Writing Log #17 - Book progress + GAME DEV TIME!?

So, uh, I was literally about to hit send on this post and then my beloved darling cat Sunny jumped on the itty-bitty button that shuts down my computer.

...I'm okay, I don't need help. What I do need is all of tomorrow for work, and also it's my birthday on Saturday, so enjoy the slightly early Book Club post! :D

【Sanctuary 17223】
The beta copy for chapter 3 is done, and reader feedback has been lovely again! Things are getting emotional for Lulu and Alvin here, awkward but loving hug included.

That's three out of six total chapters at the beta stage! I'm a little scared of chapter 4 because it's my problem child (lmao) but that's for March caede to worry about.

• [Writing] Chapter 3 - 2nd draft: +6,800 words (COMPLETED)

• [Editing] Chapter 3 - Beta copy: COMPLETED at 11,050 words

• [Editing] Chapter 4 - 1st draft: clean-up (-2,500 words)

• [Editing] Beta reader feedback: Chapter 3 (2 readers)

"Let's go."
"Or rather... let's roll."
Alvin winks and sticks his tongue out ever so slightly, and my lips curve into a crooked smile before I even fully process what he just said.
Oh no.
I think I'm already in love with him.

(Me too, Lulu. Me too.)

Alvin draws his knees to his chest and buries his face. "That may be true for humans, but I'm a machine. What justifies my existence if I can't reliably surpass or enhance my user's performance? I don't understand, User Lulu." The smooth, emotive quality of his voice is all but gone. "I need to understand."
"And I need to be understood."
I scooch closer to sit next to Alvin, then awkwardly twist my torso to wrap my arms around him. That seemed like a better idea before I realized it'd be difficult to hold that pose.
"User Lulu?" He finally looks up. "What are you doing?"
"I'm hugging you."
Can't blame him for his look of genuine confusion. I have no awareness for what kind of face I'm making, ever, but it's probably one of deep focus rather than compassion and care.
"Why?"

(insert author's own gross sobbing over loving the dorks too much)

【The Dollmaker's Toy Collection】
IT'S REAL! I wrote the entire first draft this week. It's about the length I wanted it to be, so even with editing I expect it to stay around that number.

• [Writing] First draft: 6,600 words (COMPLETED)

It's less than half the length of last year's short story (Big Guys Want to Star in Books With Really Long Titles) and it's a slice of...fantasy? If you like femdom with a little lore and soft dommes who turn good boys into toys, then do look forward to it ;)

In this short story, Alvin is the apprentice of a famous toy maker in a town of people who live under the guidance of the so-called Dollmaker. He's not one to believe in that kind of stuff, but an encounter with the mysterious Luna and her toy collection gets him questioning...

(Yes, I did constantly write "Lulu" instead while drafting the story lol)

"My toy does not speak, for I have long heard its pleas," Luna said, eyes closed. "My toy does not wander, for it chooses its own path. My toy does not question, for it knows I cherish it."
As she opened her eyes to look at Alvin, a faint blush adorned both their faces.
"You will now turn into my doll. You are to stay that way, but you must speak up if you feel physical or mental discomfort."
Alvin's response was an obedient silence, but his raised eyebrows gave away his confusion.
"This has nothing to do with us still being in training," Luna added as she held Alvin's hands. "This is…how I do things."
As her toy's facial features relaxed, Luna submerged their held hands in the icy cold water. Alvin held his breath as to not make a sound, letting his Owner rub a soft cloth over his skin.
"You've been working hard."

She really said "CONSENT, BOY. CONSENT."

【untitled visual novel thing】
Last one for this month's post!

Are you seeing these VERY COOL SCREENSHOTS up there? :D I have experience in visual novel development, so I, uh...started making the romance game of my dreams. The one where I can play as either Lulu or Alvin and date the other, obviously.

It's just cute (and sexy) stuff about them dating in a modern day setting, being each other's first relationship, and exploring their D/s desires together. The idea is to finish the first three major scenes for both perspectives - the intro, their first date, and their first kinky scene - and release that as a demo of sorts.

Gonna see where to go from there when the time comes; this is currently a hobby project (as in, I don't make it during my work hours) but I'd like to dedicate more time to it after I finish Toy Collection and some contract work. Still, HYPE! :D

• [Writing] Intro (Lulu POV): First draft (COMPLETED)

• [Writing] Intro (Alvin POV): First draft (COMPLETED)

• [Art] Sprites: Lulu - base, casual outfit, several expressions

• [Art] Sprites: Alvin - base, casual/formal/subby outfits, several expressions

• [Art] Several 3D background renders and edits

• [Art] Mini animations for Lulu and Alvin's apartments

• [Coding] Basic setup, layered sprite system, visuals (sprite zoom, daytime transitions, etc.), adjusted texting layout, intro (Lulu POV), intro (Alvin POV), and probably other minor things I'm forgetting lol