13. Epilogue?
So, that was Arc 3. What did you think? Personally, I don’t think it’s quite as good as Arc 2. Don’t get me wrong, it was a lot of fun to write, I just don’t think that I’m that good at writing adventure stories. There are more events and less inner turmoil. In any case, I’m still proud of this story and I hope you enjoyed it as well.
Now, I know you’re probably wondering what’s next (if you like the story thus far). Well wonder no more!
As I originally said, I planned the first three arcs together with no earthly idea of where I was going to take the story next. In fact, when I started I wasn’t even sure I’d get to the third arc (I’m notorious for normally not following through on projects), and I felt that if I did make it to the end of the third arc, I would be so tapped out of creative energy that I would just not have anything else to give. That’s actually why I give up on as many projects as I do; I don’t do things if I don’t find them worth doing and a story with no new developments and rehashing old themes would have been just that. As such, Arc 3 was supposed to end with this big finale that tied up all the loose ends of all the Arcs and said “thank you for reading” in a way that would make an Epilogue? redundant.
I will give you a second to check that there is in fact an Epilogue? (you’re reading it) and that the ending of Arc 3 is not an all-encompassing ending. In fact, it seems kind of open-ended, does it not?
Well, as I’d already stated in the last Epilogue? I have an idea for an Arc 0 due to the fact that Octavia hijacked my story as I was writing it. That will be a prequel to the Dysphoria series, looking at the relationship between Octavia and Slant Rhyme when they attended school together. This will be mostly slice of life with a bit of romance, though if you’ve read this far into the series you already know it doesn’t work out. There’s a really good reason as to why though, but alas, no spoilers.
Dysphoria, Arc 0: Octavia will be available here once I’ve posted it.
“Hey prep, that's a prequel to Arc 1, so why the open-ended ending on Arc 3? Also, why is the link not up?”
Oh, thank you for noticing, random reader; I was just getting to that.
The reason why the link isn't up is because I said that Arc 0 will be written and posted once the main story is finished. And the reason for the open ended ending, is because the story is far from over.
While writing Arc 3 I got struck by inspiration, and I pulled some serious overtime into story drafting, writing, and polishing my skills. As such I am proud to announce the posting of Dysphoria, Arc 4: Summer Breeze, which is online and you should go read right now.
This story goes back to the Slice of Life genre, focusing on Rose and transgender themes. However, I take a different approach than I have in the past. Since this was written outside the trilogy, you'll immediately notice the focus is different, the way I write is different, and the way I tell the story is different. also, the chapters are all longer again (longer than Arc 2). Also, by different I mean better (if my pre-reader/editor is to be trusted).
I think you'll like what you'll read.
Oh, and I haven't forgotten about the one-shots I keep saying I'll write. I swear I’m not putting them off on purpose; it’s just that the arcs are very time-consuming to write and it’s just me on the creative side of the whole writing thing with one editor fixing my grammar and spelling (you’re welcome! – editor)
So, to recap:
I hope you enjoyed Dysphoria thus far.
Dysphoria, Arc 0: Octavia is outlined and will be written and posted when I'm done with the main story.
Dysphoria, Arc 4: Summer Breeze is online and will post every Monday and Friday at around 6pm EST.
One-shots are outlined and partially written but the main story takes precedence.
Thank you so much for reading. I don’t do pointless things, and you give this story purpose. If you like it please share it with your friends and follow, favorite, etc…
Happy Reading,
-thedarkprep
P.S. If you want to talk about any trans-related things (if you have questions, concerns, or want any information), feel free to send me a private message. I would love to talk to you and inform in any way I can.