Facing Changes - Afterthoughts · 5:46pm May 3rd, 2014
So Facing Changes has finally ended, and I’ve had a great time writing it. I decided to close out with a blog instead of an author’s note because I want to give you guys a chance to really discuss the story not just with me, but with each other, and I want to provide an open forum to ask questions and such. I plan on doing this whenever I finish a story from now on.
I think it goes without saying that you should actually finish the story before reading this, but I’ll say it anyway: finish the story before reading this.
I feel like this story was a step forward for me as a writer. It’s the first time that I tackled something this emotional, and while I don’t think I did it perfectly, I do think that I met my personal expectations for a story of this nature. I wanted Devin’s demeanor to progress to the point where he finally made peace with his situation.
As for Luna, I had fun characterizing her too. This was the first time I put her in an antagonistic light, but I didn’t want to make her a true antagonist. My goal was for her to initially serve as a foil to Devin during her arc, but then realize that she had him all wrong.
The hardest scene for me to write was definitely the scene in Chapter IX where Celestia unleashes her anger on Prime Luxury. I wanted her to be angry, but not so angry that she comes off as way to aggressive. I wanted there to be a sense of defensiveness in her words, and I did my best to convey that.
What do you guys think? Did you guys enjoy the story? Was it a nice change of pace from my usual fare?
Because I know someone will ask, I do not plan on making a sequel to this story. As I’ve said before, I’m not a big fan of making sequels (or any other story) when I don’t feel like my heart is into it, and right now I feel that this was a fitting conclusion for Facing Changes.
I am now working on the first chapter of my next story, Shades of Night, and I hope that you guys will give that story a shot, too.
As always, let me know all your comments, questions, and concerns in the comments.
Until then, I’ll catch you guys later.
Thanks for writing such a good story
Thanks for this story, it's really great. I'm a little sad for the sequel thing but i can understand. Thanks again
So your stories have been mostly a, like I said before, Slice of Life genre retaining to it. Would the newer stories also be a slice of life?
Thank you for such a unique story.
My only hope is that a sequel is produced for this story
Great story. Can't wait to see more from you. You're one of the few authors on this site who has truly impressed me enough so that I keep coming back for more. Keep up the good work, and thank you for sharing your talent for writing with us.
Gotta agree with all the people here, that was quite a good story. I liked the protagonist's personality and especially the way he reacted to the whole new situation around him. Reminds me of myself when I had to deal with the same stuff in real life.
Anyway, great stuff! Certainly deserves a fave.
Cheers!
This was an awesome story man. I loved it. The character development, the plot, the ending. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. And your so involved with your fans. Its a pleasure to have an author like you around. Keep being 20% cooler my friend.
I'm sad it's ending. There's so much potential here. His college life, his dating life, possible siblings, etc. Part of me also wants to see backstory of how he and Celestia interacted when she and Calvin where dating. I also feel there could have been more interaction with the other royals, especially since I kind of wanted to see Blueblood whine about the humans coronation. However, I can understand if you choose not to do a sequel.
I can't really complain about there not being a sequel since this was originally a one shot. I'm grateful that you've turned this into a longer story that allowed the readers to better understand the characters. This story also proved to be a more sober alternative to My Overbearing Aunt. Don't get me wrong - MOA is a fun story and all, but this was a chance to put down the comedy and produce a more serious tale. And I'm happy to say that you did very well.
The earlier chapters had a raw emotional appeal that originally captured my attention, rare since I am not a big fan of anthro. Devin's anger, resentment, confusion, irritability, his unwillingness to accept the overtures from Celestia because he saw it as her trying to replace his mother struck a note with me. I thought that the notion that the only reason he even put up with the ponies was because of his dad's sake earlier on was something that perhaps didn't get the attention it deserves. Not that I expected him to be paraded through the streets because he was 'sacrificing his happiness' (for lack of a better term). I just found it a rather interesting concept that could have tested its own boundaries. Just how much could Devin put up with for his dad before he had enough? Just how 'selfless' he is?
The Voice. To be honest, I'm a bit disappointed with how the Voice was resolved (though I understand that you wanted to wrap up the story). That it was his inner demon manifesting wasn't that surprising, but I had thought it would have played a larger part in the story that would justify the Sad tag. Knowing his inner turmoil, It could have pushed him, needled him, mocked him, growing larger as it became something more. Perhaps it could have ambushed him with visions of 'the future'. Maybe it would have showed Celestia and Calvin having another son, a 'true' prince of royal blood, not through marriage, It could have played on a fear of his being replaced in his father's eyes and losing another parent, this time in a totally different way. Him just confronting and conquering it with some well-placed words just seemed to fall a bit... flat.
Celestia's characterization was, for the most part, well done. Her caution and anxiety when it came to having a stepson came through. It differs sharply from the Celestia from MOA, and that was a good thing. MOA Celestia would have been an absolute disaster in this type of setting. Constantly pushing and insisting Devin go along with whatever she wanted would have terminated whatever relationship they might have had before it got off the ground. This Celestia came across as one willing to take a step back even if it caused her to feel hurt.
Calvin came across as a bit player. I got the impression that he and his son were close, not shocking after the death of his wife that they would latch onto each other for support. So it was rather surprising that he came across as just vaguely concerned about his son. Of course, mitigating factors were Devin was eighteen, and his life had been busy with his wedding and honeymoon and all the changes that came with it. But since he came across as a man who would want to be there for his son - even if his son didn't want him to - it was something that perhaps could have been played up more.
Luna played her part well. She didn't particularly care for coddling her new, seemingly ungrateful nephew. Her main concern was the well being of her sister. Seeing Devin snub Celestia's advances would not have sit well with her, and it reflected in her actions. I thought she would have done something a bit more drastic when they had their confrontation, such as perhaps destroying Misfit when she saw the crown on its head,
thereby sending Devin in a downward spiral of depression from which he would never recover.Thought their conflict resolved a bit too soon, but given the length of the story, I suppose I cant complain. I still will though ^^His school life could have been expanded on, his relationship with Kadeem, more on how he was treated by students and teachers trying to suck up to him and whatnot, charges of favoritism and so on could have all been done. Blah blah blah, size of the story and not all that important, I know.
All in all, this was a truly awesome story, and I hope that you step away from the comedy a bit more often and do some more serious pieces. Damn, this is one long post.
Its was a really good story and I'm a bit sad for not continue, you left it open for something to come though, like the Galena scene, or his future prince classes.
Anyway I can't wait to see what you had in store for 'night shade' and just ask what I'm pretty sure some other authors are or will ask at some point. Would you let others made like a sequel? with your permission of course.
I can totally see the author of 'my overwhelming aunt' making a sequel where Galena try to become his girlfriend. Or Zamarick maybe made one 'where some humans or rival kingdom try or success in kidnapping him or the author of 'Lovely Rarity' , 'mother celestia' or 'the Monster of Canterlot' made one with him facing the world of being a prince as well as what does it mean, mares starting to flirt with him. Stallions try to manipulated a 'gullible' prince, maids turning to be spies, or maybe he trying to become more friendly toward them and make friends, personal body guards witch he try to break the ice, and other…
The ideas are there and I imagine anyone that read your story will ask for your permission so I'm wonder if you would give it to them permission
sequel
Tis an end to a story,
And such a venture it was.
To the raw reality,
And the events that ran past.
From Devin's denial,
His anger and distrust.
"She is decieving and vile."
These thoughts were a must.
His confusion and state,
Were in great disarray.
His anger would not sate,
Until she would go away.
Yet a lingering thought is growing.
Inside of him it was nurtured.
It cleared his choices and knowing.
His balloon of negativity punctured.
As days went by,
with this new mindset.
He grew and forgot,
About being upset.
Though at one day,
He got into a fight.
The other side of the day,
The Princess of the Night.
But as they both learned,
And cleared up mistakes.
A new bond was churned,
And a new one he makes.
Through the Parents' Night,
Events have conspired.
Through the rolling disco lights,
He saw a mare who admired.
He danced and he danced,
With the one he now calls mom.
I might guess he even pranced,
When he saw a face long gone.
Thus he achieved contentment,
On both sides and more.
He had his loving parents,
Now to let his wings...
Soar.
Puts on a white dress and a horse mask, "I LOVE IT!"
But seriously, i do, it was a great story and the end gave me feels, and let me tell you something. There is not alot of stuff out there that has given me feels.
This story was wonderfully writen and i enjoyed it deeply. Like the rest of your stories.
I can understand that you don't feel like a sequel, but you have gotten my imagination going with Galena.
This story is well written and has some serious emotion packed into it. Loved it.
2073909 I agree we needs a sequal.
You DID do it perfectly! It even made me cry a little!
But still, You should keep writing! I love Facing Changes and My Overbearing Aunt!
That's all I have to say.
Goodbye for now.
2073838
I'm not really into letting others do sequels of my works, mainly because I feel that every good story has a certain charm that only the original author can bring to it, and when someone else takes over, that charm disappears.
2073909 2074571
Sorry guys. I don't plan on making a sequel anytime soon.
2075280 Either way I loved Facing Changes and would love another fic that is similar.
2075280
2075288 Same here.
2075277
Well…would you at least, let someone do sequel with your permission and of course you had to double check and see the chapters and he or she can only post it with your approval? That way the essence remain, and the people get what they want
2075333
Not really feeling that idea. I don't want to just give my story to another writer just because the readers want a sequel so badly. It may sound like a good idea at first, but stuff like that has a very low probability of working out.
I know I'm disappointing a lot of people be not wanting to make a sequel, but that's just the way it is. Sorry.
2075355
I understand and…who knows, maybe some day you will feel the story again and want to make a sequel or something, until then I will wait for the one about Night…something.
Can you tell us what its that going to be about?
2075362
I already posted a synopsis a while ago. LINK
2075370
Oh I see, well I can't wait how that develop
That was really great story, I've ever read.
I really enjoyed this story, tis a shame that it is now over (and no sequel
), but I have one question though, knowing that celestia and luna are immortal, will calvin and deven die naturally of old age (or some accident of some kind), or will there be magic involved in keeping them from dying?
2077974
'cough, cough' bonus story idea 'cough, cough' make them ascend 'cough, cough' immortal means that they could be a spell reserve to royals 'cough, cough'
2079461 2077974
You guys are pretty adamant about a sequel, aren't you?
2079538
You just left us clues here and there dude, also I apologies, but when you do a story so good, people just will be give you a stand up and yell encore, so…yeah this us just saying encore, as well as the clapping.
Maybe
2073659
Yes, they will.
2080389 Are you going to go with Lighting's little bonus story?
2080431
Most likely not. I like to come up with stories on my own, and I'm not really into writing stories that go into detail about the lore surrounding immortality.
Plus I believe that the princesses possess longevity, not immortality.
2080485 Understandable, you wanted glory for what you've accomplished by yourself.
all in all this was a great story. I did have a few gripes here and there that could be overlooked. However one thing that i think you could have done better was the final scene with his "alter ego" the way it was done was good don't get me wrong, I just felt that it was a bit hurried along and could have prolonged the conflict just a bit more. Now going about doing that, no clue. You wrote it well so that is all that matters.
2075280 "Anytime soon"
?
I liked this one alot, and even though im sad its over, it was still a great read and looking forward to your next story
I loved this story but I was bothered with everyone calling him a duche. Have you been in his situation? I have. It takes time. You may not like your new step-parent and it will take time to adjust. I've been in his position. When dad got a new girlfriend I didn't like her. But I got to know her. His situation and his struggle made me think of me. I lost my mother when I was turning 17. So, his reaction is natrual for someone his age and I don't blame him. Even if it's a princess I would react the same. Thank you, Sketchy. I got a story I connected with.
I really enjoyed the story. Every word of it in my opinion was complete perfection. I would like to assume this story was featured? Hard to believe if it wasnt. But anyway, i red this story straight through, and so much intensity! Everything just blended together perfectly. It wasnt like most stories where its like...oh this is happening. Then that. Eh cool. Ohh this happened. Like it moves frome scene to scene with no interesting conflicts or emotions. I just wish there was a sequel. And the ending was rather obvious. Well the whole thing was. Im very good aat predicting things. But i knew if was going to end with Devin telling Celestia he loves her. Plus me being a person who is all about pony human shipping makes it better. And I assume you made it anthro so it would seem a bit less strange? I will be sure to check out shades of Night, and any other stories you have. With your skills im sure you can become a worldwide famous writer. Or is that a bit too 'exaggerative'? Also i noticed you stole Rainbows line from sleepless in ponyville when she saved chicken.
3211442
Actually, this story wasn't featured, to be honest. The story came off to a slow start when it was first published.
Also, which line did I use from Sleepless in Ponyville? It's been a while since I saw that episode.
3211532 when lu.a said she was jealous that she couldnt beat herself when devin did and shes like "if you ever tell anybody, im gonna deny it." Thats what rainbkw said when she saved chicken. Lol chicken.
3211557
Oh, right. She did say that.
3211532 and im going through the same problem right now withbmy latest story 'Wanting to be Human' i knkw how its gonna go, and its gonna have all of that intensity and emotion as well, but its going slow lol. Maybe you could check it out. Thats...if you want to.
lol see what i did there???
3211561
I'd love to, but unfortunately, I don't really have enough spare time to pick up another story in the midst of all the others I'm reading at the moment.
3211593 its cool man. Not saying you have to. Just saying if there was or would be one i would most definetely read it. And im already half way through shades of night. Noah is a master astronomer yet he cant figure ouf the obvious fact that moon is in love with him
3211593
What do u think of princess Luna was the the step or Candace being the the step bc of a fall out between her and shiny how would that play out. I was wondering what your input is for those too if it happens.
4744543
Um... What?
4744666
I'm saying would you think about making alternate story line or attempt what would happen if you make one? Well plot wise anyways.
4744733
I highly doubt that I'll be revisiting this story, or any of my stories, for that matter. These days I'm more focused on my artwork.