Ruin

[moondaisy]

Hi Lunarfox,

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this chapter and thought I posted a (rather long) comment. But then I could not see it.
I hope it's simply waiting for moderation. But if I somehow did it wrong and it doesn't come through, will you let me know?

EDIT: It does show now.

[thelunarfox]

Chapter 10 is now up.

[raquelaroden]

Chapter 10 is very interesting, and provides more food for thought--I left a comment on your site. I can't wait for another update!!

[thelunarfox]

Ah, a Saturday update again. This week was odd. IN the middle of it, the power supply on my laptop went, so it won't charge. Luckily I had backed up everything in preparation for WA.

Still, everything seems brighter on this monitor. Some pieces of furniture were absolutely glowing!


So, update! With a bonus: the tree of story

[raquelaroden]

Awesome, as usual. I left a comment on your site, but I thought I'd talk a bit more about the story tree here.

I'm fascinated by seeing how your stories are begun, and I'm so glad you shared that with us--it explains some of your earlier comments about how you work (you simply stop telling a particular story rather than ending it, etc.)

I tried thinking about why my stories don't seem to proceed as yours do....and at first I thought it was because I have this overarching thing that has to be resolved before the series ended, but when I was plot-mapping the other day, I realized that there are lots of these things in my story, mostly relating to finding out more about several characters. Plus, just now, I realized that you have that in your story as well (the rise of the experiments, etc.)

I think I just sort of internally limit the stories I want revealed, and everyone else is a supporting character--anything revealed about a supporting character will either relate directly to the story at hand, or will provide some other service (brief comedic relief, a foil to reveal some trait or quirk about another character, etc.). So my question to you is....how do you pick which stories you'll pursue, and which ones you'll just let go? Or do you explore all of them on your own, but decide to only let us see some of them?

[thelunarfox]

First off-- squee. Now this is the sort of discussion I like to hear.

Second off, I know EXACTLY what you mean about internally limiting the stories you want to tell. While I was first working on Paula's story, I originally only focused on the characters in the story, but something was missing.

Then I realized that there was a super important relationship that I hadn't explored because it was not going to be featured in the story. Might not even be told. But it was important to the motivation of the character who might not tell it.

Does that make sense? lol! Basically, in order to know how this character would react to questions about the topic, and to get better in his head, I realized that meant I had to explore that relationship because even if it wasn't told it would still somehow make its presence known and add another layer to the story. (And it kinda did make its presence known-- I'm still needing to work on it and refine it.)


Personally, for this story, I will try to pursue everything. If a character appears, I usually can't help asking how they got there. There's something internally that goes, "Oh, hey... what is that?" Something about the character interests me.


The next problem will be what you'll see. I thought long and hard about this part, and finally came to a decision. With Paula's story, if the side story doesn't mess up what I am setting up, then I am going to try posting it probably without pictures.

You'll see at the end of Michael and Edith's story-- I'll post some of the short pieces that I wrote while trying to understand Michael a little better from someone other than Edy. Of course, the majority of those stories ended up being the basis for Gina's story which grew so much it had to get its own story.

[lhasa]

Your story is amazing. The world and the premise you have created is very intriguing, and it shows a lot of dedication and preparation on your part. I'm also in love with your writing style since it gets the point across beautifully without resorting to long and drawn-out expositions. It's something to admire.

I read through all the chapters last night and I'll probably read through them again tonight because I like the story so much. I can't wait to see what happens between Edy, Michael, Mark, and Mel.

[thelunarfox]

Wow, thank you very much, Nicole. To hear that means a lot. My writing style is something I worry about when I'm going to worry. It is very simple, but I figure it's best to do what comes naturally.

[moondaisy]

Hi Lunar,

Today I caught up with your story and I thought it's as breathtaking as ever! I left comments too.

I love the glimpses you've shown us of your writing process. Fascinating!

And what I'm really thrilled about is realising there is such a wealth of stories to come yet! I guess, I am greedy.

[thelunarfox]

Aw, Moondaisy, you're just wonderful.


New post up. The end- for now.

[lhasa]

You just made my early morning by posting another chapter. I was nearly ready to pull my hair out after going to hell and back (otherwise known as installing the latest patches + World Adventures).

As for the chapter, I loved it. It was very touching and personal. I could really feel the emotions between Michael and Edith. The last few shots were a perfect ending to this part of the story.

[rad]

I like the ending:

Nice combination of romantic, creepy, disturbing and satisfying all at once!

[thelunarfox]

Thanks guys. I'm glad it was enjoyed. I was definitely going for a little creepy and romantic, but especially satisfying. That's wonderful to hear. That means I did my job.


Funny part about those last pictures is that those were the original ones I took for the update. Michael was going to go to her and talk, but I couldn't get them to actually talk when I was writing it no matter how I wrote.

[raquelaroden]

Perfect.

That's all.

OH, wait, no, that's not all, let me add: More, please.

[thelunarfox]

Rachel: Your wish is my command!

This is the week for bonus bits and scraps. For the kick off: picture entry with the extra pics that I was originally going to use for the last chapter.

[sb]

You know I love this. I read all of it at once and wanted more. The character development, the way you go at it sideways and leave so much room for interpretation - delicate and fierce at the same time. Wonderful writing!!

[thelunarfox]

Aw, SB. *blush* Thank you. You are so kind. I certainly hope I can keep this up. Michael and Edith's story was perfection for me. Bittersweet and complicated. One of those things that's hard for me to follow up, but I'll push on through.


So another update. Bloopers, Clues, and everything else. Mostly so you see what I actually put effort into doing. Sometimes I find that it helps to know how a person thinks and what they've tried to do so that the next time I read something of theirs I can go, "Hmm, they put that in for a reason, didn't they? They DO stuff like that."


I also sort of hate bumping up this thread so often. But ah well, that's only this week. Celebration because I actually finished something.

Updates coming on Tuesday, Thursday, and then Saturday- if I can contain my excitement and wait until Saturday for that last piece.

Then next week, the start of a whole new story.

[laura]

Dude, you should celebrate for finishing something! I know I'm gonna throw myself a freaking party when I finally manage to make it through my current round, lol!

Off to comment on your blog now...

[lhasa]

Oooh, now you've gotten me excited. I love your updates.

[thelunarfox]

Ok, actual post.