A few thoughts on FPV now that it has been featured on EqD. · 12:37pm Jul 13th, 2012
I'm not really sure how to start this, or why I'm making this blog past beyond the fact that I feel like I should somehow celebrate that this story was featured on EqD. How selfish of me . . .
So, um . . .
It's been a hectic few days, responding to comments that come, and being simply bedazzled by the attention First Pony View receives. It really puts some pressure on me to ensure the next chapter is not junk, while also distracting me from writing it in the first place. But, oh, don't let that put a stop to the comments. I may need a few breaks now and then, and the comments pique my curiosity, offer ideas, raise good points, and perhaps even shed light on errors I have made or what I have to account for in the future. The more fans this story gathers, the more I realize that I can't allow myself to mess up. It's one way to ensure qulity, I hope.
Anyway, it came as a surprise that FPV suddenly was on EqD because I didn't exactly try to get it there after to get it there once, and I was quite content with it getting the feature box here, and the fans FPV had already gathered was quite pleasing already. I had planned to resubmit it in the coming days, but Midnightshadow simply took the initiative all of a sudden and now FPV got its spotlight on EqD. Maybe it was his own way of telling me that I had something very unique in my hands. He did inform me, sure, but it was kind of taking matters into his own hands because I was too much of a Fluttershy, I guess.
I probably shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.
At any rate, an interesting detail is that the first one hundred comments on FPV trickled over the duration of several months, but the last one hundred comments came in a few days. That's just . . . crazy, and scary. The comments are a graph that in a way measure the popularity of FPV. Over 500 people now anxiously await what the next chapter brings, and I must always keep in mind that FPV perhaps has no parallell, not at least on FIMfic. I must take extreme care of this terrific fic, and I will forever hate myself if I bring it to ruin. I must please my fans, but I also want to write something I enjoy to read myself, too.
What started out as a basic self-insert experiment without any direction beyond the idea of pondering on what's it like to be a pony has by now evolved into a tale of the adventures, discoveries, and terrors a suddenly ponified human encounters. The deeply introspective look into the main character's mind is perhaps the appeal of the story. No, really, maybe I should ask, what is that which makes this story so captivating? There are thousands of fics here, so what are the aspects that separates this from the others? Is it the relatable world the new pony wanders in, the male mind in the mare's body, the deliberate deliberation (try to say that fast five times in a row, haha), or . . . is there something very profound weaved into the story and character that has caught us like a fly in a spiderweb? I'd really love to hear what your opinions, my dear audience.
By the way, I have a few pieces of very impressive fanart I received recently, that I've also placed in my user page. They're by Balthasar999, and they're absolutely unbelievable! I'll let the masterpieces speak for themselves. Beware, though. The sheer awesome can be overwhelming.
Just do what you feel is right, for the story
229432
The popularity of First Pony View elevates my spirits, but I must never be overconfident.
Oh and what makes the story capivating is that it's something DIFFERENT to most stories.
229435 Yeh don't be all the time. You can be at parts. Also try listening to some music and write/type it helps alot.
229436
. I'm just curious to know what others think 
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Well, I take that as granted
For me while the gender change element is how I found the story that's not the part I find compelling. The mystery and the deep introspection are the parts that kept me reading and are keeping me entertained. Also like the less 'evil' humans of this story then are presented in so many Pony fics. But mostly it's the mystery element that is keeping me interested. And shallowly the pictures which just add another really awesome kick to the story.
In regards to where it goes...don't worry about the popularity. Just keep taking it where you want to.
ya and dont worry about pleasing everyone (that should be implied via the show and a lesson it threw out there) just write what you think is good. really its been good so far
229437
Good idea on the music. I tend to listen to trance music at a soft volume.
229447
. Perhaps it reflects your persona. Oh, sorry. I'm not addressing the message 
.
Your avatar makes me consider you to be skeptical, displeased, or mistrusting. I shouldn't let an unrelated image dictate the tone of a message
So, FPV is a mystery story? Well, yeah! The why and how he is a she-pony is most likely the mystery, and just like us, he wishes to know the answers, too. That you've taken note of that humans are not evil by default is also notable. Thus far we've seen only two (the MC's humanity is perhaps debatable), but the general image is positive. Besides, we may get opinions on humanity by ponies through MC's ears.
229461
. Thank you. I'll continue trying to please both myself and the audience.
That's very reassuring
229496 There wouldn't be a world without music
. But if i'm in the mood for writing don't get me wrong but heavy metal helps me and dubstep does like to help sometimes :P. Yeahhhhh I should shutup but not before this.
bbsimg.ngfiles.com/10/20667000/ngbbs4b5bc050286a0.jpg
so please
jdray.net/photos2/var/albums/lolcat/funny-pictures-proceed-cat.jpg?m=1283375744s/Proceed_9a12e7_540405.jpg
Oh and the pictures do make the story better
229500
By pictures, you mean the two that were posted? They're so so brilliant, if I were to print them on paper and place them in my room, I wouldn't need to ever use the ceiling light.
Anyway, I like trance music when I write because it puts me in a energetic and empowered mood. It helps me focus on what I write and pushes my mind to search for solutions to problems I may encounter
Well, Mate, the most important thing for a writer is to have fun. If you like the story, then the hundreds of fans is but a bonus.
I find this different because of the amount of detail you put into this a mere second could take a minute to read when in others it's not that be of a deal. You have alot of details put into this as well as what thoughts are going through Rosy's head.
229590
Well, yes, it's important that I enjoy what I write, but still, I try to please the fans as well. I make something I like, and then you get something you like, and knowing that you are delighted delights me, and then I want to write more. Our entertainent has to be mutual.
229597
Yes! All that introspection in what his mind conjures, what he does, and what that in turn evokes in him. It's all so psychological, and many sentences are spent on things that could be glossed over with a couple words, or ignored entirely. It's such a direct look into his psyche, and all those emotions and cogitations we are seeing. It's so fascinating and very vivid.
229637
That makes sense, Mate. Also, I've got to agree with the Fractured One; this story has been an intense psychology lesson. Rosy would be the perfect patient of the PsychoNauts.
>No, really, maybe I should ask, what is that which makes this story so captivating?
Well, on the one hand you have a mystery element. Something happened, the reader wants to know more, but you keep up the suspense and reveal almost nothing. This basically ensures that readers stick with you. They want to know more! :D
Then, of course, the human-to-pony element. I think many readers are at the very least intrigued by this, many probably captivated. I know that some people on this site truly and badly wish for this to happen to them.
The writing style, full of introspection and detailed descriptions amplifies that. Your story makes it easy to relate and immerse yourself in the world you're building.
I can imagine that the genderbender aspect has also found some fans.
Last but not least, pictures :D I know that fiction is supposed to be in your head, but the drawings complement it very nicely and also back up the descriptions. The last picture of the two pegasi carrying the main character helped me better imagine the contraption, where the description alone would have been a bit vague or confusing.
All in all, many elements come together to make a great story. But don't let your sudden burst in popularity get to your head!
This is an amazing story you've been putting together for us.
This just proves it. Keep plugging away with the same care and thoughtfulness and each chapter will be better than the last.
That first image is utterly terrifying.
229705
Intense psychology lesson? Sounds mighty interesting. If a story evokes deep thoughts, then I must be doing something right. Thank you!
229723
Well, on the one hand you have a mystery element. Something happened, the reader wants to know more, but you keep up the suspense and reveal almost nothing. This basically ensures that readers stick with you. They want to know more! :D
That's great! Just a little glimpse of what the shroud of mystery conceals, and it's like an elucidating shine to the audience who are in the dark? Quite fascinating. I may have to consider carefully what I unveil.
Then, of course, the human-to-pony element. I think many readers are at the very least intrigued by this, many probably captivated. I know that some people on this site truly and badly wish for this to happen to them.
The writing style, full of introspection and detailed descriptions amplifies that. Your story makes it easy to relate and immerse yourself in the world you're building.
I seem to take that commonly used element to the dramatic, more logical and realistic end of the scale. The terror that comes from being removed from all that one has lived with and lived as is immense, and Rosy unfortunately has to endure that loss. The best way she can alleviate her pain is to hope that she hasn't been forever locked in her equine cage. Unlike standard HiE stories, she hasn't been placed near the mane six who might share their consoling friendship with her. Rosy's in a world that's like ours, somewhat lost, but maybe she can find her friends or parents there instead. Maybe they can be of support. To help her back, or to help her cope? We'll see.
I can imagine that the genderbender aspect has also found some fans.
It's very likely. Genderbending can be very fascinating when it's done excellently. Many take the comedic approach, conversely offering very little attention to the serious issues: fear of identity loss, discomforting dissonance between physique and psyche, and anxiety stemming from the inability or unwillingness to conform to the expected sex-role standards.
Last but not least, pictures :D I know that fiction is supposed to be in your head, but the drawings complement it very nicely and also back up the descriptions. The last picture of the two pegasi carrying the main character helped me better imagine the contraption, where the description alone would have been a bit vague or confusing.
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As a funny detail, I had to change the narration in the latest chapter a little because the description and image didn't match perfectly. Still, in the end, all was well, and it's much easier to alter text than an image. One image equals 1000 words, after all.
Also, some people can't quite picture anything in their minds, so for them, the pictures are of immensely beneficial
All in all, many elements come together to make a great story. But don't let your sudden burst in popularity get to your head!
I'll try to stay tehtered to the ground, then.
230333
Thank you, and truIy hope you're right. You see, I don't know how many times I've refurbished chapter ten. At some point, I have to simply accept what I've written and then send it to the editor. I can only imagine the severity of the facepalm that ensues when he sees it.
230714
But in a strange but astonishing way, right?
231222
If you waited til each chapter was "perfect" none of them would ever be finished. Settling for damn close is no failure.
231601
Well, I'm slowly filtering through the tenth chapter with a friend of mine. That friend will hopefully denote things I've missed or written poorly and offer opinions on the events, which may then help me to improve the chapter before I'll whisk it over to the editor.
231626
Sounds like a plan to me. I can't wait to see the next chapter.
What makes me want to read these chapters? hmmmm....
I'd say that you have created a world with a history from Rosys perspective. And it is not completely fictional, I mean there are some IRL stuff and comedy when her mind wanders off.
But eventually when your fame grows and you start getting more and more perfectionist, you will drive yourself crazy (like Twilight) because you want to make the chapters as good as possible. So just continue to make them like you usually do, radical changes in style may have some major effects in storyline. (25% good 75% bad)
231222
That pony in the first picture is astonishingly terrifying and strange. If I saw something like that in real life, I might piss my pants. Don't get me wrong, its a good picture, its just a picture of something horrifying.
Regardless, keep up the good work. After all, you managed to inspire me to bother trying to write a pony story. You have to be doing something right.
232000
Yeah, okay, I gotta keep an eye on what I do, and not overwork myself into a wreck by pedantially inspecting every paragraph from every possible angle just to ensure there's not the tiniest incongruency relating to the rest f the chapter, the characters, and the story itself.
Anyway, yeah, this story's set in reality as we know it, but the setting is enough fictional and vague that it could happen anywhere. But just like I can't make the MC entirely separate from myself, the in-story world shares many similarities with my own. The comedy has been quite non-existant in the past few chapters, but perhaps some type of humor will come.
232599
Hmm . . . Imagine if the MLP ponies had that kind of anatomy if transported to our reality. Now, I kind of want to see the mane six pictured in a similar style. Would Fluttershy look cute?
Anyhow, you said the first image portrays something horrifing, and I guess that horror is a pony in a mentally tormented state.
It got featured on EqD? Congratulations!
Also, these pictures are some of the best pony-related pieces of art I've ever seen. "The sheer awesome can be overwhelming." - That about sums it up. You could make one of these the cover image.
As for me, I found this story randomly four months ago while browsing the "Human" category. I've always been a fan of stories dealing with transformations, so it got my attention. Back then, it only had five chapters, but these enough to grab my attention with the hyperrealistic depiction of the consequences of waking up one morning in the body of a female equine. I didn't care much for the genderbending, but I very much liked her slip-ups. Also, the scene at the end of Chapter 4 was hilarious
233318
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It's still very amazing that this got to EqD
As unbelievably amazing as they are, I'd rather not use the illustrations as cover art since that might be a spoiler to those who do not know of the extent of the MC's transformation. Maybe when FPV came to a sort of a conclusion and a new story would start featuring him/her again as the central character, perhaps then?
I'm very glad you like the high detail I put in the MC's adventure. It slows the pace of the story, but I think that is compensated quite well by the in-depth look into the MC's psyche. The chapter 4 lunacy will most likely not repeat, but the MC's in a such state of mind that some circumstances may push him to the happy smiley side of nervousness, and that will reflect into his narration. Just look at his hysteria at the start of chapter 5 and imagine that being strictly contained within his mind by his own will.
Congratulations, friend. This was a feature well-deserved.
Like others have probably said-I won't lie, I just woke up (or at least I'm pretty sure I'm awake) and I'm in a 'too long; didn't read' mode-, make sure you write the story for yourself, according to your own plans. Don't let the Equestria Daily feature change that. Trust me, I almost made that mistake myself.
I sincerely hope that you start getting the recognition you deserve now that you have Equestria Daily featuring FPV.
234259
, but I shouldn't let myself soar into the clouds and lose my heading. Every chapter I write feels like challenge and a huge risk, and I would not want to mess them up because I've become overconfident.
You're right: it's obviously very pleasant that I and FPV get recognition
Anyway, it's crazy how much attention FPV has gotten lately, and I still have trouble to rationalize it.
234312 I remember when my own work was first featured back in February. I was absolutely ecstatic at the sheer influx of readers.
234329
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Now I know how you felt, and you know how I felt
Waiting, waitin , waitin for a update? Heheheh i'm just joking you can't rush perfection but I still am waiting :) But yeh any approximate dates of when next chapter might be up?
237177 God that sounds demanding
Awesome gives myself notifications when I reply to myself. What do ya know learning something new everyday. (Keep that in mind) :P
237177
Well, in a few days, I'll send the chapter to the editor. That editing process may take a week, then come the illustratins, so... ETA is in 2 weeks perhaps
237208 Cool just want to know because going for holiday soon and want to read it before I go which is luckily in about 3 weeks so YAY!
237559
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if all goes well, then you'll get your dose of FPV before your vacation
I stumbled upon FPV when a friend mentioned it briefly in a Steam conversation.
Honestly, a 'huge' part of the appeal is the fact I'm transgender, but perhaps I should add a little context.
I read transformation fiction, a lot. When I tell people I do this there is always that hint of shame, because 'obviously' someone as unhappy with things as myself would approach such things as wish fulfillment, right? Most people seem to confirm this the way they nonchalantly brush it aside as obvious. More importantly, this has the unfortunate side effect of making me 'wrong', because something that is a curse for 'normal' people is a blessing to me. It's like taking pleasure in someone else's misery to 11.
But that's just it, I 'don't' read these stories as wish fulfillment, I read them because of all the stories that exist, regardless of media, it feels like stories like this are the only time 'normal' people are capable of really empathizing with my plight. Usually this means watching movies or reading books where the protagonist is turned into some inglorious animal, like a stag, a pig, a cockroach, a fly, whatever.
Honestly, this story triggers me(I could be using that phrase wrong, but I am pretty sure my point is identifiable.) repeatedly every chapter, and I almost stopped reading it at chapter seven, where the protagonist's Inner Dialog was almost word for word the kind of thing I'd experience when going through puberty, where I'd cower in a corner and do my best to avoid sobbing because the sound of my voice was abhorrent. I read this story because even if it fills me with despair, I identify with Rosy's plight, and even though part of me wants to just quit, because it really is 'that' depressing for me, I really do want to get to the end, and experience the (here's hoping) closure as he/she experiences it.
Sorry if this is disjointed, or you know, filled with punctuation errors. It's like one AM and I suck at punctuation. Cannot wait for chapter 11.
387098
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First, I symphatize with you, and as crazy as it sounds, I can relate to your plight. Chalk it up to a very powerful sense of empathy (which actually aids me a lot in writing FPV), although there's more to it than just empathy. Second, I wish to congratulate you for the choice of avatar image; it's heartwarmingly cute
Now, yes, one aim I have with FPV is to show how hard it is to be something different, especally so suddenly and without a veritable method of reversing said difference. Ever since chapter 6's end, the MC's felt confused, despaired, and miserable, not to mention horrified and bereft, even when he has reconstructed his composure by the time of chapter ten. However, he hopes that he'll find a way to set things back how they were. In the meantime, he'll most likely try to do all he can to block out his anxiety, because who wants to feel dysphoric all the time? He might not show it all the time, but he's afraid that he has to inhabit that body for the rest of his life. With all that said, yes, his situation is comparable to transgenderism.
Then, why am I so interest in transformation? Well, one thing is that I want to see and experience things from a different perspective. I read and watch media about transformations because I want to see how others (both author and character) interpret transformation. Personally, the more in-depth and serious it is, the greater is my feeling of entertainment.
If the particular chance was presented to me, I'd take it. The experience would be exceptionally exquisite. It'd be a vacation from myself, so to say, but only if a guaranteed undoing of said morphing was possible. Otherwise, my situation would be very comparable to Rosy's.
Anyhow, I apolologize that FPV and the protagonist's torment affects you negatively. However, you did say that you find some pleasure in seeing others feel what you feel. Then again, it was I who wrote the MC's narration, so perhaps I understand your distress more than I had envisioned. You also said that the transformed becomes something undesirable, which I see as an allegory to your own situation. I repeat that you have my sincerest and undying sympathies, and I wish you much strength and grit, even if I know that's not much. You possess a desire that is very difficult to appease. As I think about that, I find myself feeling quite saddened.
Best I move on...
So... The MC's become a pony, albeit a female one. That's like corrupting a brony's wish of being a pony. Furthermore, it seems that his identity is in a flux to match the body. That's an undeniable nightmare, and certainly not a wish fulfillment. So, yes, it's very undesirable, and he's handling it to the best of his capabilities. Again, I see parallells with transgenderism, and I truly feel sorry for him.
Hopefully I haven't offended you, and I also hope that what I wrote made sense. Sometimes, I don't make sense
. Anyway, take care, and be yourself
!
387234
Doesn't sound crazy, a strong sense of empathy is a trait some people have. I just wish it were encouraged a bit more, I'm not sure if I'm just crazy, but it seems like empathy requires you invest a bit of yourself in a subject or person, and getting invested in anything isn't really regarded as too wise anymore. That's just like, my opinion, though.
Thanks for the compliment, but it's really just a random picture of Rain Drop that I found and recoloured... ^^;;
Coping really is the first and last line of defense, it's just... hard. Especially when like you said, you have some alone time, and the concept of 'this is forever' has a chance to really sink in.
Transformation stories certainly do a good job of illustrating how a society regards something.
If I were presented the choice to be a mare, I might take it, probably would, even if only because it'd fix something that has been a huge problem for me from the get go. If it were anything else, I don't think I could. I'm far too invested in getting back to normal, to be considering trying something else on for a trial run. It's kind of a stop the ride I wanna get off thing, I'm all roller coaster'd out.
I appreciate the sentiment, it's really not a big deal, it's a good thing, right? Why else would people read stories if they didn't somehow empathize with the hero's plight? Rosy might not be running about slaying dragons, but she's conquering some pretty tough obstacles just by persisting, and letting other people see that gives them room to ponder the situation themselves, something they might otherwise not be compelled to bother with, and anytime you can get someone to stop and think, well, that's a good thing.
You haven't offended me, not at all! I'm very difficult to offend, if I were to be offended it would be because of some inaccuracy, and if there is an inaccuracy my goto response is apathy, not indignation, and certainly not exasperation.
Best of luck with the story.~
387279
>>> Doesn't sound crazy, a strong sense of empathy is a trait some people have. I just wish it were encouraged a bit more, I'm not sure if I'm just crazy, but it seems like empathy requires you invest a bit of yourself in a subject or person, and getting invested in anything isn't really regarded as too wise anymore. That's just like, my opinion, though.
I'm not too good at presenting critique at society in general, but perhaps I'd add by saying that empathy isn't appreciated much when it is adverse to selfishness, which is a value many seem to embrace unconditionally nowadays. Or then it's some kind of pride issue that suggests feeling for their fellow person is a weakness. I truly don't know for sure, and I'm only guessing.
>>> Thanks for the compliment, but it's really just a random picture of Rain Drop that I found and recoloured... ^^;;
But it's still soooo cute! It's so you! Yeah, I know, I don't know what you look like, but to me, you're the pony in the image, and she's adorable
>>> Coping really is the first and last line of defense, it's just... hard. Especially when like you said, you have some alone time, and the concept of 'this is forever' has a chance to really sink in.
Maybe that is what happened in chapter 7 with the MC. Or maybe it has yet to happen. He has rekindled his hope, but if they were crushed with finality... then I suppose what you say will have a very high chance to permeate into his psyche.
>>> Transformation stories certainly do a good job of illustrating how a society regards something.
Of course. A very simple one, that I've noted is far too often played for laughs and not to generate thoughts on, say, gender roles, is (as you can guess) a gender flip. While I can't say I'm fully addressing societal issues with FPV, I am perhaps touching on the identity issue. How much does physiological sex constitute of a person's self-image? Quite a lot.
>>> If I were presented the choice to be a mare, I might take it, probably would, even if only because it'd fix something that has been a huge problem for me from the get go. If it were anything else, I don't think I could. I'm far too invested in getting back to normal, to be considering trying something else on for a trial run. It's kind of a stop the ride I wanna get off thing, I'm all roller coaster'd out.
I understand what you mean. Assuming I'd be free from external (and internal) adversities, I might go for either one, though I have a feeling that I'd go for the same choice as you. It'd be radical (albeit presumably reversible) change from myself, and offer me an educative chance to see the world through a different perspecive. However, as I stated, permanency is not my cup of tea, and I also assume that prolonged exposure could lead to a change in behavior either through biological or subconscious suggestions on what a mare's supposed to be like.
>>> I appreciate the sentiment, it's really not a big deal, it's a good thing, right? Why else would people read stories if they didn't somehow empathize with the hero's plight? Rosy might not be running about slaying dragons, but she's conquering some pretty tough obstacles just by persisting, and letting other people see that gives them room to ponder the situation themselves, something they might otherwise not be compelled to bother with, and anytime you can get someone to stop and think, well, that's a good thing.
I'm glad he's not out there to tear some villain into ribbons, because that kind of quest would in general overshadow the problems arising from being a female pony. I'm also gald that my story's got some depth to it. His situation is far from the happiness that many would expect from becoming a pony. Perhaps FPV allows us to reconsider how we'd fare ourselves if being a pony is what Rosy's going through. It's quite apparent that his identity is being subverted, and I believe that's not what any of us want. If that's the price to pay for being a pony, would we take it? I sincerely doubt it.
>>>You haven't offended me, not at all! I'm very difficult to offend, if I were to be offended it would be because of some inaccuracy, and if there is an inaccuracy my goto response is apathy, not indignation, and certainly not exasperation.
Conversely, I'm very considerate, and if I have a hunch that I might've said something offensive, then I feel compelled to apologize.
Oh, thanks for the wishing of luck
. The editing of chapter 11 has started, although I yet can't say what the ETA of its publication will be.