Merry Christmas Everyone (Chapter 12 Up)

I got Chapter 12 up last night - got the right amount of motivation to finally finish it - and it finished with a bang. Amy of course would take that in the wrong way, but depending on how bad your mind is, I suppose you could take it whatever way you want, since it works.
So, how was your Christmas?
Mine was great. Recieved a new cellphone and 3 Christian Bale movies. Public Enemies, Terminator: Salvation and American Psycho, plus lots more great things. I got a freakin' 2 lb chocolate bar! It's HUGE.
Like it would be the Master Chief of the chocolate bar world. Seriously. This thing is a tank.
I'm not going to try and eat it all in one day, or I'm afraid I wouldn't be slender anymore. More like major blob. (Watched T2 for the first time today, and yeah, that T1000, he was a total blob. Picture that x 10, only I wouldn't be that cool and walk through walls).
Kind of rambling here.
I'll be working on the next chapter soon, once the chaos of Christmas calms down.
So, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, and I hope you all enjoyed my little gift to you.

Ch 12 = 5000 words, so far.

I'm lazy.
But 5000 words is better than nothing.
I'm working on it. If I work really really hard, I might have it up by tomorrow - but I might hold off until after Christmas. Maybe. Who knows.
Only 2000 more words to go roughly, and that's not a lot. I know how this chapter's going down, I just need to write it.

I'm behind schedule. I've only got roughly 1600 words for Chapter 12 and it was due to be posted yesterday. I'm working on it currently, and hope to have it up asap.

Working on 12

I'm working on chapter 12. Though I'm behind schedule again. I only have 1000 words done so far and I'm supposed to post the new chapter on Friday or Saturday.
Chapter 12 might be last chapter posted until after X-mas, just because I'll be really busy. School is out in 2 days though and I have 2 weeks off. :)

Hah, got another stupid review from a douchebag, penname "that guy neoj" whose best insult he can come up with is (copied and pasted):

"love of a spartan sucks big balls the only thing good about this is nothing i think i got dumber for reading this gay crap my cuz is trying to tell you this will be okay but its not this is gayer then the time i played the game superman for the n64"

I just have to rip this up. How many things are wrong with this?
1. No capitalization
2. No commas
3. No periods
4. There is no such word as "cuz"
5. "Its" should be "it's" or "it is"
6. Due to the context in which it's being used, "Then" should be "Than"
7. If he hates my story so much, why would he "read it" and allow himself to get "dumber" by doing so?
8. Last time I checked, Love of a Spartan contains no homosexuality. (Not that there's anything wrong with that *cough* homophobe *cough*)
9. How can a story (or anything non human/animal) "suck balls"? Clearly it has no mouth.

Amy Smythe would roar at the last one.

If you're going to hate my story, at least give me a logical and mature reason. Hating it because it is gay - that's not saying anything about anything but yourself - This guy is immature and probably jealous that, unlike him, I have an ability to actually write properly in the English language.

Seriously, what a homophobic dumbshit. Keep 'er comin! Wait, he can't - he's blocked and reported. Riiiiight.

Ooh that was fun.

OH. MY. GOD.

HOLY SHIT! ITS KELLY!

AND FRED (*whistles*)

This is from the newest episode of Halo Legends called the Package.
MEANS ITS LEGIT.
And could it be anymore of a better timing!
I must say, I'm impressed!
John's in the ep too, but they show him from the neck down. As usual.
Kelly is actually pretty close to what I pictured her to be!
Fred, well...
I must say, Fred,
Oo.
I want his number.
Dayum.
Imagine what Chief must look like.......

Ch 10 Up

Finally I've got chapter 10 out of the way. Can you believe it? 10 chapters already! I'm pretty excited, it's a milestone, that's for sure. This chapter was actually longer than the last few had been. Usually, it's me trying to make it just long enough - I usually average them around 7000 words, but this time I was writing and checked the word count and I was at 6900, and I hadn't even begun to close the chapter.
This one I had a little difficulty with, I was struggling with trying to get the right mood and the way the characters would be responding. I rewrote the scene between John and Renee when they both arrive home a couple of times. At first, I made them get into another heated argument, but it was too extreme and wouldn't be easy to resolve in the time I wanted. So I softened it up, and then it was too light and happy - John and Renee, Renee especially was acting much like her 19 year old self we familiarized ourselves with in the original story. And I was like, no, this is wrong - she's 38. Duh.
I think the scene is now okay, but I don't think it's the best it could possibly be, but I'm not really up for tinkering with it - I didn't want to keep you guys waiting. I knew if I put it off to another day I wouldn't get it up for a while.
This weekend I have to work on a couple of projects and I might be going to the movies tomorrow night - so there would be little time for the chapter to be finished.
Anyway, hope it pleased you all.
Happy reading.

Working on Ch 10

Didn't update when I posted last chapter. I've been really busy lately, and frankly it sucks. I forget the last time I was able to sit there and think "I've got nothing to do, I can relax". At the moment, I've got nine projects to do.
6 IB Art projects.
1 Adv Art 12 project
1 Canadian History project
1 Math project,
Not to mention a test tomorrow.
And someone wants me to draw a picture for them.
And someone else wants me to draw two pictures for them.
And I have to finish writing chapter 10 of the story - which I'm almost done of btw. Should be up by Friday (I'm saying that because I don't know how much I'll get done today or tomorrow).
It's open in MS word right now, I've wrote maybe ten words so far. But I've got to study tonight, and work on my rought draft of that CDN hist project which is due Friday.
I truly miss how simplistic my life used to be. D: Gah.

Where Art Thou?

It's been roughly 24 hours since chapter update, and only 2 reviews.
Hmm. Maybe you guys felt the same about the chapter as I did...
I read it over, still don't like it.
I'll give it time, though. I want your opinons guys!
Be truthful. I can take a punch. Or two.

Chapter 8 is up

Finally, I'm glad it's done. Frankly for a couple of days that thing has been a pain in the ass - a source of writer's block and added frustration to an already relatively stressful lifestyle.
But, it's done.
I had a bit of difficulty writing it obviously - lack of motivation I suppose. Also I had to kind of think it through more than usual, which was weird.
Out of all the chapters at the moment, I don't really like this one. I don't know, you probably will, but maybe it's just because I've had a horrid long and drawn out experience writing it.
I included another ODST character this chapter - Dare. As far as I know, if my plans for future chapters go unchanged, Dare and possibly Buck will play a larger part further on. Maybe the other ODSTs as well.
So, I kind of left with a cliffy. The mood in this chapter was dark, and the next one will be generally as dark too, for I left you with John's hinted desires to destroy the man who destroyed his chance at anonymity.
Look forward to some big time drama next chapter, John's not going to be a happy camper.
Yeah, that's pretty much it.
For now, anyway.

Anon. Reviewing Back Up

Couldn't leave it for long, wasn't fair for all the rest of my anon. reviewers who are wonderfully supportive.
Working on Chapter 8 atm.
Should be up by Tuesday/ Wednesday.

My Apologies

As of today - I've had no choice but to disable anonymous reviews to my story. Some immature fucktard thought it would be wise to spam After the War with rude comments - one after another.
You got to love how most of the people who trash your work are too cowardly to have a penname (or log in). As well, they usually don't bother to actually read your work - like this douchebag - and just presume things. They don't take into consideration how much work you put into the project, either. And their completely inconsiderate of the author. My cat could've just died and I'd get a review like that.
Guess the point I'm trying to say:
Don't like it, don't read it.
And definitely don't be so fucking immature.
Rant done.
So, unfortunately, my lovely readers, anonymous reviews are disabled for the meantime.
I'll let you know if I enable them (probably will before the next chapter).

Ch 7 is up

I worked really hard yesterday and was able to get the chapter finished and posted. -Pats self on back-. So far, everyone seems to like it - as always, thanks bunches to all of you who reviewed and left me your lovely opinions.
I had a really fun time writing it once I got over the bump (the relatively talky-talky part at the beginning with John and Renee and the whole issue with Harriet having a vendetta for John).
It felt good to write something Covenant-ey (sad attempt at a new word, I know) and well, it was technically the first chapter in the story with some actual action - if you don't count John and Renee's hinted scenes of sex. (Har, har)
Yeah, that was bad.
But yes, I feel confident now that I've actually reached the truly interesting part. The party's starting up, things are really starting to roll, etc.
I took a brave step of including Edward Buck from ODST. It was a last minute thing - not at all planned (Buck's a bastard! Heehee) What horrible jokes I'm coming up with. Not usually my thing, but anyway. I needed someone to stick in there, and I was like, "There's enough OCs in this story to choke the life out of anyone" not that it's necessarily a bad thing, but I wanted someone canon - and I was like Bucky, you're in.
I haven't decided how long or big of a role Buck's going to have in the story. He might just have a guest appearance or be graced with a reoccuring role (gotta love how I'm talking like it's a TV show).
As for the inclusion of the other ODSTs?
Maaaybe.
Nothing is really finalized - but Buck's appearance seems to be welcomed by you readers, so, who knows. But it could provide a mini off-to-the-side conflict for John - like the guy needs it, but yeah.
Like I said, lots of ideas are whizzing in my head right now. School is driving me nuts - it seems everything is due within the next three weeks and I've got so much to work on, argh!
Yes, as well, my friend Alexis and I came up with an ODST mini-fic during the boredoms of math class. I wrote it while she gave me ideas and hints. Typed it up last night.
I'm not sure if I should post it. It's Buck x Veronica - and the story wouldn't be able to get away with a T rating. Basically, it's exploring their past relationship... er, well, some of it. It originally was going to be clean, but Alexis read what I had so far and was like "You have to keep going! Take it up a notch!" (or two, or three).
It's not that bad, actually (the writing I mean, as for the story's content, it's all up to you).
I'm debating whether or not to post it as just a simple one-shot and see how many Buck x Veronica fans I can lure in.
Well, I'm off to begin work on chapter 8.
Tiring, this is, truly.
-AshleyBayle

Ch 7 in the works

Haven't updated in a while, my apologies. I've been busy with school stuff. Yuck.
But yeah, chapter 7 is in the works, I think about... just a sec... 2,011 words so far. Out of roughly 7,000. I'm kind of falling behind.
Which is weird because I know exactly where I'm going with this chapter. I just have to get the pedal to the metal and stop procrastinating. Ugh. Which is what I'm doing with my Math project, Canadian History project, and my art projects.
Life is too busy lately!
I wish my writing could just compensate for all my school work. I bet no one else is writing a novel-length Halo fanfiction! It takes a lot of thought and research, you know.
Grr, reminds me, I was SUPPOSED to be taking Literary Arts this year, which focuses on writing - but no, there were only 10 people who signed up for it so they didn't have it!
Sorry, that was nothing to really do with Halo or my story.
I'm playing ODST a lot lately - firefight mostly. I suck though. Majorly suck.
Wait, second that, the ODSTs suck because they aren't Spartans. Did anyone ever notice when they're injured, they moan and groan (especially Buck). You barely hear a grunt or two from Master Chief! He can take that kind of stuff.
I have to shut up on this, and get to work on chapter 7.

Ch 5 - Complete.

^ You must be wondering, who this is.
You, my friends, are looking at my real life inspiration for the character of Troy Fisher. This guy is absolutely hilarious - I've known him since the beginning of school. He probably would be honored to know I've made a character inspired by his antics.

Don't let this image be stuck in your head when you think of Troy, though! LOL.

That's how it goes when I create original characters. They're almost always based off someone I know, whether they're one of my best friends or someone I rarely speak to. Not all characters, but most of them carry a trait or two of someone I know.

But yes, Chapter 5 is completed, and I think it's safe to say that now I know exactly where I'm going with this story. Before, I had a few ideas here and there, but I think I could actually plan the whole thing out.

Which is good!!

Posted Chapter 4 last night. So far it seems well recieved. I've got less than a 1000 words written for 5, so I really got to get going - I'm starting to fall back to that state where I post a chapter and have the next one unwritten.
I at least want to be a couple of chapters ahead.

Craziness

I'm typing feverishly away to try and finish Chapter 4 so I can begin 5. (Well, duh). Besides writing LOAS: ATW, I also have Chapter 2 of Return to Sanghelios. And a Drama project. And 8 IB Art Projects. And a Math test tomorrow. And a Canadian History test monday. And recently, I've recieved the news that I won't be getting my braces off until February (originally was December).

Pick one word to describe your life right now?:

HECTIC.

But alas, my readers, I'll keep on writing.

My friend Alexis said the funniest / most suggestive thing to me about Master Chief in Math class today. It made learning about finding angles inside of circles or whatever the fuck a lot more amusing.

I won't repeat it though. >:)

Master Chief is a Millionare...whut?

Yeah, it's true. Or, at least I think.

I found this site that told me the yearly pay of a Master Chief Petty Officer (although it's not for the 26th Century of course). On average, a MC makes $92,686 US a year. I put that into the calculator, and multiplied it by the years John was involved in the war with the rank of a MC (27 years), and by 2552, he would have made $2,502,522 US (21st cen currency).

So, John is a millionare!

Hmm, this could provide fuel for a future chapter when John takes Renee with him to withdraw some money from his bank account...

At least I know there won't be any poverty restrictions on the couples' lifestyle! Hehe.

As for the story itself, I posted Chapter 3 tonight and have almost completed Chapter 4, which should be up this time next week.

- Ash.

Today is the day

First chapter of Love of a Spartan: After the War has been posted! And so far, is getting positive feedback.

As well, I got a chance to brainstorm today while I suffered through double math (Math is my worst subject in school). The ideas are quite interesting, and they will allow me to thread some action into the story. I won't say much yet though.

I like surprises, maybe you do too?

Writer's Block

Yup, I'm suffering from it.
At least it's the 3rd chapter I'm stuck on and not the first.

My main concern right now is that it's too boring. Besides a dream, there hasn't been any action! (Fighting action, that is). I don't want to bore you all to death with the daily lives of Renee and John, and her efforts to try and rehabilitate him like some , I dunno.

It's just the speed in which the story goes - LOAS was like this too, it's almost real time. Day by day. I want to speed it up so I can get to the major plot point and start working it in, but I don't want to leave a lot out concerning rebuilding J+R's relationship.

Maybe I'll stick in some Cortana / Lord Hood scenes, just to take it away from the daily lives of the two lovers.

UGH. Being a writer, sometimes, sucks.

No ideas, mind's running a blank. Maybe it's this headache.

Ideas

I suffered during double math class today - so I was given a lot of time to think about LOAS: ATW. When I wasn't drawing a picture of John-117, I was pondering on what exactly I was going to do next.

Buut, I'm not going to say a word yet.

You will be able to choke tidbits of information out of me come October 1st when you can sink your teeth into chapter one.

Further posts on actual ideas - you'll be giving fair warning if one of my posts contains some. Everything I need to say first will be said, and then you will come face to face with something along the lines of this:

*******SPOILER WARNING - PROCEED AT OWN WILL ********

Because believe it or not, some ideas - whether they take flight or not, could be potential spoilers to the story itself.

Whether you want to look or not, it's up to you.

Hey everyone.
7 days until Love of a Spartan: After the War gets posted!
Who's excited? I know I am.
Currently, I won't lie to you, I set the due date to October because I wasn't sure how much writing I would be able to get done - and I had no idea I would be attacked with a fierce writing streak. Tonight, I've finished the 2nd chapter - and much like the first one, is clocking in at just over 7000 words, over 1000 words more than its prequel's average.
Longer chapters, boo hoo.
Naw, I know it's going to be great, right? More to read!
About the title, you can all shoot me. If you know me well, you already know that I suck when it comes to creating names, and I'm even more horrible when it comes to thinking up titles.
Bear with me on this one, people.
The story itself is good.
I'm just unsure about when it comes time to post it and I have to think up a 200 character summary. Erk. The last one sucked - and this one will most definitely follow not long behind.
Yeah, so I'm twitching to post the story now - but I can't! So sorry, I'm sticking to the due date.
At least I'm getting ahead of myself a little bit so that I'll have hopefully at least 3 chapters done when it comes to initial posting time. I won't post them all at once, of course.
Too much for you guys to handle.
Naw, I just like to draw it out.
Ya hate me now. I know. Ha ha.
Off to think about the 3rd chapter, which hopefully will begin with a vivid dream - an excuse for me to write some Covenanty (?) stuff. (I know that word does not exist, I created it. Whoo me.)
Auf Wiedersehen.
Or, those who don't understand German,
Byeeees.
-AB