Immersion: A Warning

I think that I should take the time to offer a warning to any other prospective fic writer that might get inspired by my work to try something similar.

Don't try it unless you are prepared for some major lifestyle changes.

Let me explain. Due to the level of research that has been required for me to plan out Legends of Equestria, I have immersed myself pretty completely in the universe. On some days, it's quite the blessing. The characters and I are like friends, planning our expeditions together into the wild unknown.

On other days, however, it is an unimaginable curse. I honestly cannot get this story out of my head: I think about it in every free waking moment. I see Celestia and Luna in my dreams. Whenever I am walking somewhere, a new conversation piece or speech will pop out of this unspeakable melange of characterization and I will again be forced to write it down for the future, lest such inspiration be lost.

When I see the word "discord" in any context, I think of the character first, and what actually makes sense given the context second. When I skim over words that even look vaguely like key terms from the universe (think "Culinary"), my mind is back onto Equestria time. Today, I had to stop myself while reading a brochure when I realized that I had been subconsciously substituting "every pony" for "everybody". At that moment, I had to take a long look at where my life has gone since I became a fan.

I never signed on to have this universe dominate my life. I like to think of myself as having a multidisciplinary background, and I do spend time on other things when I am not writing, or thinking about my writing. That said, I feel almost like (now that these ideas have occurred to me and I have committed to sharing them) I have a duty to the world to see this project through to its completion, whenever that might be.

Truthfully, when I first started watching this show, I was not prepared to admit to myself that I was a brony. It took until the end of Season 1 for me to finally come to terms with that fact. Perhaps such is the case here. Perhaps it was overly ambitious of me to attempt a series the length of several novels as my first ever piece of fanfic. In the end, it is now a decision that I must come to terms with, regardless of the paths it may lead me down. If any of you wish to follow, be advised that the road is winding, and sometimes steep. There will be many bumps and a few swampy ruts.

It is the curse that I must bear, for the fruit that you may enjoy.

-cursedchords

P.S. Shameless self-promotion, here! Act II of Legends of Equestria is almost done, and I will be taking a small break over Christmas to catch up on things and plan out Act III, which will be starting promptly in the new year. In Act III, there will be secrets anew, intrigue in the royal court, and power plays all around. Equestria shall be built into the country it is today, and the seeds of its future shall be sown. Please take a look if you have some free time.