Story Promotions (Round I) · 6:17am Mar 22nd, 2014

Before I begin with a few story promotions, I thought I should share the below. It seems that Tangled Roots hit an interesting milestone yesterday, and I just happened to catch it today...

IT'S HAPPENING!

Now then...

If you're finding yourself in need of a new story to read this weekend, give these a shot! All are great little gems that deserve a little more love. More under the break!

Perception

Scootaloo is alone. She's failed her family, her friends, her destiny - everything. Running away from her problems, Scootaloo lost herself in the sprawling city of Las Pegasus. Now, her life is grey and colourless, devoid of friends or purpose... until a letter arrives from Ponyville that finally draws her back home.
A story about perseverance, purpose and love.

I faved this story to read later based off the recommendation of a friend. At first, I was a bit skeptical. The story is told in first-person from the perspective of Scootaloo, and it starts off a bit vague. Why is Scootaloo in Las Pegasus, all grown up and alone? Why hasn't she seen her friends in years? Why does she feel like a failure? All of these questions and more jump right off the page from the get-go.

However, the way the author slowly answers these questions is what made the story for me, along with the great characterization. If you couldn't tell from the cover image, it's a ScootaBelle story, and we definitely need more good ScootaBelle around here. The way the author slowly develops this relationship was excellent as well. Finally, the story takes place in an older, more darker Equestria... something that I love to write and read about, as some of my readers probably know.

My only complaint is that the story is a bit short for my tastes, and that there are a few errors here and there. Other than that, it was a great story that I definitely will be re-reading again.

Incomplete

This dress is magnificent, breathtaking, beautiful. This dress is perfect in every way.
~
But this dress is still incomplete.

I haven't read very many of Vexy's stories yet (I'm sorry! ), but this one hit me right in the feels. I won't spoil too much, but if you are an artist of any sort (including an author), you will be able to emphasize with Rarity's plight here. This was something that I was glad to have read before I took my hiatus; it definitely crossed my mind more than once when I was sittin' in my thinkin' chair.

I really don't have many complaints on this one, either. I would have liked to see it fleshed out into maybe another 1K words or so, but that would defeat the purpose. Basically, if you like a nice, metaphorical Slice of Life story—especially if you are an artistic type yourself—I highly encourage you to read it. You just might learn something.

Two Apples In A Tree

Applejack goes to serve her sister and cousin lunch at their clubhouse and hears an...interesting occurrence.

This story is only about 1K words.

It's a quick comedy.

It has Babs Seed...

And Apple Bloom.

It's absolutely hilarious.

And I loved it!

To be fair, my good friend FallBlau dedicated this to me and linked it via Skype. It sent me into a laughing fit and definitely brightened my day! However, if I had stumbled upon it another way—either because I'm following him (*hint hint*) or because I search for new Babs stories on a pretty consistent basis (*hint hint HINT*)—I still would have loved it.

Another short story that could've had a bit more exposition, but it works well as it is. Read it if you wanna giggle.

Neither Created Nor Destroyed

As Equestria is set upon by outside forces who have long gone wanting and an ancient presence with unknown intentions, Twilight and her friends must deal with the separation both from their beloved nation and from each other. They must find a way to turn the tide of an emerging conflict without the Elements of Harmony before everything that they hold dear comes to an end.

My friend Gn4 is mostly a Comedy writer, so I'll admit that I was a bit unsure of how he would write a Dark Adventure story.

He did not disappoint.

This story shines in its world-building, intriguing OCs, and well-paced mystery. As of right now, the story is on a bit of a hiatus, but with about 45K there already, don't let that stop you. Because it is sort of a thriller/suspense adventure, I won't give away too much, other than to expect twists and turns.

I'm very impressed with Gn4's writing in this story as I am with his other stories; he has a really good grasp of grammar and I honestly can't make any complaints. Everyone is in character and none of the OCs come off as either overpowered or underdeveloped (considering the place the story is presently at). If you enjoy Dark Adventure stories, or anything featuring the Mane Six getting separated from one another and having to reunite to fight some terrible evil, this is the story for you!