Starponys: Friends with Unicorn Syndrome -- Poster #2 (Ti...
Nightlight is a super-powerful unicorn with Unicorn Syndrome -- a condition similar to Asperger's Syndrome. She has great talent for casting "spells" -- but has had a hard time connecting with other people. Her big brother, White Night, is one of few to win her affection. He teaches her that the world was created for friendship. With the right attitude, Nightlight comes to realize that friendship is for everyone -- including those on the autism spectrum. Moreover, she discovers that social skills are not as natural as they're cracked up to be. In fact, people are notoriously bad at connecting with one another. Much that passes off as social skills is really herd mentality -- something she really hates to follow.
When things feel out of her control, Nightlight can get horribly anxious or even afraid. She can literally explode in anger. Unlike normal tantrums, when she literally burns with anger, she is genuinely distressed. The danger of losing her self-control is something that scares even her. If she causes serious damage, she will likely feel horrified and humiliated.
According to this article:
* Typical tantrums are often manipulative: a child learns that he will get what he wants if he cries or screams—and so he cries and screams. Autistic tantrums are not manipulative: they are genuine cries of distress.
* While a typical child might tantrum in order to embarrass or upset a parent (with the goal of getting their own way), children with autism rarely have the "mind-reading" tools to intentionally manipulate another person's emotions."
* When a full meltdown is in progress, it can be hard to manage. Safety, both for the person with autism and for others in the area, is most important. It may be necessary to move to a quiet room (sometimes this may require more than one person to avoid injury) until the meltdown is over.
In My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, there is a race of creatures who feels strikingly like those with Asperger's Syndrome. These creatures are the kirins, and they would literally burn in anger over small matters. They used magic to make themselves silent because their words were triggering one another's meltdowns -- destroying their attempts at a peaceful village. Autumn Blaze had to live on her own because she still wanted to keep her voice. Her hyperactivity, along with other odd mannerisms, reminds me of the stimming common of those on the autism spectrum. The desire to follow the beat of her own drum, despite becoming an outcast, is another feature that reminds me of those on the spectrum. Autumn ultimately demonstrates that she can manage her own tendency to melt down. The angry side of her is part of who she is, and it isn't necessarily good or evil. It just needs to be safely released, for when she really feels the need to let it out. Thanks to her leadership, the kirins could finally feel whole again -- including their own ruler. (I wish I could get a license to write a book series about these kirins, for the sake of the autistic community.)
According to this other article:
* Dependent on the cause of meltdown, it may be best to help the person leave the situation they find distressing. Everyone is different but some say that what they need to recover from a meltdown is being left alone in a place where they feel safe, listening to music, having a bath or sleeping.
* After a meltdown the person often feels ashamed, embarrassed, and very tired.
When Nightlight is distressed, her brother acts as her guardian angel. He is the one who makes her feel the most comfortable and safe. She can feel free to be vulnerable, and to cry like a baby, when she's in his arms. White Night is always there to help her make things right, so that she can grow as a true friend.
As her big brother, White Night watches over his sister very carefully. Even when she is by herself, he is secretly monitoring her. Instead of blatantly shadowing over her, he acts as a spy, and he collects intelligence.
In fact, he is the Captain of the Royal Intelligence. Nightlight and White Night have become the godchildren of Princess Skysparkle, and she is training them to be big brothers and sisters for their fellow creatures. For her great adventure in friendship, Nightlight is sent to live as a common pony in a common village. Meanwhile, White Night has the means to secretly keep a careful eye on her. However, he normally keeps his distance -- so that Nightlight can learn on her own.
———
Visual Description:
This is a poster featuring the five drawings listed here:
1. Snugglebook
2. BBBFF
3. Meltdown
4. Crying & Making Up
5. Agent Big Brother
———
Drawings by tiaamaito.
Starponys: Friends with Unicorn Syndrome © and ™ of M. Wayne Howell (starponys87@gmail.com), along with all characters therein.
Slackey Pro © Font Diner – www.fontdiner.com
Pony © RodrigoTypo – https://rodrigotypo.com/
When things feel out of her control, Nightlight can get horribly anxious or even afraid. She can literally explode in anger. Unlike normal tantrums, when she literally burns with anger, she is genuinely distressed. The danger of losing her self-control is something that scares even her. If she causes serious damage, she will likely feel horrified and humiliated.
According to this article:
* Typical tantrums are often manipulative: a child learns that he will get what he wants if he cries or screams—and so he cries and screams. Autistic tantrums are not manipulative: they are genuine cries of distress.
* While a typical child might tantrum in order to embarrass or upset a parent (with the goal of getting their own way), children with autism rarely have the "mind-reading" tools to intentionally manipulate another person's emotions."
* When a full meltdown is in progress, it can be hard to manage. Safety, both for the person with autism and for others in the area, is most important. It may be necessary to move to a quiet room (sometimes this may require more than one person to avoid injury) until the meltdown is over.
In My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, there is a race of creatures who feels strikingly like those with Asperger's Syndrome. These creatures are the kirins, and they would literally burn in anger over small matters. They used magic to make themselves silent because their words were triggering one another's meltdowns -- destroying their attempts at a peaceful village. Autumn Blaze had to live on her own because she still wanted to keep her voice. Her hyperactivity, along with other odd mannerisms, reminds me of the stimming common of those on the autism spectrum. The desire to follow the beat of her own drum, despite becoming an outcast, is another feature that reminds me of those on the spectrum. Autumn ultimately demonstrates that she can manage her own tendency to melt down. The angry side of her is part of who she is, and it isn't necessarily good or evil. It just needs to be safely released, for when she really feels the need to let it out. Thanks to her leadership, the kirins could finally feel whole again -- including their own ruler. (I wish I could get a license to write a book series about these kirins, for the sake of the autistic community.)
According to this other article:
* Dependent on the cause of meltdown, it may be best to help the person leave the situation they find distressing. Everyone is different but some say that what they need to recover from a meltdown is being left alone in a place where they feel safe, listening to music, having a bath or sleeping.
* After a meltdown the person often feels ashamed, embarrassed, and very tired.
When Nightlight is distressed, her brother acts as her guardian angel. He is the one who makes her feel the most comfortable and safe. She can feel free to be vulnerable, and to cry like a baby, when she's in his arms. White Night is always there to help her make things right, so that she can grow as a true friend.
As her big brother, White Night watches over his sister very carefully. Even when she is by herself, he is secretly monitoring her. Instead of blatantly shadowing over her, he acts as a spy, and he collects intelligence.
In fact, he is the Captain of the Royal Intelligence. Nightlight and White Night have become the godchildren of Princess Skysparkle, and she is training them to be big brothers and sisters for their fellow creatures. For her great adventure in friendship, Nightlight is sent to live as a common pony in a common village. Meanwhile, White Night has the means to secretly keep a careful eye on her. However, he normally keeps his distance -- so that Nightlight can learn on her own.
———
Visual Description:
This is a poster featuring the five drawings listed here:
1. Snugglebook
2. BBBFF
3. Meltdown
4. Crying & Making Up
5. Agent Big Brother
———
Drawings by tiaamaito.
Starponys: Friends with Unicorn Syndrome © and ™ of M. Wayne Howell (starponys87@gmail.com), along with all characters therein.
Slackey Pro © Font Diner – www.fontdiner.com
Pony © RodrigoTypo – https://rodrigotypo.com/
Category Artwork (Digital) / My Little Pony / Brony
Species Unicorn
Gender Multiple characters
Size 1525 x 1700px
Once more, I applaud how you are narrowing down and strengthening the message of your story and its characters. Night Light now has a very solid tale of growth to be told from start-to-finish with White Knight having a special side-story of his own.
However, in these most recent iterations, I must say there is no true main character. Night Light may seem like the main character but only because as she learns, her brother learns, and while they learn, others learn. So it is like a 'Tipping Point'. Night Light and White Knight's story being one that changes the world view while showing the power of 'friendship' and 'faith'.
As for the Kiren, you can actually write about them. All you need to do is change them into another creature, retool their design, find a different name for them, and/or give them a place within Starponys to reside and, well, that's it. :)
Never forget how there is truly no such thing as a 100% original idea. We all build upon what inspired us to create masterpieces that show what only we can tell. So do run free with your take on the Kiren and be amazed at what you develop in the process. :)
However, in these most recent iterations, I must say there is no true main character. Night Light may seem like the main character but only because as she learns, her brother learns, and while they learn, others learn. So it is like a 'Tipping Point'. Night Light and White Knight's story being one that changes the world view while showing the power of 'friendship' and 'faith'.
As for the Kiren, you can actually write about them. All you need to do is change them into another creature, retool their design, find a different name for them, and/or give them a place within Starponys to reside and, well, that's it. :)
Never forget how there is truly no such thing as a 100% original idea. We all build upon what inspired us to create masterpieces that show what only we can tell. So do run free with your take on the Kiren and be amazed at what you develop in the process. :)
I’m thinking of a set of creatures called the “Firedeer” — similar to the kirins but starting with a deer base. Their backstory shows strong similarities, too — but given a distinct autistic tint. One plot element might be Nightlight feeling she has found her tribe and wanting to stay there. She must learn to accept that she has Starpony duties that come first.
Perhaps gets to adopt a baby orphan — and now she is determined to be the mother she should have been with Phoenix. Now Phoenix gets to be a big brother.
By this time, Nightlight never wants to be without her baby dragon. Phoenix can still be manipulative with her feelings, but he can no longer do much of that without breaking his own heart.
Perhaps gets to adopt a baby orphan — and now she is determined to be the mother she should have been with Phoenix. Now Phoenix gets to be a big brother.
By this time, Nightlight never wants to be without her baby dragon. Phoenix can still be manipulative with her feelings, but he can no longer do much of that without breaking his own heart.
Sounds perfect to me. Perhaps, for a Kiren kind of feel, you could have a name for the species like 'Doe' and their angered form being 'Doenot'? There is also 'Elkin' and Torcher'? Lots of possibilities for your race of Kiren-like creatures.
I hope that, again, you notice how you have created a new focal point with a defined scope for Night Light and Phoenix with what you just wrote. Perhaps, given other major plot points, the meeting of the deer-like creatures would come after Phoenix's destructive behavior from getting carried away in delighting in 'negative attention'. White Knight and Star Lyre recommending the pair visit this region of the land to learn more on how there is a lot to learn about emotions and how not everyone reacts to the same stimuli the same way?
Night Light likes being here as, I would imagine, the citizens have 'safe spaces' to keep from burning down their forest home and Night Light finds using one to allow her to 'explode' without hurting anyone. The deer may also have 'Sensory Deprivation' spots where, if not wanting to 'explode', she can go and allow herself the ability to cool down without having a single stimuli to break her from regaining her focus?
Phoenix, of course, would enjoy how they are, in a way, like dragons and, hopefully,, befriend a fawn. Maybe this fawn will be tasked with returning with Night Light and Phoenix as a sort of 'learning experience'. The fawn being required to send letters to his people about how they are learning to manage their feelings in a place that does not have the luxury of 'Sensory Deprivation' nor 'Boom Houses'?
Again, all ideas for consideration. Personally, I see 'Staryponys' being told in 'Chapter Books'. Each book building on the previous to tell the entire tale.
For example...
BOOK 1 - Character establishment of Sky sparkle, Night Light, Phoenix, and White Knight. Some world building before Night Light and Phoenix are sent off to learn more on 'faith' and 'friendship'. Book 1 ends when Sparkle Fire learns her lesson on how important 'The Golden Rule' is while, with Star Lyre, Night Light decides to stay despite having some strong hesitations being in a less than controllable situation.
BOOK 2: Introduction into the characters of Sparkle Fire, Star Lyre, and the others. Each having to learn how to positively interact with Night Light as Night Light learns to interact with them. Phoenix, as a result, gets more-and-more neglected and starts going about being naughty until it ruins his reputation to where Night Light has to act as 'Guardian Angel' to save him from himself. Story ends with how it is important to learn new things, but you cannot get so involved that you neglect those who helped get you to where you are now.
BOOK 3: Star Lyre and White Knight believe a 'vacation' would help Phoenix and Night Light reconnect. Of course after we get some more character and plot building as a few chapters focus on repairing the town Phoenix smashed up. They meet the 'Kiren-like' creatures and Night Light loves all the ways they have learned to control their explosive tendencies. Phoenix makes a new friend, who becomes an ambassador for the deer species, to return back to Star Lyre and pals to learn how to live within an environment where you cannot always find places to just 'explode' or 'completely neutralize feelings'.
***
Mind you, this is what I gather based on how each post you do builds to create adventures that have a 'set scope'. This keeps the story under control while still forwarding the overall message of 'faith' and 'friendship'.
I hope that, again, you notice how you have created a new focal point with a defined scope for Night Light and Phoenix with what you just wrote. Perhaps, given other major plot points, the meeting of the deer-like creatures would come after Phoenix's destructive behavior from getting carried away in delighting in 'negative attention'. White Knight and Star Lyre recommending the pair visit this region of the land to learn more on how there is a lot to learn about emotions and how not everyone reacts to the same stimuli the same way?
Night Light likes being here as, I would imagine, the citizens have 'safe spaces' to keep from burning down their forest home and Night Light finds using one to allow her to 'explode' without hurting anyone. The deer may also have 'Sensory Deprivation' spots where, if not wanting to 'explode', she can go and allow herself the ability to cool down without having a single stimuli to break her from regaining her focus?
Phoenix, of course, would enjoy how they are, in a way, like dragons and, hopefully,, befriend a fawn. Maybe this fawn will be tasked with returning with Night Light and Phoenix as a sort of 'learning experience'. The fawn being required to send letters to his people about how they are learning to manage their feelings in a place that does not have the luxury of 'Sensory Deprivation' nor 'Boom Houses'?
Again, all ideas for consideration. Personally, I see 'Staryponys' being told in 'Chapter Books'. Each book building on the previous to tell the entire tale.
For example...
BOOK 1 - Character establishment of Sky sparkle, Night Light, Phoenix, and White Knight. Some world building before Night Light and Phoenix are sent off to learn more on 'faith' and 'friendship'. Book 1 ends when Sparkle Fire learns her lesson on how important 'The Golden Rule' is while, with Star Lyre, Night Light decides to stay despite having some strong hesitations being in a less than controllable situation.
BOOK 2: Introduction into the characters of Sparkle Fire, Star Lyre, and the others. Each having to learn how to positively interact with Night Light as Night Light learns to interact with them. Phoenix, as a result, gets more-and-more neglected and starts going about being naughty until it ruins his reputation to where Night Light has to act as 'Guardian Angel' to save him from himself. Story ends with how it is important to learn new things, but you cannot get so involved that you neglect those who helped get you to where you are now.
BOOK 3: Star Lyre and White Knight believe a 'vacation' would help Phoenix and Night Light reconnect. Of course after we get some more character and plot building as a few chapters focus on repairing the town Phoenix smashed up. They meet the 'Kiren-like' creatures and Night Light loves all the ways they have learned to control their explosive tendencies. Phoenix makes a new friend, who becomes an ambassador for the deer species, to return back to Star Lyre and pals to learn how to live within an environment where you cannot always find places to just 'explode' or 'completely neutralize feelings'.
***
Mind you, this is what I gather based on how each post you do builds to create adventures that have a 'set scope'. This keeps the story under control while still forwarding the overall message of 'faith' and 'friendship'.
I really appreciate this exchange of ideas! I think you’re helping me build my own sense of structure for my series and curriculum.
I’m now thinking that the “Firedeer” would live in a valley called “Valley of Fire”, surrounded by mountains called the “Burning Mountains”. Historically, it’s been a little-known area because no one’s wanted to visit a place that would light itself ablaze for no rhyme or reason. Moreover, it is said to be home to “fire monsters” and other deadly creatures.
In my work, the wilder parts of the forest lands are dominated by what are known as the “native deer”. These deer also have special marks. Some have antlers with unicorn-like powers. The Firedeer arose from some mysterious eggs deposited in the Deerlands. They were thought to be deposited by a dragon who had a strange love affair. In any case, the Firedeer came to be regarded as freaks of nature — gaining the name “Devildeer”. The Firedeer ended up getting banished to a forest valley that not even the deer cared to venture into. The deer called this place the “Devil’s Valley” and the “Devil’s Mountains”. The Firedeer have one of the most egalitarian societies — in part because they had to work together to tame a forest that could have eaten them alive. Moreover, they have chosen to comfort one another in the face of a world that rejected them.
In my first book, I plan to have Starlyre go out ahead of Nightlight to make friends in Friendsville. Starlyre is White Night’s special pupil and honorary little brother. Having Unicorn Syndrome himself, Starlyre feels awkward about breaking the ice. He ends up taking along Phoenix as a conversational piece, upon White Night’s advice. Phoenix’s charm immediately turns on the girls, and Starlyre soon finds the girls noticing him. Starlyre has generally been more comfortable around girls than boys. He has long wondered why, but maybe it’s because he finds it easier to share his feelings with a motherly or sisterly figure.
When Nightlight finally starts breaking the ice, Phoenix gradually gets jealous. He can’t quite say why, but it seems he’s trying to get the attention from others that Nightlight failed to give him as an adoptive mother. He seeks to build his own popularity by playing to the townsfolk’s misgivings about the new unicorn in town. He soon finds that he can make himself popular by playing to others’ underlying prejudices. Starlyre himself starts to forget that he is supposed to mentor Nightlight on behalf of her brother. Most of Phoenix’s bullying is not direct — but rather through secretly playing to the different prejudices of different people. This is how he slips under Starlyre’s radar — by customizing his flattery for each person he seeks favor from. He plays to Starlyre’s feelings that Nightlight is too much a nuisance and a fifth wheel, and this corrupts Starlyre’s judgment of Phoenix’s behavior.
Perhaps Nightlight and Phoenix go on a sort of pilgrimage to the Valley of Fire. Maybe they run off there looking for a time of solitude. Nightlight is confident that her and Phoenix’s powers can protect them from any danger around there. Starlyre goes out looking for them, based on the cryptic note Nightlight left. When he finally arrives, he sees a world where Nightlight seems to naturally fit in. He himself finds that the boys here have been the easiest to connect with since he met White Night. This story is a parable about how fitting in is largely a social construct. Social skills are not about following the herd — they are about loving one another.
I’m now thinking that the “Firedeer” would live in a valley called “Valley of Fire”, surrounded by mountains called the “Burning Mountains”. Historically, it’s been a little-known area because no one’s wanted to visit a place that would light itself ablaze for no rhyme or reason. Moreover, it is said to be home to “fire monsters” and other deadly creatures.
In my work, the wilder parts of the forest lands are dominated by what are known as the “native deer”. These deer also have special marks. Some have antlers with unicorn-like powers. The Firedeer arose from some mysterious eggs deposited in the Deerlands. They were thought to be deposited by a dragon who had a strange love affair. In any case, the Firedeer came to be regarded as freaks of nature — gaining the name “Devildeer”. The Firedeer ended up getting banished to a forest valley that not even the deer cared to venture into. The deer called this place the “Devil’s Valley” and the “Devil’s Mountains”. The Firedeer have one of the most egalitarian societies — in part because they had to work together to tame a forest that could have eaten them alive. Moreover, they have chosen to comfort one another in the face of a world that rejected them.
In my first book, I plan to have Starlyre go out ahead of Nightlight to make friends in Friendsville. Starlyre is White Night’s special pupil and honorary little brother. Having Unicorn Syndrome himself, Starlyre feels awkward about breaking the ice. He ends up taking along Phoenix as a conversational piece, upon White Night’s advice. Phoenix’s charm immediately turns on the girls, and Starlyre soon finds the girls noticing him. Starlyre has generally been more comfortable around girls than boys. He has long wondered why, but maybe it’s because he finds it easier to share his feelings with a motherly or sisterly figure.
When Nightlight finally starts breaking the ice, Phoenix gradually gets jealous. He can’t quite say why, but it seems he’s trying to get the attention from others that Nightlight failed to give him as an adoptive mother. He seeks to build his own popularity by playing to the townsfolk’s misgivings about the new unicorn in town. He soon finds that he can make himself popular by playing to others’ underlying prejudices. Starlyre himself starts to forget that he is supposed to mentor Nightlight on behalf of her brother. Most of Phoenix’s bullying is not direct — but rather through secretly playing to the different prejudices of different people. This is how he slips under Starlyre’s radar — by customizing his flattery for each person he seeks favor from. He plays to Starlyre’s feelings that Nightlight is too much a nuisance and a fifth wheel, and this corrupts Starlyre’s judgment of Phoenix’s behavior.
Perhaps Nightlight and Phoenix go on a sort of pilgrimage to the Valley of Fire. Maybe they run off there looking for a time of solitude. Nightlight is confident that her and Phoenix’s powers can protect them from any danger around there. Starlyre goes out looking for them, based on the cryptic note Nightlight left. When he finally arrives, he sees a world where Nightlight seems to naturally fit in. He himself finds that the boys here have been the easiest to connect with since he met White Night. This story is a parable about how fitting in is largely a social construct. Social skills are not about following the herd — they are about loving one another.
*Nods* Exactly! You now have formed a structure to help keep yourself from deviating too much from the core goal you are aiming to illustrate through 'Starponys'.
As it stands, you have 3 solid chapter books you can write. The first taking place in the capital city where we meet Star Lyre, White Knight, Night Light, and Phoenix. Princess Sky Sparkle is seeking a way to help Night Light with her 'Unicorn Syndrome' as she sees a lot of potential in her if she can grasp the true meaning of 'faith' and 'friendship'. However the capital city is too big and overstimulating for Night Light to achieve this. So, after Night Light's 'Super Explosion' where she is saved by Guardian angel: White Knight, Sky Sparkle sends Star Lyre to Friendsville, a smaller town, to establish relations and a haven for Night Light to live in that will not cause more stimulation than she is ready to handle. I'd imagine the first book ending with White Knight and Star Lyre agreeing on the arrangements prior to bringing Night Light to Friendsville. (Night Light and Phoenix learn lessons as they work to repair the damage done during the 'super explosion' while Star Lyre and White Knight modify a place in Friendsville to meet the needs of Night Light to begin her training)
Book 2 would be Night Light and Phoenix arriving. The first conflict is started by Sparkle Fire and Star lyre and White Knight need to intervene to help Night Light have a repeat of what happened in the capital. Phoenix stays in the 'safe space' to help care and soothe Night Light. However, once White Knight feels safe in leaving Star Lyre in charge, Phoenix starts to feel neglected. especially as how much attention he got went from lots-and-lots to very little beyond tending to day-to-day upkeep of their new home. This leads into Phoenix learning how to lay off the likes and dislikes of characters until he digs himself a hole that causes him to show that, having been largely tended to by Night light, proves he can also 'explode'. Night Light, recalling how her brother helped her, rises to Guardian Angel to bring Phoenix back down to size and the two discuss how they each have their 'triggers' and need to work together to really be able to follow grasp 'faith' and 'friendship'.
Book 3 will feature the due being given the opportunity to meet the Fire Deer. Night Light and Phoenix feel fairly well here as these creatures have learned how to create 'safe spaces' to control their 'explosions'. Fortunately, before Night Light and Phoenix decide to never leave, they meet a fawn who wants to try and help show how (s)he wants to not feel relaiant on 'faithless tools' to keep themselves from 'exploding'. This reminds Night Light of her true mission by Sky Sparkle and the trio return to Friendsville.
***
Again, just taking your notes to make structure. Each book starts from a previous event, builds on it, and sets up for the next. Night Light and Phoenix respectively learning lots of lessons along the way in how to not give into sins like 'Wrath', 'Envy', and 'sloth'. ([I]Based on what I've noticed for the potential order of books and their events, you can find at least '1' sin that is addressed, overcome, and 'faith' and 'friendship' grow as a result.
As it stands, you have 3 solid chapter books you can write. The first taking place in the capital city where we meet Star Lyre, White Knight, Night Light, and Phoenix. Princess Sky Sparkle is seeking a way to help Night Light with her 'Unicorn Syndrome' as she sees a lot of potential in her if she can grasp the true meaning of 'faith' and 'friendship'. However the capital city is too big and overstimulating for Night Light to achieve this. So, after Night Light's 'Super Explosion' where she is saved by Guardian angel: White Knight, Sky Sparkle sends Star Lyre to Friendsville, a smaller town, to establish relations and a haven for Night Light to live in that will not cause more stimulation than she is ready to handle. I'd imagine the first book ending with White Knight and Star Lyre agreeing on the arrangements prior to bringing Night Light to Friendsville. (Night Light and Phoenix learn lessons as they work to repair the damage done during the 'super explosion' while Star Lyre and White Knight modify a place in Friendsville to meet the needs of Night Light to begin her training)
Book 2 would be Night Light and Phoenix arriving. The first conflict is started by Sparkle Fire and Star lyre and White Knight need to intervene to help Night Light have a repeat of what happened in the capital. Phoenix stays in the 'safe space' to help care and soothe Night Light. However, once White Knight feels safe in leaving Star Lyre in charge, Phoenix starts to feel neglected. especially as how much attention he got went from lots-and-lots to very little beyond tending to day-to-day upkeep of their new home. This leads into Phoenix learning how to lay off the likes and dislikes of characters until he digs himself a hole that causes him to show that, having been largely tended to by Night light, proves he can also 'explode'. Night Light, recalling how her brother helped her, rises to Guardian Angel to bring Phoenix back down to size and the two discuss how they each have their 'triggers' and need to work together to really be able to follow grasp 'faith' and 'friendship'.
Book 3 will feature the due being given the opportunity to meet the Fire Deer. Night Light and Phoenix feel fairly well here as these creatures have learned how to create 'safe spaces' to control their 'explosions'. Fortunately, before Night Light and Phoenix decide to never leave, they meet a fawn who wants to try and help show how (s)he wants to not feel relaiant on 'faithless tools' to keep themselves from 'exploding'. This reminds Night Light of her true mission by Sky Sparkle and the trio return to Friendsville.
***
Again, just taking your notes to make structure. Each book starts from a previous event, builds on it, and sets up for the next. Night Light and Phoenix respectively learning lots of lessons along the way in how to not give into sins like 'Wrath', 'Envy', and 'sloth'. ([I]Based on what I've noticed for the potential order of books and their events, you can find at least '1' sin that is addressed, overcome, and 'faith' and 'friendship' grow as a result.
Again, thank you for your suggestions. In this case, I already have much of my own idea for how Nightlight is introduced to Friendsville. Her big explosion doesn’t happen until much later, after she has started to build a new life in Friendsville.
My premise is that Nightlight loves living in the Royal Village. It is where her parents’ estate is, and her bedroom is really a personal suite. It feels like a magical experience to see thousands of royal alicorns flying around (nearly all of them distant descendants of Skysparkle and her son and niece). Nightlight has long felt like a VIP in this city-village. She certainly does not want to live in a common village where she cannot use her name or privileges. In fact, White Night has been nervous about how a common village could handle her. But Skysparkle believes in both him and her to make it work.
Three weeks before, Starlyre was sent to live in Friendsville. He was much like Nightlight three years ago, but now he is one of the most charming boys. He is both academic and athletic, and he is one of those earthbound ponies with special powers. With Phoenix’s help breaking the ice, he befriends five mares who look like parodies of the Mane 6.
Admittedly, the balance of designs and personalities of the Mane 6 is tough to compete with. However, adding a boy to the mix does fundamentally change the dynamics and the theme. For further inspiration, I can reflect on the Student Six and some other MLP characters. Dragonshy may feel somewhere between Fluttershy and Ocellus, and she may love reading books with her pets. Sparklefire is to feel somewhere between Pinkie Pie and Silverstream, and Rainbowbarf might feel somewhere between Smolder and Rainbow Dash. Octamare Precious Sapphire might feel somewhere between Rarity and Gabby. Her relationship with Phoenix tends to be mutual, though both may take advantage of each other at times. Applewood Tenderwolf is an immigrant from Equestristan, and unlike Applejack, she is always challenging tradition and trying to engineer new ways to do things. She has Applejack’s strength, but she is also an earth engineer — maybe feeling somewhere between Applejack and Quibble Pants in personality.
When Nightlight’s birthday comes, Sparklefire puts together a great surprise party in the big city of Equopolis (vague parody of New York and Chicago). Nightlight’s new girlfriends are sure she will love the surprise, but Starlyre has serious doubts. As one with a milder case of Unicorn Syndrome, he knows he often hates surprises. Surprise presents have always disappointed him when others fail to be sure of what he really wants. He says he has to talk about it with Nightlight, but Sparklefire threatens to disinvite him. Starlyre hasn’t enjoyed anything this fancy since he was sent on his assignment, and he doesn’t want to feel left out. Also, Sparklefire acted a little crazy when she threatened to disinvite him, and he feels a little intimidated by that. Rainbowbarf and Starlyre probably had a crush on each other at first sight.
Rainbow understands that her girlfriends can be a little crazy, and she hopes Starlyre can be brave enough to be the big brother they would love to look up to. Because of her religious upbringing, having men she can look up to is something she specially values in the opposite sex.
When Nightlight is surprised with a loud, noisy, flashy party in the heart of the city, she doesn’t lose all control immediately. But Sparklefire keeps invading Nightlight’s personal space in the name of livening up. And Sparklefire is seemingly impossible for her to avoid! Finally, Nightlight explodes in anger and seeks to destroy the environment causing her distress. Her emotions cause her to grow, and her growth feeds back into her emotions. She starts to think that the whole downtown is too loud, noisy, and flashy. She is showing a lot of blind anger, but she is also trying to regain control of the environment around her. The surge of power also interferes with her senses. Destroying much of downtown doubles as a way to let out her anger and distress and to get rid of what she sees as the source. When military forces try to fight her, she feels her feelings get even more hurt. A telltale sign that Nightlight’s intentions are not that bad is that there are miraculously no fatalities. Cartoon physics have largely been at work. Fortunately, Starlyre sent a message to White Night before Nightlight lost all self-control. Therefore, White Night (riding on Skysparkle’s son) managed to arrive before downtown became unrecognizable.
Your suggestions should help me figure out how to structure the books. In this case, the inspiration won’t always be direct.
My premise is that Nightlight loves living in the Royal Village. It is where her parents’ estate is, and her bedroom is really a personal suite. It feels like a magical experience to see thousands of royal alicorns flying around (nearly all of them distant descendants of Skysparkle and her son and niece). Nightlight has long felt like a VIP in this city-village. She certainly does not want to live in a common village where she cannot use her name or privileges. In fact, White Night has been nervous about how a common village could handle her. But Skysparkle believes in both him and her to make it work.
Three weeks before, Starlyre was sent to live in Friendsville. He was much like Nightlight three years ago, but now he is one of the most charming boys. He is both academic and athletic, and he is one of those earthbound ponies with special powers. With Phoenix’s help breaking the ice, he befriends five mares who look like parodies of the Mane 6.
Admittedly, the balance of designs and personalities of the Mane 6 is tough to compete with. However, adding a boy to the mix does fundamentally change the dynamics and the theme. For further inspiration, I can reflect on the Student Six and some other MLP characters. Dragonshy may feel somewhere between Fluttershy and Ocellus, and she may love reading books with her pets. Sparklefire is to feel somewhere between Pinkie Pie and Silverstream, and Rainbowbarf might feel somewhere between Smolder and Rainbow Dash. Octamare Precious Sapphire might feel somewhere between Rarity and Gabby. Her relationship with Phoenix tends to be mutual, though both may take advantage of each other at times. Applewood Tenderwolf is an immigrant from Equestristan, and unlike Applejack, she is always challenging tradition and trying to engineer new ways to do things. She has Applejack’s strength, but she is also an earth engineer — maybe feeling somewhere between Applejack and Quibble Pants in personality.
When Nightlight’s birthday comes, Sparklefire puts together a great surprise party in the big city of Equopolis (vague parody of New York and Chicago). Nightlight’s new girlfriends are sure she will love the surprise, but Starlyre has serious doubts. As one with a milder case of Unicorn Syndrome, he knows he often hates surprises. Surprise presents have always disappointed him when others fail to be sure of what he really wants. He says he has to talk about it with Nightlight, but Sparklefire threatens to disinvite him. Starlyre hasn’t enjoyed anything this fancy since he was sent on his assignment, and he doesn’t want to feel left out. Also, Sparklefire acted a little crazy when she threatened to disinvite him, and he feels a little intimidated by that. Rainbowbarf and Starlyre probably had a crush on each other at first sight.
Rainbow understands that her girlfriends can be a little crazy, and she hopes Starlyre can be brave enough to be the big brother they would love to look up to. Because of her religious upbringing, having men she can look up to is something she specially values in the opposite sex.
When Nightlight is surprised with a loud, noisy, flashy party in the heart of the city, she doesn’t lose all control immediately. But Sparklefire keeps invading Nightlight’s personal space in the name of livening up. And Sparklefire is seemingly impossible for her to avoid! Finally, Nightlight explodes in anger and seeks to destroy the environment causing her distress. Her emotions cause her to grow, and her growth feeds back into her emotions. She starts to think that the whole downtown is too loud, noisy, and flashy. She is showing a lot of blind anger, but she is also trying to regain control of the environment around her. The surge of power also interferes with her senses. Destroying much of downtown doubles as a way to let out her anger and distress and to get rid of what she sees as the source. When military forces try to fight her, she feels her feelings get even more hurt. A telltale sign that Nightlight’s intentions are not that bad is that there are miraculously no fatalities. Cartoon physics have largely been at work. Fortunately, Starlyre sent a message to White Night before Nightlight lost all self-control. Therefore, White Night (riding on Skysparkle’s son) managed to arrive before downtown became unrecognizable.
Your suggestions should help me figure out how to structure the books. In this case, the inspiration won’t always be direct.
Well, just like you've helped in Hapo, I want to try and offer what I can to assist in keeping each story easy to manage without encountering too much 'Scope Creep'. As long as you can feel 'control' over the tale and how it plays out, you'll do great. :)
I hope I didn’t upset you. I hope it didn’t feel as if I were brushing you off. Your response seemed shorter than the others, as if you didn’t have so much to say.
Oh, no. I'm not upset at all. I just, to much surprise of many, can have times where my big beak doesn't go on-and-on-and-on. <LoL!>
For this, I noticed you have everything under control. So there's not much I can add outside of being happy to hear how you are getting better at knowing what you want to write, how you want to write it, and how you will be spacing out each 'lesson' / 'growth event', in easy to digest ways that help bring out your message of 'faith' and 'friendship'. :)
I'm also just a tiny bit sad as, due to a lot of online and offline stress, I haven't been able to work on the Bubble and Scuttle story you pointed out needs done in order to keep the Hapo stories rolling properly. :(
For this, I noticed you have everything under control. So there's not much I can add outside of being happy to hear how you are getting better at knowing what you want to write, how you want to write it, and how you will be spacing out each 'lesson' / 'growth event', in easy to digest ways that help bring out your message of 'faith' and 'friendship'. :)
I'm also just a tiny bit sad as, due to a lot of online and offline stress, I haven't been able to work on the Bubble and Scuttle story you pointed out needs done in order to keep the Hapo stories rolling properly. :(
You might have noticed that I had to think carefully about what could turn Nightlight into a giant angry monster. I needed to put her into a situation that might drive even a normal person a little insane. When White Night calms her down, she admits feeling scared in addition to angry. She at least had the presence of mind to try out her brother’s shielding spells in order to avoid becoming a mass murderer.
Solving this puzzle has been a little like how Sci-Twi could go mad with a sudden burst of power — but then talked back into her senses. Midnight Sparkle embodied all the vicious feelings of betrayal that might be shown by someone who just wanted to be loved. I enjoyed the reversal of roles, wherein Sunset Shimmer acted as a guardian angel for one who just wanted to be loved. Spike the dog also got to act as a guardian angel, reminding Sci-Twi that she is about to lose her one loyal friend.
Likewise, for Nightlight, “Nightzilla” is supposed to represent the destructive beast that many with ASD fear within themselves when they feel in danger of melting down.
Solving this puzzle has been a little like how Sci-Twi could go mad with a sudden burst of power — but then talked back into her senses. Midnight Sparkle embodied all the vicious feelings of betrayal that might be shown by someone who just wanted to be loved. I enjoyed the reversal of roles, wherein Sunset Shimmer acted as a guardian angel for one who just wanted to be loved. Spike the dog also got to act as a guardian angel, reminding Sci-Twi that she is about to lose her one loyal friend.
Likewise, for Nightlight, “Nightzilla” is supposed to represent the destructive beast that many with ASD fear within themselves when they feel in danger of melting down.
And you do all this while showing the lead-up, action, and the 'cool down'.
My ex-wife worked in a ASD school. Fortunately, the MLP fans I came to know there were all ones I happened upon before HIPAA / PHI issues would've ruined my ability to talk with them. However I can say that I got to hear about a lot of 'meltdowns' and how difficult it is to 'come to' after the meltdown and see the damage that was done.
Between 2013 and 2019, I donated a lot of MLP merch to the school to help increase incentive for meeting IEP goals. It worked beyond any expectations as students would make competitions on earning enough 'points' for achieving goals, to be first to get a certain item I was able to get into the school to serve as a positive motivator. I even had Enterplay LLC serve as a 'silent partner' to get me very rare cards to donate to the school. So the school student's weren't just earning common products but also rare promo cards from convention events.
However, back to what you're doing, I like how you are showing the before, lead up, during, and after of these sort of situations for those who can be over-stimulated and negatively triggered. I do believe showing this will help mainstream society see how those on The spectrum are just like anyone else. Everyone has the right to feel 'safe' and it isn't that hard to have 'safe Rooms' in businesses, stores, etc. where one can relax from being hit with too much input at once. Even an 'average' person can benefit from some sensory 'cool down' given how we all have stress triggers we'd rather not allow get out of control.
My ex-wife worked in a ASD school. Fortunately, the MLP fans I came to know there were all ones I happened upon before HIPAA / PHI issues would've ruined my ability to talk with them. However I can say that I got to hear about a lot of 'meltdowns' and how difficult it is to 'come to' after the meltdown and see the damage that was done.
Between 2013 and 2019, I donated a lot of MLP merch to the school to help increase incentive for meeting IEP goals. It worked beyond any expectations as students would make competitions on earning enough 'points' for achieving goals, to be first to get a certain item I was able to get into the school to serve as a positive motivator. I even had Enterplay LLC serve as a 'silent partner' to get me very rare cards to donate to the school. So the school student's weren't just earning common products but also rare promo cards from convention events.
However, back to what you're doing, I like how you are showing the before, lead up, during, and after of these sort of situations for those who can be over-stimulated and negatively triggered. I do believe showing this will help mainstream society see how those on The spectrum are just like anyone else. Everyone has the right to feel 'safe' and it isn't that hard to have 'safe Rooms' in businesses, stores, etc. where one can relax from being hit with too much input at once. Even an 'average' person can benefit from some sensory 'cool down' given how we all have stress triggers we'd rather not allow get out of control.
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