• Member Since 16th May, 2013
  • offline last seen 6 minutes ago

PaulAsaran


Technical Writer from the U.S.A.'s Deep South. Writes horsewords and reviews. New reviews posted every other Thursday! Writing Motto: "Go Big or Go Home!"

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Everyone knows the big moments in the stories: the hero vanquishes evil, the lovers' lips meet for the first time, the filly's first flight, the realization of a dream. They come, they go, and we remember because they were meant to be memorable.

What of the smaller moments? Those inconsequential points that so many forget, but you remember? An idle conversation, baking in the kitchen, the end of a dive, a walk in the woods. So often plain, so commonly 'common'.

Or are they?


A collection of shorts written my multiple authors with only one theme: making small moments seem important. The goal is to learn to develop scenes and create more beautiful narrative. This is purely for practice and self-growth; stories are not intended to be linked together in any way, and may not even have a purpose within themselves. That's not the goal. Just write, and make something little seem so like so much more.

Anyone may provide entries. Yes, even you. The rules:

1) Entries must be between 750-1,250 words. I'll be lenient with this; if your story is 730 words, I'll let it slide.
2) Entries should avoid 'big' topics and focus on mundane, everyday things; a walk in the park, waking up in the morning, eating an early dinner, whatever comes to mind.
3) Since the purpose is to develop a more creative narrative, it is strongly encouraged that as little dialogue be used as possible. Preferably none.
4) All characters and time periods of MLP are game, including OCs.
5) Only E and T rated stories allowed.
6) If you submit something to me, you can't go back, erase half of it and rewrite it from scratch. The stories are meant to be natural, to come out without excessive thought and contemplation. Editing and proofing is encouraged, but sweeping rewrites are not, and I will not accept something like that after I've received a copy. I can't really police what you do before sending something to me, but just know that if you spend more than five minutes plotting it out prior to writing it, you're doing it wrong.

To get your entry into this collection, send me a PM with a link to it. GDocs is preferred. I retain the right to reject any entry sent my way, but I assure you that I will always give you a proper reason for rejection should that happen.

Cover Art by Rain-Gear. Permission acquired thanks to this fine individual.

Chapters (12)
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Pinkie has a new friend. Oh, you can't see him, or hear him. He's in her head, roiling about like a little cloud. You're probably thinking, "She's just being Pinkie Pie."

Not this time.


Created for the Rage Reviews! group's 10th F*** THIS PROMPT! contest. Sorry guys, I'm drawn to contests like Pinkie is drawn to candy!

Written in a time crunch, so minimal editing has been done.

Artwork is by one Azalia, who appears to have disappeared from the interwebs entirely.

Chapters (6)
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For a long time, Twilight could feel it; a sense of emptiness she couldn't explain. Now that she's a princess, that feeling is stronger than ever. She finally decides to bring the matter up with Celestia. In response, Celestia gives her an old book.

The contents of that book will change her perspective of the world... and her beloved mentor. Just accepting the truth is a challenge. And after that?

She has to make a decision.


If you’re not watching PaulAsaran, let this convince you to.PresentPerfect

An immeasurably well crafted, highly intense read.Ghost Mike


First place winner of Rage Reviews! seventh F*** THIS PROMPT contest! So awesome.

Pre-read by JawJoe.

Cover art by Famosity.

Chapters (1)
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This story is a sequel to The Gentle Nights: Audience of One


Derpy Hooves, the heroic Paper Knight of Ponyville, has fallen ill. Unable to protect Ponyville from the coming of Nightmare Moon, she sends her beloved squire on a great and noble quest to meet the Heroes of the Kitchen Table, gather the Sacred Treats and deliver them to the Monolith of the Nightmare.

Travel with Dinky across the town of Ponyville as she makes new friends, battles fearsome foes and outwits wily tricksters. With her loyal mentor and guide Marelin at her side, there's no threat she can't handle!

Except maybe bedtime.


Inspired by a conversation in the comments section of The Gentle Nights: Audience of One. Reading AoO is not at all necessary. Takes place the first Nightmare Night after the events of Luna Eclipsed, but before the episode Magical Mystery Cure.

Pre-read by Mayhew Cullen and Absolution. Thanks, guys!

Awesome new cover art generously donated by KorenCZ11!

Chapters (12)
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This story is a sequel to No Heroes Part IV - The Crystal Empress


When an ancient enemy threatened Equestria, Discord stepped up to vanquish her. Though he won, he was turned to stone once again. With the Elements unable to cure this particular petrification, the remaining viable option requires a rare ingredient only found in the forgotten lands beyond Equestria's borders.

Determined to help her friend, Fluttershy volunteers. She won't be going alone though, and some of her companions see this journey as more than a rescue mission. There are no roads and no maps, and there's more to these lands beyond the Everfree Forest than wild animals...

A big thanks to Cerulean Voice and Grand_Moff_Pony for helping me brainstorm this concept.
Pre-read by Grand_Moff_Pony.
Cover art belongs to Vashar23

The No Heroes Series
Chronological from Top to Bottom:
Shadow Pony
Reddux the Tyrant
No Heroes Part I - The Roster
No Heroes Part II - The Journey Home
Lightning's Bolt
No Heroes Part III - For Dreams
No Heroes Part IV - The Crystal Empress
No Heroes: Beyond the Everfree
No Heroes: Life of Pie
No Heroes: Hot Chocolate at the Isekai
To My Uncle

Chapters (26)
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Fine's life is far from easy. He doesn't know what his next meal will be or where he'll be sleeping on any given night. Then there's the gruesome murders. He never wanted to be what he is, but he tries to take life one kill at a time. Some day he might even be able to put the weapon down for good.

Having it taken from him by a homeless foal is not what he had in mind.

Fine has discovered a filly who stands at a precipice. With one wrong step, she could lead the same kind of life he does. Fine will do anything to keep her from walking that path. He knows what it's like to be a monster. He has a chance to do the right thing, and he won't let it slip through his hooves.


My thanks to Cerulean Voice for taking time out of his busy schedule to edit this.




The No Heroes Series
Chronological from Top to Bottom:
Shadow Pony
Reddux the Tyrant
No Heroes Part I - The Roster
No Heroes Part II - The Journey Home
Lightning's Bolt
No Heroes Part III - For Dreams
No Heroes Part IV - The Crystal Empress
No Heroes: Beyond the Everfree
No Heroes: Life of Pie
No Heroes: Hot Chocolate at the Isekai
To My Uncle

The Fleur-Verse
Chronologically from Top to Bottom:
Shadow Pony
Reddux the Tyrant
No Heroes Part I - The Roster
No Heroes Part II - The Journey Home
Lightning's Bolt
The Weed
The Challenge of Fleur
Ordinary World
A Challenge for Fleur
Sweet to Eat: Tales of Nightmare Night

Chapters (6)
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Octavia is looking for a new home in Ponyville and decides to check out Vinyl's available space. Of course, she would happen to come to town right when a major storm's about to hit, and that storm would drop a whole tree on Vinyl's home. Seeing their situation, Fluttershy kindly offers them shelter.

That might not have been the best solution. Can Fluttershy help these two musicians get along, or is a new storm about to form inside her cottage?


Takes place at the same time as the Season 1 Episode, Look Before You Sleep.

Pre-read by Mercurbee (formerly Mercury Gilado) and The Bean.

Third place entry for Skeeter the Lurker's Switcheroo! contest.

Cover art used with permission from Bukoya-Star

Now featured on Equestria Daily!

I am surprised and flattered to discover a new audio reading by Scribbler Productions!

Chapters (1)
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Sister-story to Paul's Persistently Protracted Practice Pieces.


A collection of extra-short stories written as contest entries for the Writeoff Association. This collection will only feature the stories with word counts between 350 and 750 words. The contests with longer word count limits have their own separate compendium: Paul's Persistently Protracted Practice Pieces. Check below for a list of each story and a short description.

Note: Random tag used because I have no idea what prompts will arise in the future. Check the individual story descriptions for additional tags. Character tags reflect the most recently updated stories only.


White Lies: [sad][slice of life]
The simple act of giving Apple Bloom medicine reminds Applejack that there are actually some downsides to honesty.

Pink: [comedy][slice of life]
It's an all on one pranking war, and Vinyl is on the losing side. Perhaps Octavia can help deal with the problem?

Well, She Tried: [comedy][slice of life]
Twilight discovers Spike's secret notebook of plans for wooing his lady, and decides it's time to have a little talk with the lovestruck dragon.

Above: [sad]
A young changeling queen longs for a better life in the darkness.

A Most Dastardly Foe: [comedy][mystery]
Celestia's morning is interrupted by what may be her greatest rival yet.

Clockwork: [drama]
Clockwork Callous, legendary clockmaker and inventor from the Crystal Empire, unveils his first creation since the Empire's return.

I Wasn't Prepared for This: [sad]
Celestia has a new student. But before she can embrace this change, she has to deal with the old one...

Ticks and Tocks: [drama]
It's just another tea party with Fluttershy. Everything is fine. Perfectly fine. Just ignore the little voice in your head, Discord.

Chapters (9)
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Sister-story to Paul's Peculiarly Puny Practice Pieces


A collection of short stories written as contest entries for the Writeoff Association. This collection will only feature the stories with word counts between 2,000 and 8,000 words. The contests with shorter word count limits have their own separate compendium: Paul's Peculiarly Puny Practice Pieces. Check below for a list of each story and a short description.

Note: Random tag added because I have no idea what prompts will arise in the future. Check each story's description to see its individual tags.


As One Falls: [sad]
Celestia and Luna have been waiting patiently for the world to wake up from the madness of Starlight Glimmer. At last the time has come to be freed of their long imprisonment and fix the damage caused by a society based on equality. Yet Luna senses a far greater threat on the horizon than a regime at the end of it's rope.

The Secret Weapon: [dark?] [comedy?] [weaponized cuteness]
The worst has come to pass. One of Earth's interdimensional explorers has been compromised and brought some of them through the portal. They claim to be friendly and peaceful, but León knows better. He won't let these ponies get to him, oh no! They are certainly not adorable, they absolutely cannot be allowed to roam free, and they truly are a clear and present threat to the world. If only he wasn't trapped in a file closet while the accursed things spread like a plague of cuteness. But he won't give in, oh no.

Banned for a Reason: [comedy] [fluff] [no thinking required] [foal princess]
Starswirl returns to his laboratory one evening to find it occupied by a little blue foal whose smile has a few too many teeth...

Chapters (3)
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All his life, Angel Bunny has been plagued by a single question. At long last, he has an answer, and he longs to reveal it. Doing so may be the single most important thing he's ever done, but Angel doesn't know how to deliver the message. After all, rabbits have no need of writing.

Angel needs to learn. Knowing this task is far too important to let his pride get the better of him, Angel does something he never thought he'd do: ask for help. There's only one pony for the job.


One of the most unique fics I have ever read.PresentPerfect

A hugely welcome addition to the small pile of stories that take Angel's character seriously.Louder Yay

The structural gimmick is both well-used and well-explored.Royal Canterlot Library

A deeply emotional tale, told piece-by-piece through the perspective of someone who desperately wants to say something but is unable to say it.Bad_Seed_72

...unique, endearing, heartwarming, cute, and proved to me you can write Angel Bunny in a way that doesn’t make me want to strangle him. That last part alone is enough for me to think this story is a work of genius.Vertigo22


Preread by Dash the Stampede
Edited by Hopeless Appraisal
Cover art used with permission from WhitediamondsLtd (click image for White's DeviantArt page)

3/29/2015: Now featured on Equestria Daily!
11/28/2015: Now featured in the Royal Canterlot Library!

Chapters (2)