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autumnslance · 2 years

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Lately I’ve only been interested in characters I hear or see, but get upset or discouraged when I don’t anymore. my furthest character I had ever progressed and I let losing her voice or her telling me to leave her alone had me end up deleting her. I don’t want them doing that anymore. How do you keep control? I need advice.

It sounds like you're giving your creations too much credit and yourself not nearly enough, perhaps due to a lack of confidence.

Usually when writers or roleplayers talk about the character speaking/taking control/making their own decisions, it has to do with understanding when to step back from one's own decisions and ideas of "what's the right choice" and knowing a character well enough to determine what choice such a person would make, based on how the writer/roleplayer built that character's personality and experiences. Some of it is one's subconscious pinging onto things one may not have consciously realized yet.

When I say Aeryn "decided for herself" that she was gonna ship with Thancred and I was just along for the ride, that was my unconscious mind checking the boxes of my enjoyment of fictional romances, realizing that was an OK thing in the FF14 fandom, combined with the tropes I like that Thancred embodies, all meshing well with the personality and background I'd given to my character. I'm playfully annoyed at myself for falling into my own trap and not realizing it until it had already closed on me.

That's not to say some characters can't be difficult; it took me a few years of attempting to figure out the worgen character I wanted to play back in World of Warcraft. I had a concept, personality, names, backstory...it just refused to mesh, for a long while, until the time and circumstances--in game, in RP, and for me in real life--found the right balance to make it work. I needed to be in a place where I could actually bring that character to life correctly.

And sometimes a character is simply done. I've retired or faded out characters that weren't going anywhere, either due to a lack of time or development, or I had said all that was needed to be said through that particular story. Anything else could be said via other means, in new ways.

There are a lot of characters from RPs and stories and WoW that I loved, still love, maybe had more I could say, but those games and stories ended, or I moved to other things, and so those characters are...we'll say resting, for now. I dunno if I'll ever write any of them again, and that's OK, cuz I have new characters, and can also revisit those concepts with more experience and different perspectives than I had then, in either a revamp of the same character, or a whole new character with some similarities.

I've even had a favorite and popular character die in a wonderful RP adventure, and a couple years later had the chance to bring her back...and I wished later that I hadn't. I should have let her stay dead. It was a misstep in her story.

Cuz I am the writer. I am making the decisions for the fictional characters and worlds I create. I don't always make the right ones. But I can always fix that.

When you say "characters you can hear and see" do you mean easily accessible ones you can play with more often in a game (tabletop, video, chat, other)? The new ones currently catching your attention while older others end up in the background due to the new shiny? Some folks can play many alts, write many characters, come up with endless amounts of development and story. Not all of us can.

Time and energy are realities limiting all of us to different degrees. New ideas are great, but if they aren't ready yet, they can wait in a folder. I've sat on some character concepts for a decade, waiting for the right game or story. Sometimes an older character needs a break; perhaps we're done telling their story, or perhaps they'll be a vehicle for something else to say later. They can wait in a folder meanwhile. Some characters get more development time and attention than others. They aren't bad characters and you're not a bad person for neglecting those stories, there's just only so much time in a day.

In the end, we do control our fictional characters' development, their backstories, and the choices they make. Sometimes we make errors and make an OOC choice for them, sometimes we try to fit them into the wrong story. But we can also go back and fix those things as we need to; nothing's set in stone. Roll it back if needed.

Don't overwhelm with more than can be handled, but also don't despair if you bounce between new OCs often. Sometimes a character needs to wait, and sometimes they need to be given a rest or even retired. Concepts can always be recycled with a new perspective at another time, so save them off to the side to visit with now and then.

Decide the story you want to tell, and find the character to tell it through. Know your time and energy limits to choose the stories you're able to tell right now. Don't compare yourself or your OCs to others; do your best to be true to your story and character (while, if in RP, keeping it fun and collaborative for all involved, so communicate and set boundaries), fix mistakes, and be OK with letting go when you've said all you need to through that character.

#Lyn Prompts #Writing #Characters #blogging #about me

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rowyn-writes · 3 years

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Cinnamon and Sugar

Chapter Three

Warnings: language, fluff, mentions of a toxic relationship, small angst

Characters: Dean, Reader, Benny Lafitte (mentioned only)

Pairings: Dean x Reader

Word Count: 1.8k

Dean let you sit in his car until the rain let up a bit. "God, I hate the rain." He grumbled.

"I love it." You whisper, your eyes wandering the parking lot. "When I was younger, and there was a thunderstorm, me and my siblings would make a fort and huddle underneath it together. We loved it when the power would go out. We would light candles and grab flashlights and play board games in the dark. Sometimes Andrew would read to us. But uh - it would be scary stories," You smiled. "He would scare the ever living crap out of us. Lena and Josh would would cuddle into my side, no matter how much I hated it, they would still do it."

"You really love your siblings." Dean noted, swallowing hard, memories of Sam flooding his head.

"I do." You nodded. "They're all I have. Sure, I have my parents, but it's not the same, you know? Growing up, my siblings and I fought like dogs and cats, but we knew each other better than anyone, even our parents. Even when I go months without seeing them, when we all get together, it's like we're still little kids, ya know? We goof around, we argue, we joke. It's like none of us ever grew up."

Dean stayed silent for a moment, and you weren't sure if your message was getting across. "Look, I know we don't know each other very well, but what I'm trying to say is, call your brother. I don't know what happened between you two, but it's obvious that you love him. You shouldn't waste all your time worrying about whether you should contact him first or if he's angry with you. Time is a precious thing and people often waste it."

"Damn, you're wise." Dean gave a quiet chuckle. "But you're right. I will call him soon, I'm just not ready yet." And with that, the Impala was enveloped in silence again. That is, until Dean's stomach let out a loud rumble. "Sorry," He apologized with a sheepish grin.

"Don't worry about it." You shrugged. "It looks like the rains letting up. Do you want to come inside and I can fix you some food?"

"Oh, I don't want to impose." He shook his head.

"Nonsense. You gave me a ride home, this is the least I can do."

Dean silently debated whether or not he should take you up on the offer, but ultimately agreed, seeing as he was starving. By the time you were under cover, you were both soaked.

As soon as you opened the door to your apartment, you were met with a warm blast of heat. A pleasant shiver ran down your spine.

You began to click your tongue, calling out for your moody cat. "Storm, c'mere buddy." Your cat glared at you stubbornly from his place on the window seal. You rolled your eyes, slipping off your jacket and hanging it over the back of the chair.

"Sorry," You apologized to Dean. "My cat's being a little bitch." The man let out a laugh at your comment. "I gave him a bath and clipped his claws yesterday; now he's pissed at me."

"How in the hell do you cut a cat's nails?" He questioned, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Very carefully." You noticed that Dean was shivering. "Let me grab you a towel. I think I have some of my exes clothes. You're about the same size."

He was going to object when you silenced him with a look. You went to your room and began rummaging around in your draws, eventually finding a pair of black sweat pants and a grey hoodie.

"Try this," You said, handing Dean the clothes. "They should fit. You can change in the bathroom; it's the first door on the right."

While Dean went to change, you did the same. You exited your bedroom dressed in a pair of black leggings and a UK sweatshirt.

You noticed that Dean still wasn't out yet, so you went to start some food. You contemplated on what you should cook before ultimately deciding that mac and cheese would do. It was a comfort food, after all.

It would take a bit longer than usual, since you were making it from scratch, but Dean had said earlier that he had nowhere to be.

"Smells good in here." Dean noted when he walked out of the bathroom. Seeing him in Michael's clothes made your heart stop for a second, and not in a good way.

Dean and Michael had many similarities, the hair color, height, demeanor, etc. And you didn't want to be reminded of that man.

"Thanks," You said nonchalantly. "It's nothing special, but I thought you'd like it."

"So," Dean started, leaning against the counter. "This is a nice little set up you've got here."

"It's not much, but it's home." You shrugged as you stir the pot of noodles. Out of the corner of your eye, you could see Storm sneaking around the corner of the kitchen, hoping for some food or a treat.

"How long have you lived here?" Dean asked.

"About five years." You informed him. "Ever since I turned eighteen I've been living on my own."

"How come?"

"You know the thing parents always say? 'As long as you live in my house, you follow my rules'? Well, I didn't like their rules so I got myself this apartment and I've lived here ever since."

Dean snorted. "Yeah, my old man was like that too. I actually did the same thing as you did. 'Cept I came back 'bout a week later." He laughed. "I was too dependent on my dad and brother. I have never lived alone before then; and to be honest, I hate living by myself. I still do."

"You never got roommates?"

"I had a few. There was Mick and Cas. Of course, I can't forget Benny." He grinned. "But they're all gone now."

"Benny?" You mumbled. "As in Benny Lafitte?"

"Yeah, why? You know him?"

"Do I?" You rolled your eyes. "That idiot's my cousin."

"Really?" Dean said excitedly. "I haven't heard from him in ages, how's he doing?"

"He's loving by the coast, and the last I heard, he met some girl named Andrea and he is head over heels in love."

"That's great." Dean smiled. "I really happy for him."

"Yeah, I expect to get an invitation to his wedding so enough. The way he talks about her, you would think he's known her his entire life."

"That's sweet. Benny seems like the guy that falls hard after one date."

"Oh yeah, he definitely is." You giggle. "He calls me after one date and says, 'Y/N, I think I'm in love. If I sent you a picture of a wedding ring, would you look at it and tell me what you think?'"

"No way!" Dean laughed.

"Yes! I had to talk him down from buying an engagement ring! I told him to wait for a year and a half, and then revisit the subject of marriage. Times almost up and he's still fawning over her. But I'm happy for him, he definitely deserves this."

You sprinkled bread crumbs on top of the Mac and cheese before popping it in the oven for a few minutes.

"You put break crumbs on your mac and cheese?" Dean questioned.

"You don't?"

"Never tried it." He shook his head.

"You caveman." You sighed. "I will just have to train you." Dean gave a harmonious laugh, which, in turn, made you laugh as well.

You grabbed a towel and pulled the mac and cheese out of the oven. You scooped some onto a plate and handed it to Dean. Both of you sat down at your small kitchen table and began to dig in.

"Oh my god." Dean said, his mouth full with food. "That is the best mac and cheese I've ever had."

"See? Told you it would be good."

"I'll never doubt you again." He mumbled as he shoveled more into his face.

You ate in a comfortable silence until there was a knock at your door. "I'll be right back." You told Dean as you opened the door.

"Mr. Pierce." You said nervously. "What can I help you with?" You knew what he wanted. And you sure as hell didn't have it.

"You're behind on rent, Y/N. I need the money, or I'll have no choice but to evict you." You felt your heart drop to your stomach.

"I-I don't have it right now. My hours have been cut and I-"

"I'm sorry, Y/N. You're a good girl, but I need someone who will lay rent on time every month. I really hate to do this, but I want you out in two weeks."

"I-It's okay, Mr. Pierce," You assured him shakily. "I understand." And with that, he was gone. You gave a shaky breath as you leaned on the door.

"Y/N?" Dean called, approaching the living room. "What's going on? Are you okay?"

"I will be." You nodded.

"What happened?" Dean questioned gently.

"I just got my eviction notice." You deadpanned. Dean's mouth popped open in shock. "I have to be out in two weeks."

"Crap, sweetheart. I'm sorry. What are you going to do?"

"Couch surf for a while, maybe? I know Jo will let me stay with her for a couple of days, but if her landlord catches me there, he'll throw her out too."

"What about your parents?"

You gave a cold laugh. "No, they'll never let me come home. I would stay with my older brother, but he's overseas right now. So honestly, I don't know what I'm going to do."

Dean stayed silent for a moment before speaking up. "You could come live with me." He suggested.

"Dean, I really appreciate the offer, but I can't impose on you like that."

"It's okay," He assured you. "I have an extra bedroom. And it's not imposing if I'm asking. Besides, like I said before, I hate living on my own."

"Dean, we barely know each other." You tried to reason.

"Hi, my name is Dean Winchester, I'm an Aquarius, I enjoy sunsets, long walks on the beach, and frisky women." You let out a loud laugh. "There, now you know more about me."

"Dean-"

"Just think about it. If you can't find anywhere else to live, my door's always open. I have to go, but here's my number," He said, writing down his phone number on a sticky note. "If you need anything, call me." Dean gave you a small smile before he walked out the door.

You flopped on the couch, staring up at ceiling. Storm jumped up on your chest, purring loudly. You gently scratched his back. "What should I do, Storm?" You asked. "Would you want to live wYou flopped on the couch, staring up at ceiling. Storm jumped up on your chest, purring loudly. You gently scratched his back. "What should I do, Storm?" You asked. "Would you want to live with Dean? You seemed to like him." Storm gave a tiny meow, his eyes closing shut. "Real big help there, buddy."ith Dean? You seemed to like him." Storm gave a tiny meow, his eyes closing shut. "Real big help there, buddy."

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Tag List:

Cinnamon and Sugar Tags

@vicmc624 @lovememisha @supernatural-jackles @laycblack

Dean Tags:

@akshi8278

And if anyone else wants to be added to any tag list, let me know!

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introdemodev · 3 years

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where. is the. demo?

(long post under the cut)

if it was to come out now, today, most of the ending will just be a black screen and a textbox (like the screenshot above).

so what's left???

1. i need to finish all the illustrations & assets for the end of the demo, and some assets need to be animated too (this is a visual novel/motion comic after all!). this is the bulk of the work, if you don't count me spending days troubleshooting.

2. even though the beginning and middle of the demo is completed, i need to retouch some artwork...for example, clyde doesn't wear a tie anymore so i need to go back and remove it. it's just a tie, so it doesn't take too long to fix.

3. i need to redo the main menu screen. it doesn't fit the ~*aesthetic*~ i'm going for anymore + kettle's name is...officially fennel now! so. yeah. obviously it needs to be changed!

4. bug testing and making sure the game functions properly.

5. i also need to redo the sprites for clyde, diya, and wren.

and that's it!

i do plan on sharing another snippet of the game, like i did back in january. this is not the demo. the actual demo will be out sometime in october. more on that later, in another post...

now...what about the full game...?????

there is still a lot of work to be done! as you can prolly guess, this mostly includes: making even more assets and illustrations. there are also some minigames sprinkled throughout introdemo and that means i also need to seriously sit down and read books and watch vids on python.

my brain has a hard time understanding anything that's 'technical' (so...coding, math, 3d modelling...physics...you name it). thankfully, renpy is user friendly but a lot of stuff does go over my head! not putting myself down or anything, it's just something i need to spend more time on (and there's a lot of stuff i want to do in this game).

so whenever i run across a bug i can't figure out, sometimes it will take me a few days to pick everything apart and troubleshoot. it's fun, but it can be frustrating at times because i can't rely on forums or guides for every issue i run across.

couple examples:

the nameplates! last month, i finally fixed the issue with longer names not fitting the nameplates. it took a while, but it's fixed! the solution to this problem was fixing how the text was formatted inside the namebox and also the width of the namebox.

(clyde's assistant, diya, is now...clyde's segment producer! good for her)

i also really, really, really wanted a three card monte minigame. but i wanted the card shuffling to feel random. i don't want to explain too much because it would spoil how it work (i can talk more about it once the demo officially comes out) but i had to go with a more 'complex' solution because i didn't understand the more 'simple' solution. if any of that makes sense.

you can play introdemo w/o ever running into the tcm minigame so it's not my main priority right now. but thankfully, it works fine, but it's something that i will have to revisit later.

other minigames that will be introdemo includes: pop quizzes, point n click and hidden objects, decrypting secret messages, pulling off a successful interview, critiquing a romance novel and...more? maybe?

aaaand that's about it! next time i write up another blog post, it'll feature some gameplay footage (like minigames, choices, motion comic scenes, etc), just wanted to tell you guys where i'm at rn since it's been a while.

i had some things happen in my personal life at the beginning of the year which caused me to stop working on this game. i'm ready to work on this game again, and i'll try to get the demo out before the end of this year, even if that means uploading it on 12/31/21 at 11:59:59 PM EST.

thanks for waiting and thanks for reading! sorry ahead of time for any proofreading errors lol.

#update #game update #introdemo #renpy #visual novel #dating sim

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