Today in the news: I'm sad... · 10:00pm Jan 29th, 2014
So, my exams are nearing (as you have probably guessed by the lack of new chapters), and today I had passed the most hated subject on the year. Well, it's not the subject that we hate, but the person teaching it to us, and we do not hate her, but we're scared shitless of her... Anyway, so I said to myself, "It's a good day!"
...
Yeah, here's today "Shit happened list":
- I didn't pass the other subject I had today, I have to go repeat a test on Monday
- I learned that I failed yesterday's test on another subject, meaning I will have to repeat that one as well
- I had received a response from Equestria Daily regarding submitting Rebirth of the Damned there (after a month and a half since I send it), which was negative
I think the last part was most hurtfull. Don't get me wrong, I know that my story is a far cry from perfect, and I don't just mean the grammar issues... which I assumed would be the deciding cause in this matter, but it turned out a bit differently:
Luckily, most of the grammatical issues in this story could be fixed easily by an editor. However, the fast pacing, short chapter lengths, and similarity to many other Human in Equestria stories are not simple issues to address. Moreover, any significance of the World of Warcraft side of the story is lost on a reader like myself who is unfamiliar with the game.
Please understand that I am not posting this to make you write angry letters to the guy that checked this, I just like to whine a bit from time to time ;p. In any case, judging by the comment about lenght of the chapters, this person must have read only 20 first chapters, which is a pity to me, since I consider that oldest part to be the worst of the entire story. Not surprising, I suppose, as at that point I hadn't planned to continue this story for so long, but I digress. Sadly, I don't see myself redoing those chapters, as I have no idea how to make them better. And I definetly have no clue as to how make WoW's side of this story more understandable to those that don't follow the game. This is a crossover, explaining the side other than MLP in it would require either making a bagillion of flashbacks, or exposition, and that's just bad. I thought I made Arthas' past understandable enough in later chapters, like when he shows his memories to Princess Luna, or when he fights King Sombra, but again, that person had probably didn't reach so far.
I suppose I should feel too bad about Equestria Daily's decline - I mean, if they had read the chapters with a tad more... mature subjects touched, I would have received a much swifter answer ;p. It's just that it hurts a bit to read about those issues in what is currently my still-ongoing proudest accomplishment. Oh, well, I will get over it at some point.
Now, since I don't want you to think that January is all about negativity for me (although, between everything and some family matters...):
Speaking of Rebirth, chapter 120 is ready, and I only wait for my editor to inform me that it's checked. Seeing how I finished it a couple of days ago, it shouldn't be long.
While we're on that subject, I though that maybe I should get more proofreaders. Seeing as there are still grammar mistakes in chapters, it would seem that four people are still not enough to have everything checked. Also, one of my proofreaders has been hard to reach not so long ago, and while he's back, I think it would be good to have a few more people. So, if you think you can help with my story(-ies), send me a PM and lets discuss it. Requirements are the same as before: a good grasp on English (preferably better than mine, which is not hard ;p), and enough time to get it done. Depending on the chapter's lenght, I would like it to be checked within 1-2 days, as my editor Lazygamer313 and I will still need to go over it before I can post it. Also, if you'd offer to help, I would also ask you to write if you're willing to help with my other stories as well. Rebirth of the Damned is my main story, even if it will probably never get posted on Equestria Daily (eh, it's mentioned on TvTroopers, so I'm cool), but from time to time I like to write those other things I started, as well.
For example, I will soon return to Project Eclipse, as I'm finally nearing a point in Rebirth of the Damned where I can continue to prequel without fearing that I will spoil some bits for you. Also, The Hero of Altomare will soon get an update, and will be completed. I hoped to get continue writing chapters there until it gets featured, seeing how it's my best rated story, but I cannot think of adding more to the storyline other than what I had planned since the beginning. I might write a sequel to it some day, though.
Equestria's Will of Fire will also start getting updates way more often than it used to. As for Daring Cry and Shadow of the Past... ugh, to be honest, while I can easily get back to Shadow of the Past, as I have, like, only four chapters there to finish it, Daring Cry, well... I think I might just write an ending chapter and leave it at that. Have her explain what happened to that point, and face the final boss, or whatever.
And of course, I will continue (from time to time) One Hundred and Fifty Nights in the Wasteland. Unlike Rebirth of the Damned, this story got posted on Equestria Daily, specifically on Fallout: Equestria side-stories list there, and it's one of the two stories of mine that have some fanarts drawn about it (in case of this story, it's the image). What's the other, you ask? Rebirth of the Damned, of course!
And... I'm writing another story. Yes, yes, I know, I said I wouldn't start another, but I have this really good idea that just won't leave my head if I won't try it out. And may I remind you that is how Rebirth of the Damned started: by the idea that came to me randomly, and wouldn't leave my head until I put it on paper (or, you know, computer), and seeing how I am still long way away from finishing it, it's still occupying some space and not paying rent. So, you know, you might like this new story. I won't tell you anything about it, other than it will be pretty much different than anything I had wrote so far... I think. I might use some character ideas by accident (or, in case of one spell, on purpose ;p). I will get to that story as soon as I am free, and write a few chapters for it, so it will mean that you can consider Rebirth of the Damned to be put on hold until then.
Which, coupled with my exams, means you might have to wait a few weeks to get chapter 121. Which is a shame, since I was looking forward to this chapter for a while. Not as much as I had waited for the Crystal Empire arc, or for the return of the changelings (boy, I waited since October to September for that!), but still, it's something that I wanted to write for a while now. But still, this other story just won't leave my head, sorry.
Anyway, that's all from me. Wish me luck tomorrow with passing my subjects... and the day after tomorrow... and monday... on the next Friday I'm supposed to have an exam...
You know what? If you could all keep your fingers crossed for me for the next, I dunno, two weeks, i would be super grateful! :)
Hurm
Finger's crossed.
I just started rereading Path of the Damned and I would agree that the early chapters are the weak point of the story. They seem like a good action story but not the amazing in depth look at themes and characters that EQD wants. It's ironic that i just said that last statement because the later chapters do exactly that. I am more interested in the Twilight and Arthas sub plot now. I really like the theme of how we deal with our pasts in this story and the hero's journey that Arthas goes on. He was called to action to defend Equestria out of his own choice.
I think that EQD is wrong that this is like other HIE stories. While other HIE stories deal with "Oh My gosh I am in Equestria now" and how do I fit in or how do I get home, Path of the Damned makes Arthas fully a part of Equestria. He doesn't seem like the outsider anymore once the wedding is done.
I originally was hooked on Path of the Damned because it's a Warcraft story but now I have almost completely forgotten its a Warcraft Story 120 odd chapters later. Mainly this is due to the dropping of the whole flash to Azeroth tropes that we saw a lot of chapter ?1-40ish? (the death knight and paladins talking on Icecrown) and the dropping of flashing to Bolvar, Arthas, and Ner'zhul. With these gone I don't see the need for exposition to explain Azerothian elements to non Warcraft people. There may be Azeroth stuff here and there to introduce new plot points but nothing beyond that.
In the end, I think that EQD needs to look at Path of the Damned kinda like Star Trek: Next Generation. The first 20 -right before the wedding chapters are kind of like the first season of Next Generation. They are both shaky but establish the base for where the story and characters will go. Right around the trip to Altomare does the story "Grow the Beard" and develop into its own thing and is free of the idea that it is totally dependent on any outside influence.
I've wanted to do some writing for a long time, but I've discovered that I enjoy proofreading a lot more.
So I'm taking the offer! I'll do some proofreading for you!
- If I'm qualified for the task.
I don't know anything about WoW yet I have still enjoyed your story greatly. I'm sure I've missed things here and there but it didn't take away from it. That guy is silly.
An English teacher told me once as I was writing a essay on comparing or contrasting two people or characters of similar backgrounds: If the reader does not have a little info on where these particular characters come from, the whole essay will be lost to them. That said, when writing about these two, I made a point to bring up a little bit of their history.
Writing crossovers are a trifle tricky. depending on who/where we are pulling these from. I say to ignore EQ and continue to write what you love doing.
never played Warcraft, WoW or read any of it's books but I still enjoy this story. Seriously this is in my top five in the incomplete category. Fight on and hone your craft! Arthas isn't who he was at the beginning of your story, he has grown, so have you and growth is awkward. Man was that cheesy
Anyway I look forward to your new chapters.
Also failed two of them, but nevertheless, don't give up and just ignore your fans for a moment and pass all of them. I know how teachers can be scarry as buck. Do your best!
Trzymam kciuki!
I find the statement about not knowing the referenced material is rather telling.
A quick google search, as in less than a minute, will reveal all that one must know.
Arthas is THE Warcraft villain.
And now said villain needs to learn about friendship and harmony.
Thats all one must really know...
Seriously... any other information is an added bonus.
If EQdaily is going to Preread a crossover story, they have to be someone with some passing knowledge of said crossover material.
Or willing check for it.
I hear this is the static response for "Nice story, pity I don't like it."
It grates me when anyone tries to judge things without having the most basic grasp of the reference material. Feels just like the village drunk telling the nuclear physicist how to do his job.
Fingers crossed man. I know the pain, going through classes of my own. Basic policies for my new job, defensive tactics...(ugh...) multitudes of qualifications... Just pull through and do your best!
Good Luck with your test.
Sorry to see the EQD pre-reader you got did not even bother to check what your making a crossover with (or ask some other pre-reader).
On the bright side you can apply again after your done with your tests.
I don't understand how the WOW side of the story was lost on him, I've only seen a cinematic or two from that warcraft 3 game because they had arthas in the thumbnail, and I understand mostly everything you have put in this story; of course I have no idea who any of the characters and weapons really are, but I can gauge the characters personalities just fine, and nearly all of the stuff that you would only understand if you played WOW, are never very important to the plot at any point or can very easily be understood by your quick explanations.
EQD is too strict.
EQD pre-readers are in general a bunch of a-holes. Don't worry about them turning you down, that just means your story isn't pretentious nor fits any of their preconceived notions of a "good" story. A good story is entertaining, anything else is just details and personal preference, and they let that get in their judgements.
So cheers, mate. Have a pint and work at them tests.
*grins* take care on your other stories. I'll be reading 'em when they come out and will probably take the time to do my 3rd Re-read of Rebirth!
keep up the great work!
Rebirth of the damned is one of my favorites on here.
Good Luck With all of it