Going forward.

Because I do have plans to continue writing. The Sun's End was only the beginning.

Previously, I talked about doing short stories as practice, so I can get used to writing in general, and build a steady pace. While this is a fine idea, there's just a problem: I don't have many different ideas to write short stories about.

What I do have, however, is a plan for a larger story. One that's been in my head for several years, and has gone through multiple iterations where it's now at a point that I have some cool ideas and concepts that I want to make happen. This is what I want to write. Even if I would be going for one-shot stories as practice, writing this story would still be my end goal, and I think I might as well go ahead and write it, rather than wait.

No time like the present.

A long, long time ago, we were introduced to the Everfree Forest. A place unlike any other in Equestria. Aside from it's 'weird' way in which nature functions by itself, it is among the most dangerous places in the land.

Spooky

Now, I know, the spooky, dark forest is a common trope, but with how Equestria functions (in that the ponies care for the weather, animals, plants, and basically nature in general) having Everfree behave differently opens up a whole lot of new possibilities.

And then, we see our ponies stroll in and out several times, encountering only one dangerous creatures, until a point in early Season 4 where the Castle of the Two Sisters is freely accessible without any danger at all. I found it such a shame that this place wasn't explored more, but I guess that was to be expected, considering the show is what it is.

Luckily, however, we have faaaanfiiiicctiiioooon.

The Everfree Forest still intrigues me to this day, and ever since I realised the missed potential from the show, I've been thinking of using it as a stage for a story, and exploring the mysteries within. And I've ended up with ideas that excite me.

Like, a lot.

The second thing that excites me: Magic.

Great powers of the arcane! Or some other thing, I dunno.

Do I need a reason for this? C'mon, it's magic! Magic is awesome! But as far as the show goes, it's just there to be fantastical. It's not really used.

So, of course, I've gone and built a magic system that's tied into the history of the world. And just like some thoughts about the Everfree forest, it has excited me a lot.

From these ideas about Everfree and Magic, I've set about tying it into the history of the world, until I arrived where I am right now.

Thoughts that I still need to write out.

Nevertheless, that is my plan for my 'main' story project. Though there's a lot of work to be done, my summer holiday will soon begin, and I aim to do a lot of writing during that time. I imagine it's still going to be hard to manage for me, but I hope that through practice I can build a good wordflow.

Or whatever it's called.

Maybe along the way, as I make this world more concrete, some idea for short stories pop up that I can use as practice. Only time will tell. For now, this is what I'm setting my sights on.

The Everfree forest stirs.

And writing is still hard.