The video game Horizon Zero Dawn (HZD) continues opening new avenues for me as an author.  A couple of months ago I stumbled upon the opportunity to take part in developing a video game through an indie company, Dyscordion Entertainment Inc.  Although excited by the idea I was nervous about participating.  If I took part, I needed to contribute the resources and skills necessary to be an equal Dev (short for developer).  The last thing I wanted to do was let down a team of people depending on me.

My decision to tackle this project is two-fold:

1)  The initiative is being led by a friend and fellow author.  We met through interacting on each other's HZD fanfictions.
2)  I wanted to pursue more collaborative exercises which would assist in regaining my ability and confidence.

Thus far I've had zero regrets.  The assembled team is professional, dedicated, and incredibly talented.  Not to mention a lot of fun!  The game's name is 'Second Star' and I encourage you to check out both the website and trailer!  Follow one of the social media platforms to stay updated on progress!

Anyone who's followed me for a while will know I love how modern video games are delving deeper and more creatively into narrative.  It's been a desire of mine to become involved in the creation of one of these games so I am enormously grateful for this opportunity!

It's not always clear what lessons we're meant to learn from experiences in life.  I've neglected to post here in a long time and the reasons are many, yet the cause ultimately links to understanding.  Or rather, my attempts to achieve it.  I took a break from blog and newsletter-related activities after my father and grandmother passed away.   Writing the HZD collab became increasingly difficult as it delved into darker subject matter.  Then I parted ways with one of my dearest friends: leogrl19.

When you lose someone this way the question of Why takes precedence, circling like a voracious vulture. Why did it happen?  The How is traceable, but was there overarching meaning to the event... or was it a callous deal of circumstance?

I believe that everything happens for a reason.  Whether that reason is cosmic or finite in nature bears less importance than the necessity of looking on a circumstance and learning from it.  Time and space assist with this endeavour, but it is never easy to accomplish.  While I recognise and acknowledge what happened - even understand the why at a logical level - it is far harder to teach your emotions.  To make them understand.

I strove for 'normal' after the deaths in my family.  Now that word is shapeless.  There is only one day to the next, a pattern of events which translates to most as monotony, yet within it are thousands of unique moments to exist within and forge connection.

Perhaps the most powerful message I've received this past year is that caring for others does not mean continually Giving.  When you feel deeply for someone you want to do everything in your power to assist them, but doing so is not always in their best interests or yours.   It's one of those things you know on a conscious level, yet having to enforce it... can be enormously painful.  In looking for meaning among the pain of living, one can only bring along awareness.  Of the larger world, and oneself.

A new chapter of my life is upon me, and within it I hope to build upon my failures and successes alike.  Go forward with a clearer vision of who I am, and how I wish to shape my story.  The next post will detail a segment of this new narrative; an opportunity that presented itself as I was seeking clarity and that has facilitated a fresh direction for my love of writing.