Behind the Scenes: August · 12:15pm Aug 25th, 2015
Introduction
Hello everyone! I'm really going to have to pick up my pace in writing, because other things have been capturing so much of my time lately. But that's no excuse for falling behind. Recently I have been watching a lot of FNAF Lets Plays, as well as anime and other stuff. I have also, as you probably know from my blog, gotten into Gunpla. I now have a 00-Raiser and Star Build Strike. I have also ordered a Fenice Renascita and a G-Portent. The Renascita has a modular weapon, an entirely different ascetic, and with the integration of its mobile suit into its Wave Rider / Bird Mode, one of the best transformations of any Gunpla based on the Wing Gundam. The G-Portent has softer lines and colours, and whereas the 00-Raiser and Crossbones X-1 Full Cloth both give a feeling of overwhelming power, this one is about finesse so it is minimally armed. It would be awesome if it came with the repair carols from the show, but then again, this is an HG kit. Maybe a higher grade kit will at least have the compartment open up to show them.
Second Gear
It's done! In all honesty I expected the finale to gather more reads, but then again, it is summer. The numbers seem pretty good anyway. The last four chapters were really involving and emotional for me to write, and I am satisfied by them. Somehow I get really invested when I write the more emotional scenes. I haven't shared it, but I have a Marvel fanfic where MJ leaves a farewell video for Peter, and I cried while I was writing it, it resonated so strongly for me. Fluttershy's and Snowbelle's reconciliation did not quite go that far for me, but then it does not have the same feeling of finality as the other scene. In fact, it feels like healing and new beginnings to me. My objective for the finale was to wrap up some of the narratives and set up others to be wrapped up in the beginning five or so chapters of Third Gear.
Third Gear
Speaking of, while I provide some background again at the start of Third Gear it is not nearly so basic as the beginnings of First Gear and Second Gear. Instead I jump more directly into the 'Crystal Empire' chapters. In this version, you will see that the characters' roles change slightly from the canon show. I hope you will enjoy my double-chapter premiere, as well as the two chapters to follow the next week.
Third Gear contains some of the biggest changes in the series so far, somewhat ironically given what follows. There are several larger arcs, giving the book a more serious tone, however I do hope you also enjoy the lighter moments. Book 3 also contains the 'Journey Through the Rift' arc, and I have decided to attach my version of 'Reflections' to it as well. This is where I am writing at the moment. The Bronyanalysts who have given me permission to use their ponysonas have not changed. I still have permission from AnY Entertainment, DRWolf001, ILoveKimPossibleAlot, LethalAuroraMage, and MLP-Silver Quill. With this crowd, one should expect some great hi-jinks.
As I said at the start of this post, I have to try to step up my writing schedule. I still have a decent number of chapters to act as my buffer, but more could always do. Honestly, I have been letting myself get distracted way too easily recently. I wish I could say it won't happen again, but I have known times where I took a month off from writing at a time. So I'll cut back on the videos I watch, play less Agario, and when my models come I'll only work on one section at a time even though it seems like a shame to do only a little and then put it away. Also, I haven't played Scarlet Blade at all in months. That's kind of bad, considering I'm a Game Sage, huh? Anyway, ramping back up. I plan to write a bit every day so I'll increase my progress again.
I do hope you enjoy my writing, from First to Third so far.
Art
I still don't have any fanart. If you are an artist who has been inspired by my work, and would like to draw my characters or a given scene, I would appreciate it as a service offered. I would prefer a free service, but if this is your only method for putting food on the table, I suppose we could try to arrange something. I mean, I'm already about to start publishing Book 3 and there's no fanart for The Gear Series. What's up with that?
Getting the Word Out
At the moment my audience is on the smallish side. If anyone has any ideas as to how to get the word out and increase the readership, please let me know in the comments.
