Today is the last day to join, so if you want in on it, be sure to read over the rules and PM Shakespearicles!ponies fix everything · 3:39pm Nov 27th, 2023
New chapter for What They Hope to Find is out! I talk about what's next after the jump, but before that, a quick anecdote:
Last night, my family was having trouble finding something to watch together. My nine-year-old son didn't have any ideas, but he pretty much shot down every suggestion we had. Eventually, out of frustration and half-serious, I say, "Let's just watch ponies."
Husband: I like ponies. Sure.
Two-year-old Baby Girl: Can we watch ponies?
Nine-year-old Son: No!
Well after puttering around trying to find something else, baby girl is starting to cry because ponies got mentioned but we still haven't turned it on. We just look at our boy and say, "Look man. We tried. You're outvoted. It's pony time." He pouts, of course.
Then ponies are turned on and we all have a good time. We watched Stare Master, The Show Stoppers, and Dog and Pony Show from season one! "But I thought you wanted whining?" will be a quote that will never die. Did dear son keep complaining? No. Of course not. Because G4 is amazing.
Anyway, so out went the new chapter for WTHtF. The original draft was at around 9 or 10k words, but after revisions, it jumped to over 13k. I'm quite pleased with the chapter. We get a little more into the Apple family's dynamics, and not just that, but how Sunset Shimmer starts to fit into it all. Next chapter will be a doozy, but it will be a good read, I think. Blues night! They finally get to blues night. Yaaaaaaaay!
Lol, I had someone get salty with me on AO3 because WTHtF opens with a detailed het sex scene. Like.... I dunno how many times I have to say it, but the story wasn't originally intended to be read by itself. I made a point of including a warning about that at the start of the story. People have been reading the fic on its own and still enjoying it, which is great! But there's quite a bit of context that gets left out. Like... Oh, I dunno... The fact that Sunset is bisexual. Her sexual identity is pretty integral to her character, and how she interacts with her lovers matters. That chapter effectively sets the stage for what her intimate life is like. Transactional. Sometimes a little dark. Deceptively simple. A reflection on how she compartmentalizes herself to be the person everyone wants her to be. Anyway, the pushback took me off-guard. I got into my feels a little. Maybe drank some Bacardi. I'm good now, just thought it was a shame that the commenter had to be passive-aggressive like that when they could have voiced their thoughts so much more kindly.
I suppose this could be a learning moment, still. I suspect that part of the reason the reader was disgruntled was because I failed to include "F/M pairings" and "Bisexual Female Character" tags. I kinda still think it was a bit silly of them to get so salty considering they clearly had no knowledge of the parent fic, but I added the tags anyway. Always a good reminder that for every fastidious reader who actually reads story blurbs, content warnings, and author's notes, there are ten more who ignore it all and blame you for it. It pays to repeat yourself, is what I'm trying to say.
Now that WTHtF is updated, I'm going to switch focus to my Jinglemas fic. I'm going to have to do a little research for this one, I think. And by research I mean rewatch some pony stuff I haven't seen in (literally) years. I know I said I'd push out the next chapter of WTHtF, but honestly, I feel like I'm writing faster than ya'll can read. I don't mean that to sound mean, I mean that I'm a stay-at-home mom whose only active hobby is writing atm. I suspect most of you have school and/or work. So... Yeah.
That or ya'll don't got the energy to comment, I dunno. Whatever. 
My preferred patronage are your thoughts, is all I'm saying. 
I've been feeling a little more connected with the pony community lately. It's nice. Not just seeing and engaging with pony content, but like, actually talking to other fans of the franchise. It makes me feel a little less crazy.
Anyway, I hope everyone's Thanksgiving went well! Take care of yourselves.
Rarity was SO good in that episode, one of the classics hahaha
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It's one of my favorites for sure!
Ponies do indeed fix everything.
You know what? I might actually rewatch some of G4 when I have the time. MLP has been my hyperfixation for years and I’ve been fuelling that hyperfixation with fanfics like yours lol. But it’s always nice to go back and watch some cartoon horses.
Btw, I’ve been wanting to comment on every single update you’ve made to WTHtF and WTEtG, because I enjoyed the chapters and wanted to comment on my favourite parts, but alas you are correct, I’ve got college work to do, and I wanna read it multiple times before getting my thoughts out haha.
(Also can’t wait to read your applejack and rarity fanfic! I really like seeing those two together : D)
I love watching mlp with my two daughters! It's something that I, as a fully grown man, can bond with my girls over, I'm even getting my youngest a Luna plush for Christmas!
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Yesss! I bought my daughter a castle playset with Twilight and Pinkie, and also a smaller set with Sunny and her smoothie truck! I've never been more excited for Christmas gifts!