State of the Author, Jinglemonth Edition · 9:14pm Dec 21st, 2020
I should get one last one of these out before the new year.
Last time I was working on the first draft of The Crown of Night chapter 12, the followup to the Five Year Chapter. I was quite close to finishing it. But then November happened, and I spent pretty much all of November in an exhausted daze. 2020 is quite something, y'all. But I recovered somewhat, and I managed to complete the first draft. Then I took some weeks off because, well, I needed it. But I'm back to work now and working on the second draft.
I got a good start by going straight for the scene that gave me most trouble the first time around and fixing it. It now no longer has broken continuity! Characters no longer disappear and reappear without explanation! I fixed it in the second draft!
December here is really weird this year. It's the evening of the 21st of December, and let me tell you it does not feel like Christmas Eve is mere days away. The weather here has been foggy and rainy all month. Today the clouds broke a bit and I got to see the sun, and I'm honestly pretty sure it's the first time this month. It definitely feels that way.
Goodness gracious me. This year has ruined my memory, I'm struggling to think of anything to say. I mean, there are always things to say. But where do you even start? And what do you prioritize? If we talk about all the things that deserve to be talked about we'll never get any work done.
Well, I watched a new movie a few days ago: Wolfwalkers. It's absolutely amazing and drop-dead gorgeous. And it's by the same studio that made The Secret of Kells, another drop-dead gorgeous movie I loved back in the day.
A bit late for Nightmare Night but here, have a Headless Unicorn Princess.
Yeah, that about sums up the state of the author at this time. I wish you all the happy holidays, with comfort and safety for everyone.
Same to you, friend!
Cartoon Saloon has become my favourite animation studio this past decade. They haven't done many films, but they've all been fantastic. I'm gonna watch Wolfwalkers at the first opportunity.
If Star Swirl's in it, he is the explanation.
Wishing you all the best.
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Cheers!
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You really must, it's incredible.
I still haven't watched Song of the Sea or The Breadwinner. I have to do that.
5419437
"Look, I was talking to this pony about a matter of national security and of the utmost secrecy. That other pony wasn't part of that conversation, and the fact that they were standing right behind me at the time is completely irrelevant! I don't see how you can blame this on me."
Honestly, with the way this year has gone, you should feel very accomplished under trying conditions!
Hope your holidays are wonderful and a good omen for the year to come.
Thank you, and happy holidays with comfort and safety to you too!
I very much enjoyed ‘Song of the Sea’, so I will certainly aim to watch Wolfwalkers. Thanks for the tip.
Is that a headless unicorn princess? Or a unicorn princess with her head carrying a headless mannequin on her back?
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There are some mysteries we may never understand.
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If nothing else, this was the year I finished the Five Year Chapter. I will always have that
Happy Christmas Eve.