Feb
28th
2017
Certain realities · 1:20am Feb 28th, 2017
I'm starting to think that some of my older work... kinda sucks.
Specifically, a lot of early chapters of Waking Nightmares.
I find myself wanting to go back and start the story from the beginning. I started this story late season 2 or 3, I think... Since then, a lot has happened, and I find myself wanting to do different things. I've shoehorned in so much at this point...
The general plot would be the same, and several moments would be unchanged.
I'm... just not happy with the story right now, and that's part of the reason updates are taking so long.
It's not going away, it just may be restarting... Same with Magic Lives.
Dude, it has 1,649 upvotes. Someone likes it.
Your series is an AU, so you don't have to rewrite it.
I really enjoy it and like it. A lot of chapters make me smile, and I adore the way you characterized the TF2 characters, allowing them to branch off from their canon characters and be very different, yet still distinctively the Mercs we all came to know and love.
Ultimately, however, it's up to you: I will not stop you or hold you back. It is your story, and I will not stop you from changing it. I'll still enjoy it nonetheless.
Either way, it's up to you.
If you did rewrite it would the story still be set at a point in time that takes place after all the the known seasons or are you going to set it so that the the story starts from one of the earlier seasons and certain cannon events happen in tandem with the smooze plot-line?
If you decide to rewrite it, that's fine. It's your decision, and I remember rereading it a few months ago and noticing how you had improved as the story went on. I'm just glad to hear you haven't given up on the story. This is one of the few things that keep this website as one of my bookmarks.
4438509 It's full AU at this point, as would a potential rewrite. Events from canon would happen, but there would be divergences.
4438506 Thank you. I need to hear things like that from time to time.
4438491 I'm grateful for every like. I'm glad they like it. I'm just not sure I do anymore...
Re-writing a story this long and this far in would be a daunting task to say the least. Make sure you and your muse are up to it, or it could turn into a nightmare worthy of Ol' Slendy himself.
Don't say that. Only meglomaniacs think their work is without flaw.
4438554 It's good to have you weighing in on this. You're honestly an inspiration to me in my writing.
I know your pain, and there are a few chapters in my first season of Equestrian Wind Mage I look back on with shame. But I've long since made up for it in my ever-improving writing style and ideas. Restarting from scratch is a daunting task, but if you're not satisfied, go for it. Whatever your decision, good luck, from one crossover author to another.
To make you feel better, I'll just say that you were a big inspiration for my own magnum opus, Equestrian Wind Mage, so even if you aren't satisfied with your story, there's no denying that it's changed the lives of many people, including me. Without the inspiration you gave me, EWM would not exist, and I would never have met any of the wonderful people I have since then. So thank you.
4438526 In that case I look forward to reading the rewrite. If that's what you choose to do.
As long as the story doesn't completely die. I love Waking Nightmares as it is, and I'm sure I'll keep loving it.
To be honest I kind of hope you don't
. After all as it is now you can kind of Feel the story grow. Not only that but for those of us that have been following for so long, both readers and show watchers, there are some great memories. I love being able to both tell when the story was written in conjunction with the show. Or go back and see how the universe has diverged whilst keeping so true to the Spirit of the show's timeline as it progressed. As opposed to acknowledging the defeat of Tirek as a thing so early thus stating the story started after the Show "finishes" in order for it to be cannon. So I hope that you see the early chapters as you coming into your skill and craft as an artist. And much like the potter or painter, acknowledge that you can't necessarily rework your early work without destroying it. Thus please leave it as is and take pride in it. Such as RoyalBardofCanterlot said "Some folks like it".
... Course if you do rewrite it I'll read that too.
4438706 I'm just... not happy with the story anymore. I like the characters, and I like the idea, but it feels... patchwork. And not in a good way. With the delays and hiatuses, a lot of stuff feels shoehorned in to me. I feel I can do better with the story. Plus, I'm starting to approach a point where I don't know how to get to the ending I want to have...
Honestly, whatever you do, I'd just be happy getting more writing from you. This is one of my favourite stories on the site, and I'm sad it hasn't updated in a while.
*sees notifications that you just followed my entire EWM series*
O_O
Oh.
4438790 I apologize for that. I'm having trouble knowing what to do with the series anymore...
4438755 I can understand that, and should you in fact decide to rewrite know that I will read that too
. After all I love your work to much to just stop 
, following
. Maybe try working on one of your other pieces to get you out of your funk?
stalking youThis story was one of 2 stories that I started reading when I came to find out about FimFiction. It has been what makes me come back and check up on this site even though I don't watch the show much anymore (I'm still on season 4). I love all the characters and the way you incorporated Nightmares in it that most that are a part of the fandom can recognise right away (Rainbow Factory and Cupcakes to name a couple). You are a talented Artist (Waking Nightmares is more than a book its a work of art) and I can't wait to read whatever you decide to do.
Piece of advice: Don't do a reboot until you finish the original story. Even a rushed ending is preferable. Abandoning a fic to reboot it never ends well.
As long as you continue it and not stop after 1/3 of the story, dragging it for yearS..
Well I'm sadly not sure how to present a long comment about this but as a veteran tf2 player that has unusuals and australiums piled up in his inventory I find this story just... Fun. Like practically playing the game fun except with our favorite ponies in which, you portray very very well. As well as the Mercs for not even having much background to work with. You do an amazing job with working with the personalities portrayed in the game and them giving them their own 'story' so to say. And if this story was stupid I am pretty sure I wouldn't have re read it... I think its been 6 times now. I'm actually coming back to read it again after posting this comment to be rather honest. It feels like an awesome adventure with our favorite characters from tf2 and from fim. I find myself always reading in the voice of whoever is speaking be it the ponies or the mercenary's. And honestly it is very cool to be able to do that and experience it with an unique and fun story. I find myself being a little sad that it hasn't been completed but I also agree with others above. If there is a spin off even a 'put your hand in the bag and choose' ending would be nice. And if you were to do a spin off I would keep all the personalities you created in place but maybe incorporate more of the backstory of the mercs that was recently revealed in the new TF2 comics that have come out. And though it is my own opinion using anything past season 4 for the FIM AU would possibly make the story a bit too crowded. Other than outlying facts and history that are told of Equestria. ... Okay that ended up being longer than I thought. Point is the coolest thing about your story KnightMysterio is that you did an amazing job of making the characters feel how they do in game and on show. And that is admirable and really liked by me. I will admit I cringed about the fact creepypasta made its way into the story with my first read but I came to realize it never actually hindered the story whatsoever. Especially because of the 'in my opinion' really well written action scenes. Even if you had less context its easy to visualize a lot of it especially if you know the mechanics of how tf2 works and the personalities of the characters. The final thing to say is that hell. Visualizing this story is the most enjoyable part. It would be cool to actually play this all out in tf2 or a game of itself.
4441818 I agree and also same. If you haven't completed season 4 I recommend doing so at least. I have honestly stopped watching it as well other than the occasional viewing of new episodes every few weeks, with some dabbling in character lore every once and a while. I honestly for the most part only really read long fanfics (300k+ words) here on fimfic now. My interest in the show has pretty much dropped from the start of season 5. I felt like the personalities have started getting to confusing and/or generic.