Writer's Blog: Chapter 2 and The Case of Unbrushed Coding

I’m currently working on integrating the new scene within all of Chapter 2 and have almost reached the conclusion that my first instinct may have been correct and that the chapter may now need to be split in two. I’m reluctant to do this however, as having the explosion at the end of Chapter 3 just feels so tidy. Ending a chapter right before the assignment greatly slows down the narrative forward force (it makes for an easy stopping point, and I personally am of the school that the best books should feel un-put-down-able). We’ll see what I end up doing, and all be surprised by the final decision together (including me).

Despite the additional length making partitions tricky, I’m loving the new scene! In addition to foreshadowing future major plot beats, it adds a much-needed fleshing-out to Mind Blind’s world and thus also sheds light on Button's family history. Yes, there’s the lore dump in Chapter 1, but having things gone over slowly and in lesson format just makes things stick better, you know? Once the Aeon Student Guide is added to the index (which I’m trying to do this rewrite as well), no one should end up being surprised by certain down-the-line revelations.

Speaking of the Aeon Student Guide: Chapter 2 will be the first point where your interactions can change based on whether or not you’ve read the chapter! I still need to make sure that variables can be set as true in the stat screen, but what it will essentially amount to is a true/false trigger that records whether or not you’ve opened up the Guide Section. If you have, Button will have some new dialogue choices to basically show off what a teacher’s pet they were to do all of their summer reading. In which case Rosy approves, and Valero feels inadequate (sorry Stephanie).

I've been avoiding touching the assignment in favor of fixing all the earlier issues because . . . well, the assignment's code terrifies me. Truthfully, I have no idea how I managed to code the second half of Chapter 2 (Rosy’s assignment). The section is currently held together with floss and gummed-up toothpaste, and crumbles like a cavity whenever I try to clean up the code. Sorry for the metaphors—I had a dentist appointment today.

My goal is to release this new chapter version by the 16th, presuming the second half cooperates with my scheduling. Please make sure to submit any feedback before then!