Somehow, when I wasn't looking · 2:41am Aug 27th, 2015
The Weed cleared 100,000 words. I honestly don't know how this happened. I intended for The Weed to be long, but I didn't expect so much story so soon. I only have the barest sense of a plan for the story itself. I know how it ends. The adventures in the middle are anybody's guess. I don't know what is going to happen, but I plan to explore Equestria.
I think I've done well with sticking to the rules. There have been some bleak moments, but the black plot bunnies have been strangled with piano wire. I've kept the plot moving along rather well. The story is blossoming. Everything feels upbeat and happy.
I'd love to hear some feedback from the readers now that we are 100k words in. How is the story? How could it be better? What would you like to see more of? I've had some feedback via private message that bothered me... I was going for a well rounded protagonist and several folks have tossed out the word "Gary Stu." So... I am asking for a second opinion, because I'm not sure I agree with this assessment. At all.
Patreon OCs have begun showing up in the Weed. It is my way of saying 'thank you.' I hope that nobody minds.
I have so far enjoyed the journey. I hope that you, the reader, are having fun as well. Next stop, one million words.
First 100k...soon first 1M
It is a love story that avoids clop.
Me gusta mucho.
Well he obviously doesn't have wings. So he can't be a Gary Sue. But dude. I totally remember when the chase first hit 100k. it was like yesteryear....
wait it was last year...
around this time or so?
3350237
That was intentional. There is a lot of pressure to do mature chapters though. I kinda want to avoid it, I think. Maybe. If the story begins to creep outside of what was intended, I fear that other elements will creep in. So I don't know what I will do about this issue.
I'm enjoying it greatly. Too tired for more words alas.
Thanks!
I like it as it is. Nothing wrong with just implied sex.
I don't think I've seen a Maud-focused story I've liked as much.
Hmm.
I suppose the Weed was not what I expected. But this is by no means a bad thing.
You warned us ahead of time Black Plot Bunnies would get a'stranglin' if they poked their befanged maws out your imagination and have held true to that. Compared to To Dance in Shadow and The Chase some manticore nookie and a broken limb seem pretty damn tame for physical damage. And the abandonment issues that have been (mostly) addressed were also on the lighter side in comparison to Undead Psychopomp Fillies and Rape Bombs.
But I feel it doesn't lack any of the impact or pathos that your other series have had. If anything, it strikes me more as a more optimistic and light hearted version of your style. Like if Edgar Allen Poe wrote a love sonnet now and again instead of DOOM, GLOOM, AND BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD. And the fact that you have Maud as one of the main characters is a feat in and of its self. The show and the fandom have given us SO little to work with as authors that the liberties you took with her not only fit my headcanon but could easily fit in the show (sans nookie) with no problems whatsoever.
Further more, Tarnished Teapot is not a Gary Stu, somepony's been bucked in the head if they think that. Yes, he's been fairly lucky on screen after a referenced LIFETIME of bad luck, he's managed to carve a niche for himself in the world with no real training or skill set. But you also show how with hard work and a willingness to take risks that he was able to flourish as he has. Not because of Omnicorn meddling. His unknown Poison Joke powers continue to get fleshed out, and the confusion of being able to withstand certain types of magic might trigger that knee jerk "Gary Sue" kind of stigma. But TT isn't one: he has flaws, he has dreams that are realistic and possible for any other pony, he has limited means and has been dealt serious blows from time to time. He's well rounded and grounded.
As for OC's showing up, did not expect that, though now that I recall we did run into Long Haul a ways back in the beginning. And if they ever find themselves in the wilds of Vanhoover I would happily set them up for the night. Earth Pony scientists are few and far between, we have to stick together after all!
Honestly, the Weed is one of the best romances I've read in a while. The interactions between Tarnished and Maud are perfect. And the way you write Maud is amazing. I can see her reactions perfectly in my mind's eye. I can't wait to see the adventures unfold.
The Weed has been one of the most entertaining stories I've followed around here so far, and I find myself eagerly anticipating each update. I look forward to the next few hundred thousand words
As for Tarnish being a Gary Stu, the term has been bandied about so much for so long that it is completely meaningless. It's most often thrown out when someone doesn't like a character, but can't articulate what it is about the character that they don't like, so they just call it a (G/M)ary S(t)ue in the hopes that it will make them look smart. If someone calls a character of your's one and can't explain why it is and what makes it so? Fuck'em, they're opinions aren't really worth your time.
Personally, I like Tarnish. He's interesting. He's challenged by life, and he adapts to and meets those challenges. Sometimes he succeeds. Sometimes he fails. Sometimes he gets by because he has help. Reading about his trials and tribulations is fun. Watching him try to deal with having a relationship with a pony who doesn't express her feelings like other ponies is intriguing. I look forward to seeing him and Maud travel Equestria and beyond, seeing new things, meeting new creatures, discussing geological formations and rock poetry, and generally having adventures.
So keep up the good work Kudz. Lots of us enjoy what you create
Wait? Patreon OC's have started showing up? Damn it. Now I have to start reading to see if I can spot Storm Blitz
Hehehe... I see what you did there.
I don't see Tarnished as a "Gary Stu", he is intelligent, thoughtful, and considerate, but he doesn't shy away from being snarky.
If nothing else, he is resilient, and I think his relationship with Maud is equal parts awkwardly adorable and adorably awkward.
The part that sells me on him NOT being a "Gary Stu" is his struggle to forgive his mother. He does, and he doesn't hate her for it, but there's that part of him that WANTS to feel that way, BUT he doesn't want to acknowledge that part of him.
He admits his doubts and fears, well, fearlessly. He doesn't have delusions of grandeur or invincibility.
If I may be so bold, reading about Tarnished Teapot, I would swear you had been secretly observing me and recording my behavior and thought processes.
Perhaps that's why I defend him, since he's practically like me, just with hooves and a cutie mark instead of hands and no tattoos whatsoever.
Granted, I don't have someone like Maud in my life, but the inner monologues and soul-searching, you stole the words right out of my head.
In short, your character IS well-rounded. Too many feel that for a character to be classified as such, they need to have some "BAD!" behavior, some "vice" to make them believable. Here, you have a character who has a dark past, but is a GENUINELY GOOD PERSON.
I can't express how refreshing it is to have a protagonist hero who is actually a GOOD PERSON. Yes, he has his bad moments, but he is not defined by them.
And here I go a-rambling again...
let me just say, what you wanted to go for in this story, you are right on the mark, don't stop, never give up, never surrender.
Inserts Comment About Lack Of Work On Other Stories
Cough PLSS Cough To Dance in Shadow Cough
No rush. Some folks just kinda getting irritable. Fuck. PLSS even had artwork done for it by a loving fan and it hasn't gotten attention in months. While other stories are reaching high word count and another is almost two million words long.
I know it's best to work on a multiple stories in case you fail to get in the mood for one, but damn...considering your update rate, you could at least complete another part.
...To be honest. I've simply lost interest in The Chase. Will eventually catch up on reading, but probably be a few months.
In the meantime. Kudzuhaiku, you continue on at whatever pace you wish. Honestly, I don't really care. (That doesn't mean you personally. I respect you as a writer. Heck even I could write and edit good work at the pace you do.)
Wait what? Tarnish? A Gary stu?
Well let's look at it from a objective standpoint.
Special unique power? That's a tick but I would say only half since he isn't like chosen of the gods to go on the epic quest of greatness. Nor does he go "I must carry this burden oh woe is me". It more like, I fucking hate this I'm dangerous to everyone, oh wait I actually have a thing I can do even though I'm still dangerous. Neat.
Basically needs to beat the pussy back with a stick while the Girl stays innocent and shy? Nope
Extremely handsome, tall, muscular and generally perfect? Bit taller than normal, but still a standard body type and generally plain looking. Nope.
Pet companion he rescued from a trap/mother got killed/saved from predator? Nope.
Universe basically bends in his favor? HA! As if.
Forgives all wrongs against him and does no wrong himself? Nope.
This could go on but I think we can safely say that you avoid the Gary Stu cliche pit.
Pretty sure that story reached it's end bro. Perma-hiatus is a thing.
3350659
By technicality, all ponies are Gary / Mary Stus.
Because all ponies have a unique power / special talent that is defined by their cutie mark. So ponies are quite literally a race of Gary /Mary Stus. The only way to fix that is to take away their cutie mark and give them an = sign.
Gary stu.... Really
Did they not read the first chapter of the story? Did they even bother actually rubbing two brain cells together as Tarnished ran from monsters, crossed hot deserts, got drugged, robbed, beaten up, broken limbs, and all of the emotional horror he ended up going through? I believe that the explanations you have given when he made it through all these ideals were very thorough and made logical sense.
Keep on going man. This story is a very fun and heartfelt read :)
*rolls eyes*
Did they explain why? Did they go into why whatever makes him a Gary Stu harms the story? What elements makes him less compelling as a character? Which plot points are unbelievable?
The term "Gary Stu" or "Mary Sue" is supposed to refer to a manner of treating the main character in the greater story. One that is somewhat tough to nail down but definitely harms the immersion of the story... but it is typically used as "it has these character elements I remember reading in stories I don't like, therefore I don't like him automatically" or "this character is too successful and I don't like him, therefore he must be a Gary Stu."
I'm not saying they disliked it for bad reasons, necessarily, or that their dislike of the story isn't hinged in a weakness in it, because I know nothing about the criticism beyond that word, but just throwing out that term, unless things are super blatant about being a sue, is pretty much useless as far as criticism is concerned.
I started reading The Weed just out of curiosity (and because its a Kudzuhaiku story). It has ended up becoming one of my favorites, and I enjoy every update.
Regarding the stupid "Gary Stu" nonsense...as many other readers have vocalized so eloquently, that is utter nonsense. I remember another blog post of yours a while back where people accused Bucky of being a self-insert.
Ugh. Don't even worry about that load of crap. As HiE stories are a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine, I have read enough to say that neither The Chase or The Weed are even close to self-inserts. Bucky and Tarnish are both flawed, relate-able characters that start out as normal, everyday ponies that turn out to be so much more.
I had some more to say, but it just kinda sounds like rambling and ass-kissing. So tl;dr, keep up the writing, heck with the haters.
I have no idea why people are tossing around the Gary Stu label. I really see none of the traits that would define such a character in Tarnished.
All in all, it's a very entertaining story, and as always, I'm looking forward to reading more.
Thanks again for including Longhaul in here. I realize you didn't have to do that, and I do appreciate it.
How could he not! Longhaul is an awesome OC, I wish I was a better writer to go on adventures with him.
Two Earth Ponies, walking Equestria, seeing the sights and eating more nuts than is what's equinely healthy.
Corrected for clarification: 10:40 PM PST
3352423
pinkie.mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/img/mlfw604_1303035490212.jpg
s.mlpforums.com/uploads/post_images/img-713403-1-Twilight_hmm_S2E21.png
orig12.deviantart.net/e458/f/2015/237/0/f/mlp_eqg_3_vice_principal_luna__hmm_____vector_by_luckreza8-d973662.png
3352435
Longhaul. Was hauling walnuts. In the story.
Noooot the other thing. Ew. Not my style.
3352435
I quite like the places this story is going. Slow pacing. Nice plot. Terrible puns. All-in-all a good read.
Side note: Would love to see what would happen if the cast was taken to a Harmonic Crystal Cave. Big glowing crystals everywhere, but what makes them interesting is if you touch one, the crystals start vibrating and 'singing'.
Would sound like this:
3352423
I'm ... quite flattered by that. Thank you.