. It seems like it should fit in well
2337000 Just their description brings up an interesting bit of imagery.
Put that in the context of When a Pony Calls.
I say power through, take your time, and do it right.
A2337699 GAH! I meant B!
2337667 But option A was cut it short and get it out to my team.