A Status Update
Okay, so this is a rather lengthy status update.
So, I have what may be considered bad news to deliver. As of this time in my FanFiction life, I've decided that, unfortunately, I'm going to have to remove some of my stories.
Here's the list of the stories I'm planning to remove: Allies With the Axis, Dial "N" For Ninja, Darkness: A New Vengeance, Who Knew? (Fallin' For Ya), Agents of D.R.A.G.O.N.: The Elemental Soldiers, Dragonsfire High: From Frenzied Freshmen to Senior Citizens, Mr. Walker Goes to Town, Jaws of Fear, and A Method to His Madness.
Now, before you start going on a tirade about "what kind of a monster are you I was waiting for an update on those stories for ages I hate you and you should die in a hole somewhere", I'm going to give you my reasons for removing them.
Allies With the Axis: this AU is dear to my heart, it really is. But I didn't do my research on the subject matter (in this case, the battles of WWII), and I honestly don't write modern warfare sequences very well. Over time, the story ended up falling apart behind-the-scenes, and for this reason, I cannot continue it. This one is probably the one I'm the most sad about having to give up on.
Dial "N" For Ninja: frankly, this story fell apart when I tried to continue it. I couldn't come up with an ending, period.
Darkness: A New Vengeance: I wrote this when I was in middle-school. I have no interest in continuing it because of the major plot holes (e.g. the Ninjas'/kids ages suggest that the Ninja were fifteen when they had their kids) , and the direction of the story suggests yet another OC-centric "kids of the Ninja" plot that I find a somewhat irritating and overused trope. I also had too many OCs to keep track of.
Who Knew? (Fallin' For Ya): This was a challenge from a friend of mine who is no longer currently on the site. While the plot premise was a good one, I honestly cannot write Jay with anyone other than Nya, and my motivation for the fic have since faded. In other words, my romantic affections for Jay have transitioned to a character in another fandom, and I no longer ship myself with him, which was the challenge from said friend.
Agents of D.R.A.G.O.N.: The Elemental Soldiers: Plot premise was okay, but I actually ended up getting into the fandom I was very loosely referencing (which would be Marvel, by the way) so I cannot, in good conscience, continue this story. I also could not figure out how to transition the season's plotline into a spy-themed format, having never expressed keen interest in the spy genre.
Dragonsfire High: From Frenzied Freshmen to Senior Citizens: okay, if I'm being blunt, this was honestly just a way to generate readers. The "high school AU" is a popular trope (unfortunately), and being relatively new to the site, I wanted in on that trend. Honestly, I don't really want to embellish and water down a lifestyle (yes, I can call it a lifestyle) that is honestly not the fairy-tale people like to paint it to be. We've got enough of that trash in Hollywood, and I don't want to add to it. For the love of Gondor, that's why I'm a homeschooler!
Mr. Walker Goes to Town: While I still adore the movie I was attempting to adapt (Mr. Deeds Goes to Town), I honestly just lost my mojo on this one.
Jaws of Fear: I'm just moving this temporarily, don't have a cow. It's going to pop up again within my Ninjago PeaceTime/WarTime canon.
A Method To His Madness: this plot also just really fell apart after several failed attempts behind-the-scenes.
And two reasons that cover all of my previous reasons, as well as explaining as to why I haven't updated much recently, are simply these:
Reason #1
This wasn't a choice I made on purpose - if you want something to blame, you'd have to pick a bone with Krux and Acronix: in other words, time. I've gotten older since I started most of these stories, and I have since realized one of my writing flaws. Whenever I got instantaneous inspiration for a story, I immediately wrote up a chapter for it and posted it. While this in of itself is not a flaw (I wish that instantaneous inspiration happened to me more often), my flaw is that I found myself unable to complete most of the stories for one reason or another, usually because I wasn't able to come up with a consistent follow-up to that first chapter (consistent in this sense meaning more than just a few chapters scattered throughout the plotline).
So, as a result, I'm trying to be more careful about what I update/post. So combined with my muse taking twenty-hour coffee breaks (fifteen hours on a good day), my update standards are lax (to quote Commodore Norrington).
Speaking of the good Commodore, who, as far as I know, has not yet made an appearance in Ninjago, that leads in to
Reason #2
While Ninjago is still in my list of Top 4 Fandoms, my muse doesn't seem very interested in my stories in that fandom. Beginning around fall of 2017, I've been putting my creative energy more into my Lord of the Rings stories, as well as working on a yet-to-be-published Pirates of the Caribbean series.
You're probably thinking, "Whoa, that's a switch. I'm surprised you still like Ninjago now that you're in the 'big league fandoms'." Well, while that may be true, I'm probably not going to lose my love for our favorite LEGO Ninja within the foreseeable future. Ninjago is, honestly, one of the best "kid" TV shows out there, and I personally think that it's more like those other franchises than meets the eye.
But yes, for the most part, my Ninjago stories are on the back burner at this point in time. While I do make an effort to work on continuing, and hopefully completing them, my inspiration is, as of this time, coming more naturally to me within the two other fandoms I mentioned.
A sub-reason for this change is what I'm wanting to write. Ninjago is a fun fandom, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it's a tad difficult to write anything completely serious within the confines of the fandom canon. My Ninjago PeaceTime/WarTime series is my response to that problem, as part of my plans for the series include more serious versions of Seasons 6-9. But even so, my brain is forcing me to want to complete the PeaceTime series, which is gentler, before I continue onto the WarTime series, which is more gritty. My Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean works lend themselves to allowing a more serious edge flow naturally into the writing, something that Ninjago does not do. My personal preference is to write darker works, with more violence and spiritual content than you've seen in my past works. I'm not saying I don't enjoy writing humorous works - I'm hoping to develop my parody-writing abilities in the future - but it doesn't come quite as naturally to me as serious works. I guess that's a part of my personality: in real life, I'm usually not nearly as hyper as I sound in my author's notes. This "status update" is probably the closest you're going to get to hearing the real me, barring getting adopted into my family.
But that's a tangent. What I'm trying to say is, basically, while Ninjago is a fun fandom to write for, as of this time in my life, other fandoms are a little easier for me to work with. I'm not abandoning my Ninjago writing entirely, just setting it on the back burner, as I said. But, if you happen to like either of the two fandoms I've mentioned, you can always check out those stories.
However, you will be able to read what I posted, just don't expect me to ever update them. They'll be moved to The Raven Files within the next week.
So, that's a lot of bad news (depending on who you are) to take in at once. So, I'm going to try to lighten up your day with my plans for my published and unpublished writings. I can say with 50% confidence that these ideas have stuck with me for long enough to announce them publicly.
NINJAGO
Unpublished, Unwritten
A Guide to My Canon
Status: in the thought process, still to be outlined and titled
Summary: a supplementary volume to the Ninjago PeaceTime/WarTime series. Includes my canon regarding the history, culture, and physiology of Elemental Masters and Serpentine, as well as a relatively in-depth look into my Realm lore, which pervades throughout my various Ninjago canons.
A Delara/Jay AU
Status: in the thought process, basic plot mentally mapped out: beginning, middle, and end determined, title to be determined
Summary: Jay, an affluent but kind-hearted young actor, "adopts" Delara, a cynical homeless woman and victim of divorce, into his life. Slow burn DelaraxJay.
Unpublished, But Partially Written
A Study in Violet AND Murder on the Misfortune's Keep
Status: Total words written: 835
Summary: Detective AU: Cole and Jay are partners running a private detective agency. While they handle decidedly separate cases, their stories intertwine in interesting ways. No romance, only platonic relationships.
The Lords of the Elements
Status: Total Words Written: 2,371
Summary: a Ninjago/Lord of the Rings crossover. Instead of being transported to the First Realm at the end of Sons of Garmadon, Cole, Jay, Zane, Kai, and Wu are sent to Middle-Earth a few weeks before the events of Fellowship of the Ring: Book II take place.
Playing God
Status: Total Words Written: 4,090
Summary: inspired loosely by Frankenstein. Summary: My name is James Gordon - I live in London, England. The year is 1864. I'm the assistant to my father's best friend: a strange man called Lord Nadakhan. I'm not sure whether he's a doctor or an inventor; he appears to be both. But he's straying too far with his experiments: touching what shouldn't be touched. Do not try to play God. It never ends well.
Distorted Reflection
Status: Total Words Written: 1,189
Summary: Skybound role-switch: Delara replaces Nadakhan, Jay replaces Nya, Nya replaces Jay.
FroZane
Status: Total Words Written: 11,765
Summary: literally just a Ninjago version of Frozen.
Partially Published (summaries will not be provided for stand-alone stories)
Ninjago PeaceTime/WarTime Series
Status: The Secret Life of Jay Walker is being revised, but entirety of plot is written out in skeletal form. Has a definite beginning, middle, and end.
Total Unpublished Words Written: 25,163
The Brothers Julien is on hold, but entirety of plot is written out in skeletal form. Has a definite beginning, middle, and end.
Total Unpublished Words Written: 2,900
You're A Good Man, Mr. Brookstone is on hold, but being mapped out. Has a definite beginning and middle, but lacking an ending.
Total Unpublished Words Written: 0
The Fire of Kai Smith is on hold, but being mapped out. Has a definite beginning and middle, but lacking an ending.
Total Unpublished Words Written: 0
Ninjago WarTime is on temporary hold, but is being mapped out. Has a definite beginning, middle, and "ending." (Ending is in quotes due to Ninjago not having an foreseeable cancellation date)
Total Unpublished Words Written: 429
Summary: The four Ninjago PeaceTime series begin shortly after the events of Possession, which is dated July 2015. The longest of the series is The Secret Life of Jay Walker, which is slated to have four books: A Grief Observed, Surprised by Jay, and two untitled volumes, as well as a supplementary collection of assorted stories. The Brothers Julien is also determined to be four books long: Zorane, Only an Echo, InZane Temper Problems, and Parenting IneXperiences And Lessons. The lengths of the two remaining series are yet to be determined. The series chronicle the events in the Ninja's lives in between Possession and Skybound (although overlapping may occur). The multi-book series are to be supplemented with at least two stand-alone books: Ronin's Ruin and an untitled volume covering the Ninjas' experiences from before the pilot season onward.
The Ninjago WarTime series is, as of August 2018, slated to be nine books long and is in essence revised versions of Seasons 6-9. The series shall include Ancestors of Spinjitzu, Our Tested Love (Skybound), Weakness Makes You Stronger (Day of the Departed), Quality Time With My Friends (Wu's Teas), Time Marches On (Hands of Time), Breaching Walls (Decoded), The Measure of a Master (Sons of Garmadon), Even Divided, We Shall Stand (Hunted), and an untitled volume regarding the vents to take place in the early 2019 four-episode special.
Plot Twist
Status: on hold. Entirety of plot mapped out in skeletal form. A determined beginning, middle and end.
Total Currently Unpublished Words: 150
Runaways and Royalty
Status: on hold. Entirety of plot mapped out in skeletal form. A determined beginning, middle and end.
Total Currently Unpublished Words: 10,219
Falling Inside the Black
Status: on hold. Two-thirds of plot mapped out in skeletal form. Beginning and middle determined, lacking an ending.
Total Currently Unpublished Words: 3,302
ALL COLLECTIONS ARE EXEMPT FROM UPDATE SCHEDULES, AS THEY DO NOT HAVE CONNECTING STORIES. THIS RULE ALSO APPLIES TO ADAPTATIONS (e.g. Robin Jay)
And because I'm not just a Ninjago writer anymore, I'll also include an update status for my future/published works in my other fandoms.
LORD OF THE RINGS
Unpublished, Unwritten
Elves and Ahnuld and Sailor Fuku, Oh My!
Status: being mapped out.
Summary: a Mary-Sue bashing/parody fic. Let's just say that some of Middle-Earth's eligible (and not-so-eligible) bachelors are in for a crazy time.
Unpublished, But Partially Written
Why Didn't I Listen to Me?!
Status: Total Words Written: 752
Summary: "Why didn't I listen to me?!" That's the thought Legolas has after he accepts Aragorn's offer of a much-needed haircut. Why oh why did he trust this delicate task to a Ranger whose idea of personal hygiene was dousing himself with soapy water every few months or so? Legolas wonders just how much of his dignity will be left when Aragorn's finished . . . and how will his father react? Oh Valar. . .
Why Are Santa's Helpers Called "Elves"?
Status: Total Words Written: 625
Summary: a Christmas story that explores the puzzling use of calling those strange little pixies depicted as Santa's helpers "Elves."
Partially Published
Song of an Archer series
Status: New Leaf, Axing the Sapling, and The Elven Ranger have been mapped out. Nothing for these stories have been written yet.
What My Elf-Eyes Saw and Falling Leaves have been partially mapped out, but not published. WME-ES is being actively worked on. Total Words Written: 3,719
Roots of Bitterness has been published, and is actively being worked on. It is completely mapped out. Total Unpublished Words Written: 17,666
Summary: The Song of an Archer series chronicles the life of Prince Legolas Thranduilion, the son of Thranduil, Elvenking of Mirkwood, traveling from before his birth to after the War of the Ring. In order, the books are as follows: New Leaf, Axing the Sapling, The Elven Ranger, What My Elf-Eyes Saw, Roots of Bitterness, and Falling Leaves. While I have not released them in this order, they do not need to be read in any particular order, as I allude to events referenced in unpublished volumes in a way that don't confuse the reader. They are to be supplemented by three other stories: South of the Border, Guarding the Insane, and Unfinished Business.
Middle-Earth Musical series
Status: The Sound of Music and Rosie Cotton have been mentally mapped out, but nothing for these stories have been written yet.
The Military Man is on hold, but has been mapped out. Total Unpublished Words Written: 1,159
Summary: The Middle-Earth Musical series are Lord of the Rings adaptations of classic musicals. The Sound of Music is the adaptation of the musical of the same name, includes ThranduilxOC and brief LegolasxTauriel. Rosie Cotton is the adaptation of Mary Poppins, and includes SamxRosie. The Military Man is the adaptation of The Music Man, and includes AragornxArwen, and to warn those haters, mild LegolasxTauriel.
Middle-Earth Tales series
Status: Love Your Neighbor is on hold, but has been completely mapped out. Total Unpublished Words Written: 296
Summary: The Middle-Earth Tales series are Lord of the Rings retellings of Biblical parables. Love Your Neighbor is an adaptation of the Parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37 of the New Testament in the Bible.
Fellowship Collective series
Status: Nine Walkers Nine Square is being mapped out, partially written: 1,126. All Hallow's Eve is on hold, hasn't been completely mapped out. Total Unpublished Words Written: 3,959
Summary: Additional stories set in the Song of an Archer universe, but focusing on the Fellowship. All Hallow's Eve takes place in the October after the War of the Ring, when Legolas, Aragorn and several members of the Fellowship are summoned to a cursed fortress on All Hallow's Eve (Halloween).
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
Unpublished, Unwritten
The Unfortunate Luck of William Turner
Status: completely mapped out. Just haven't gotten the words onto paper.
Summary: Embellished parody of Studio C's "Lady Gordon's Fainting Spells" sketch. At a party hosted by Governor Swann, Will Turner's hopes to impress the bee-yoo-tiful Elizabeth fall awry, thanks to her less attractive aunt and his irritating frenemy, Captain James Norrington. And you'd think being a blacksmith would help develop his muscles more. . .
Unpublished, Partially Written
Caribbean Horizon series
Status: Uncharted Horizons (Off the Edge of the Map) is mapped out and being actively worked on. Total Words Written: 7,818
Dangerous Horizons (Do You Fear Death?) is being reworked, but being actively worked on. Total Words Written: 2,412
Pagan Horizons (How Cruel I Can Be) is mapped out and being actively worked on. Total Words Written: 1,349
Defiant Horizons (Liberty or Death!) is mapped out and being actively worked on. Total Words Written: 3,775
Familiar Horizons (Break the Curse) is partially mapped out and being actively worked on. Total Words Written: 487
Summary: The Caribbean Horizons series chronicles the adventures of Annabeth Revere, Elizabeth's cousin and an American colonist from Boston on the brink of the American Revolution. Stays true to movie-canon (aside from the timeline) for Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man's Chest, and At World's End; disregards On Stranger Tides and Dead Men Tell No Tales. Eventual WillxOC and some possible Liz-bashing.
So, now we come to the end of what was supposed to be a brief update. Whoops. Well . . . if you want to talk to me about anything regarding what I said, including ideas for curing my writer's block on specific stories, my PM box is always open.
God bless.
-JRR (not Tolkien)
#God's Not Dead!
#Fear Isn't a Word Where I Come From! Perfect Love Casts Out All Fear!
#ForeverNinjNerd!
#ForeverTolkieneer!
#ForeverTurnerLass!