Progress update, a Kickstarter, and other things · 7:42pm Feb 18th, 2014
Hey everyone,
It's been a terrible year.
...Okay, that's an exaggeration. Terrible would be if I lost my job, a relative, or something else along those lines. Not getting the next chapter out is more... frustrating. And disappointing.
When I first started writing this story, I didn't know it'd become this hard to write for it further down the line (as evident by me restarting it once already). I also didn't realize it'd be one of the most top-rated stories on the site, and consistently up there in the Top Story list as well. Some how it's still up there, which is both amazing and miraculous. I can't express have grateful and happy I am that it's up there.
But this next chapter... hoo boy, it should have never taken this long, and I'm so sorry for that. I didn't realize the ending from the last chapter would give me so much grieve, but it has, and probably for silly reasons. I've had to rewrite the chapter several times, not because of what the editors have said, but because I keep walking away from the keyboard really unsatisfied with it. It has nothing to do with the spelling or pose, but just the events and the ways characters reacted.
Remember how I said, all those months ago, that I had to start the chapter over because the story seemed to be "forced" to go one way, rather than "let it happen" that way? Well, I reached the same conclusion again with the material I was working with, and had to go back again and think about what I wanted to write. The good news, though, is that since then I've been writing through it pretty quickly, which is a lot better than what was happening before.
I'd go into more details, but... well, spoilers.
Trust me, when it does come out, I'm going to break down further what's been going on behind the scenes. I'm even planning on uploading all the prototype chapters to my DeviantArt account so people can read how it could have gone originally. There's quite a bit of material there; I find that I have to write entire scenes and conversations out before I can really determine if they'll work or not. It's not enough to just run it through my head.
I'm almost done with it, too. It should be going to my editors by this weekend at the very latest, after which it'll be cleaned up and prettied up. There are parts that I think can be written to be more descriptive and better read, though so far my priority is making sure the characters are speaking and acting in ways that are consistent, understandable, in-character, and enjoyable. I've gotten a few requests to help with the editing, so I may be reaching out to those folks to see if they'd be interested still.
I realize some of you have been asking me questions, things like why Mort is the way he is, and I'm sorry I haven't gotten back in touch with you on that. The next chapter may explain it, may not. If it doesn't, I'll answer the questions personally in a message or post. To be completely honest, I've half-avoided the site because I didn't want to come on without something to actually show for it, and I feel ashamed that so much time has passed with so little contributions. Once the chapter's up, I'll read through those questions and answer those that hadn't been answered yet (and aren't spoiler-ish).
Now, some of you may have noted the "Kickstarter" in the title. Don't panic, I'm not begging for money or anything like that. I'm just advertising a certain Kickstarter that'll be finished tomorrow morning:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1836563008/wakfu-the-animated-series
Wakfu can be summed up as the French answer to Avatar: The Last Airbender. You've got a narrative-focused series with a colorful and fun cast of characters, with unique animation and well-done fight choreography. It's an excellent series that deserves all the love it can get, and that Kickstarter is meant to bring it over. While it has so far gone above and beyond what it wanted initially (it started as just a dub for the first season, but now includes seasons 2, several special episodes, and an original episode), this is also the only time you'll be able to get the series in the foreseeable future. The minimum pledge for the blu-ray package is $40 CAD (about $36 American), and for that you're getting 54 normal episodes (including one special and one original ep), four 45-minute specials, 27 mini-episodes, as well as any other bonuses in the pledge you decide to go with.
I'm mentioning it now because it's evident the guys behind it are very passionate about their work, and just want it to be seen by as many people as possible. I'm sure this is something many of us can relate to, so I'm helping any little bit I can. If you're interested, give the Kickstarter a look see.
As for the "other things," I'm hoping that once Mort's Holiday is done, I can start working on other stories, this time with shorter chapters and more planning on where the story will go. I have a terrible time focusing my attention on more than one thing at a time, whether it's work, games, or my own writing. I want to start writing about those Apocalypse ponies I mentioned, as well as start writing a story that's more stand-alone stories about Mort and the other shades.
Some of my other ideas may or may not get attention because of this, so I'm considering the possibility of "loaning" ideas out to writers if they're interested. I'm not 100% certain which ones or what the formal process is, but I'm thinking about it.
I'm also going to make another round of commissions to Carnifex, either with the other shades or the Apocalypse ponies, I'm not sure yet. I've got plans written up for both, so sooner or later you'll see all of them anyway.
If you've read to the bottom of this post, then I just want to say thank you so much for reading and following Mort's tale, and for being patient for so long. I'll make sure you'll be reading more about him shortly.
Have a wonderful day!
I'm glad to see you are indeed still alive.
Take as much time as you need to make this chapter as great as it can be. That being said, I can't wait to see it! 
Well, sounds like I'll be putting my editor's hat back on this weekend. Excellent! I'll clear a spot in my brain.
Welp this is good news. I also love the effort and dedication you have to your story
it is really quite inspiring
does this mean we are near the end or you want to get to the end soon?
I applaud you for your dedication to crafting this tale into a grat story: it is because of that very same dedication that your story is so highly praised and is high on a lot of lists.
Luckily, I only started reading this in December, so I haven't been waiting as long as some people. But still, I want MOAR! That cliffhanger you ended on in the last chapter makes me anxious to know what happens next!
I started reading it around october, so I have waited much. Especially compared to how long i've waited for other stories.
how can you talk about wakfu and not mention all the fine ass busty animal girls shame on you sir.
1849666
*shudders* 
1849716
I started in September 2012, the third fic I read on this site and the one so great it made me make an account to follow it. This wait is nothing for me. if you think a year wait for a chapter that will last you 20 minutes minimum is long (10,000 words at 500 words per minute... much faster than the norm), try to wait 3 1/2 years for a 9 minute REBOOT of an animation which then has not updated in another 1 1/2 years. then try to wait 12 years for a sequel to the game you grew up playing only for it to be 9 minute multiplayer skirmishes... then just think of duke nukem forever
Well then, as an animation fan/collector I took the plunge. Can only hope the show is for me :P
1850511
Ah yes, Duke Nukem Forever. The only video game that makes the Half Life 2 roll out seem quick.
You know, you really should write other stories in between writing Mort. So you think you have trouble multitasking. Big deal. Write one-shots. Seriously, they work as a palette cleanser to keep your mind keen and prepared to write your main story, rather than your main story cluttering up your mind.
Only thing is, I'd advise not forcing yourself to write stories. Or doing prompts. Idk, some people like that crap, but personally, I think it's best to write if and when you're actually inspired. Otherwise, you'll just be wracking your brain trying to write something, and that kind of defeats the purpose of writing little stories in between your main one. Think of it as a vacation from writing your main story.
I am thinking this may be a stupid question, but did any inspiration from this come from the Discworld novels?
Oh wow, I was just wondering about Mort and then you posted today. Very excited! And I hope things go better for you.
I've heard people exulting about Wakfu! I can't say I know much about it, though.
1850511 I remember waiting years for something. I forget what though... May have been a remake or something.
OOORAH!
But SRS nao. This is amazing news. Don't feel bad, you are obligated to only yourself. You owe us nothing. I admit we'd be sad. But human beings can move on. Equestria: Total War anyone? Or Ponky? We can wait ages for things. The human capacity to wait is immense. So is the ability to move on. But we push on, just like you did with your chapter. I admire your fortitude. I would have probably stopped writing it if I had the same problems as you. Well, maybe not. I am writing something that would be my first foray into the world of fimfiction.
QUESTION! DO YOU PLAY DOFUS? IF SO, AWESOME. IF NOT, STILL COOL, YOU KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THE UNIVERSE. I knew you were my favorite author for a reason
Wow. This IS the month of reviving idle (I couldn't find a better word for it) stories! first On a Whisper of Wind, then Her Own Pony, now this! February 2014 is AWESOME!
Heh. We'll continue to wait as long as it takes. Your an amazing author with so much to contribute to the fandom and the stories you write are amusing, loving, and sad at the same time.
Don't worry. Take a deep breath and carry on. It'll be fine. With your skills as a writer, how could it not be?
Looking forwards to seeing the ending of this story, and the beginning of another.
Thanks,
-Dragonfeith