Albinocorn and Sunset Answers! · 8:16am Sep 13th, 2015
Whooo! You guys asked a lot of good questions! And a surprising amount of them are actually for me!
You owe me five bucks by the way.
Fair enough. Let's answer some questions! Note: I will not be answering them in order, but I will answer all of them!
—Sunset_Sparkles asks: "Do you have any tips for new writers?"
That's always a good and difficult question to answer. It comes down to opinions and preferences really. I would say read as often as possible. Try to really pay attention to what that author is doing and think about your own style. You can always learn something from other author's, good or bad. And your vocabulary will always expand; not just in learning new words but how to string them together. Another piece of advice is always try to find at least one editor when you're starting out. They'll help you really get a grasp of the basic. I learned a lot from my friends JustAnotherTimeLord and Cerulean Voice.
—Next, from Alfredo Jones: "When you first started LRtF was the story in your head as big as it has become now, or did you plan on it being a smaller story that ended up blowing up over time?"
That's complicated question to answer. I love it!
Story wise, the scope of LRtF was actually always intended to be rather large. I knew it was going to be a slow burn—I wanted it to be a slow burn. Sunset had just been brought to her lowest point in her life, and now has to make friends with the people who beat her. Going from accepting friends, to actually liking them, to liking Twilight was going to take a while.
However, my original idea for the story was to drag it out until graduation day. Not the budding romance, but Sunset's friendship lessons. That idea changed around the Halloween chapter when I realized Sunset was learning at a pretty fast rate. I'll talk more about it in the postscript when the story is complete, but it essentially was cut in half.
At the same time, over the course of the story, I've added in a lot of things that weren't originally going to be there. The science fair arc wasn't created until around chapter 13 for instance. And while I knew it was going to be a fairly lengthy story, I certainly didn't expect this much of an audience.
—Alfredo also has a question for Sunset: "What are your thoughts on how you're being portrayed in the upcoming Friendship Games film compared to Rainbow Rocks?"
Rebecca has proven herself to be... competent in her adaptation of me. After the events of the last movie, I'm certain she'll be allowed to portray a stronger display of my natural confidence. But I still say she's far too nice. Still, optimistic.
—Solent Spray asks: "What's been your favourite story to write and why?"
Oooooh, that's a good one! Sunset of Time is still my favorite story. But favorite to write? I love Long Road to Friendship because of how easy it is to write a lot of the time compared to my adventure stories. But I think that's because, being slice of life, it isn't intended to be as... romantic as an adventure story.
All my stories have certainly given me their fair share of trouble. But I think I'll say SoT has been my favorite to write because of how much I learned while writing it. LRtF is easy, and I like that, but I feel as though sometimes, I'm not really getting anything from it. I know I've learned a lot from writing it, but sometimes, I feel as though my progress has just been really stagnant. I find myself repeating actions and certain words too often. With SoT, there was more room to mix it up, romanticize things, realy kind of branch out; and I think that comes with the genre.
Also, I loved writing Vesper Radiance.
—My good friend DrakeyC asks: "Albinocorn; What's been the most difficult chapter or scene in a fic for you to write, and why?"
Good segue. A few from SoT: most of chapter 4 because none of it just felt good only adequate in serving its purpose. Reading it again, it isn't as bad as I remembered, but I still believe I can do better. Writing out Pinkie's and Rarity's fight scenes in chapter 12 because they're both hard characters to write for in an action setting without making them OOC. Unfortunately, I think Pinkie might have been too in character during her fight.
From LRtF: The first spa scene with Sunset and Rarity was rewritten twice just because I thought it was... weird. I don't know, something didn't click. Other than that, anything having to do with the science projects, because I had to actually do some research so it didn't sound like I was too much of an idiot.
—For Sunset: "Hypothetically speaking, who would you rather date; Twilight, R63 Twilight, or R63 alternate universe you? Because I've had some fic ideas and could use some feedback."
First, you're weird. Second, of course I'm going to say Twilight... you are talking about the human one, right? Though, I guess a male Twilight wouldn't be too bad. Hmm... he'd be like Twilight, but with... uhhh, anyway, no I wouldn't date an alternate version of myself. I'm not that much of a narcissist.
—From KiaraGate: "Why is Sunset Best Pony to you?"
Yes, Albi, do tell.
What, I need a reason to like you? Well, in all seriousness, I love Sunset for a lot of reasons. Primarily, I started writing and forming her character before anything was known about her. When you start creating characters, you tend to fall in love with them. Sunset kinda felt like my own when I put her to paper. Even after Equestria Girls I still liked her character. Yes it was... pretty bland all things considered, but the amount of potential that was presented! She was Celestia's former student!
I love Sunset for the versatility she provides. She has so much flexibility and range. I can think of literally, any story scenario and find somewhere where she can fit! She can be a protagonist, antagonist, anti-hero, anything! She has an amazing depth to her! I didn't mean to have a niche character, but I keep coming up with all these ideas and stories that she's perfect for.
Wow... that was... heh, thanks.
Plus, I really like her mane!
—Multiversecruise: "What do you call the Twilight x Sunset ship?"
I dub thee, the S.S Sunlight! It shall sail the very heavens! Though I'm not against Pancakes and Bacon.
(Also, I watched your video. I was amused.)
—CyberSamurai has questions for both of us. First: "what's your least favorite minority to both you and sunset?"
The Clorfors. Dirty money-grubbing Clorfors. Tried to clorf me right out of my money. Blew those little bastards up is what I did.
Earth po—I mean, Clorfors! Yeah! Hate those guys!
—"Favorite pornstar?"
...Does hentai count?
You disgust me.
—"What are you wearing?"
Clothes.
...I'm answering these questions naked. Bet that's what you wanted me to say, huh? I'm wearing clothes, you pervert.
—"Have you brushed your teeth today?"
Yes.
Duh.
—Csquaured08: "Why are you a butthead? 
"
Because, you're mom.
—Crossjames12 asks: "when you are not juggling life and the busy schedule of being an author, what exactly do you do in what little spare time you have? Do you read for inspiration, if so what author do you find yourself drawing the most inspiration from? If you weren't writing about Sunsets life, who's life would you write about?"
Lots of questions! If I'm not writing or doing homework, I'm usually on Skype, talking with some friends, though I have been doing that less recently. I play video games and pleasure read as well, or I'm out with my friends .
I do read to gain some new knowledge. See how other fiction writers operate. I've been trying to do that a lot more. I can't say where I draw the most inspiration from. A lot of my ideas to seem to rub off from Harry Potter but it's mostly unintentional. Though I won't lie, those are my favorite books.
If I wasn't writing about Sunset, I would probably be continuing my first story Mingling Worlds, or completing that murder mystery story with Coco Pommel that I started but never finished. Perhaps int the next lifetime...
—"If you had the ability to utilize any one form of magic while in your human form, what would it be and why?"
Hmmm, good question. The old me would probably say pyrokenisis, just so I can burn anyone who gets on my nerves. But, since I'm not a homicidal maniac, I'd say teleportation. I'd save a lot on gas.
—Another question for Sunset from EmeraldSkies: "Best and worst thing about the human world?"
Best? Opposable thumbs and leather jackets. Worst? The internet.
—More for you from fervantwilight: "will you discover how to use magic like Artemis?"
I don't know, will I, Albi? 'Cause that be kinda nice.
Not in this story...
—"Is Artemis' really magical, or is he just a big trick?"
He's really magic if you believe he is~
—A question from Sholan: "Albi why are you such a massive loser?"
Geee, Sholan, I'd love to give you a detailed answer, but I'll let my total word count do the talking for me. 508,000. Get on my level.
—Darth Muffin and their cute profile pic asks: "Do you even lift? Fight me.
.....My actual question is that, if either Sunset or Twilight became President, who do you think would do a better job? Of the two, who do you think would most likely get elected?"
Actually, I should be lifting. I need to strengthen my shoulder muscles for archery. Onto the real question. Well, I'm going to go with Twilight for both parts of the question, because realistically, Sunset could never even run for president. If she could, it'd be hard to say who'd do it better. I think they'd have pretty similar platforms.
—One for you too, Sunny: "What would be some of your platforms if you ran for President? Would you make your own party or join an existing one? How would Twilight and co. help you? Would you hire Albinocorn as your campaign manager? THE WORLD MUST KNOW! SUNSET FOR PRESIDENT 2020!
"
Platforms? Can I advocate for people to stop being stupid? No? Well, education reform for one thing. How this country treats higher education is appalling. I'd also run on the stance of cutting the military spending this country does, because really, who needs that many missiles? And this is coming from someone who wanted to storm Equestria.
I probably would make my own party, because the other ones are both filled with stupid people. I don't have time to argue with them.
Well, I'd probably have Twilight as my running mate. I mean, think about it. We're both geniuses. I'm pretty sure the two of us alone could out think most of congress. Rarity would manage my wardrobe, Applejack could write my speeches... maybe. Pinkie could do something in Human Relations. And I could find a job for Rainbow and Fluttershy.
Albinocorn as my manager? ...I'm going to say yes, because he's giving me those stupid puppy-dog eyes.
Whoohoo!
—From King Lyger: "What would you say the best piece of advice you ever got about writing is? And, how did you first get into writing?"
I've received a lot of good advice over the years, so it's hard to say what the best piece is. I think the most important one that all writers should follow is: write for yourself first. You have to be happy with your work. It's something I struggle with from time to time, but it's very sound advice.
Hmm, how did I get into this madness called writing? Well, I always had stories in my head since I was small. My friends and I would roleplay a lot outside, and later on, on the computer. I guess it started there when we made a Transformers roleplay. Of course, then I found MLP, and fanfiction, and I had this unshakable urge to throw my own hat into the ring. It was a lousy toss of course, but you know what they say: practice makes... better.
—"During your years in Canterlot High, how hard was it keeping up with trends and gossip, since you lived in a factory?"
It wasn't hard at all once I got a laptop. The internet, in spite of its brain melting stupidity and images that make me want to chug a gallon of brain bleach, is good for keeping up with everything current. Naturally, I exploited it for my own gain.
—UnlicensedBrony: " If you were both ponies, would Sunset still be prettier? 
"
Yep.
Yep.
—Do you write every day? I get kind of antsy if I don't, and I'm curious whether anyone else gets that as well.
I try my hardest to get at least a little something down everyday. I don't get antsy, just disappointed in myself. I try to be productive in some small way, even if it's just reading over things again to make sure it's good.
—From BroadwayMama: "Can you give us an estimated release date for the next chapter? If so, what date?"
Heh, heh... yeah, about that... estimated release date for LRtF? 2016. Next chapter of Firebird Dahlia? December probably.
See, I'm working on a Halloween project right now, and I'm determined to finish it on time. Also, I kinda burned out on LRtF after that splurge in August. Once the Halloween project is done, I'm partaking in National Writing Month in November to work on my original novel, so I won't be writing anything pony for that month. Following that, I plan to write out the last six chapters all together before releasing them.
Sooo... it's gonna be a while.
—"Also, do you like musicals?"
I do! I've seen The Lion King, Dreamgirls, and The Wiz, all of them very good. I'd love to see Wicked live someday as well.
—One for you, Sunset: "How do you feel about having to live with Trixie? Can you see yourself getting closer to her? Maybe like a sister?"
Well... there are worse things that could have happened to me. Her and me close though? Heh, fat chance.
—And last, but not least, Sonic Mario3 wants to know: "Do you have a favorite piece of fan art?"
Firebird Dahlia is very special because I got to watch Ayemel make it. It's the first custom piece of art I've ever owned!
I also love Spinoffjoe's piece of Vesper fighting Celestia. That one always makes me smile seeing it. Generally, I love any fan art given to me. The fact that I inspired people to draw scenes from my stories makes me feel very accomplished.
And then, I just generally love any art with Sunset in it.
Well, that's all the questions for this round. If I ever make it to 1000 followers, I might have one more AMA. Thanks to everyone who asked things! I had a lot of fun pondering your queries. Sunset and I will see you in our next follow-up!
Ciao.
Csquared is your mother?
Yay, new material.
I accept my new role as your mother. Hopefully you can get along nicely with Zaponator.
You win four internets. Use them wisely.
Bacon Pancakes is a great shipping/inside joke name! As soon as I saw that question pop up, I immediately thought of that Adventure Time clip and smacked it down in the comments! Hahahaha!
Too bad LRtF won't be updating this year. Aw, no probs! That gives me time to check out the Sunset of Time fic!
First: Thanks for the answer, and I'll make sure to follow your advice.
Second: LRtF will only get a new chapter next year? Guess it's a... Long Road to The Next Chapter.
Am I too late to ask a question? Because I have a very important one.
3391253 Sure, go ahead.
Really? Thats quite a while
Hol-...holy shit.
3393569
Its these kind of situations where I'm glad I learned the art of "finding other stuff to do while waiting for other stuff to come out"
Oh well. I've waited longer for other fics to finish. Plus, that actually might start motivating me to possibly start writing my own stuff.
As a fellow content creator I know you'll understand how glad I am to hear my work amused you :)