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Writer's Blog: O Brother, Where Art Thou?
🕑 Added 2021-04-24 02:10:51 +0000 UTCNext Patreon Chapter: Chapter 9 (coming 4/28)
Current Wordcount: 286k
Average Playthrough: Unknown (I need to fix all the coding bugs in order to run random test, which gives me the average playthrough length)
Chapter 9 is coming Wednesday! The entire chapter should be playable from beginning to end, although I'll probably hold off on including some of the alternative scenes. (Low-relationship Nick route, for example, needs tweaking.)
Warning: Spoilers from Chapter 8's cliffhanger ahead.
Chapter 9 is about Nick. More specifically, it's about Button and Nick, and what their relationship looks like going forward. How Button behaves in Chapter 9 (including but not limited to their immediate reaction to Rosy's revelation) will determine how Nick treats them going forth.
Other than Nick's overall relationship score, which will continue to impact flavor dialogue, there will be a new, invisible variable recorded. I don't want to say too much about this variable, because I'd rather let its impact on the story speak for itself. But I will warn those wanting to play out a reconciliation arc between low-relationship Button and Nick: this is the deciding point. Either jump on that plotline now, or you'll forever lose the opportunity.
I realize that I talk about Nick a lot in these blogs, but the relationship between him and Button, whether good or ill or six feet below, is central to Mind Blind. Yes, there are romances and those romances are also super important. But it's possible to play Mind Blind without romancing any of the ROs. Nick, however, is essential. Because at its core, Mind Blind is a game about family bonds, and whether those bonds are broken, reinforced, or reforged.
Whereas Chapter 8 was about establishing the logistics of Operation Hemera, Chapter 9 accomplishes two main tasks. First, it finally begins the Operation. Not much to detail about that, because it would require summarizing the plot when I'd rather you all read it and give feedback. The second task of Chapter 9 is equally important: it establishes Button's mental state. There have been hints of it so far, but in general things have been happening at too break neck a pace for Button to take a step back and simply react.
In Chapter 9, you get to react.
Button can scream or Button can pretend to be fine. Maybe Button compartmentalizes. Maybe they're excited by the risk. Or maybe they realize that they're trapped in a plotline so absurd that there's nothing left to do but laugh.
Currently, the intervention for “depressed Buttons” is coded to occur in this chapter, although I might bump it back to Chapter 10 depending on where my edits take me (it might be more impactful if this intervention happens after Button behaves recklessly in-mission). If your Button doesn’t trigger the intervention, there are alternative scenes with either your chosen RO or Sally/K. The routes will be different, but of equal length and importance.
I admit, some of Chapter 9’s scenes have wrung me emotionally dryer than a squeezed sponge. It’s one of writing’s most exquisite aches—pouring everything inside onto the page until I’m parched and hollow. Which sounds . . . at the very least pretentiously Byronian and at the worst ghoulish but is actually quite cathartic (albeit draining).
Thus, I’ve taken the night off teaching and am instead recharging with a book in bed (thank you Patreon so much for allowing me to do this!). Add a Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate bar, and I’ll be ready for more editing come morning.
Comments
Vanessa Mesquita
Hey! I have a question! My button has a great relationship with nick, not so much with hope (actually the opposite of "great"), but i didnt decide yet about her relationship with john. so i ask, it will be possible in the story you have a reconciliation with just one of their parents?
Niamh
I - and I cannot stress this enough - LOVE Nick. He's one of my favourite characters I've ever encountered in media. Catch all my Buttons doing absolutely anything to save him. I can't bring myself to play a character that has a negative relationship with him at all. I just pretend I don't see the mean options. I am so hyped for the next chapter!
Alpna
i love that the sibling dynamic is the main centre of the story!! even if it hurts - i enjoy exploring the strained version vv much so
Jo O'Connor
Make sure you use the most recent Patreon demo link (code name: Project Dingo)
I am curious about that variable but I love Nick too much to play low-relationship aghhhh I can't wait!
VickyPink
So excited for chapter 9! I love that Nick and Button's relationship is central to this story. As an only child the idea of an older brother like Nick fills me with warm fuzzy feelings. Nick being in a coma and unable to protect himself feels like such a complete role reversal from the flashback of Nick carrying Button up to her room and staying with her after the incident with Hope, literally saving her life and being strong for her while being terrified himself. We really need to get him back and protect him! 🥺❤
thania
So idk if it was just me or anything but when i was playing the demo only chapter 7 is up but i remember like training w gray and everything and when i play the demo it stops when gray and sally come in. am i playing the wrong demo or? i’m so confused
Samantha Murphy
I can't wait for the intervention, I've been looking forward to it for so long
So exited for the upcoming chapter 💗
Jo O'Connor
Thank you so much and happy early birthday!!
Amni
ah ch 9 update will be a great early birthday present since thursday is my birthday!!! cant wait to see how the story continues further and am excited to see how my Button react to Nick being missing. i dont think i can handle another heartbreak especially after you pulled off the bomb scene (i rlly thought he be dead for sure) good luck jo and happy editing! 💞
Jo O'Connor
Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin!
Fish
Might i ask, dear bard, what youre reading for tonight?
