Happy Anniversary, Ranger! · 4:59pm Jan 16th, 2019
Yesterday I posted the chapter the started the whole thing in my head. A year ago today, I published the first chapter of Ranger and started this almost-daily craziness.
Warning: Some spoilers.
This is quite literally the first time I've attempted something like this, and unlike others, I never had the common sense to really keep writing ahead. Most of the series so far has been written chapter by chapter… on the day that they're supposed to be published.
A lot of things happened last year as you might know, and writing Ranger—or at least working on the chapters—helped in a big way with keeping sane amidst all the stuff that went on in my personal life.
But! I persevered and today marks the 1 year anniversary of a story I originally thought would be at most 100k words or something.
Huzzah?
I can honestly say I haven't done anything like it beyond the "daily" aspect of it; I've kept organized in ways I never have before with any story, including "The Sweetie Chronicles"... I have a 9-sheet spreadsheet on gdocs with details of everything I'm doing.
The current cast of named characters (not limited to main characters) currently stands at 122; and we have… five arcs happening in the story simultaneously, although they're naturally controlled and focused in small doses of back and forths.
Quite honestly, sometimes I thought I'd never get this far. Or that it would take as long as it has to even reach this point in the story.
As I've mentioned before, Chapter 211 is the actual mental image that started this whole thing: End of XCOM Enemy Within, Sunny is the Volunteer. Runaway Train is the soundtrack in my head.
What if?
I'm glad that the reveals have shaken the readers. Everytime I see a new reader's reaction at the Commander's reveal, or Mox's fate, Sunset's struggles (1 and 2), etc. it's an invigorating and awesome moment to consider I was able to do that for someone.
Of course there's plenty more to go, but I'm just happy I was able to not only make it, but keep so many of you entertained. Old readers and new, from FOME, Lord Elliot, AlexTFish and djthomp among many others, to the considerate edits from Reese or Sun Sage, or the puns from the other sans, all the comments and engagement and passion you guys feel for what's happening in the story have kept me going.
I'm sorry I can't list all my commenters… we're almost at 7k comments, guys! XD
I read them all, even if I don't answer as much—mostly because I don't want to "contaminate" the comment threads with too much of my opinion, lest I miss out on all those amazing theories and excitement.
And even if I messed up a little with the last chapter (now corrected), seeing you guys react to it was amazing. It really validates the effort I've put into it to see those comments... and the art you send me—from visual art to stories (looking at you deimon, we'll get it out there)—is always and amazing thing.
I've been honored to inspire some of my readers to write their own stories, like bronycommander did, and CommanderApplejack has been kind enough to send me art (including the fan-favorite SunnySnekSnuggle.)
It all keeps me going guys. The story will continue, but it's amazing to know that something I'm passionate about creating and seeing through is garnering your attention and time and appreciation.
It bears saying: if you like/love a story, if you want to encourage/inspire your favorite authors to write or to continue, leave a comment saying so. It really is a driving force we can all use.
As for those of you who read and like and don't comment, thank you as well. I'd like to hear your thoughts some day, but the story continues thanks to you as well, the silent readers that I can sometimes see when checking out a chapter. Thank you too.
And last but not least, I want to make sure that both of you, GapJaxie and Petrichord, know that I do appreciate your help with bouncing ideas and honest opinions about my story which neither of you have bothered to read, but it's not like it's important to me or anything
In all seriousness, without the time you guys take to listen to my ramblings, I would have had a much tougher time doing all of this. I really appreciate that you do listen to me and that you give me your thoughts.
So, here's to more chapters to come; to the battles still to be fought; the friends that await to be reunited; to hidden places and secretive characters and to sacrifices that change-and save-lives.
Stay tuned for more Ranger to come!
Awesome
Its been a neat story. Fun and enjoyable. It's certainly taken turns very differently, but you've never fully gone for the giant space flea out of nowhere.
So, may the muse run well.
Happy Rangerversary, D. Glad I could be part of the cheer squad. Here's to more madness in the coming year!
Happy Birthday, Ranger! Pinkie will be along shortly with appropriate party supplies.
I love the XCOM series, and I am currently doing a playthrough entirely with MLP characters in honour of this story, trying to keep the characters to their appropriate classes where possible.
It certainly has been an interesting year and I look forward to what's to come.
I see a blank line in menace. Was that Mox?
And I'm guessing Twilight is the only one on that list with 2 jobs listed as her role. Wait, didn't she get the nickname 'Princess'?
Why does this fic still not have a TVtropes page?
4998001
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/Ranger
There, now it does!
Help with with it would be much appriciated!
4998009 You realize of course now I have to promote it.
Thank you!
4998023
Nill svet, chummer
Happy birthday, Ranger!
Happy story anniversary, Wanderer D. :)
It's been fun.
Sunny x Snakey, OTP.
This has been a massive blast to read, and got me to finally get around to buying XCom 2 . . . which I now have close to 300 hours in
.
You also know what else it's inspired me to do, as well as secetly craft new theories on what is actually going on (which have never been wrong, totally!). Don't worry about me, you don't owe me anything, just keep putting out great stories!
It's a delight to follow along as you lead us through one twist after another
I continue to be in awe of your dedication to produce over 200 chapters in a year! Congrats on the anniversary, and I look forward to seeing what else you have lined up for us in the rest of the fic!
Love this story man! Cant wait to see what happens with Fugue and the bearers.