Well, it's been a long, wild, and pretty absent ride, but here we are.
I just want to say thank you. All of you, thank you all so much for an incredible journey, and an incredible first fic. I can't explain to you how much your kind words have meant to me over the past year.
This was my first fic, period. It started with a simple idea, and I had no idea it'd get so popular. I seriously expected this to be bashed on EqD and Everfree Radio.
While it still didn't get popular enough for that, I still got a whole bunch of reviews and attention, and so many friends and support along the way. I will never be able to explain how incredibly grateful I am to all of you. I love you all, and I thank you so much for the support that I still don't feel I deserve.
But, there are a few individuals that I'd like to address right now. Some people that I don't think I could have done this without.
First, is my good friend Neonz. She's also an amazing author, one you should definitely check out. I recall giving her a good amount of shout-outs! Thank you so much for all the kind words you've given me, and your friendship as well! And it is so amazingly meaningful for you to tell me that I inspired you to write your own amazing fic. Keep writing; you have so much talent, much more than I do.
MicrowaveDinners. This dude right here was a runner up in the whole "Help me rename my fic!" thing I had goin'. Very nice person, thank you for the help!
EnnixiaMaeLin. She was the one that suggested Torn Between Two Worlds, so I wanted to give credit where it's due!
Seb, a really good friend of mine IRL. He is my best friend, my first brony. He's always there to help a brother out whenever I needed it. He's an amazing friend, and I hope someday, his music will get some recognition, because he deserves it!
Kiyo Hosokoawa. This guy, what can I say about him? He's an amazing friend. He's never hesitant to help me when I'm stuck during my writing, the dude has an amazing imagination and a head chock-full of great story ideas! Thank you so much, Kiyo, for all the support and kind words. I don't think I'll ever be able to repay you!
Pissfer. He is a great beta-reader, and helped with a few chapters. While he did leave me hangin' halfway through, I never held that against him, because he helped me when I needed it, and that's all I care about. Thank you so much for your help.
Arcanel and TrueBolt. Man, these two are some wicked funny guys. We'd all hang out on XAT or somethin', because they knew that I wrote better when talking to someone. They're great writers and some pretty rad friends.
InfinityBreach. Holy crap, this kid right here. He came to me asking me to give him advice and look over his chapters. I'll admit, at first there were a few issues that I had to call him out on, but oh crap, he has improved so much! I have been keeping up with his story, and it's gotten so good, it's freakin' amazing! I'm proud of you, man!
dashie76. I just...I was going through some rough times. A really bad hiatus. I was pretty close to scrapping the fic altogether, but then I read a review by a very beautiful individual. He spoke to me on so many levels. I had no idea that my stories, my writing, could mean so much to someone. I then started looking forward to his reviews, because I loved what he had to say. The level of friendliness, and how much he truly cared for me as an author, and a person. Thank you so much, Jordan. You've truly inspired me.
Addy. To be honest, he kinda bugged me at first. But it was one of those sibling-rivalry type annoyances, not a "Piss off, mate," kinda annoying. He's another guy that would never hesitate to help me out and shoot some incredibly kind words my way. You're a great person, Addy. Thank you for the help.
Kaloth is another person that inspires me. Not only because he's written his own story as well, on his deviantArt, but why he wrote the story. Like Neonz, my writing, my art, inspired him to create his own. And that truly means the world to me, dude. PS: IT'S BARKHORN, YOU TWIT. D:
And to every single person that has ever clicked my story's link, that has left a review, or has ever hit that follow/favorite button. There's so many more of you I wanna personally thank, but I don't think I'd be able to write down every single person in one sitting! D:
Every single one of you made this totally and completely worth it. I cannot begin to explain how much my heart welled up with pride and joy when someone left a review, or sent me a message. There are some of you that have been so touched by my writing that you've sent me a message and told me some very personal stories, how much you can relate to my characters, or how my writing can turn your bad day into a bright and beautiful one. It is a feeling that I cannot begin to explain, but one that I will forever hold close to my heart. I love you all so much. As I sit here, crying like a damn fool as I write this, I want you all to know something. A little secret for you to remember the next time you write.
Don't give up. Your creativity is the greatest thing you have. It can help you defeat your demons by giving you total control, it's something you can use to give your life meaning. Never in a million years did I ever think that something I made, something I poured my heart into, could ever evoke any emotions into any human being on this planet. But trust me, with love, devotion, and some good friends, your writing will always be good, and will always be loved, because you made it. And that makes it special already.
Thank you all so much for your love and devotion. I look forward to chatting with a lot of you. Feel free to send me messages, or follow me on tumblr, or twitter, or just send me a message if you'd like to chat! I look forward to hearing from you, and to seeing you in any future endeavors I take. I know you'll all be with my every step of the way. You're all amazing, don't let anyone tell you any differently.
And remember,
Write On.
-Alex Barkhorn
