I'm going to be frank with you. · 5:44pm Oct 21st, 2013
Sheesh it sure has been a long time since I wrote one of these things. And the last few times I wrote one of these I was talking about all these crazy plans and how horrible I am for making promises that I don't keep, etc. etc. so on and so forth. Look, I'm going to be frank with you about a few things that are going on story related and with me as well. Not sure how much of you care to know, but hey. I'm doing stuff without your consent with the choice chapters (which I will address, bare with me) so why stop now.
First off, it goes without saying that I have been out of the FIMfiction community for a hell of a long time. Heck, aside from some "artwork" that was pony related, as well as being involved with another community which I won't discuss here (but you're welcome to find out, it's not that hard to find it now adays), I'd become very detached from this site. That means I haven't been involved in the Art for Fanfiction group, none of my other stories, and yes, this includes Sweetie's Mansion. In fact, the only thing I remembered vividly about the story was how close I'd come to finishing it, and how many folk told me how shitty the grammar, vocabulary, and over-all organization was. So when I finally came back, with all of my new plans and such for the story, I came with one idea. To finish it. To get to the end and even write some kind of follow up. That was my goal.
Hence the REBOOTs to "raise the story from the dead" to make it better, faster, and stronger than it was before (even if some reboots are still riddled with errors I've yet to catch on my own). And oh my goodness was it bad when I looked at it (I honestly don't see what the appeal to this story was besides something to chuckle at how horribly written it was). Enough shit talking myself though, that was the point of the REBOOTs, and I'm getting sick of being asked if I'm rewriting the story. Technically yes, but also no. I'm going through to make it at least somewhat respectable not only for my eyes, but the public eye as well. Like... and I know it'll never reach this level, but as notorious as a story like Fallout Equestria, or my all time favorite Past Sins. Something to at least stand a percentage of a chance against authors like PenStrokePony and whoeverthefuckwrotefo:e.
I don't know. Just talking aloud about a dream to ascend to the writers that managed to achieve that notoriety.
This is turning more into a journal than an update. Just me venting crap. Anyway moving on.
As for the Choice chapters, I KNOW. Alright? I know. I know you hate them. I know you want me to get rid of them. I know they're shittily done and I know they're not worth having or even really thinking about at this point in the development of the story. Though I also want you to know why I'm continuing to do them. They're more or less for me than anyone else at this point. To be brutally honest, it's a way I wanted to add to my story. True I wanted to add something similar to them from the very beginning to make a more game-like story, but honestly it's something for my own self gratification. Just a stupid way to see my story grow. My reasons are valid for expanding the plot and adding to the fact Sweetie's not invincible and can in fact lose, and that her survival is mostly determined by her decisions... but I'd be lying if there wasn't a little bit of me in there. I wanted it for my own self gratification and to alleviate my own boredom of solely editing and adding to something that already exists.
And to that I'd like to apologize for breaking the story for you in that sense. I thought somehow between the [Continue]s and the green Os that both persons who hated the choices and persons who found some value in them could enjoy the story, but unfortunately that's not possible and I apologize. I also apologize for the fact that I'm not going to necessarily stop the choice chapters until chapter 10. Only because of the boredom. At least by then I'll have gained enough momentum to push past my own boredom and self gratification to push through to finally add new chapters to truly advance the story. And most importantly and most shamefully, I'd like to apologize for the fact that there most likely won't be a Halloween update to Sweetie's Mansion, since the main focus will be the REBOOTs by then. Editing the story is a priority above even the new chapters... at least in my book. I really am sorry for all of this.
I honestly don't know what I'll do let alone what I can do to make it up to you guys, because whether you've been laughing at the story, or you've been thoroughly enjoying it, you've been great fans. Every single one of you. Hopefully something will come up that you all can find some enjoyment in.
In any case, I'll try and update more often with the status on REBOOTS and other Sweetie's Mansion related stuff. Ask any questions you have in the comments and I'll either message you or respond back.
I just wanted you to continue where you left off.
1440532 Maybe it was an over reaction on my part. Still, this is why a new chapter isn't coming too soon.
I am quite content with the choice chapters. I've heard many times (like, every time an author has doubts about their work somebody needs to mention it) that authors should write for themselves first and foremost. If the choice chapters help you get through some mental blocks, by all means, continue.
I also know of one of those "famous" authors (shortskirtsandexplosions) who is having a similar problem with his "magnum opus". However, he went back after about a year of the story's stagnation to do rewriting and proofreading (saying many of the things you have, ie: "This story is trash, why does anyone like it anyway?"). In the end, after going back through the entire 500k+ words of it, his attitude towards the story didn't seem to change much. He still seems to have a hard time working on the story. Getting momentum in a story is difficult, especially if you aren't enjoying it. Although, it should be noted, skirts is still promising us new chapters, and I've gladly reread the story in preparation. There might be (likely will be) fewer readers though.
I really hope I get to see more of Sweetie's Mansion. I expect rereading it will be both enjoyable and nostalgic in a way. No matter your decision with the new chapters, thank you for writing it in the first place. I have good memories of it. Not everyone can claim to have written the longest chapter on fimfiction (seriously, even prolific authors like shortskirts haven't reached 50k in one
).
Take your time. I for one, actually like the choice chapters.
Personally I didn't care too much about the grammar or errors in the writing. The story was very good and gripping and I kept reading it eagerly. In fact I always promote it on my show whenever we talk about fanfictions. I'm glad to hear that it hasn't been abandoned and I can't wait to see how it ends. I hope that the drama and crap that people post doesn't stop you from finishing this great tale, and tell the whiners to shove it unless they can write a fanfic even half as good
By all means though, take your time with it. Sure the beginning may have been bogged down a bit, but it was gripping enough to tie me in. Through that, I'm glad I kept reading because you created a fantastic story here. It is somewhat similar to Fo:E in the regard of 'freakin' A, how can this get worse?!' a la scenario (situations getting more difficult for the heroes, villains having continual triumphs over them.) I honestly kept punching my couch during those segments because I 'hated' those antagonists so much, but loved them because of how intriguing you've written this. I couldn't stop reading many a fortnight.
Anywho, long story short, you got this. Just keep on rocking and know that you'll still have satisfied readers.
Just do what YOU want. Its your story. You can take it any way you want. I am happy to see any work being done on it. Get it to the point where you are happy wit it. The once you are happy with it you can continue the story.
Take your time to make your story the best it could be.
I remember one year ago(wow long time since you've started the story) when you made that blog entry with the question if we want to have a halloween update or if we want to wait for the whole chapter. I sure was happy to have that smaler update. That chapter was HUGE.
I don't like the choices system very much, it just pulls me out of the story, but the idea to have the choices explain a bit of backstory and stuff like that is good.
Also, thanks that you continue with your writing, you were one of those that got me to write.
The only reason for all the moaning and whining is because you left people on a massive cliffhanger after a chapter a quarter the length of Harry Potter and the goblet of fire and are continuing to update the story without giving them closure. People probably don't hate the choice system nearly as much as it appears that they do, they just don't like the wait and are already impatient for season 4.
As for this story being poorly written...
This story is on the crossover fanfic reccomendations page on TVTropes.
FanficRecs/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicCrossover
You're a lot better than you think you are.
I find the choice options to be a fantastic idea, It helps us readers recap the events of the story (Some of us might actually need this, due to the time it took new chapters to be added in the past) with the prize of seeing the result of a possible failure, and it will probably help open your mind to the big finale ending at the end of this fantastic story!
Also it kind adds suspense to me, will the end be a big dramatic tragedy like one of those bad endings, or a huge success for sweetie belle and the others?
You keep at it! Work at your own pace, and don't worry too much about us.
And even if you don't make it to the level of FoE or Past Sins, you have come close enough for me! You are a FANTASTIC writer 
Im useing your choice chapters as a way to refresh my memory of this story since its been a while since I read it. And to know you are still working on the story is more then enough for me so you dont have to be sorry, not for me anyway.
You know, Moon Shooter, I could take over with editing existing chapters while you work on the choices. I'm exceptionally skilled with refining character dialogue and descriptions to make them comprehensible, and would be happy to offer my services.
Not exactly a SM question, but have you seen this year's Flosstober yet?
Personally, I like the choice chapters, they're a welcome additin. Personally, I don't care how long it takes, or what it takes for you to complete this story, as long as this story never shows up with the cancelled sign, it'll be fine. Ii want to see this story be completed, but I don't want to stress you. so please, take your time.