I'm still a bit dreary, I will admit. However, I need to write something today and over the weekend. I won't put out my larger project yet, since I'm sure I'll mess that up. So, instead, I was going to release a few chapters to some stories and put out a sort of strange story. But, that depends on the answer to the following questions from you. Remember, if you want me to come back to writing, this will help me chipper up and regain my muse much faster. So, thank you for listening.

Pick one of the following:

1. Monkeys.

2. Robots.

3. Noir.

Odd question... But which one? And what do they mean? None shall know until I have a winner...

Some people were curious as to why I am sad. In all honesty, it's nothing too dramatic... More of a childish notion. As I am told, even in my growing age, my child-like nature is always present and very strong in me. It's because of that, when I see someone in a story that I love or have grown attached to gets hurt... or worse... I feel horrible. An example of that is when Ion gave his life in Tales of the Abyss. That sent me into a deep sorrow, but also burned me inside to burn through my class work that year. Again, childish. Yet, it's because of that I'm the writer I am today.

Now... After 800 pages of getting to know someone... their fears... their dreams... Everything... And for it to be thrown in my face along with a "maybe things could have been better"? I just... The Order of the Stick is one of my greatest inspirations... I can't handle the horrible things they're going  through now. It'd be like watching all the Tales of Symphonia characters or My Little Pony characters get ripped into pieces without any chance of them living.

Sigh...

I'm sorry... But... I can't write for a while... My heart is broken. Perhaps it's petty of me to not write after what I read... But... I just can't bring myself to make joy when "there's no happy ending". Not for them anyway...

Sorry guys... I just need to find light in this moment. And if you knew what made me sad, you would tell me to suck it up and not to be such a child.

First.

Alright. Those interested. Please form a line of sorts so we can organize who is next for submitting. Alright?

Alright... I will say this ONCE! Just, ONCE! If any of you messes puts a foot out of what I say, I'm cutting the deal. Alright? I don't mean to get rough with you, but I just need to be clear on this. Do EXACTLY what I say, and everyone will gain from this. Alright? Good... Now... I am emptying my inbox of all mail... What does this have to do with you? Because, as of tomorrow... I will allow ONE (I repeat, ONE) OC to be submitted in for Know Your Mare. Everyone gets ONE. If you want to submit, put a comment down below before you send me a PM. I will tell you when you can send one in. Alright? No one swarm my PM box. Alright? Do we all understand this? Last time I tried this, you all swarmed me with fifty PMs and it threw me off. So, let's all just go nice and slow...

Good? Good. Now... Does anyone want to go first? I am doing this as a thank you for the 600 followers. If you don't like the idea, that's fine. There will be other thank you gifts later. This is just the one I think people would be more inclined to be a part of.

Well, that's a milestone if I've ever seen one. Thank you all for helping me get to 600; it doesn't put me at the top, but it makes me know that at least that many people read the horrible stories I write. And to me? That's worth more than anything. And, since we've reached this milestone, I shall give you an offer. On Saturday, I will be updating work on my biggest project, but before that, I have something I think you will really enjoy.

If you know anything about my writing, I write about three different universes. One of which holds a twisted world where Chrysalis and Discord raise Pip. Now, Pip sees the two as his 'mum' and 'dad'. I don't know about you, but moms and dads are supposed to go out on dates from time to time, right?

Yup. I admit it. I have been a schlub. Neglecting work and other obligations. So, I will let you all decide. In four hours, I will be free to write again after my workshift is over. So, I pose this question to you. What story do you want to see updated by the end of the day? No matter what it is (unless it's completed) I will finish a chapter for it.

The choice is yours and yours alone.

Would you rather read a fanfiction WRITTEN by a character, or a fanfiction about a character WRITING a fanfiction?

Now, to release the answer for those that played.

A few weeks ago, I asked who my favorite, most hated, and most loved characters from the series are. We got a few guesses, a lot pretty good. But, only I was TRULY right. Others came very close. And, to be fair, no one would have possibly gotten it unless they reread everything I ever wrote. So, it's understandable that no one would get a 100%. But, enough delay. Time for the answers. In a few days, I'll release the winners of the contest after my partner and I look over the answers and discuss who was closest.

ON WITH THE SHOW!

Favorite Character: Pipsqueak. Honestly... Who didn't guess that? Who's in about 70% of my stories as the main character or the side character... Or even in a cameo spot for NO REASON AT ALL. I will tell you... Pip. My FAVORITE CHARACTER!

Most Hated: Fluttershy... Oh yes... I hate her so much. But not because her character is as interesting and well developed as a pine cone covered in oatmeal; no. I hate her because of fan boys. I hate her for what she does to people.

Most Loved: Celestia. Ah... Celestia... Who can't say royalty is ever wrecked by the crown? She is an amazing character and it truly makes me sick to see people write her as a fiend or an uncaring monster.

Today is finally the day. One year ago today, I came to this site and started posting Know Your Mare and other such stories. It's been a pretty good run. We've all had some laughs, some tears, and even a few ideas brought to our attention. I think, in the end, we've all learned from each other. But, it's not over, is it? No. There's still a lot left to do. In fact, as I promised, today signals the start of my biggest project. Behind the scenes, while you're all having nice little reads of other stories, the Flinx crew and those hired have been secretly working on a collection of a beautiful design. Artists, musicians, lyricists, and editors all have come together to get things well and working. To them, and those who read my stories, I say thank you.

Now, I know my stories aren't all that great... And sometimes I get sidetracked... And I neglect to do important details... But, you all seem to enjoy my work well enough. In the end, that's the most important thing to me. I write stories, not because I want to get my ideas out, but so I can make just one person have an emotion towards it. If just one person smiles at something funny I write, or gets mad at something evil I write, or tears up at something emotional I write; to me, that's worth everything and then some. Which is why I'm glad I've been supported, talked about, and kept around for this one year. Thanks to each and every one of you.

With this, I promise that stories will get done, projects will be had, and promises will be kept and made anew. This year will be the start of so many new adventures and ideas. Who knows? Maybe we'll make it to 1,000 watchers by the end of the year. But, honestly, I would be perfectly settled with the number staying how it is. I never thought it would get over 400. I love what I do, and I love that you seem to enjoy what I do. I have no way of expressing just how amazing that really is to me. So, really, thank you for everything.

The contest I posted a few days ago will be finished on the 20th, so if you want to submit your own idea for that, I'll put a link right here. So far, a lot of great answers. But, do you think any of them are close? You tell me. I just love seeing people guess these sort of things. It's truly entertaining to me.

Anyway, that's about it. Thank you for following; thank you for sticking with me for a year; and most importantly, thank you for reading. In the traditional Flinx way of doing things, there's only one way to end this celebration post. Showing pictures of future events and putting a song that sums up my thoughts.

See you in the big times!

This year is looking pretty good...