Something Different: Genre-Savvy Apocalypse
Added 2022-09-30 22:24:37 +0000 UTCThough I mostly work on games and books these days, there's a reliable contingent asking me to write more erotica. I am... only sort of appeasing this group. But what I have for you does include some sex scenes. This is the the refresher project I mentioned last time.
First, take this link to read what's online:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/58735/genre-savvy-apocalypse
Why go back to RoyalRoad? For experiments, mostly, both personal and algorithmic. I wanted to do something with zero promotion and do none of the obnoxious things you're supposed to do, then see how it performed. The story has done... somewhat better than anticipated, but not as well as it could. Data suggests the site has gotten a lot more saturated.
Alternatively, this is me indulging an idea that I don't think is a perfect match for the site. The system apocalypse element fits, certainly, but even people who like almost pure wish fulfillment can be weird about sexual content, plus there's not as much of a market for sex involving established couples. But that's why it's indulging myself and just creating something I wish there was more of.
Anyway, I'd be much obliged if anyone interested would go read the chapters at the above link so as to feed the algorithm. However, as a bonus for all patrons, check this link for seven chapters beyond what's available online:
https://mega.nz/file/7tdQ1YKb#2htD1hjijxvlJCGI4yFGAHf1ZGzdmedc1ZYWTU24Pvo
These chapters complete the first arc, which is basically a novella-length prologue. That's the goal I was aiming for, conveniently finished just before October. Now that it's out of my system, on to other things. ^-^
Comments
I did, yeah. I felt like it had run its course and was getting sick of reviews/comments. There's an apology and more information in my yearly review (at the beginning of the month). I do want to return to this story concept one day. I might finish the novel when I have more time, or you might see Devin and Alice in a future game with the same concept.
Sierra Lee
2023-01-09 23:20:45 +0000 UTC(Sorry for the necro post) Did you take this of Royal road für some reason? The Link goes to a 404 now. I really enjoyed the story so far, do you have any Plans to continue it?
Jan Reese
2023-01-09 16:14:02 +0000 UTCGSA: Good Story Ahead I also got a hopeful impression from the interlude.
Decanter
2022-10-03 22:06:29 +0000 UTCHaha, I've always liked that one. XD That's the feeling I was intending, so I hope that most take it that way.
Sierra Lee
2022-10-03 03:51:40 +0000 UTCDevin in ch 28 https://youtu.be/gAYL5H46QnQ Also as for your question to Grim, I got a hopeful impression from the interlude rather than grim, as so far the tone for the story doesn't give off tragic ending vibes.
2022-10-03 03:15:21 +0000 UTCAppreciate your full thoughts! I haven't heard of that book and will look into it. If you like sympathetic undead, you should like this story. ^-^
Sierra Lee
2022-10-02 13:10:03 +0000 UTCIt was like a fever dream. I saw elements of some of your games and other stories in there, but there was a distinct 'fuck you' to normal progression stories. The entire time I was imagining it as one of those comics with extremely abstract imagery, with two page splashes for the big fights. I can't believe you used the 'Fridged' term in this. That is some extra genre savvy cruelty right there. (The Refrigerator Monologues is a good book btw) It's always great to see a sympathetic undead awaken in these kinds of stories. The weirdness and sadness of it can bring a lot of pathos, though most people just have them eat everything and be gross, missed opportunity really. Honestly I've never understood the obsession with the apocalypse as a force of change in people's imagination. It seems obvious to me that the only truth in it is loss, which I feel you expressed well. So yeah, gutwrencher, but really good overall.
Runcible Technician
2022-10-02 09:59:22 +0000 UTCGlad to hear you enjoyed it! Appreciate your support on the site. >I really did not expect the chapter 28 event (perhaps I should have). Fuck. Then the Interlude... Can I ask what your impressions are for this element going forward? I've become worried that it will give the wrong idea. =/ For example, that it's setting them on a collision course that will end in tragedy.
Sierra Lee
2022-10-02 03:42:07 +0000 UTCThanks for the feedback! There's been some discussion of overlap between fiction and game audiences, so I hope this NSFW story will be a way to test that out.
Sierra Lee
2022-10-02 03:40:21 +0000 UTCI basically binged the entire thing today when I had the time. I certainly enjoyed it and would read more. I made an account just so I could give it a rating and follow it/you. Hopefully that helps with the numbers even slightly. I really did not expect the chapter 28 event (perhaps I should have). Fuck. Then the Interlude... I was consistently amused by the achievement text though. > plus there's not as much of a market for sex involving established couples Like I guess this makes sense? I personally enjoyed that the story focused around a married couple who actually cared for each other, dealt with problems together, and communicated well. Maybe I'm in the minority for this. Maybe it's related to how positively I view my relationship with my wife. I'm not sure. It is something I personally enjoy about Simon's relationships in TLS and Hood+Fenris in OEA. Anyway, I'm glad you shared this with your patrons. =)
Grim8P
2022-10-02 02:04:02 +0000 UTCReally enjoying GSA! Couldn't stop and read all the chapters in one swoop. There's definitely thematic commonalities with TLS, so I think most folks that enjoy the story will also appreciate the game. Hopefully you get some new Patrons out of it, if nothing else! The System/reality ambiguity has a lot of potential. Some of the window messages are also really tantalizing. Looking forward to seeing how the dynamics with Ian & Frank evolve.
2022-10-02 01:25:23 +0000 UTCWell, if you comment further in this chain, it will be hidden by default, so go ahead! Glad to receive more feedback on this one. ^-^
Sierra Lee
2022-10-01 15:16:34 +0000 UTCDamn that was a gutwrencher. I'm afraid to elaborate because of spoilers, but you know what I mean.
Runcible Technician
2022-10-01 13:24:40 +0000 UTCBooks = YES
Runcible Technician
2022-10-01 02:22:58 +0000 UTC
![Kem Alkemest [Assetto Corsa Mod]](https://saketami.com/istorage/14088.jpg)
