Exclusive / / / Chasing Stars Summary & Information (Patreon)

This write-up will eventually be shared more publicly/on the site, but for now is an exclusive of Patreon for likely the rest of the year.

BIONICLE: Chasing Stars is an upcoming illustrated fanfic to be released 08 - 10 - 2024. Patreon will get exclusive access to the process, WIPs, sneak peaks, and behind-the-scenes. You'll also have the ability to interact and shape the story through polls and feedback.

Most importantly, the fanfiction is a precursor/prototype to a larger original novel at play. I'll be using the Bionicle universe and what I've already created as a sandbox and starting point for the original project (title is still tentatively "Chasing Stars" but still could be changed into the future.

Even if you're not a Bionicle fan, I hope you can enjoy the process and unique content from the original that will show up in conjunction of the fanart and writing. I hope this will serve as a good reference and help others who are creating their own universes and original stories.

Disclaimer:
I do not own BIONICLE or any of the related characters by said property. BIONICLE is created and owned by the LEGO Company. This story is intended for entertainment purposes only. I do not intend to make profit from this. Any assumed "profits" are from my teaching/tutoring, exclusive content from original works, and donations that help with general website/asset upkeep.

However, any original designs and stories are copyrighted to me (Susannah Livengood). The fanfic is being used as a base for, ultimately, a original project which will eventually be the main focus and 100% owned by me. Any character design, stories, or artwork are explicitly owned by myself unless otherwise stated.

Mediums: Illustrated written novel, concept art, comic pages, possible animations

Platforms: SueDrawl.com, Patreon

Genres: Fan-fiction, Dark Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Adventure, Romance

Content: language, suggestive scenes, blood, horror, violence, some sexual content, angst, hurt/comfort (PG-13)

Summary:
After Matoro sacrificed himself with the mask of life, the Toa Nuva fulfilled their destiny to awaken Mata Nui…was it all of naught?

In the end, all those of Aqua Magna fell prey to Makuta’s ultimate plan for victory. Mata Nui has disappeared and Makuta Teridax is slowly overtaking the world with his newfound power. Tensions run high as the fate of their universe rests in a few factions’ hands—and not all wish for the same victory.  The Destiny War tests many wills and begins to shake even the most resolute of assumed truths. Dark pacts are made, betrayals unravel, and destruction comes for all.

For many determined to seek the truth, they begin to realize the deeper meanings of “alternate worlds”. What makes this universe so different than the ones recorded on those ancient otherworldly tablets? Who, or what, is keeping this universe locked away from others? What is (or who) the Star Chaser? What are the connections to other dimensions? Did Makuta plan all of this, or is he just another pawn to a darker, grander cosmic power?

This grand epic is divided into three books, encompassing multiple media such as written prose, comic pages, and animated storyboards. “Chronicles I” is slated to release on August 8, 2024. This is a long-term project created by artist Susannah Livengood, who initially wanted to write her conclusive ending to a series that inspired her writing and art.

About the Author:
Susannah Livengood (SueDraws) is a freelance artist focusing on concept art, illustrations, and storytelling. She’s been part of the Bionicle community since 2004, formally known as Lady Kopaka. She was known as a content creator within the fandom for her Bionicle themed artwork, written works (Hope, Glitch in the System), and positive community engagement. While she has laid low for the past decade, she sees Chasing Stars as a way to seek closure and to acknowledge thanks to how Bionicle has ultimately shaped (and saved) her life.

Author's Intro/Notes:
This is a fan-fiction (though I guess it’s evolved from more than that) indulgence I've been meaning to write for almost a decade. I initially attempted to make it a webcomic but haven't had the time and energy to commit. I played with various ideas from an anthology, a group project, storyboards, short stories, and a podcast/audiobook, to abandoning it all together for a time after my father passed in 2018. Ultimately, this serves as a starting point for a much larger original project that's still a few years off from making a more public appearance.

I grew up without many sets, so I heavily relied on the creative/story aspects. Bionicle has meant a lot to me, as are the friendships and opportunities that have passed my way. I have always been incredibly humbled and thankful despite imperfections and struggles. I suppose you could say this is Lady Kopaka’s “20th Anniversary comeback”, though I would like to avoid the spotlight and larger scene. This is to help pave the way for larger personal original projects, for selfish ends, and just to share for the fun of it.

This round, I would say I’m doing this primarily for myself—but a bonus for others who did believe and support me. I won’t lie; having others say “Hey, you did a cool!” is often encouraging and motivating. I still get messages from others over my older content, thanking me or saying how it inspired them (whether it was art, writing, or my openness to my health/life battles). I’m beyond perfect, reliable, or incredibly talented IMO—but I am grateful and humbled. Thank you.

But at the end of the day, after years of feeling guilty/avoiding/shame...I'm going to see this through for however long I choose to. Life is short. If this is where I'm driven to create and what I want to share, then so be it. I'm tired of hiding or shrinking from what gives me brief happiness and distraction. Maybe this initial fanfic isn't a huge aspiration, but I hope in the years to come it will be something more. But for now, I'm okay with having at least one self-indulgent project on Patreon/elsewhere.

Over the years I haven’t been able to shake off Bionicle, and ultimately, this project. It just needs to be out and done with! I won’t say this is the finality of my Bionicle interest, but at least I can take a deep breath and feel personally like I accomplished something I promised myself I would. This is for my 14-year-old past self as well--who felt like she could never achieve much lacked opportunities, or hope for a promising future. I’m 31 now, and a lot has changed. I won’t say everything is lovely and my dreams fulfilled…but you have to keep trying. Be thankful for what you have and for how long it is there, no matter the outcome. Ten years later, you’ll look back and realize you did more than you realized. The friends you made, the kindness given, the struggles that made you stronger.

As for the actual content and goal, I wasn't happy with the unfinished/vague ending of Bionicle. Understandable reasons, but it drove me and my friends crazy with how much that was left unsaid and concluded. Over the years (like many others in ways to cope with a lack of finality), I've devised an alternate universe take that’s set in a high fantasy environment. It’s reworked within the niche (very niche, I know) 'human Bionicle' aesthetic, a subset style I’ve always enjoyed. There’s a variety of fantasy/sci-fi setting races, with bio-mechanical in the mix. It’s always been a fun challenge and learning opportunity for my art ventures. I can thank Bionicle for helping me learn character design and world-building for the past 20 odd years.

Its designs, headcanons, and styles are based on my preferences and have been many years in the making. Again, my primary goal is honestly selfish and definitely self-indulgent. But I think sometimes our purposes and happiness shine here, no matter what (and trust me, I have fought for years about how cringe it feels to share such a massive projected dedicated to Bionicle!). I will have plenty of other content on Patreon and my socials that are not related to this.

However, and very importantly, I don’t think there’s any singular “best” BIONICLE take, whether canon or fan-made. With the introductions of alternate realities, and the inherent virtues of LEGO, I think this is something that is to be celebrated. I have so many friends who have made wonderful, original, unique styled alternate Bionicle worlds. Whether they are bio-mechanical, human, a mix, or something all together new… give your creators some love! Bionicle has birthed some brilliantly talented artists, whether they are still involved with the fandom or not. So this is also a thanks to those who encouraged me to create something new and what would ultimately make feel fulfilled.

If this style of writing, art, or storytelling is your not your cup of tea, that is perfectly fine. While I accept critique and feedback, I’m not here to tolerate haters of my (or others) content. Any negativity or harshness will be swiftly deleted. I ain’t got time for that and will not interact with it.

I see most within the multi-verse all canon in their own ways, and therefore valid—even yours! If anything, I purposely made this an aspect to the story. You may even see cameos or hints to other creators. But you’ll have to read it to see what I mean. I’m here to have fun, to learn, and to share all this with y’all! If even just a couple people enjoy this project, then that’s enough for me.

I look forward to sharing the story, the progress made along the way, and ultimately the original story!

Thanks so much,

Susannah / SueDraws