Eighteenth: They Call Me Blog

As of this particular blog, my first story (this one) has now gotten 90 likes.

To many of you who have thousands and millions of likes, I know that doesn't seem like even a grain of sand to the mountain... but to me, it means so very much. It means that someone actually liked my story enough to decide to tick that thumbs-up sign; they actively chose to commend the work for the enjoyment they got from it.

That makes me happier than a seven-year-old with a kitten, a new box of markers and a Monster energy drink.

See, I'm an entertainer at heart, and my own happiness comes from the happiness my works bring others. No, not like 'I gain happiness from other people', but more like 'I understand and highly appreciate when the work I do is enjoyed by more than myself'. I've had a history of unfinished projects, unraveled storylines and roleplays that simply petered out... and this story - this one lovely ropleplay that became a tale in its' own right - represents a piece of my Life that I feel was NOT wasted; something I (helped) create, which then turned into an actual, real work of fiction.

Again, might not seem like much to some, but it means the world to me.

Characters I created. Scenarios I painted in the reader's mind. Situations both planned and completely out of the blue. Running gags. I even created history that wasn't originally there in the source material, and added my own headcanon to the mix... and ALL of this, I did not for myself, but for someone else.

The original roleplay was for my dear friend and partner-in-crime, Wungiel - Obsidian's his, in case you didn't know by now - and the story I wove was simply what happened as he led the Dark Princess through the world of Equestria that Wungi knew... and yet, didn't know. Because the story takes place roughly two decades after the return of the Crystal Empire (S3), it means that it takes place in a future I had to build from about midway into the vibrant and living world it had become by the tale's end.

That's fun to do... not exactly easy to do, but fun, nonetheless.

That I did that for someone else is just how I am; to see it blossom into a small, yet precious flower that others can appreciate too... there are words to describe how it feels, but they escape me. But it's a feeling that I'm sure a number of you writers know well enough - the sheer satisfaction of it, regardless of WHAT that satisfaction is based in, to see your work complete and in front of you.

I'm working on my second story now, and I'm still enjoying it... even though it's getting a bit wordy. But that's how the roleplay was, and I changed very little between myself and The Wunge; the actions of Obsidian were the only things I didn't write... just edited and 'thesarused', to coin a phrase. But practically everything else, I invested time, interest and imagination into... and came up with some very fun (and sometimes surprisingly real and random) characters.

Now, when I look and see those 90 likes, it warms my heart and makes me smile. It means a lot to me, that so many folks feel that the work was worthwhile, and enjoyed reading the adventures of Siddy & Company. Adventures, by the way, that still have quite a ways to go - yes, there's a THIRD book, because trilogies work for me. Though maybe the second book could be a bit shorter... I just don't feel that the story would be as good if it were split up, is all; parts missed, moods ruined, concentrations broken... you know what I mean, avid readers.

So yes, those 90 likes make me quite happy. . . BUT...

If/when it reaches 100, I might have something special for those who actually read these blog-like-organisms of mine. Not like I've been watching the number tick slowly upward, and have been planning and plotting for something nifty for folks when I reach a solid hunsky...

So please, tell folks about it, share it around... hey, for what it's worth, you're welcome to submit it to any group you think would like it. I've put it in a few places, but I'm just zis guy, you know?

Even if you just decide to finally give it that like yourself (hopefully because you read it & liked it), every little bit matters, and anyone who actually goes so far as to do such a thing will have my eternal gratitude, my attention if they inform me of what they've done, and maybe I'll even let you have my Bud Light. (*old commercial reference; if you're too young to remember, please ignore and continue*)

But even if it never reaches any higher than 90 likes, I'll be happy with the knowledge that my story has entertained that many people. And I thank you folks for taking the time to read my mental meanderings... all five of you. You folks are awesome. };D