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Dev Blog 9/22/23 (Patreon)

Published:
2023-09-22 20:58:06
Imported:
2026-06

Content

It’s been a bit!

I hope everyone is doing the best they can out there and that heading into the end of the year we are all giving ourselves peace. This blog is going to be in two parts. First is going to be the technical stuff for the development of the games and the second part is more of my personal stuff.

Part One:

Well, book 2 is underway. From the second I finished book 1 all I wanted to do was write book 2. And man was it a chore not to. To the point where I was actually sad about it. LOL! But, it is now underway and I am so excited.  It will be published in the same format as book 1 where I will be posting it chapter by chapter with early release here on Patreon. I would really love to do month by month chapters, but the variation in this one is going to be a bit more vast so I don’t think it will quite be like that any longer. More like every two months, most likely.

I am also taking all the stories from Patreon and getting that up as a DLC for both itch.io and for Steam. It has extra stories in it and a TON of artwork. So be on the lookout for that very very soon.

Book 1 will still occasionally be updated as I find bugs and/or spelling errors. I want to apologize for how many issues there was on release. If I had known it was in need of that much more work, I would have held off for a bit longer. But, I know better this next time around and will be able to have a better time frame and expectation when Book 2 finishes.

That all being said, I am so excited about the introduction of some new shopkeeps, brought to you all by Kickstarter.I am also over the moon about the character of Pen.

Part Two:

Now onto the personal stuff. Skip if you are not interested in my frustrations.

Full transparency, life has been a bit harsh these last few months. Sadly, a friend took their own life and within a few days we found that my stepfather has cancer. That, coupled with having teens who are going through some of their own personal issues due to having a split family, and raising littles, it’s been rough. And I’m going to be honest, the internet got to me something bad upon the full release of the game. I immediately got bombarded with people mad at me for the game and bug reports and it just stressed me out to no end. In the beginning, I had far more bad reviews and asks coming in that anyone being excited about the game or enjoying it. Then, to top it off, I started getting people just bad-mouthing me in other forums and blogs, even though it was clear they had not even read the game. They were just mad about my decision to have a poly and not a monogamous route with Milo.

I’m going to be really honest with everyone on that one. I am so tired of it. The entitlement that comes with people thinking that these characters are something they can lay claim to is incredibly frustrating. So much so that I have held back on certain content because I just do not wish to even deal with the asks. Because when I say they are bad, they are fucking bad. I don’t want to write a monogamous route with Milo. I feel strongly that he is a character that would do far better with two people. And I am very excited for that romance. Doing a solo route with Milo is not something I am interested in writing. I don’t think it is within his character. And the amount of people that are telling me that this is an IF so I have to give them a choice is just irritating as hell. I don’t have to do anything for the sake of other people’s entertainment.

On top of that, oh boy am I angry about the weird sense of access anons seem to feel like they deserve to my work. I have chosen not to do stats. I have chosen to railroad the MC in certain situations. Why? Because it is my story. It is what I want to write. And each time I get someone being angry that they aren’t given a choice or a path, I feel like telling them to write it themselves.

Also, the amount of hurt that people want to do out there is truly disgusting. The people who wish for me to write the MC being able to kill and have a “dark” route is just gross to me. All because you were “betrayed” (you weren’t). And even if you were truly betrayed, that’s your response? I’ve been hurt so I want to hurt others. Even ones who have nothing to do with the situation. I struggle with that A LOT. Mainly because that is something I have pushed from my life actively.

And that’s my rant.

To be honest, I am so incredibly thankful for the readers I do have that are along for the ride. Who enjoy seeing the twists and turns in the story. That is the community I love. The one that hides behind their computer screens and their anonymous asks are a bit harder. And knowing how they have been lately, I fully expect this rant will get posted somewhere else and there will be more complaints on it. But, for those who have been supporting me, thank you. I am really hopeful that you will enjoy book 2 just as much as book 1.

Zinnia

Comments

Mooreaux

I can't wait for the poly in our rps to come to life in NM Book 2. People have no idea what they're missing out on. Even though I'm sitting right next to you in my living room I'm still posting all the love and good vibes I have here for the world to see!! Keep ur head up babe. U are my shining star, my sweet cheese, my rotten soldier, my good time boy 💖

OmNomNivore

I’m so sorry that you have to deal with all those rude and entitled people. You truly are one of my favorite interactive novel writers that I’ve stumbled across. You’re so talented and creative that I’m constantly blown away by your character creations, story telling, and ability to bring everything to life in vivid detail. You have made so many people happy through this book that it breaks my heart to hear that you’re dealing with this level of inappropriate feedback and demands. It’s your story and you decide how you want it to be written, we are the lucky ones that get to ride along and enjoy the world that you’ve shared. If someone doesn’t like the direction that you’re taking it, then as you said - they can read something else or write their own. I just want you to know that you have many readers who are in love with your work, and even though we may not be as vocal as the ones spewing vitriol, we support your creative choices for the series 100%. Don’t let them dull your light. Whenever you’re feeling discouraged just remember all of us are here to support you 💕

chi

While it is your story, and you can choose to write whatever you want... I do not think it is strange at all for people to be upset about a book with two LIs of each gender, to have one route be fully poly. People only interested in men and monogamy (which I assume is a rather large portion of your, potential, audience) don't truly have a choice in romance. If they don't like Gabriel, then they are out of luck. I had a friend go for Milo and she told me that he only really talks about being poly after they went pretty far into the romance. Which made her feel a bit coerced into accepting the poly relationship, as she had gotten a good amount into the story. Which just left a bad taste about him being poly. I think if there had been a conversation earlier on, she would not be feeling as strongly about it, than it being sprung on her when she already feels committed.

Zinnia Demitasse

It is a conversation that happens in chapter three or four (interlude). I can't make it much earlier. As for the WIP, it is a WIP. It was subject to change as the story went on and I discovered more about the characters. I don't find it strange if people are upset. They are allowed to be and that has never once been my issue. But, there are thousands of other stories that cater to them. Someone could easily be just as upset that out of the two separate genders, only one of them will bottom for you in the female. Belladonna you get no choice in her sexual preferences. It's just the character. I do not understand coming into someone's inbox and berating them for a piece of fiction. I have never asked everyone to like my decisions. But I have asked for people to move on if they are truly not wanting to read this content. Because I will not be changing it. I think that's what people are not understanding. People are valid to their own feelings. Just as I am valid to mine. And since I am the one putting the work into the story, I'm going to have to make a decision to inspire me. I could sell out and do a mono route with Milo but I guarantee it wouldn't be as good and there would be some major tonal breaks in the story.

themidnighttiger

I'm hugging you virtually (if you want) zinnia! Personally I love everything you've written so far, but if you need a break, that's also totally understandable. We (or at least I) love your writing and can't wait for the next update lol

Zinnia Demitasse

But you are right. People that are the angriest are the ones that seem to be the loudest. In both the internet and life. I am not expecting people to be thrilled with every decision I make. That is naive to think. But I am expecting people to show some human decency. I do not understand why someone won't just move on if they don't like something that is written. I've dropped so many stories because of that. If I'm not the writer for someone, I'm not the writer. I just don't understand that course of action at all.

Kain

Hello, I don't usually comment much but I wanted to tell you that I have been following your story since I think chapter 4 or 5 of the wip and I adore your story, I adore the characters, this magical world that you created is something that helped me a lot in a moment of my life I felt really bad so thank you very much

chi

It could have been mentioned in his character description or just slipped into a conversation. I don't think a character being a sub versus a dom is not equivalent to them being monogamous or polygamous. Also while you are the one writing the story, a lot of the people complaining are people spending money on your book. You are not giving out a free product, the complaints are coming from paying customers who were ill informed about the availability of the LIs. While being harassed for your choice in writing is obviously wrong on their part, you could choose to try and see the overall message that is being displayed here. From what you have said, and from the opinions I have seen, clearly displaying the availability of the LIs could help. Either under their descriptions mentioning whether there is a monogamous or polygamous route, or mentioning it before the game... or something. Also another thing, this is again something my friend mentioned when we talked about the book (She is the one that romanced Milo to the end, I stopped halfway) but she did not see *why* Malcolm and Milo had to be romantically involved, or continue to be. She was not convinced at any point throughout the story that poly was something Milo had to be, and that it more felt like something the author wanted it to be. I hope this changes in book 2, but on her comment I do want to add, I think a strong friendship can be just as impactful as a romantic relationship could be. I don't see a way in which Milo would need to be in a relationship with Malcolm, and why either of them need the other to work romantically or narratively. You would not be a sell out for writing Milo to have a monogamous route, you would simply be listening to the criticism and acting on it. If you don't *want* to do that, that is fine, you are the author. But I have a hard time being convinced that Milo's route would truly suffer from being monogamous. Instead, I imagine it would suffer from an author too stuck in a set image of his route, that they refuse to consider a different way of writing it. Perhaps you can prove us wrong in book 2, and truly show us that Milo's needs to be romantically involved with Malcolm for his route to be done well. But as of right now? It does not make sense to me. Also I am aware I am making assumptions here, I apologise if I am wrong on them, but I am assuming from my observation on what you have said. Now, and in previous posts.

Suwariish

I'd also like to chime in to say how much I love all of your characters and the story you have crafted with them. I can't wait to see how things progress from here in B2. And it saddens me that others can have such a narrow view of what makes an IF (which is a stupidly broad category that includes things like Cave Adventure and the full spectrum of Visual Novels) that they'd attack you for not having one that fits their vision of IF. Hopefully, things in real life turn brighter for you and the entitlement of anonymous internet goers fades from your mind. It's been a real pleasure to be able to help support your journey as a creator.

NEspey

Sending you positive vibes. I know at every turn I turn fangirl over the poly (Milo/Mal). I am sorry you got hit hard. By life and internet strangers. The internet strangers can pound sand. I will make fun of them like the petty gremlin I am. I will try not to bring up stuff on those jerks, and hide it under the carpet instead so it doesn't stress you more. Sorry if I contributed to the stress in any way by way of forum screenshots. Know that I love your story and your characters, I cannot wait to see how it goes.

TheFabulousBlasphemer

I am sorry life outside of work has been rough for you, grief and loss are never easy to deal with, so I hope the rest of the year and 2024 bring better things. I came upon your story really late, only a few months before the full release, and went in completely blind doing Milo's route as my first and I want you to know that as soon as I read through the bits introducing Mal and showing that he and Milo were a pair before my first reaction was "oh can I get them together again? can we all be a thing?" I wanted you to know because you are right about your own characters and I know it is tough because people are entitled where they have no right to be and nasty because they can be so without consequence, but you are so right. This is your story, and so many of us love it without reservation. (Also Mal is fantastic why would anyone not want to be with him)

Zinnia Demitasse

I didn't know you are fairly new! I for some reason thought you were one of my OG readers. :) Thank you for your words. I am really hoping 2024 is going to be a better ride. I'm worried for my family in several ways but we are not quitters. And as for Mal? He's wonderful. I can't imagine changing him or Milo around.

Zinnia Demitasse

IF's are incredibly huge in scope. Some have more choices than others. Some like the really heavy game mechanics. Some are just which road do you want to walk down. Like I said before, I'm rarely upset if someone doesn't like my choice, but what is the upside of berating me for that choice? It's such a strange thing to encounter. I wasn't blind going in that there was going to be backlash, I just didn't expect for this many people to send in incredibly hateful things because I wouldn't listen to them. And on top of that? I just don't get it. It's fiction. I don't get mad at the author when a character doesn't go the route I want them to. I pick up a different book.

Zinnia Demitasse

Thank you! I'm glad that I could help you. I think we all need to be more helpful to each other. This world is not innately kind.

RoseTintedMoon

Hey there! I’m new to the Patreon and all, but I just wanted to comment because it’s been making me upset too. You’ve mentioned you’re having a stressful time in your life and yet seeing the constant complaints makes me so pissy as someone who is polyam. Milo being in a relationship with someone else does NOT mean he still isn’t faithful and I think people really need to change their perception on being in a poly relationship. It is NOT the same as polygamy, that’s what you should be having issues with, not people being in a fully consenting relationship. And yeah I don’t get the rebuttal that they’re mad because they paid because like okay and? Maybe look more into something before purchasing. I get it if it was a game company but you’re just ONE person with some editors. That’s it. You’re putting a passion project out there and if they don’t agree with your decision, well, you have the final say and they can EASILY go find something else to cater to them. I really don’t understand people who get so pissy about polyam characters like it’s not that different, you’re still in a normal relationship with them lmao. They don’t even gotta participate so what’s the issue! But yeah putting this all on you while you’re struggling is so upsetting, I’m sorry you can’t catch a break from the entitlement. Luckily for me I ran into absolutely no issues, and I bought it before you put out a single update. Is it that hard to not be mean? But hey you’re doing your best, and I’m glad you’re still sticking through with it all when it would be totally understandable to just stop. Take it easy, yeah? You deserve it 💖

Zinnia Demitasse

Thank you so much for saying this! I don't think people are quite thinking about that this is a life choice. This is a legitimate life choice as well. They don't get that their unkind words over it are far more reflective of a lack of understanding of what that kind of route is going to entail. I have said several times that Milo and Mal can be in a relationship with the MC together, or, it can be a solo route where you just know off screen Milo and Mal are close. And yes, there will be certain scenes where that love will be showcased but it isn't a sexual situation or a situation meant to hurt MC. We, as a society, have some weird hang ups on relationships and it is showing here. Again, thank you so so much for saying all this.

Cassandra

I love the story so so so much. All the characters and the heartaches connects with me. Yes there were some spelling errors and bugs but honestly it didn't ruin the story don't let haters get you down I can't wait for more time with Bella ❤️ and I can't wait to get back to the night market now knowing who we are and the world in general is so descriptive.

Yuu #119

My heart breaks when I read this post. It pissses me off to know that you actually receive hate?! WTH??! Those unconstructive criticism are unacceptable. If you dont like the work, then just don't read it. (The fact that we get to read it for free as wip, and people are still ungrateful?!!).There are plenty of people out there who love your work. As someone who has been reading IF for almost a decade now, I can confidently say that you are one of the most promising authors in this community. The fact that you manage to make so much progress with your story while also juggling other aspects of your life is truly amazing.

NEspey

There was actually more to my post by putting little ♥️ in text cut it of…..rip

mila

I'm so sorry you've gotten all that hate. Unfortunately this seems to be a thing in the interactive novel community where, because its choice based, people think they are entitled to make demands about YOUR story and YOUR characters. It's an incredibly diverse genre, which is the great thing about it, so if you don't like, go find something else! Theres always going to be people unhappy with your choices, but I hope you know that there is just as many of us who love seeing where you are taking this story and these characters. I personally got into it super recently, just post publication, and fell in love with the plot and the characters. I can't wait to see where you take it all and be with you for the journey. I hope you receive only more and more support from here on out <3 (p.s all of this coming from someone who went the milo route and was not expecting poly, but saw exactly why you want it written that way and it made sense! so now im ready to explore something i didnt initially expect, it's fun! people are way too obsessed with their own vision for something that isn't THEIR work.)