Okay, I have some explaining to do.
When I started this story in 2018, I was testing the waters of creative writing and I was starting a new chapter in my own life. I wasn't sure where the story (or my life) were going, didn't know what the hell I was doing, and I was completely winging all of it. Which is fine, and genuinely was such a positive experience for me! But it's almost three years later, and I've had this story nagging at me CONSTANTLY since I abandoned it in 2019. I've finally reached the point where I know a little more of what I'm doing, who I am as a writer, and what I need to do to make sure my first full-fledged story is told the right way.
Since 2018, my life has changed in nearly every way possible. Some pretty significant moments have encouraged me to think more seriously about what it is I want to do with my life while I can, and becoming a writer is a big part of that. I had to adjust my thinking on what it means to be passionate about what you spend your time doing, and once I realized that, I made choices that have gotten me to a place I never thought I'd be able to reach. Part of this realization, as silly and small as it could seem to some people, was the understanding that I HAD to get this fanfic done, for myself and for the readers who were so supportive and joyful about my little offering on the internet.
About three months ago, I finally got the courage to pull up my old drafts. I reread Nighttime Struggles (and cringed at some of the parts I honestly did not think through). Ever since, I've picked and needled at it in my spare time. I'm making some pretty significant changes - it won't be the story you might remember, but I think the changes I'm making are for the better. I have removed the original version from FF but I'll likely repost it after I finish the edit and have it truly complete. This reason for this is I want my first attempts at real writing, not just jotting down notes for a story I'll never put to paper, to be saved for posterity, but I don't want to confuse the narratives of the two versions. I'm really working to hone my craft as a storyteller, and I hope the changes I've made will be received positively.
For those who read the original version and left comments, reviews, questions, support... please know what a difference your interactions with my little story made in my life, and the confidence it gave me to pursue my dreams. I sincerely thank you!
For now, I'm committing to updates on Sundays, at least until the point where I get the edited version caught up with the first version. I will likely upload it to AO3 where I have the same pseudonym, Simplydigi. Nothing but bookmarks are there for now, but I've gotten more used to the tagging system and I think it could be pretty fun to have this on both sites.
You may remember where we're headed. I think you'll really like where it's been expanded, or corrected. I know I'm personally really excited to get back to this project and I cannot wait to read any reviews or questions or comments you want to leave. I read every review and I really appreciate your perspectives!
Thanks so much, and I hope you enjoy!
Simplydigi