Writing Reflections: Part 7.2 · 1:54am Mar 10th, 2018
Greetings, everyone!
After writing my last blog, I realized that there were some parts not covered in the From Finner writing reflection that I really wanted to discuss. So, without further ado, let's jump into the second part of this writing reflection!
The Cloak
Ever since I first created Lyric, she had a cloak. It seemed to fit a wandering musician and storyteller in my mind. However, before From Finner, I had always imagined that the cloak had come from her family. But, as I wrote those first interactions with Lyric and Finner in the houseboat, I was struck with the idea that, perhaps, the cloak that she wears now was once Lady Slipper's and given to her by Finner. I debated with this idea for a while since I was not sure how I felt about the idea at first. But as I wrote the story, I ultimately decided that, yes, the cloak would have been a gift from Finner. Looking back now, it feels right, like a passing of the torch. And it is a way for Lyric to carry her friend and mentor's memory with her.
Chandra, Ravi, and Ocean Blue
Originally, Ocean Blue's name was going to be Cerulean Blue. However, a quick search on FIMFiction showed that there were already characters with that name. I was stuck on what to name him after that, but Ocean Blue finally hit me. I felt a bit foolish as the answer had been in front of me the entire time, but the important thing is that it fit. Naming Chandra and Ravi was a tad easier. I knew I wanted names that meant "moon" and "sun" in a different language, so I went to a naming website and found Chandra and Ravi. Each means moon and sun, respectively, in Sanskrit (at least, I hope they do). I also wanted to convey a little more in the brief interactions with Ravi to show why he did not want Chandra to be with Blue, but I could not find the right words. Instead, I went with the "show, don't tell" approach, dropping hints in his dialogue, and I hope that I succeeded.
Mirrors
There are a few things in From Finner that were unintentional mirrors of each other. For example, as mentioned in my previous blog, the story of Chandra and Blue became a mirror for the story of Finner and Lady. Lyric leaving the town was written to be a mirror of her first coming to town, but in reverse. And, in a lot of ways, Lyric has become a mirror of Finner. I cannot say whether this was intentional when I created Finner or not, but I am happy that it has happened this way. I created him to be his own character and to have his own life and personality, but I think it is fitting that he and Lyric have so much in common as well, and that he (retroactively) has become a major influence in Lyric's life. I do consider him to be a large part of why Lyric has become the pony that she is today.
And so, my friends, this is the real conclusion of the writing reflection for From Finner. Once again, I hope that you have enjoyed looking back as much as I have.
Cheers!
4813520
Thank you, my friend!
It's interesting that you say that. Lyric is not actually ageless and immortal. It only seems that way because most of her stories have taken place within a year or two of each other. But she will actually age as time goes on. I do think it would be interesting to see what sort of conversation she and Jam would have about that, though. If Jam asked if Lyric was immortal, Lyric would have to tell Jam that she is not. That could be interesting indeed.
4813561
That all makes sense. I can understand wanting to protect your creations. I typically don't like to think about my characters aging, Lyric being the one exception. I find it interesting to see how she would grow and mature as she gets older.
And I do know the blog you are thinking about, but I said that Lyric would age, but that she would not marry or have foals. She enjoys wandering too much to settle down.
Really interesting stuff, I got a weird question. If Lyric were to come to our planet what music do you think she would get a kick out of? Probably your favorite music eh? lol
4813589
Haha, well she would get a kick out of the music that I like, but more because it is so vastly different than the kind she prefers. I think she would most get a kick out of music that sets a mood, whether through its words or its melody.
4821575
Wait until I show her heavy metal. She will be living on the edge!
4821579
Haha, now that I would love to see!
4821581
Some Metallica, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, System Of A Down, and Korn. We shall see!!!
4821583
Indeed!
Although I dressed as Lyric to go to BronyPalooza (a big hours-long rave) at BronyCon two years ago, and took my Lyric plush with me last year.
4821586
Living up to the character I see. Im sure you looked great!
4821588
Haha, thanks! It was certainly a ton of fun to do!
4821590
Were you giving mesmerizing stories to a bunch of people?
4821592
Nah. XD The most I did was hand out scrolls of my stories to the people who were interested. Most people don't recognize me unless they already knew me, but that's fine! I'm doing it for myself and to have fun.
4821597
Tsk tsk, Lyric would be ashamed!!!
No but seriously, glad you have fun. I really want to go to a Bronycon someday.
4821601
I do, however, hope to get a lute to bring with me someday. That would be awesome.
If you ever can, you should! It's a ton of fun.
4821603
If a bronycon ever comes near where I live then I will definitely consider it.
4821607
Nice!
As far as I know, it will be staying in Baltimore, but hey, that could change.
4821608
. I actually now pronounce some places based off names in the show like Saddle Arabia. Damn ponies!
Damn pony puns!
4821611
XD Same! It's such a hard habit to shake now!