bardictype
patreon
Developer's Blog #3
🕑 Added 2021-01-15 23:56:45 +0000 UTCCurrent Word Count: 181k
Goal Word Count: 190k
Patreon Release Date: January 22nd (in a week!)
Writing has been going well! There's a lot of info that needs to be communicated in Chapter 6, and info dumps always make me a little nervous. But overall, I'm pretty pleased with what I have down. Of course, knowing me, I'll do a last-minute rewrite of at least one major scene the night before release, because there's nothing like a 24-hour countdown to kick my inspiration levels into overdrive.
I tweaked the plot oh-so-slightly as well. Now Glitch, Sally, and Gray have a bigger plot role in the next chapters, even though they don't appear at all in Chapter 6 (a new-ish, equally important character does, however). As I mentioned in other posts: this upcoming chapter is the Rosy and K show. (Rosy is so much freaking fun. They’re so rude? I love it.)
Button's relationship with Nick also undergoes some strain in this upcoming chapter--Nick is very protective over his younger sibling, and may disagree with your choices. I've tried to build towards an inevitable(?) confrontation by showing Nick's tendency to hover, while also for the most part making the default relationship with him really positive. This way, when there's finally a confrontation with Nick in Chapter 7/8 over boundaries, readers will (hopefully) feel comfortable enough in the sibling relationship that they feel free to disagree (politely or forcefully) without worrying about it negatively impacting their affection level with Nick or end game.
People who love each other often fight, and sometimes their relationship can emerge stronger for it. Fiction thrives off conflict, but I felt it was important to first cement the relationship between Button and Nick as supportive and loving before letting Button really try to fix its weaknesses (no relationship is perfect, after all).
For players with a combative or resentful dynamic with Nick, you'll have the option to either begin repairing the relationship or to shatter it completely. Nick will respond differently to various options depending on your affection stat. Have a low score, for example, and he might assume that you’re being sarcastic if you choose a option that expresses fraternal affection. Likewise, Nick will be more inclined to listen to a Button with a high relationship with him if they get upset and start yelling.
To summarize: Everyone will be given the same dialogue options, but how Nick responds will be very different.
In other news, I’m going to put up a poll tomorrow about Button and the Cupid Calamity, the Valentine’s Day short that K and Gray seem to have won. I’m thinking that it might be fun to play with some classic fanfiction tropes: body switching, love potions, only-one-bed, etc. The winning tropes will be incorporated into the story.
I’ve also been working on some additional goodies for Patreon. Expect to see some Mind Blind personality quizzes in February, as well as some old poetry that I recently unearthed at my mom’s house. (The short stories written in a unicorn diary from when I was a kid, however, I think I’ll refrain from making public.)
Comments
Jo O'Connor
I would love to, and probably will! Rosy definitely needs a Soulmate AU, imo. Mostly because it would rankle them so. However, the other RO routes won't be done in time for Valentine's day, but likely added as Patreon exclusive rewards as there released (and then released for free for Valentine's Day 2022)
Svetlana Morgun
Is there any chance that other ROs will be in the Valentine's short? I'm just a little obsessed (😅) with Rosy, and the idea of him in a story of that kind seems very... interesting 👀 It's totally okay if it's only for K and Gray though ^_^
You're so right, it's the perfect time! 💘
Jo O'Connor
I've read fanfiction before but never written it! I always thought that the scenarios seemed like so much fun to write, though! And what better time to give it a go than Valentine's Day?
Jo O'Connor
That would be surreal, haha! I've been really awed and astounded at how many people are supporting my writing. It took me so long to bring myself to share it, and the reception that MB's received has been beyond my wildest dreams. (And I have crazy dreams, because my dreams are 80% the foundation for my stories.)
Jo O'Connor
Great minds think alike. Animal notebooks (real or fantasy) = best.
I'm so excited! 🤍 And in regard to the Valentine's Day short: I am so behind the idea of using classic fanfiction tropes. Yes, yes, yes!
Genesis
I can't wait for the next update! Btw I'm so happy you're getting the recognition and support you deserve; I'm always looking at the number of patrons you have and it keeps increasing 😊 I'm sure we'll be seeing your works advertised/discussed on big media outlets!
Fish
Omg. I put my childhood short stories in a HEDGEHOG notebook!!
