Ponies After People: The Great Writing Adventure · 11:46am Jun 9th, 2015
I think it goes without saying that I've been overwhelmed by the response to my latest story. I guess I just thought, since I've been trying to keep the Author's Notes clear on this one, that maybe I would get out some of what I've thought and learned about during this last weeks since it was published. Yeah, I got a stronger response in the timeframe allotted than anything I'd ever posted here before. Or anywhere else for that matter.
First, why? Originality, maybe? It's a familiar concept (Pony TF), wrapped into a lonely writing format and an apocalyptic package that didn't have zombies or monsters. Can't say I've ever read that here before. I think daily updates probably helped keep the story on the main page longer, maybe got a little more exposure. I'm not exactly sure how the algorithm works that gets older stories back into the lower three slots of the featured box, but I saw Last Pony briefly after posting the new chapter. Maybe it will make longer stays the longer it's been up.
A huge thanks to everybody who's been with me so far. The comment board has been one of the most active I've ever seen on fimfiction, on any story, and there have been some quite interesting conversations in there so far. I'm not sure if all of you know, but I do read every comment, and good suggestions (and just those I really like) frequently make it into the story proper. You all are way cleverer than me, so I'm sure to pay close attention. Granted, it's possible there will be days when I won't be able to follow the comments throughout the day, but even then I'll be sure to respond to all of them when I get the chance. I like to get them done around the time I do my next chapter, so expect one then at the very least.
By the way, in case you've missed it, there has been some fantastic art in those comments. Zutcha, the artist, pretty much does what he wants in there, and I get to be surprised and enjoy it as much as anyone else. Check out some of what he's made so far...
When I first started writing here on Fimfiction I posted two chapters a week. That felt like a breakneck pace at he time. Granted, those chapters were 4-10k a pop, probably around 7 average. That meant about 14k words a week of writing for me to do, and that much editing as well for my generous and dedicated staff. Now I'm back to that exact same commitment with Last Pony. As of this writing, 60k words have been written for the story, giving us a substantial backlog to make sure that updates continue no matter what happens in meatspace.
Not only that, but there's apparently an interest (already?) for spinoff stories written in alternate cities by alternate characters. I've already put together a group to house any stories that get written, not to mention any discussion around this story and whatever mysteries might occur there. We've got a few neat things in there already such as a comprehensive list of settings used in other stories and a census of what races have appeared in stories so far. I'll probably not do much with the group until I finish this story, at which point I'll spiffy it up before moving onto whatever project takes my fancy next (thinking a prose short story featuring characters from Last Pony On Earth, but not positive about that)
Oh, and so far as spinoffs go, things will be easier once I finish with this story. I'll probably write an article with a comprehensive guide to the canon, so that anyone who wants to has minimal trouble adding their own. Already a great showing in the group so far, so if you haven't already I suggest checking those stories out. Plenty of varied perspectives in there you won't find from A's single viewpoint. The current showing, in no particular order, is:
The Limestone City Bat
First non-US story, a Thestral in the frozen wastes of Canada (okay, maybe not frozen wastes, but definitely Canada). (Journal and third-person prose)
Seattle Seapony
An adorable, helpless young woman ends up with the worst possible transformation ever, a seapony. (Third person prose)
The Unicorn Lost in the Woods
A unicorn with a military background in the middle of nowhere. At the rate things seem to be going, he's going to need those skills (Journal, actually written with the speech-recognition software some characters claim to be using, which is a neat touch)
The First Unicorn on Earth
The first spinoff ever! This story is also about a unicorn stallion, though some of the stuff he's been through so far is downright insane. (Journal)
Ponies After People: Places and situations to avoid when humanity vanishes
Don't expect to get bored with this one, because every chapter is about radically different characters and told radically different ways. Lots of neat people and crazy transformations (Various formats)
This thestral is really in the thick of things. More of a traveling adventure story than the static format preferred by many of the others. Also the first side-story so far to have clop, if you're into that sort of thing. (Mainly first-person prose)
As of right now, I've read every one of the side stories, an I try to comment when I can, though it's hard to keep up. Something to read while I'm relaxing on tropical beaches I guess.
Currently on vacation right now, which you've probably seen in a less consistent hourly posting schedule and comment responses that come much later in the day than before. I also haven't had much time to write since arriving in the Hawaiian islands. Tropical sands and lots of scuba diving, that's the life right there. Don't worry, the story shouldn't be interrupted. I've got almost enough backlog to make it through the vacation. That only leaves making daily small-scale edits before publication each day, and coordinating with the artist for sketches whenever A feels like doing them.
So thanks again to everyone who takes the time to read/comment on this story. It's been a blast so far. Hopefully it'll keep being a blast for another month or so to come.
--Starscribe
One question, though. What's A's gender? I'll be heading his/her way in about five or six chapters and don't want to be left without a proper gender. You can PM me the answer if you feel like it.
Also, A will definitely be getting one of my letters once the bird gets to LA (I'll PM you what it says).
Awesome. I'll hold off reading these until the main story is finished, though.
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You missed this one from the space thread.
I wonder how long this concept will stick around and stay active. Hopefully a while, there's so much people can do.
Participating in this verse has been a blast, both from the writing and the reading sides. My only shame is that I've not been able to do much speculating and wild mass guessing in the last few days due to stuff happening. Better than Stuff happening, but stuff still hampers.
And don't forget this one.
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I can't say how infinitely proud I am to be the bearer of the first side story ever. Being a part of this is just SO much fun, and is the most fun I've had writing ever. Leon's been through some tough times facing being alone, but I'm glad that we in this verse do not have to be alone, and are in fact surrounded by so many people supporting each others' stories. I try to follow most of the side stories, with one or two exceptions.
To a long and prosperous future for this verse!
Alright, I'll go too.
I don't really know what it was, but the invitation to write a side-story sparked the interest I had in writing, which has laid dormant for years. I've read over ten million horse words now, so I guess I felt like I could finally take a turn as the dealer. I've enjoyed it so far, despite it having lasted less than a week. I don't actively read any of the others' side stories, and I don't keep up with the absolutely insane comment section of the main story, but I do read everything posted in the group forum and I like the little community that has cropped up around this.
Let's make this something epic, something maybe resembling a staple in the little horse fiction fandom.
Also: "in no particular order?" I think, Star, after that stupid blog I made, you and I both know why you showed them in that particular order.
Well, first things first, I guess. That comic is FREAKING ADORABLE. Where can I find it and several thousand others? Also, you are a lucky son of a duck, sitting in Hawaii, sipping drinks, going diving. You'll have to remember to tell
meusme what Hawaiian diving is like. I wonder if it's vastly different from Caribbean diving.P.S. - Are you a certified diver, or did you just sign up for one of those vacation SCUBA things?
> Seattle Seapony
at least it's a coastal city...
3134503
I responded to the PM, but the short of it is I don't want to spoil the main story in any of the side-stories. I'd rather let it play out in the story. There may be other ways to do a crossover, though.
3134654
I'll keep writing in it for awhile. Maybe when the main story is over more people will write side-story things. A three week old concept probably hasn't matured enough to attract all the interest it will one day. I also want to do what I can to leave the story in a place that makes side-stories easier to write. We'll see how well I do at that.
3135516
That was just the order! No reason! >.>
3135722
It's very much like other islands. If you've done one pacific island, you've done them all. About 70 degrees no matter the depth, 200ft + visibilities, lots of beautiful sea life and wrecks and interesting land formations to see. As to the certification, I'm Advanced Open Water right now. I almost did my rescue diver training during this trip, but I thought it would be more fun just to take in the sights this time. Less classwork that way.
3135827
Maybe one day she'll make it to the ocean. One daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.
3136434 I think my face just invented a new shade of green.
I wonder what would happen if a person turned pony ended up in the International Space Station.