State of the writer, December 2014 · 2:30pm Dec 31st, 2014
Hey, so you know all that stuff I've been mentioning lately about editing commissions and sponsored fanfics and stuff? Yeah, forget all that.
Though it's not 100% official (I have an email in my inbox that I need to take care of today), it looks like I'm going to be starting a temporary job that will last two and a half months. To this end, I am trying to cram the next week and a half full of as much writing as I possibly can. Here's what you can expect:
Epic Unicorn History Chapter 4: Needs a final read-through and I'm posting it. This is my goal for today.
Dirty Prancing: Gonna get it out next month, hopefully before the writeoff.
The Clock Is Ticking: Mostly just needs a read-through and cleanup because the writing is older than shit. All the hardcore editing has been taken care of thanks to my lovely friends. Expect a February release, and weekly publication, to fill the gap left by there likely being neither Epic Beards nor Awesome Elements while I work this job.
Those will be picked up once I'm done. I wouldn't have taken this job if it wasn't temporary, because I expect data entry will be boring as shit, but at least I can count down the days until it's over (and then buy pants). Everything else is on hold. I may actually move the RCL features to Saturday, just so I don't have to either get them done in the wee hours or late in the evening. We'll see.
As for writing in general, well... This month is technically one without a new story, but that's okay because I'm pushing out the two ongoing chapters. I'm slightly miffed that I'm only halfway through EUH, but the next two chapters at least should zip right along (I expect chapter 5, Epic Loyalty, to be another shortie, as it mostly sets up chapter 6.)
Lately, though, I feel like I have a strong idea of where I need to go as a writer. I mean, I've grown so much over the last three years, and it's like finally, I can see the path ahead. There are some techniques I need to put into play that I probably won't be able to for a while, because of the next two projects I have planned for when EUH and EoA are done. (They're things that involve planning, and those fics are already planned.) I will share one thing I've come up with, though: use adverbs and saidisms as placeholders. Get through that first draft, then go back and use your brainpower to replace them with evocative writing. Sometimes, you can't be on top of your game, and trying to be 24/7 just slows down the writing process. So don't eschew bad writing when you can't make the good flow; just fix it later on when you have some perspective.
Oh, and one last thing. That sponsored fanfics list? I'm going to drop it, including the two story bids. Not because of this job, but because, on reflection, it seems like the kind of thing that could get me in trouble. :B I mean, asking for money to edit people's fics is one thing, but essentially asking for money to write them? Kinda edges up against that "fanfics are okay if no money" boundary, if it doesn't cross right over.
However, I'll keep the list around. Please go check it out and leave comments (one thread per story, please, so I can keep track of stuff) if you want to tell me what to work on next!
As for money issues, well, a temp job is only gonna carry me so far (and seriously, I'm going to spend all the money on clothing I desperately need), but I have plans for a Patreon... that I'm putting on hold because job. :B If you've read this far, though, please leave some feedback about what you'd like to see offered as far as tier rewards go. I've talked with a lot of people, like bookplayer, who already have their own Patreons, and it's just a matter of figuring out a couple things to do. Okay, I think that's it now.
Congrats on the job, PP!
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What he said
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Ditto.
Well, the writeoff is scheduled to start this Saturday, so I'm not sure how you're going to get it out. =P
P.S. Also, congrats on your job. :3
I'm glad that you've found yourself some work, Present.
2690281 Ditto ditto!
I'm so happy for you Present Perfect!
Good luck with your job!
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Mnyeh :/
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It's just going to be the prompt-submission phase. There hasn't been an announcement.
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That's true.
Hope the job works out for you! I've heard clothes are good, even on ponies.
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Socks are surprisingly the one thing I don't need.
As they say: "Money can't buy happiness, but neither can poverty."
Packing in all the pony around the edges of 40 hours a week is a bit of a pain, but as you said, there's a specific end date. If you were living on no income for a while, then as long as you've got no major expenses, you might be able to save up and use the cash as a cushion for later. Anyway, it'll be an adjustment, but it's all for the best — good thoughts go with you!
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Oh, that's not my ideas doc. My ideas doc is 79 pages long. This is just what I've been able to start. :B
Congratulations and good luck!
Patreon? Present, I didn't know you have three balls, made of steel, encoated in a layer of glory
because that's what I'd need to make one of those!
I wilt before the opinions of the hoi poloi
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Yes. They spend time whirling about on my Freedom-tron, which is made of eagle cries and single tears. :V
2696804 DEMOCRACY
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