Story recs (and other fun notes that I'm sure you care a great deal about!) · 7:07am Aug 2nd, 2017
I'm just spittin' these blog posts out lately, aren't I?
A couple of things today. First of all, I mentioned in the author's note for the recent chapter of Pony Gear Solid that I'll be starting a new job later this month. I wanted to give you all an idea of what that means, and what to expect from me going forward. It doesn't mean that I'm going away, or that my stories are going on hiatus, and I'm certainly not quitting the fandom for two years again. No matter how busy I get, I want this to continue being a part of my life. I don't know that I'll be able to write with the same level of frequency that I had over this past year, but I will still be writing. Often many things, and often at the same time.
This month, for instance, I have three stories that I'm working on, all of which I want to have done by the 31st. The first, predictably, is PGS. The second is an entry in the Sunset Shipping Contest. Romance stories generally aren't my bag, but I came up with an idea fairly quickly, and despite some initial misgivings, I think I can make it work. Think a more adult version of "Teach Me Goodness."
The third actually is "Teach Me Goodness." Or, rather, the sequel, something I put off while I devoted time to other projects. It's a holiday story that I intend to release long before the holidays roll around again. I don't know that I can actually hold myself to that, but I can sure as hell try, can't I?
So, hey, I'm not going anywhere, not for a while yet.
(I don't mean to use so many Glimmy gifs; it just sorta happens that way. You believe me, right?)
Last order of business: I want to highlight a couple of stories that I've read lately, stories that demand and deserve more love and attention than they're getting.
The first is Teach Me Beauty, Teach Me Grace,, by Propmaster. Or "Beautitatem Doce Me," as it was dubbed by dat goffik boi PretensePrefect in his review of the story, a pun for which he's earned my everlasting love and devotion.
As you all probably know about me, I like two things: adorable slice-of-life fluff, and Cheerilee. This story's an adorable slice-of-life about Cheerilee, so as you can probably guess, I was all over that. It's not exactly the sharpest-written story I've read; there's some repetitive diction, characters blushing every two sentences (reading it, I keep expecting Cheerilee and/or Rarity to pass out from a lack of blood reaching their brains; so much of it seems eternally trapped in their cheeks). But it's an earnest, moving little tale, featuring some great characterization, one which plays around with two of my favorite show characters in a satisfying way. Give that a look.
Or, if that's not your bag, try The Destiny Trap, by my Writeoff Association colleague, AndrewRogue. This is the story that beat Eyeball for the gold medal, and while I ought to despise it and its author for robbing me of that which is rightfully mine, it's such a well-crafted story that I honestly don't mind.
Though, whether or not you agree will probably depend on how much you like Glimmy, Trixie, and their friendship. Obviously, I'm in their corner, so this is totally up my alley.
This story takes these two characters, and breaks down who they are, commenting upon their redemptive arcs, and the strength of their friendship. It dares to ask whether or not these two characters have grown as much as the show insists they have by invoking their flaws and putting them through hell, all because of a situation that said flaws essentially created. In my reading, it's another take on season six's finale, with a more narrow focus and an ending that's juuuust slightly less of an asspull.
It's not perfect, by any means. Despite what I feel are clear improvements over its original version, it still falters in creating a wholly comprehensible motivation for its antagonist, and the ending can be read as an anticlimax, though I personally think it overcomes this by cleaving to the message of the show. But it's a good, character-driven adventure story, with a lot of meat to chew over.
Give it a read if you're so inclined. Give both a read if you're extra inclined. I want to do my part to see that stories like these ones flourish.
For now, that's all. See you all real soon!
what the hell XD
4621120 Embrace the madness, PretensePrefect.
4621120 4621200 I think between the two of you, we've embraced the madness enough to make a multi-chapter M-rated fic or twelve.
If I may ask, for no other reason than I am a Curious Canuck, just what is the exciting new job?
And wow, all of PGS and those other two projects you talked about done by the end of the month? I hate to be Johnny Raincloud here but I cannot fathom how you could possibly get all of that done in just a month. Still, if you think you can do it, then more power to ya!
4622126 Forgot to respond to this, sorry