Act I is complete · 6:00am Feb 22nd, 2016
Well, here we are, the end of a journey that has now taken nearly three years. I started out excited, breathlessly filled with an idea, an idea which I committed to the page in only a matter of weeks. It required a couple of months for me to realize that the incarnation I had created was incomplete, sub-standard, not good enough. So I set down to do it properly, initiating a process which has gone through innumerable bumps and detours as it stretched out over the years. But now, finally, it is finished.
It is as if a great weight has lifted itself off of my shoulders, not just because this chapter of the work has concluded, but also because this is concrete progress, a sign of moving forward on a road that once seemed endless. One story is complete, and finally I can move forward, tackling the next items on the list that has piled up over these years.
But what I should do first, before I say anything else, is offer heartfelt thanks where it is due: to all of the many friends and colleagues that have helped me out along this road. In no particular order:
Journey Blue, who provided me a shot of editing some time ago. You pushed me forward, and if you read the final version of the story, I'm sure that you'll see a few of your ideas made it into the final cut.
The inimitable Comrade Sparkle, who provided the bulk of the editing work on the early parts of the story, and on whose wisdom and judgement I often leaned. Together, we journeyed to Eridian, and together we made it a better place.
Dancewithknives, with whom I carried a lengthy conversation some years ago, where many of the details of The Equestria Chronicles were hotly debated, and the universe as it exists today began to take shape. Sir, you gave my imagination a swift kick in the rear when it was needed, and it's thanks to you that this story bears its current face.
CodeWeaver, who once listened, longer than anyone should have had to, to a crazy fool ramble on and on about his vision for Equestria's past. A gift of time is perhaps the most valuable gift of all, and I thank you for it.
Aymel, who contributed time and effort to the creation of the outstanding cover art for Ascending Star as well as its first illustration, and the map that resides in the Prologue. You brought Sun and Moon to life.
Yami Vizzini, whose kind words and dedicated support reminded me in a dark time that other people out there cared about my work. After nearly a year of spinning hopelessly in circles, you got me determined to finally finish.
If I have neglected anyone, then my humblest apologies go out to them, as well as my heartfelt thanks for their services rendered. Ascending Star was a team effort, and it was only by standing on the shoulders of these giants that I was able to see this end, and reach out to grab hold of it.
Now, obviously we all want to know when Act II is coming. Don't worry, it's here in my head, and I will begin committing it to words soon enough. This time though, I will be obtaining an editor from the start, so that the sudden appearance of a 70k word draft in their inbox does not drive them to despair. This will probably slow down the writing process, but I want to get the best version of this story that I can get.
First though, there is a promise that I made, that I cannot abandon. Long ago I published a few chapters on a little side story, called What Society Expects from a Princess. I promised its fans that I would finish it as soon as Ascending Star was done. So now I must turn my attention back to it before I can move on to Act II. But I will do it with gusto, putting all the joy that subsumes my current being into the work.
Watch out for me. I'll be hard at work. And thank you all once again for sticking with me.
May the light of the Two Princesses shine forever,
cursedchords
Cheers, mate. You've come a long way, and there's a mighty long way still ahead. I'm glad as long and drawn out this has been, you've never given up. That's something I've admired about you. So, congratulations on the 70,000, and good luck with the next 700,000! Onward!