Way Walkers

So, as my novel Tangled Paths comes up for line editing this week, and I begin suffering from irrational nightmares of my characters being stabbed to death with red pens (seriously, I have one really screwy subconscious) I decided it might be prudent to explore the depths and reasoning behind such illogical anxiety.   And it is illogical– my editors and publisher at Red Adept are very good at their jobs, and I trust them very much to do an excellent job on my book– so why the fear?  Why the loss of sleep?  The answer, when I reached for it, surprised me, for its not something I thought still bothered me.

I’m dyslexic.

For those of you unawares, dyslexia is a learning disability where in the brain doesn’t recognize letters (and sometimes numbers and other stuff) in the correct way–sometimes we’ll reverse letters, sometimes we just don’t recognize them, and sometimes words will literally just fall off the page in front of our eyes and scare the crap out of us. (that happened to me in 3^rd grade– I thought my eyes were melting)  We also tend to be repetitive in expressing ourselves, often repeating the same idea in different ways in the same sentence.  The symptoms can vary extensively, and it can also be coupled with other learning disabilities like ADD and ADHD, amongst others.  For me, I can’t tell the difference visually between ‘defiantly’ and ‘definably’, and things in the CoG coding like > and < fly by me without me realizing I did it wrong.  I check, and double check, and triple and quadruple check to the best of my ability, but in the end there are still mistakes, no matter what I do.  And I’ve learned to accept that.

Nowadays for me it’s more a minor inconvenience, what with spell check and the dwindling of proper English on the internets, but when I was younger it was a different matter.  I was actually told at the age of 11 that “you aren’t a writer, J, because writers can spell.”  That sea of red corrections, of getting a ‘C’ on a test instead of and ‘A’ because I put my e’s before my i’s again.  It was heart-wrenching, the assumption from my teachers and peers that I was either stupid or lazy, because I seemed to understand, but just couldn’t seem to do it right.  But the issue was my brain, I literally couldn’t see it correctly.

And I still can’t; not without extreme effort on my part.

So this is why my heart flutters and I feel sick, seeing my novel ‘go under the knife’ as it were in line editing, despite the fact that I have a really, really great editor that I trust doing the job.  I know it needs to happen, for the sake of my poor readers’ sanity–but even as I am so many years removed from that moment, I can’t seem to shake those words: “writers can spell”.  I can’t totally shake the sense that I’ve somehow done something wrong, have somehow not lived up to an expectation, all because I put ‘right’ instead of ‘write’ somewhere. Well, I can’t spell without help, I don’t use proper grammar half the time out of sheer lack of ability to retain what ‘proper grammar’ is, and ya know what?

I’m a writer anyways.

….but it’s been fixed.  Mostly.

 

So long story short a lot of you have noticed that there was an update on WWU1 that mucked up the game.  There’s been saved game issues with WWU:2, as well as continuity issues, bugs and the inability to beat Clay in the fight.  Basically, a few crazy things happened:

First: due to circumstances i’m still not certain of, CoG accidentally released the pre-beta of WW:U2 instead of the fixed version.  So for all of you who’ve been reading WW:U2 the last few days, be ready for some changes after the up date– you’ll be able to beat Clay if yr stats are correct, there’s some extended scenes, and a heck of a lot less spelling errors.  There should also be no more bugs. 

 

Second: This mistake is on me.  When i was originally writing WW:U1, at the end where u can come back after you die, i had originally put-in that you could have 12 death flaws when u came back.  I realized this was insane, and cut it down to four.  The only issue was, somehow, in the shuffle, i didn’t delete one of them: the Talent one.  So all of you who had saved games with the Talent flaw probably experienced a really weird issue with continuity for the second game, b/c it wasn’t written in at all.  You probably jumped around from having several different flaws in the actual text, all while yr stats stayed the same.  I am SO SORRY.  The flaw has been removed from WW:U1, and for anyone who had it in yr game as a save, you’ll now have a message at the beginning of two prompting you to pick a new flaw.  Your Rosin (talent score) will also be restored, within reason. 

 

Three:  When we removed the talent flaw from WW:U1 with the patch, it started making everything go haywire– skipping scenes and freezing and making you unable to pick yr gender.  We are still not sure why it did that, but it has been fixed and the patch is already available for Android and AAA.  IOS will take a little while to approve the update and get it out there, please be patient.  We’re hoping for 48hrs for it.  if not, as said, please be patient.

 

Four: saved games.  for another reason we can’t sort, the saved games weren’t uploading for some people on googleplay and NO ONE could save their game at the end of WW:U2.  This, too has been resolved and will be fixed in the most recent update.

 

 

And that’s it.  Again, my friends and fans, i cannot apologize enough for this mayhem.  Some of it was absolutely my fault, some of it was random, and some of it is simply human error.  It was never my intention to subject you to an inferior product, and i hope for all of you who’ve left poor reviews, you’ll give the games a second chance and hopefully be happier for the experience. 

~j. leigh

That’s right folks, it has been confirmed, Way Walkers: University2 shall be released this up coming October 10th, 2013!  The original Way Walkers: University1 shall also be one sale in the app markets for .99 to celebrate this release– so if you’ve been trying to get your friends to read it, now is the time to tempt them!  The sale will run for the next month.

I has a Cover!!!  😀  You can also veiw the up and running Way Walkers: Tangled Paths page over at Red Adept!

So i just had the bombshell dropped on me that WW:U2 might get released next week.  It’s not been confirmed yet, but now i’m scrambling to try and get the word out.  Will me luck! XD

So, my friends over at Red Adept posted the character question list from NaNo and I thought filling out for my main character Jathen in the upcoming Way Walkers: Tangled Paths would be a fun way for everyone to sort of ‘meet’ him before the book comes out.  So these are his answers in his words.  ^_^

Name:

Jathen Cornetith Iridosmine Monortith.  Jath for short.

Age:

Nineteen

Height:

Six heads, no scales.  (six feet or 1.822 meters for those of you not on the Tazu system)

Eye color:

Monortith gold with a few magenta flecks if I squint.

Physical appearance:

Regrettably human, pale skin and gold hair.

Strange or unique physical attributes:

I look human when I should look like a Tazu.  It’s called being a Moot. It’s horrible.

Favorite clothing style/outfit:

Anything that allows me to move easily and it’s not too expensive, as I tend to ruin articles of clothing. I’m told I look good in rust colors and Monortith purple.

Where does he or she live? What is it like there?

I live in the Tazu Nation, where one’s bloodline, breeding and appearances matter more than anything else.  Aside from some amazing architecture, it’s rather dreadful for my health and well-being.

Defining gestures/movements (i.e., curling his or her lip when he or she speaks, always keeping his or her eyes on the ground, etc.):

My mother says I’m too stiff/formal.  While Petalith says I fidget too much.  I rather imagine my Uncle the King finds my very breathing irritating.

Things about his or her appearance he or she would most like to change:

I’d think that was rather obvious.  I’d like to look like a ruddy Tazu and not a bloody Moot.

Speaking style (fast, talkative, monotone, etc.):

Is sarcastic fused with frustration and a mild sense of depression a style of speaking?

Pet peeves:

People who pretend to understand me.  Or treat me like an invalid.  Or pretend to pity me.

Fondest memory:

The day my mother won the fight about me getting the crown prince’s suite.  Kyanith the king was quite irritated and I got a wonderful room–it was a great day.

Hobbies/interests:

Architecture.  I genuinely love the flowing forms and the engineering side fascinates me.  Though it doesn’t go beyond a simple appreciation.  I have no skill at making things that don’t fall down.

Special skills/abilities:

Again, does sarcasm count?  Because that’s about all I got. Unless of course you count the bastard Ability, but my Precognition is too random to be useful.

Insecurities:

Next question.

Quirks/eccentricities:

I’m a rather picky eater.  Or so claims my mother.

Temperament (easygoing, easily angered, etc.):

I try to be good, to be proper and do what’s right and expected of me.  But so often I get the impression what’s expected of me is to disappear off the face of the Continent.  And so, I often find myself just fading into the background.  At least until it all boils over and I punch something.  Usually something breakable.

Negative traits:

Everything?  I’m completely useless, angst-ridden and I’m fairly certain two-thirds of the court want me dead on no other basis than the smoothness of my skin.  So one might say I’m a little irritable about that most of the time.

Things that upset him or her:

Other than my general lot in life?  I’m not fond of hypocrites.

Things that embarrass him or her:

My very existence is an embarrassment to the crown.  So, breathing?  But in all honesty it’s a toss-up between getting invited to royal functions and getting to stand there like a slaga, OR getting snubbed and left in my room to sulk like a slaga.  My life is full of duel-edged monotonies.
This character is highly opinionated about:

I’m not really allowed to be highly opinionated about anything, lest I be seen as taking some sort of political stance.  And well, we can’t have the Moot doing THAT, now can we?

Any phobias?

Not really.  I’ve too many real obstacles in life to worry myself irrationally over say, a bug or heights or something.

Things that make him or her happy:

I do love the city.  I like wandering it, getting lost in the crowds.  And climbing.  Nothing better than getting up a good three or four tazu-stories and taking-in the lay of the land.  It’s sometimes more fun if my sister comes with me, but it’s okay if she doesn’t.  Spending time in Hatori’s Charm Shop is a good distraction as well, so long as one doesn’t mind having the occasional object flung at them.

Family (describe):

My mother is wonderful, if a bit over-protective, though I suspect most sons would say that of their mothers.  She’s my champion and I do love her for it.  My sister, Thee is a bit too ‘normal’ at times, being a shifting tazu like she is, but she’s never chosen her friends over me, which I suspect is no small feat for a teenage girl.  They are my support system, and while the rest of what little is passable as family I have treats me with at best, indifference, I am grateful for what little good I have.

Deepest, darkest secret:

I don’t think I have enough of a life to have secrets.  Other than I’m angrier at my lot in life than I tend to show– at least to those who might be able to change it.

Reason he or she kept this secret for so long:

Because I don’t see any reason to bring it up. Won’t change anything, really.

Other people’s opinions of this character (What do people like about this character? What do they dislike about this character?):

Most just see a Moot.  Insert your various scenarios of pity, hate, disgust or empathy as you please.

Favorite bands/songs/type of music:

I’m fond of the Tar’citadel technical sounds, the ones that take classical arrangements and make them sound more crystalline.

Favorite books:

I’m not a big ‘reader’.  It’s depressing reading about things I can never do or people who’ve died.

Favorite sports/sports teams:

Bah, Thee follows more of the teams than I do.  Again, tazu sports aren’t something I can do, and it’s depressing to watch and cheer for some testosterone-riddled empty headed jock who’ll probably punch me if he sees me.

Political views:

If my Uncle the King thinks it’s wonderful it’ll probably be terrible for me.  And if he thinks it’s awful, it’s probably a good thing.  Not a perfect system of opinion, but it works for me.

Religion/philosophy of life:

My mother would love it if I kept a Way, especially Montage, but I am hopelessly agnostic.

Physical health:

Well, despite being a Moot.  Though I’m certain Petalith can find something to complain about in my diet.

Dream vacation:

Anywhere away from here.  But if I could pick it’d be Tar’citadel.

Description of his or her house:

It’s the Monortith palace, so it’s a bit of a city within a city.  Complex and meandering it’s the pinnacle of Tazu architecture, and a hell of a lot of fun to climb around.

Description of his or her bedroom:

It’s the crown prince’s suite, and far too large for me, but I honestly don’t care.  It’s round with several bays that divide the space.  I have a study, a bed, a space to dress and a spot for casual dining.  Blue marble makes up most of the floors and pillars, and the whole thing is topped off with a signature Tazu gold-ribbed dome that has diamonds imbedded in it to look like stars.  I love it.

Any pets?

A miniature drake by the name of Tinzy, though he’s more a family pet than my personal one.  Though he spends the majority of his time eating my table scraps, so he might consider the relationship differently.
Best thing that has ever happened to this character:

I met a Charm-Master when I was young, so I at least now have a place to hide from my life and be mildly entertained for the duration.

Worst thing that has ever happened to this character:

I had a precognitive vision of my mother going into premature labor, losing the child and almost dying herself.  Concerned I told her about it, and her resulting anxiety caused the very vision I had seen.

Superstitions:

I’m too rational for superstations.  I even have trouble with viable things, like demons and ghosts.

Three words to describe this character:

Lost, lonely, and potential.

If a song played every time this character walked into the room, what song would it be?

Katy Perry’s Firework.

Way Walkers: Tazu now has an official title and back cover blurb! Check it out!

 

https://waywalkersguide.com/the-books/way-walkers-tazu/

Got them back tonight– will be going through them tomorrow and the next day.  Hopefully will have the official release date soon, so keep your eyes peeled!  😀

So my beta testing changes have all been made.  Big props out to P_Tigres and FariyGodfeather in the CoG forums for going above and beyond and finding more coding errors than i ever conceived there could be.  Thank you!  For everyone else, thank you as well– while i’ll not be implementing every change every beta suggested, i did find things from each beta worth knowing/changing/adjusting and i really appreciate all the effort.  You guys made the game better, thank you.

 

That being said, WW:U2 is officially ‘done’ on my end.  yay!  Now, i don’t know how long it will be in copy editing, so i’m gonna assume at least a week or two.  After that, it’s all about making plan with CoG for a release date, which i’m going to assume, giving the timeline will probably be in late September or October.  When i have an exact date, i will let u guys know.  ^_^

 

Now i know you all are immediately going to start asking about WW:U3 and THAT release date. XD  Well i just want to let you know that i’ve got all my notes done up, and the vast majority of the plot end of things is all laid out, just needs to be written.  It’s a bit of a tangle, i’ll admit, but since i’ve nailed down exactly whats happening it shouldn’t be too bad.  It WILL take some time though, as i must get working on the sequel to the Tazu novel ASAP and have that either done or nearly done in the next 6 months before the first one comes out so i can keep to my publisher’s schedule.  (and trust me, none of u want to wait two years for THAT cliffhanger XD )  So i’m going to see how it goes and do my best to get things rolling as quickly as possible.  But in all reality it’ll probably be at least another year before we see WW:3.  Keep Calm, and just reread the first two (and the novel!) in the meanwhile ^_^

So, the first wave of beta testing feedback’s hit me in the last 48 hours, and i’m honestly doing my best to not start hyperventilating under the weight of “OMG there’s so much!”  XD

 

This is a first for me, b/c the last time CoG did a beta test for WW:U it was AFTER they’d submitted it to IOS and Google, so there wasn’t much in the way of changes i could do until after the fact.  >.<;  This time, i actually CAN take this feedback into consideration and, well, wow i got to say just one thing:

 

man, do ppl have vastly differing opinions O.o

 

Where Beta tester A raves about how awesome and realistic choice 5 seems, beta tester B thinks it was forced or hokey.  And while one praises me for making scene 8 so intense, another complains the same scene wasn’t holding their interest enough.  XD  Obviously i’m not going to please everyone, and i certainly have my work cut out for me in wading through all these contradictory comments and deciding which i need to leave be and which need to be adjusted.  And i’m still waiting on more feedback to come in, and hoping a few will clarify a few things, but on the whole it’s been very informative.  There’s no major structural problems from what i can tell, just a lot of different little continuity bugs i need to dig in and find in the code.  And spelling errors.  DX  I’m making a long list and will be asking my copy editor very nicely to take another look, then hopefully giving it to a SECOND copy editor who will also run through it.  Hopefully that should end the spelling issues for the most part.  *mutters on about my annoying dyslexia*

 

Any-who, thats the current update, which shall leave me bogged down in beta-notes for i’m gonna say at LEAST the next week, perhaps more.  And i’m still waiting on the content edit for the novel, so more fun for me if that comes in before i’m done adjusting all the stuff from the beta testers, as that has to get done first for the publisher. XD  Whew, this is gonna be a whirlwind!