Five week notice, pt. 2 · 4:28am Dec 11th, 2012
If you haven't read my previous blog first, you may want to do that.
**********
Wow. Just... wow. Wow, you guys.
It's okay Moose, take deep breaths. In, out, in, out.
Answering PMs is hard. And I don't mean hard as in "it took me a long time." I mean hard as in "it took me a long time, and also, THE FEEEEEEEEELS." Seriously, my eyes are sweating from all that staring at my computer screen. I think I have a condition. Is there a sweatband for the eyes? A blindfold, maybe?
...
Yeah, I love my readers.
Well, it's safe to say that I'm thoroughly exhausted, but I'll give it one more go, for you. Yeah, I'm talking to you. No, don't look away. Yeah. You. There were a few questions that came up that I feel like I should address, so here goes nothing. (Warning in advance: I will likely copy-paste some of this blog from the PMs I sent. Please don't be offended... I wrote the reply messages first, and I wrote them individually. I'm just really tired and unfocused right now. Any shortcut is a good shortcut.)
#1: Where the hay are you going? What the hay are you doing?
As I was rereading what I had written (or rather, reading literally the first comment on that other blog), it occurred to me that I didn't actually say why I was leaving for two years. It's honestly no big secret, but I don't usually put the details of my private life on the interwebs (hush, facebook, not now). That said, this is a pretty big leave of absence, and I'm leaving some pretty big things behind, so I suppose some explanation is in order.
A while ago, I submitted a particular piece of paperwork to some particular people. Following that, I have been called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in New Mexico. Exactly what church is that, you ask? Well, that's "LDS" for short – or "Mormon" for shorter. Who'da thunk it?
Yes, I am religious. Deeply so. I've casually mentioned this here and there, but never full on said so. Of course, If I had to guess, I would doubt this comes as a surprise to many of you. If you can read between the lines (and in some cases, if you can just read), you'll see a lot of religious themes in TSaHF. It's not because they're supposed to be there, necessarily. It's just who I am! And the day I write anything without injecting a little bit of "me" into it is the day that pigs fly, hell freezes over, and the American economy recovers.
So what is a mission? Good question. Look it up.
Or I can just tell you. For two years, I'll be serving my church and the Lord in whatever capacity they need me to. Most of the time, this means being a teacher to those who are curious about what I believe in, and the doctrines of my church (which, in my humble opinion, are pretty swell). "Normal" everyday service is also expected, and I imagine I'll get my shoes messy with that New Mexican red rock dirt a time or two. In addition, during these two years, I'll be expected to live the lifestyle of a missionary, devote myself 100%, and live by the mission rules; that is, no TV, no computer, no writing, and (most painful of all) no ponies. Basically, a nix on the whole "entertainment media" thing.
So there ya have it. If y'all unwatch because of this of all things... well, I'd be surprised and disappointed. But I don't anticipate it. The brony community is a fine group of lads and lasses. 
If you have any questions, please, ask away. I'd be happy to answer.
#2: So, are you sure you won't be able to finish?
Pretty sure, yeah. Not with the pace at which I write. Not in five weeks. It'd be like NaNoWriMo on ultra-steroids. I approximate another 130,000 words before I'm actually completely finished (I know, I know; holy cow, right?). I'd have to be writing night and day to get that kind of word count in such a short time. Incidentally, that's something I'm willing to do, but nothing short of a chain collar leashing me to my keyboard, a gas tank full of Mountain Dew, and a crowd (chatroom?) full of rabidly cheering/angrily shouting readers would enable me to do that. I just don't have the mental fortitude.
My plan for now, if I can't finish, is to end on a satisfying note. As if The Stranger and Her Friend as you know it was the first in a series of books, and a sequel is on its way (in two years, of course). We'll see how well I can pull that off; hopefully, I'll do it with enough grace to ease the pain of waiting, for both our sakes.
On that note, by no means do I plan on abandoning my story. In two years when I get back, I'll finish it, provided there are enough people who remember me and want me to. I know it's horrible, but if you really want to see the ending of The Stranger and Her Friend, the best thing, the only thing, I can ask you to do is wait. Wait and remember.
#3: Can you hand it off to someone else?
I've been asked this by multiple people. The answer?
Ehhhhhhhhhhhh.
Yes. I could. But I don't think I really... could. There are many wonderful, talented authors in this fandom whose skills I respect, but doing something like that is harder than you might think. It would be arrogant of me to think I'm the best writer here, but The Stranger and Her Friend is my baby... it's very, very precious to me. Lucky is mine. Cotton is mine. Crumble, Young Celestia, Clover... they're all mine, and no one knows them like me. And if I wasn't writing it... would it really be the same story you grew to love? Maybe, but it's still scary for me. And it's selfish of me too, I know. I'm really sorry.
That said, there are one or two people who I could see myself bequeathing the title of "author" to. But I'm not going to ask them to do it, and unless they approach me, I will leave the matter be. I don't expect anyone to ask, and I bear no grudges for it.
EDIT: I had a few people mention the possibility of people wanting to write side stories set in the TSaHF universe. I rather doubt it, but anyone who wants to, go right ahead. If you did, I'd prefer you didn't use my characters in anything more than cameos, but then, there's nothing I can really do to stop you. Also understand that nothing would be "canon" without my say so... which you wouldn't receive until after I got back. (Or maybe my story/outline editor-in-chief guy would be decisive enough to do that, I dunno).
All that said, if you plan on it and I'm still around, let me know! I'd love to read it and help out.
#4: Uhm... actually, Moose, that's all for now.
Oh? Oh. Well, let me say one last thing.
Thank you.
Thank you for your amazing responses. I read them all, and I love them all. Posting that blog was very difficult for me; I literally had to stand up, click the "Post Blog Entry" button, and leave the room. Maybe that sounds dramatic, but hey, I'm a writer. I'm allowed to do that from time to time. (Incidentally, mountain hikes are amazing for getting one's mind off of things. Picture yourself in a mountain meadow that's just been covered with a fresh blanket of undisturbed snow. It took long time to get here – a few moments ago, you were panting with effort under your heavy coat and scarf. But you're over it now, and it wasn't really a terrible trip to begin with. Certainly, it was worth it. You know, because you remove your hat to hear, unzip the front of your coat to feel, and unravel your scarf to taste the frighteningly cold air. After a while, you look around. The environment should be hostile, but you feel only peace, and you're exactly where you wanted to be; under a weightless night sky, illuminated by the soft light of a full moon at midnight. The air is crisp, even bitter; it stings at your eyes and makes it hard to see. Somehow, that makes everything better, as if you were wandering through a dream where you can't quite make everything out. But you do see the important things. A million points of diamond light sparkle under gentle illumination, and the leafless trees stretch upward as groping black silhouettes. You stand there for a while, just looking up and down, left and right, spinning around like an idiot, and suddenly, you stop, and realize something simple: night is the reversal of day. The blackened heavens look like the ground, and the brilliant white ground looks like the heavens. And where do you find yourself standing... but right there in the middle of it? A field of gentle heaven.)
(...)
(Uhhhhh.)
(So yeah, did I mention I'm tired?)
Anyways, I really wish to express my appreciation for you guys. If you couldn't tell, I was pretty down about posting that last blog entry. And of course I was – I felt horribly ashamed of leaving. Too ashamed, really. It seems I had forgotten the very motto of this fandom: "love and tolerate." If ever there was a time when I felt loved or tolerated, now is that time. So thanks to you all for reminding me that I'm not a bad guy, that I contributed positively to this fandom. I couldn't ask for a better audience.
*looks at massive wall of text above*
Or a more patient one.
~TheUrbanMoose
P.S. The Drama Train will now be pulling into the station. The brakes are on full power. Please grab your luggage and prepare to depart, because we have exhausted our mileage for now.
P.P.S. I accidentally hit the "post" button on this blog before it was ready, and then deleted it. Sorry for the inconvenience!
P.P.P.S. I responded to all the PMs I initially got, even if the answer was short. If I didn't respond, it means I didn't receive it, which I guess is a bug the newly updated site has been having? Dunno, mate.
I shall wait, I shall remember, and I shall return.
While you have had said thank you to all of us it should actually be us thanking you. You have been a great author, writer, friend to us your readers and we appreciate every moment with you and your stories. Some of us may not be here in two years, others will. In that time we will find other things to do (for myself it shall be USCG) and other things to read but in two years when I see that you have made a new blog post saying I am back! I will be amongst many other people who will welcome you back. We have the patience of Celestia (Well some of us...) and the strength to remember.
From the bottom of my heart I thank you for all you have done and when you leave know this, you are highly appreciated
Your friend
-Wraithguard
A closing note
Oh Mr. Moose. I horrifically doubt anyone would be so cruel as to unfollow you for that. We all have our beliefs, I myself am about as faithful as a rock, but it doesn't change you or your magnificent presence in the world.
So long as you're not a dick about it, of course.
I feel like I meant to quote something about memory, but it seems to have escaped me. While I won't have it be in the forefront of my mind, my subconscious will undoubtedly be waiting with baited breath for the day I see "The Stranger and Her Friend" update.
"Your mission, if you choose to accept it..." : p Have fun on it.
P.S. Amazing imagery btw, I pictured it quite clearly. I love a cold wind in a snowy area.
I just recently found your story, and I really like (More like love) it. XD
I will wait, and I will remember.
One last thing, I hope you'll have fun then :)
See you in two years then. (as of the 14th of january 2013) ^^
Yeah, I'm gonna keep following you as well. I've waited years for the continuation of a good book before, I can do that for your story as well. It's worth the wait.
Your story has inspired me to no end, You are to me at least one of the best authors on this site. But I'm glad that the two years your spending will be to help others. I know because I've gone on a few my self, not as long as your doing but I have gone on mission trips. they are some of the most rewarding things you can do.
anyway I will be waiting patiently for your return,
P.S. the mention of a squeal to this, is just awesome
Signed
Your reader
Hingard
Two years? I'll still be around at that point. I'll hopefully be in my country's armed forces, but things like basic training should be done by then.
Excuse me, Moose, but you're just using this as an excuse. I'm sure that even the most backwater places in the world have some type of postal service. So be nice and write it on paper, send it to somebody who has access to internet and let them type it and upload for you.
It would mean that updates would take longer to be published, but you would have all the time in the
world to finish your story. It needs to be finished. You deserve to leave a mark on this world and this
story certainly does that!
Urban Moose,
I'll give you some credit, I'm not religious... Spiritual but I don't do the religion thing, and I have max respect for those that do and those that differ in my beliefs. I for one can say without a shadow of a doubt that I could never go two years living like that, and you have my respect and support in your trial.
Two years is a very long time to not be creative in any way, or entertain yourself in any way. I couldn't do that, no matter what religion I suddenly was gravitated to, I just... Yeah, creating art in writing stories and songs is as apart of me as breathing air.
You have my respect, and I will add you to my follow list. And I will wait for you to finish your story. Because art needs to come to a completion eventually, and I know you will not abandon us forever.
While I would like to give you my blessings you might feel them to be hollow, or because of not from the religion it might be considered to you unholy.
Therefore, I simply will say to you good luck, and may you fulfill your mission for your church.
Sincerely
Phoenix Quill
Well it's nice to know the why you're leaving but just hearing that you're going to go somewhere for an extended amount of time is more than a lot of authors give us. And don't you fret I'm patient, I'll still be here waiting for you to come back and finish this tale up! And sense this seems to be the "Oh Captain my Captain" that you're getting from us... let me add my own bit to it.
I shall wait, I shall remember, and I shall return.
Exspectabo ego memini, et revertar.
I am very disappointed, not in you, just at the fact that the story will be put on hold for so long. I wanted to express that i've been reading this story for a few months, and i've been looking forwards to its updates, as it was one of only a few i read that gets regular updates. I'll be very sad to see you leave, 2 years is a log time, especially in the prime of the pony fandom... a fandom which may or may not be the same in that time. I hope to see this story finished one day, as i love your work, the small epic moments, the bits of drama, the personal stories... Two years is a long time to take yourself away from the world, and i trust you are making a decision that is right for you.
597670 We'll all wait patiently for your return. A day will not go by that we do not think that we're a day closer to your return.
Good luck with your mission moose. And don't worry, bronies are a forgiving lot, we'll be here when you get back.
I love your work and you. You are an amazing author and I will gladly wait two years if I have to if that is what it will take to finish this story.
Well, have a good mission. A friend of mine found hers extremely rewarding.
Have you considered composing anything in longhand, to be transcribed at the end of the mission?
Wait... You aren't allowed to write!? No offence but what bullshit is that? Are you only allowed to read your bible or something? That seems slightly overkill, I mean if you REALLY want to write you shouldn't have to smuggle paper and pens like hard drugs or something... Or do you just mean you can't write on a computer? If so I'm going to feel silly.
P.S. I hovered my mouse over that watch button... and clicked it. You should already have the watch notice
Welp, I'm sad to see you go, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I might disagree with pretty much everything religious, but I can't disrespect you for sticking to your guns, so to speak. You are a wonderful author, and I look forward to whatever you may write in the future. As you suggested, I will wait and remember.
If fimfiction is still around in 2 years, i'll read the new story. however, i'm betting you won't be, and i won't be on here either. we'll see how life goes. good luck with your missionary work!
Even assuming "the worst," and TSaHF is not finished, and doesn't end on a satisfying note, and in fact doesn't end but just sort of stops, I will regret nothing. I have enjoyed this story at least since it was first featured and do not foresee this changing.
All I had to read was "LDS" and it made sense. My family is LDS, and I currently have an older brother on a mission. In fact he's coming home in a short few months
.
I'm proud of my bro for doing that, and I support your decision as well (even though I am a complete stranger and have no ability to force your choice one way or another). So I wish you luck, and if my brother's anything to go by you'll have one heck of a fun time.
Anyway... While I myself am not religious, It's good to know that people believe in something enough that they're willing to spend their time so as to help others find something that may help them for the better.
P.S. If you don't mind my asking, do you know where you'll be going? If so, where?
Edit: New Mexico...
Should've kept reading...
I will be hear in two years, and I will still be a proud brony. My friend, I will forever be following you.
Good luck on your mission, and I'll miss your amazing writing. It's been good sir
See you in two years.
Um... probably won't remember this to be perfectly honest but I do promise that I'll come home from work one day and wonder when the heck I started following this curious, yet vaguely familiar story called "The stranger and her friend."
I might even reread it and go "I don't remember how you got there but you're STAYING!"
We shall be patiently waiting for you to return
597938
And then the call letter self-destructed as I walked away, without looking, putting on a pair of aviator sunglasses. (And a suit and tie, of course.) =P
610306 611537
I really appreciate the idea, and the fact that you guys care about it. I've even thought about doing that before, but I'm sorry to say it just won't work. The life of a missionary is busy, busy, busy, busy, busy. Literally all day, every day is filled with activity. Some activities might be easier than others, but a missionary is always doing something. I could try and write in the in-between times, scarce as they are, but my mind would be considerably distracted, and the quality would go down the drain. And, don't get me wrong, I love writing... but it is an energy-draining activity. At the end of the day, I see myself kicking off my dusty black shoes, collapsing onto the bed, and simply not having the energy to do it.
All that said, it won't ever truly exit my mind. In fact, I carry around a little red notebook -- it fits perfectly in my suit pocket. Clipped onto the spiral binding is a beloved, well-used, black ink pen. Any time I have an idea pertaining specifically to TSaHF, I take it out and write it down. Any. Time. In the middle of conversations, in the middle of movies... heck, in the middle of church. Especially in the middle of church (quiet chapels are a great place to think). Who knows, I might even scribble out whole sections of story! But it will never be consistent or cohesive enough to be mailed back for publishing.
I'll say it once, and I'll say it again: this is why I'm really, really sorry.
611553
There's nobody that would really have a problem with it. The real problem is sort of what I talked about above. I just wouldn't have time. That, and a missionary is supposed to be completely focused on the task at hand -- which, again, is service n' teaching n' junk like that. And it's not just that I'm supposed to be... I want to be 100% devoted. Like, I don't wanna have to worry about views, or favorites, or the continuity of my timeline, or editing, or when the next chapter is going out. Does that make sense? I want to be in the moment, worried about the people I'm serving. I hope that makes sense.
Sorry, I should've been clearer. I'm allowed to write. It's not against my religion, or anything (and if it was, I WOULD QUIT).
(Also, I lol'd at the comparison of hard drugs. I can totally see myself digging through a cake to find a hidden pen and piece of paper at the bottom. I'd take it out, lick off the icing, give a goofy smile, and murmur, "Awwww yeah... he sent the good stuff.")
If it does get that bad, get someone to send me a PM and I'll mail you a pen and paper myself. But what I'm saying is feel free to write while you're gone and just post it all when you get back... If this site is up odds are I'll still be around in 2 years, I have few enough passions that I clutch the ones I have with a death grip.
I'll be honest, I almost envy your faith. Although to be fair that doesn't stop me from driving the group of your fellow worshipers downtown who keep trying to convert me insane. They follow me, so I led one pair into a mosque. Another pair got led into a hard to escape neighborhood then abandoned when I went to the Bruce Trail. I've led them over to the crazy pan handlers (not the aggressive ones, I'm not that evil) The whole time I debate religion with them, one of them got to know me well enough that he'd ask where I was going before he and his... associate would follow me.
He was a nice guy, he actually enjoyed the debates and eventually forgave me for leaving him in the middle of industrial nowhere down by Pier 4 park... Not my fault that he followed me to work then got lost.
Yeah, he learned only to follow me when I was going to pick up my girlfriend... She was soo embarrassed when I introduced him. "He's with the Church of Latter day Saints, he followed me... Can I keep him?" I swear, fifty shades of red on the both of them... Poor Matt.
Good times. Hope you aren't/ever subjected to someone like me. I mean I was nice and Matt earned points for the fact he kept trying, but I was so evil.
621121
Hey, you be nice to your missionary puppy dogs! They don't know any better!
Lol, at least you gave them the time of day. They're willing to do a lot of things to get their message across. I once heard of one missionary who struck a deal with someone they were trying to teach. If the missionaries cleaned out this guy's stables, he would hear their lesson. If you've ever been in a stable, you know that they can get pretty dirty... and smelly, too. Real horses aren't so hygienic as our little ponies. But they did it anyways, and every time they came back, I think he made them do another chore before they would proceed to do any kind of teaching. (Though after a while, he decided he'd abused them enough, and just let them teach.) Everyone was happy!
621907 I say you should give up your long distance position and come to Hamilton... I promise to take it easy on you for the first 2 months, I'll even point out the dangerous crazies to keep you safe.
You know what? Nah, go on your mission, make some memories... good ones, ok?
622478
Sure thing! It'll be tough. Of that, I am sure. But no one ever told me it would be easy... just worth it.
622632 Sometimes it's the hard things in life that are most worth it. Like having a 160 hour paycheck, actually... I didn't get 160 hour paycheck, the two 80 hour weeks were on separate checks.
That's awesome! When I read you first blog post I was like "2 years? Sounds familiar..." Then this one
I'm LDS too! I've really enjoyed reading your story and it's kinda fun that I was kinda getting the religious vibe, now I know why! :D You're going to have such a great time on your mission! Thanks for sharing your writing, I don't think it was selfish :) By the way, Cotton is my favorite OC :D I should color the picture I drew before you leave! *goes off to scan them*
I for one will be waiting
623658
Cotton is my favorite OC, too! (Just don't tell anyone!)
But thanks, I do anticipate having a grand old time on my mission. I'll write an official report on it when I get back. Heck, maybe I'll even ponify it and put it into a story!
...Yeah, that sounds fun. I think I'll do that.
130000 words? And somewhere in this world skirts is snickering his ass off :P. In all seriousness though, I don't think Stranger and Her Friend can survive a 2-year hiatus. The passion is most likely going to be dead, not just for the readers (many of whom will have moved on by then), but for you. Now I'm not saying drop your missionary work (priorities bro), but you definitely need to figure out how to keep the torch lit here.
That said, don't let me bully you into making a decision you might regret. This is your story, I've just been lucky enough to get the chance to read it. You're a fantastic writer, and I thank you for gifting Fimfiction with your uber work.
Good luck and God bless!
624436
Tada, colored!!!
626520
Oh snap! That's pretty good!
Um, wow. I'm flattered. And I super-appreciate it. Do you mind if I link it in the "Extras" thingy on my front page? I'd love to have it there!
626454
Well, I think I have the passion to continue it after two years, and I sure am making a lot of promises based on that assumption. But you're right, I'll never really know until those two years are up. I've never done anything like this before, so there's nothing to gauge it against.
That said... right now, at this moment, I love my story way, way too much to let it go without an ending. With the amount of time and effort I've already poured into my story, I don't anticipate that feeling going away soon. We'll see!
Dear Moose,
This story has been at the top of my reading list since I discovered it. As an author I fully understand how you feel about handing of your baby to anyone else. Please, just do what you can in the way you've been doing it since the beginiing. I implore you, don't rush to finish it. As much as I'd love to see it completed I can be patient and will look forward to new chapters from your hand if and when it is time. This story is that good, and I sincerely thank you for the many hours of enjoyment you have given me in the reading of it.
Warmest regards, and good luck in your mission.
Dafaddah
I have a few words for you Mister Moose. First of all it has been tremendously exciting to be reading this story. Sometimes the darkness or bleakness of it weighs on my mind. This is really just my mind unable to deal with reality. I have trouble with that in other walks of life and the lens I view reality is rarely a constructive one. I have a great fondness of Celestia(best princess) and I had contemplated making Young Celestia my first plush. You have sealed that decision. I have decided to make it my gift to myself when I get a real person engineering job. I suppose I can go overboard with the praise because it's the truth. I think this is better than Eternal thusfar, just don't tell Device Heretic. I can't really argue that case nor do I desire to. I will concede that at least I like it better than Eternal . . . but not by much.
Godspeed. I may need a gentle reminder of this in time, but I will be waiting.
658633
Thank you. To say that its better than Eternal... well, I don't know about that, but it is a generous compliment that I am really grateful for. Eternal was what got me into writing this in the first place, and (I think) it stands as my favorite ponyfic on this site. The goal was always to create something of equal quality. Even if I was only able to come close, I'd be perfectly happy.
Thank you kindly for the well wishes (and patience).
P.S. If you do get a Young Celestia plush before I leave, take a picture! I'd love to see it!
LDS huh?
...there's a lot of things I could say to that...
...a lot of things I could challenge and rebuke right now because you said those three letters in order...
...Sed non parcam. Catholicus vocor honorem, non placet etiam...
I hope things work out for you, truly...
671611
I thank you for keeping your rebukes to yourself, and I'll return the favor.
Thanks also for the support, and thanks for being a long-time reader. I do appreciate it. No worries, things will work out; and when they do, perhaps I'll see you again when two years have passed. Until that time, God be with you!
671970
And with your Spirit.
....MUST....NOT....POST....ABOUT....MAGNETS!
But really, I'll miss ya. Can't wait until I can finish reading this story.
678450
I HOLD THE SECRETS
But seriously, thanks.
678470 QUESTION TIME: Can you take notebooks with you? Just cause you can't type, doesn't mean you can't kill a few trees writing down your rough draft, already nice and shiny and ready to be typed upon your return.
706987
I can indeed take notebooks with me! They're already in the suitcase! While I don't plan on spending much time on writing while I'm away, I'm sure no one will mind if I return with rough snippet of ponyfic here and there.
708613 Who knows, you might write true masterpiece! It's as good a time and place as any for some magnificent inspiration.