• Member Since 21st Oct, 2014
  • offline last seen 8 hours ago

Snakeskin Ducttape


Ooooh! Butunz!

More Blog Posts44

  • 121 weeks
    A personal social museum

    Hey, everyone. Sorry for being so quiet lately. I've been a little tired in general, and I've wanted to take a break from fanfiction for a while, not a big break, mind you, just for a few weeks, and I've sort of been doing that, but I've also checked in most days to check comments, and nagging myself that I should write, so... it's like the worst of both worlds, not doing anything, but also not

    Read More

    8 comments · 776 views
  • 135 weeks
    So very tired

    One of the reasons I don't write more news like this than I do is that the latest blog post is going to be on my profile's front page and the latest news about my writing for quite a while, but I still felt like I should write something. Because... well, there seems to be some people who genuinely want to read what I write, weird as that feels to say out loud. I mean, there are a few

    Read More

    17 comments · 688 views
  • 173 weeks
    Sunset Shimmer at Hogwarts story mission statement

    I am not feeling very eloquent today, or least not this moment, but I've decided to nonetheless try and give an update on what's going on, and why I'm writing an crossover where Sunset Shimmer ends up at Hogwarts and not something else.

    So why this story and not other stuff? What gives?

    Read More

    20 comments · 2,892 views
  • 179 weeks
    physical recovery period

    okay, so, i have not been in an accident or something like, it was relatively minor operation, and it has been in the works for a while, but i got a summons on a very short notice.

    so right now i am typing and using the mouse with my left hand, and i am not super enthusiastic about stuff since my right wrist hurts quite a bit, so i will be brief.

    Read More

    10 comments · 536 views
  • 179 weeks
    Just a general update

    You know how there's this sentiment that a lot of people don't go to the hospital even when they should?

    I'm not entirely convinced about that's a valid feedback to give in general. I mean, the medical community have enough on their plate, even without pandemics, without everyone going to see a medical professional every time they have the flu, or a stomach bug, or something.

    Read More

    14 comments · 382 views
Jun
22nd
2018

Just a general update and a request for some help · 9:00pm Jun 22nd, 2018

So I have some things to go through and I’ve not mentally been all there the last few days. Let’s see, first order of business.

I’ve heard that when you start writing a book,or any story period, you shouldn’t do so out of love for the idea, at least that’s what I’ve think I remember hearing, because by the end of writing your story you’re gonna be really sick of what you’re doing. I think that the point of that was to write something that you think you’re gonna be able to keep writing after you’re grown bored of it… or something. In a way I’m sort of at that point, but before you react, let me clarify:

I definitely read less now than I did before I started writing. I used to consume ponyfics, especially human-oriented ones, much more voraciously. What I noticed, and I wouldn’t be surprised if human-fics suffered more from this problem than many other types of stories, is that so many of the stories would just kinda fizzle and die after a while, the writer being out of ideas, or finding that keeping it interesting was giving diminishing returns, or something. If you’ll excuse my lack of modesty here, I’ve always thought I did a pretty good job of keeping mlaabq fresh and interesting, while not doing many left turns or abandoning the core-appeal of the story.

… But this chapter! Ugh, I feel like I’ve made a terrible mistake here.

I get my ideas for what I should write next in mlaabq from being relaxed and happy. I work on a chapter for a month or more, working until I start getting a bit strained, release it, and bask in all the kind words and feedback for a while, and I want to thank you all for that by the way, which makes me relax and enable me to work on the next chapter in my head.

This time, I miscalculated. I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. Like I said, I start getting strained when writing my chapters, and then I relax from releasing it and breathing out for a week or two. This time, I’m more strained that I feel I’ve ever been, and I’m not nearly done with the thing; I don’t think I’m even halfway.

See, the upcoming chapter is going to feature something I’ve hardly ever included before, and that is lyrics. They’re the bit roadblocks I need to get past, and I’m doing progress, only very slowly, I could just phone this chapter in but I really don’t want to. I didn’t think the songs would be this bad, but they’re constipators, I want to get things out, but they keep interrupting me. I want to keep writing this story, and I hope that when this chapter is done, I can get back to more familiar ground and pick up speed again. I have endings planned and everything.

Before fimfiction I never really hung out among creators before, and since coming here I’ve noticed that even fan-writers seem to want to shroud themselves in this aloof attitude, like they’re unfazed by the human experience. However I’m not above admitting that I’m in a rough spot, I’m just some guy with problems and issues and not enough hours in the day just like everyone else. I’m really struggling here, and lately I’ve mostly associated Gabe and her adventures with exasperation and slight mental anguish. I don’t want my story to fizzle out like all the old human-fics I loved, so please, I want some support. Just some kinds words, some encouragement, if you like my story then some reminders that you do. I think I'd really like some of that now.

And here’s a question for you: would you all like to see what I’ve written so far? It’s only 6000 words and it ends in the middle of the third song, but you might still want to read. Just say so and I’ll copy the google document and provide a link for it here.

Happy Midsummer, everyone. I love you guys and I’m not even the least intoxicated saying that.

PS: Is this the mysterious 'hug-box' people keep talking about?

Edit: PPS: Here is the chapter-in-progress: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uyeAJw3KlosTMKBuVmCEfSY1diJremRrOaibqWU7ivA/edit?usp=sharing

Comments ( 34 )

Yes, yes it probably is :P

The obvious suggestion would be - cut it in two. You'll get some feedback right away, without having to wait and invest effort for however long it would take you to finish. A half-measure maybe but it should alleviate the symptoms.

Orrr... you could just ditch the lyrics? At least the ones you really struggle with and think they're not up to par. Wriitng poetry is significantly harder than prose, almost none of the authors, fanfiction or otherwise, I've come across go there for a really good reason (unless they're good at that specifically). The lyrics, in context of pony, do add a lot to a world since Heartsong is a big thing, but it just might not be worth it to push yourself for it.

As for the hugs, well, you know me. By which I mean I've spoken to you in all of combined two minutes once maybe. Still, for me your creation is arguably the overall best and most satisfying HiE I've come across. You kept true to your ideals, and it done MLaaBQ a great service. Thank you for that, again :3

Is this chapter at a stopping point of some kind? Or is it awkwardly cutting something off? If it's the latter i'd prefer it'd be brought to a stopping point like a scene break or something. But i'd probably enjoy it either way as your story is on my top 5 'can't wait for more, gotta read it again' list. :twilightblush::pinkiecrazy:

I have the up most confidence that this chapter will be great. You are very talented and its easy to see the heart you put into your work. Just try to be confident. We all know you can do it.

4887565
Possibly cut it in two, but I'm not sure. There are several stories with short chapters where a lot of the chapters isn't even a full scene, it just beings and ends in medias res. I've always wanted to take the other approach and just provide a full mini-story with its own themes and tones and such with every chapter.

Cutting out the lyrics would probably be strange. The songs are not in a vacuum, Gabe and friends are in a musical, and so the songs are really important, and so it's just gonna have to be worth it to push myself for it. Want me to link to the story in-progress and see?

And yes, I remember you messages and kind words. I appreciated them then, I appreciate them now, and I appreciate this one. Thank you :twilightsmile:

4887567
What do you mean by stopping point? It's gonna be vital for the continuation for the rest of the story-arch if that's what you mean. They're gonna get the information needed to conclude the adventure, that is, it will contain vital foreshadowing and character-establishment.

See, this is what's kinda making me anxious about how things are going with the writing. You say you like it and you can't wait for it to continue, and so I'm feeling kinda stressed out, feeling I have to finish the chapter soon :fluttershysad:
Even so, thank you for the kinds words. They help :twilightsmile:

4887576
Thank you. It's nice that people recognize that writing a story takes time and effort :twilightsheepish:

im hyped keep up the good work

4887603
Thank you, I'm doing my best. Just wish my best happened faster :twilightsheepish:

I hate when it happens to me, even if, by the nature of the story I'm writing, it usually means I'm blocked on a specific scene instead of on a chapter.

Talking it out with others helps me breaking this kind of locks, so I would say that something unfinished would still be appreciated and may (emphasis on the hypothetical) help you too.

4887608
Yeah the scene I'm working on right now is where the characters are getting vital puzzle pieces on how to do important things late in the adventure, through song.

And yeah, it might be a good idea to leave this chapter in particular open to people to look at and give feedback on. So here it is: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uyeAJw3KlosTMKBuVmCEfSY1diJremRrOaibqWU7ivA/edit?usp=sharing

I have enjoyed your story since I found it. I wish to see it continue. I know not how I can help, but I'll help if you need it.

4887620
Thank you :twilightsmile:

You words help, but if you wanna give a crack at giving some more feedback, I just shared a link to the chapter-in-progress. No hard feeling if you can't think of anything to say though :twilightsheepish:

4887627
You're welcome, and thank you.

Now, time to fire up the big computer and see what I can see!

4887590
Sorry if I confused you, but I meant a stopping point where chapters would naturally end, not the arc or story itself. I just didn't want a chapter to end mid conversation or somwthing like that if you posted it early. And don't worry about my 'can't wait for more' list I mentioned. As I said, i'll just reread my favorite parts again:raritywink:

I'm pretty patient for story updates as long as I know more's coming, as long as I can tell you're still active on fimfic i'm content to wait. You're a great writer so don't stress out on my account.

4887632
Hope you'll like it :pinkiesmile:

4887635
Ah right, then no, it currently awkwardly ends in the middle of a song, and even if I finish the scene, the chapter hasn't reached a natural conclusion point.

And I'm glad you're patient. Helps make it feel worth it to keep on fighting :heart:

FM

There's no shame at all in asking for some strictly positive feedback; we've all had our days(months, years) when a dose of the warm and fuzzies is what's sorely needed.

Of all the many fics I've got followed on the site, yours is the one I most look forward to. I'm downright gleeful when I see a new chapter posted. When an update drops, I ready a coffee and a snack to have a good'n'proper reading session. You've managed to write a human characters and OC's that I care about and like, rather than merely tolerate as a necessary evil to push along some pony/human interaction. It's flat out one of the best 'human' genre fics on here.

Like you mentioned, many of my own favorite human fics have stalled out, or slowed to an agonizing crawl, or shark jumped. It's a frustration and disappointment each time, made fresh again when I take a browse through the ol' favorites list and see them sitting back in the bottom of the update pile: forgotten, discarded, rotten.

If that happens to Bipedal Quadruped, it won't dull the enjoyment I've had being along for the ride. Not even a little.
You're a damn good writer, Snakeskin.

4887651
Thank you so much :heart:

Yeah, several times now I've been struggling with a scene and I've had to keep telling myself 'don't phone it in! Don't phone it in! That way lies shark-jumping!' only this is the biggest struggle yet.

It is kinda slowing to an agonizing crawl right now though, and that's why I want to get some encouragement to help me finish it so that it can pick up again. Thanks again for your kind words, and I hope you'll enjoy the next chapter when it finally comes out :twilightsmile:

Well I hope you feel better about your work here soon! mlaabq is by far the best constructed, well thought out, and amazingly written story I have ever seen on this site. Your work here is second to none, and the fact that producing something of this quality has come with some difficulties is not too surprising. I know exactly what you're referring to, in that a lot of other great stories "fizzled out" before they were finished, and I'm very glad that you decided to let us all know how you were feeling instead of letting that negative feedback loop get out fo control. From myself and all of your fans out there, thank you so much for all you do, we really appreciate being able to experience this world you've created. I'm not a writer, so I can't really say with any certainty what the best course of action you should take is, but based on how far you said you've gotten, one solution might be to come to a semi-good stopping point, post what you've got, and bask in your well deserved praise for a while before picking it up again. This could very well be a good solution, but personally, I wouldn't do this. When I'm faced with a project I'm dreading, or a mountain I'm climbing, once I get going I absolutely can't stop. Even if I'm getting tired, I usually try and push myself until I get to the top of the next crest or ledge, since I know that if I stop now, the whole journey will feel like it takes longer, getting started up again will psychologically harder than if I just kept going, and I'd feel like I failed somehow, even though nothing had actually changed, so I usually just push through it, and feel a greater sense of accomplishment once I get there. I don't know how well that would translate to writing, since the answer isn't literally laid out in front of you, and you have to think creatively while staying motivated, but that's my take on the subject. But whatever path you take, know that we all support you, love your work, and eagerly await what you've got planned next, I know I can't wait to see where you go with this next, and I'm very curious what you mean by lyrics! As much as I loved that song back from the harvest festival, I'm betting you've got something a bit longer and more involved planned this time around! As for your offer, thank you, but I'm going to have to decline, as I said, I'm not an author, so i doubt I could give you any helpful feedback beyond "I like this scene!!!!!!", and as such, I'll read it when you think it's ready. Hope this helped in some way, and happy (day after the) Summer Solstice!

I'm sorry that the lyrics are catching you up, just don't worry if you need help ask your minions. We're here for you.

I want to thank you all for your kind words and support, it really helped. I woke up today and felt that I could take my time and let the chapter develop a bit in my brain, which definitely feels like the right thing to do rather than rush through it just to get it over with. I’ve worked with projects where we’ve taken that approach, and it gets done, it just doesn’t become very good. I feel a lot more relaxed and a lot more confident about the whole thing.

I’ve also lurked on the group forums and discord lately, and I’ve seen some very intolerant and judgemental behavior, ‘these kinds of stories sucks’, ‘never try and write this’, ‘these kinds of stories are so stupid’, etc, and of course my favorite, paraphrased: ‘authors needs to be told they suck because that’s the only way they improve’, which I usually find motivating in a defiant and almost spiteful way, but it didn’t help lately, and just helped sap my motivation. All you guys’ kinds words helped with that too; showing that people in this site are nice and supportive no matter what the in-crowds keep telling themselves on the forums I’ve seen. So thank you all again.

4887823
Well, to continue on the mountain-climbing allegory, I’ve kinda been struggling part way up the mountain for ages now, feeling that I need to power on and not stop and climb back down. All this support however, made me realize that I don’t need to do either right now, there are plenty of ledges here with nice views where I can take a break rather than quit, and continue when I’m ready. So that’s helping a lot :ajsleepy::twilightsmile:

I’m glad you’re so understanding, and even if you’re not feeling like you have anything to share concerning lyrics, they’re available in the link should your curiosity win out.

Thanks again. This was very nice to hear :yay:

4888025
Yeah I’m halfway through one really difficult song. If you’re interested, the chapter is available through the link. Not sure what’s the best medium to discuss it though but I'm up for it. Anyway, thanks for the offer and thanks before the fact for the help :pinkiesmile:

I’m glad you’re so understanding, and even if you’re not feeling like you have anything to share concerning lyrics, they’re available in the link should your curiosity win out.

Curiosity won. Gimme a day or so and I'll see what I can do with the lyrics. :pinkiehappy:

4888116
Your assistance is very welcome :twilightsmile:

You've written a beautiful story here, your character development is nothing short of exquisite. I think that's why you've been able to keep writing this for so long, you get how characters react to each other and their environment, thus writing becomes less about dictating plot points and more about simply recording the natural progression of the world.

On another note, I enjoy Gabe's character immensely, she has faced her situation with determination and risen above the odds. In particular she is one of my favorite sort of people in that she is a giver of gifts, specifically, she is a healer. You do not find enough of these people even in the real world, those who find joy and personal satisfaction in the simple act of rendering aid. On that note, your rendition of Redheart is simply beautiful, you've really made me love that pony, not just in your story, but in any other story I find her.

Your world building is immaculate, everything hangs together neatly and intuitively. You not only describe magic from Gabe's point of view in a cognizant and believable fashion, but you've invented a wholly new concept with her prosthetics! Gabe is bringing something new and valuable to Equestria, and it feels neither forced or condescending.

I could keep on ranting, but I think you've got the idea. listen to what your characters are saying, remember that nothing happens in a vacuum, and don't hesitate to ask others for help when you need to. I regret that I have no advice or aid to give on the matter of song writing, perhaps the playwright is just as frustrated as you are? So I'll just leave with the thought that everyone likes a good song, it helps to move the day along.
img00.deviantart.net/6d20/i/2017/002/0/b/walking_on_sunshine_by_baron_engel-datzni6.jpg

4888407
Thank you :twilightsmile:

This feedback was really heartwarming. It is a very character-oriented story, so it's very nice to know that the characters work, and I really like hearing that it doesn't feel like the story, like you said, just dictates plot points. I think that helps make the story pleasant and calming.

It's funny though, I just really wanted a cyborg in Equestria, and the whole thing with how magic works, the portrayal of Gabe's disability, enchanting, and how her prostheses functions came from me wanting it to seem believable :twilightsheepish:

This reminds me of something I've been thinking of, should mlaabq be submitted to groups about world building? I didn't set out to make a world-building-fic, but then again perhaps no one does :unsuresweetie:

Thanks again for your supportive words. They really helped. And I should listen to that song, tomorrow, when the sun it up :derpytongue2:

4888419
Well, if you'd like a distraction to chew on as you go, have you seen Legacy by Nfire? It contains marvelous character development. The author has a real gift for evocative writing, and features a marvelously sly sense of humor. In the past four years he's been writing it he's let the story grow at it's own pace, now it's some 1.1 million words long... whoops. But never fear! He's got a knack for getting each chapter to feel like it's own self-contained episode, kind of like several more AU seasons of MLP. Take a look, I think you might enjoy it!

I find that the best world building often does come about semi-accidently. Imagine the story like this; you have a still pond, which is your setting and everything in it. Then you toss in a pebble, the catalyzing event that begins the story. In your case, Gabrielle's arrival. The ripples from this single event will affect the entire pond/setting, giving you a story to record. You don't need a bunch of ret-cons, Deus-ex-Machinas, or forced plot elements, you just need a single pebble.

4888601
I've seen that story around, but I'm not familiar with the crossover material, so I didn't place it high on the list.

It's gonna be interesting to see how Gabe's presence will effect the events after season 4. I might have to move her away from Ponyville to quarantine them off from each other :derpytongue2:

4888724
Well, you've got that 'kinda sorta adopted by Celestia' thing going and she already has a room at the castle, not to mention a whole lotta opportunities to keep in contact with the academies so it'd be very believable for her to be in Canterlot for a while.

It'd also mean more adorable moments between Gabe and Celestia, which I am always in favour of.

4888724
Well, it's always best to let the characters decide what they want to do, seems to me that Gabe would gravitate back to her friends after this ordeal, but you've a better understanding of her mind than I. For sure it would be something to see her trying to parse the mad events of that day, and it would give us a look at the events from an outsider's perspective.

As to Legacy, don't let the unfamiliarity of the source material deter you! I myself had no idea what NFire was crossing over with, and I found I didn't need to! The story does a wonderful job of establishing, revealing, and building open the characters involved. It was a fun experience learning about this mysterious newcomer with the ponies, I think I got more out of it than I would have if I went in fully knowledgeable. So go ahead, give it a try, I'm fairly confident you'll like it, and if not, feel free to come back and gripe at me for wasting your time.

4889213
True. She'd might also want to stay close to Armor's workplace from now on, since I'm not sure she'll be able to sleep very well without snuggling with either him or Celestia.

4889307
I've bookmarked the story. I don't read as much these days though, writing takes up a lot of time.

One of the trickier things would be imagining Gabe reacting to Starlight Glimmer. I don't care for Starlight Glimmer, so I might have trouble writing Gabe as doing so, and really, imagine Gabe walking in on Starlight as she's mind-controlling the Mane 6. She'd stand there, mouth open wide, just staring in disbelief "... What. The. Fuck... are you doing?"
She might actually cuss, which she hasn't done so far through the entire story.

You're doing fine.
Your fanfic is very great. I know that writing is not easy, but please, continue to do it.

4889465
I'm gonna do my best, and thanks,

"I cast hug!" (\owo/) :heart:

You can do it I can't wait for the next chapter.

4896789
Thanks :twilightsmile:

The going is much easier at the moment. 10500 words and counting.

4896798
Good to hear

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