Hello everyone!
It's been so long! More than a third of a year to be exact! (Jeez, I didn't think so much time passed...)
Going straight to the point, yes, I plan to continue uploading chapters!
It would be an understatement to say, that there has been a long downtime here, and I'm not even sure how many people still have any interest left, but I digress.
About the reason, why it took so long, I think it most prudent to just come out clean. To be blunt, I really needed to take a step back from everything. Back then, I have already announced, that there would be a long hiatus, because my exam period for my apprenticeship began, so I decided to dedicate my focus on that. While I expected to return shortly upon being done with my exams, I ended up taking two more months, because 1) I lacked both the motivation and energy to continue. 2) I wanted to reevaluate my storytelling. I wanted to reconsider the pacing and certain parts of the story, as I didn't consider them being entirely "optimized". There was also the issue of my writing style. Simply put, concerning my writing, I struggled to find my footing. It's important to consider a writing style that not only invites the reader to continue with the story, but also feels comfortable for me to write. There's also the issue of my upload schedule and the content itself. Usually, I did weekly chapters in smaller parts that were within a word count of about 1000–2000. Later on, I announced, that I wanted to try out writing full chapters within 2–4 weeks. However, I quickly became unsure of, whether I would be able to keep this schedule up. There is also another issue I needed to address to both you and myself. That issue is... I originally wanted to publish this story in the form of a webcomic. However, I didn't feel comfortable with my drawing skills, as I am still very much an amateur. I haven't drawn for a long time, so I still want to practise, before going further with that plan. Because of this, I have resorted to start out with a webnovel, which is why I'm here! I do plan to eventually start the comic, however I will likely continue with the novel in tandem, even if the uploads would decrease in frequency.
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I think I have finally found my footing again, however I doubt that this will be the end, as I quite frankly still have no idea, what I'm doing. But I feel rejuvenated, which is what mattered the most to me.
As such, I would like to announce the following about a lot of the decisions I made for my future uploads. This info may not be interesting to you, but I would like to say those things out loud, nevertheless. So here goes...!
1. I will continue with the previous pattern, when it comes to my upload schedule. Basically, chapters being cut in shorter parts and uploaded weekly,
2. I'm changing my writing style. Previously, I went with first-person perspectives, when it came to depicting the story. I also wanted to limit the information the reader would receive and try to be very cryptic, when it came to character interactions, as I wanted to go with a more mysterious vibe to contrast the light-hearted moments I tried to convey in most parts of the plot. However, I soon realized that I don't think I can execute this writing style in the way I wanted. It requires a considerable amount of experience and literary skills. As such, it felt like I was failing to grab the reader's interest in the story and characters. For this reason, I chose to go with third-person perspectives for the storytelling. Additionally, I will be less cryptic, when it comes to conveying information. I feel like this will be a better direction for me, however I will wait and see, whether this style resonates with me.
3. As mentioned above, in the not so far future I would like to begin with the comic, but I will do my best to not abandon the webnovel version of this story!
Alright, this was a lot of talking on my part, and I'm not sure, whether anyone bothered to read any of this. However, I am glad you're here all the same!
While I wasn't able to write a chapter today, I would like to offer you a little preview to make up for it! Enjoy!
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"I wasn't able to introduce myself last time we met! I'm Divian!"
The boy introduced himself to his peer, as though they are equals. His outstretched hand gesturing him to take it with a warm smile plastered on his face was a complete contrast to the attitude Alphonse witnessed moments ago. From the people, sharing the same status as the boy before him, yet being entirely different beings by nature. He could tell that this boy lived in another world entirely...