The Able Sisters

Author's Note

Dear Reader,

Thank you very much for reading The Able Sisters. Your comments and support have made me so happy, and just the other day, I found my fanfic listed on a fan-fiction recommendation site. That is the ultimate compliment for a writer!

I would, of course, like to acknowledge Nintendo and the Animal Crossing franchise. I began playing Animal Crossing back in 2008 (10 years ago...wow) and have been obsessed with the series ever since. It has always astounded me how this seemingly simple game packs so much more into it, like the incredible story of the Able sisters. Experiencing this part of the game inspired me to write this fanfic, and I hope I gave these characters somewhat of a satisfactory story.

I tried to keep this story as close to the original and as accurate. Much of this takes place during the City Folk era (since that was when I originally planned out this novel), but the inclusion of New Leaf gave me even more material to work with! I know there are some inconsistencies with this work. I'm 99.99% sure that Sable is the oldest sister, yet I got confused when looking back on my research again (yes, that's right. I did a lot of research when crafting this story). For some reason I read probably one note that stated Labelle was the oldest, though there is very little evidence for that. I know it's an insignificant detail, but it's going to bother me forever, and it's too late to go back and edit now haha. I tried to keep the characters similar to their games as well, but I know I added in a bit more personality. I wanted to show these characters from different perspectives as well. I wanted to show the prim and proper Labelle as being vulnerable, and I wanted to show the shy and humble Sable being bold at times as well. Hopefully you appreciate these minor changes.

I'm going to get deep with you now (not super super deep, but you'll see). I believe I began writing this novel at the perfect time in my life. I started this in August 2017, around the same time that I left for college. Leaving home is difficult, especially when you're a plane ride away from home and none of your friends have come to the same school as you. Like these characters, I experienced a lot of loneliness, frustration, and homesickness my first semester of college.

During my second semester of college, I decided to speed up the writing process on this book for a few reasons: 1. to write more frequently, 2. to practice writing more, 3. to get some fics done sooner (sometimes it takes me two years. It is a miracle I got this done in less than a year), and probably the most important reason--to give me a coping mechanism as I entered my second semester of college. I did not return from Christmas break feeling very motivated or excited to finish my freshman year, and I figured that dedicating time and commitment to a story that I loved writing could ease that a bit.

I had an amazing transition during my writing spree this semester. Not only did I grow attached more to these characters and the story, but I have improved greatly during my spring semester. I put myself out there more, joined some fun extracurriculars, and I've made a lot of great friends and memories. I'm still not where I want to be yet, but I definitely have not felt as lonely or sad these past four months, and writing this novel has played a part in that. It's crazy, but I'm heading home for summer in only a few days, and I actually am excited to return to college. I no longer obsessively count down each day until I get to go home. So for all those who commented and liked and voted, thank you for your support. It really did play a significant part in my life. 

I am sad that this novel is ending though. It has been such a lovely time writing it. I've grown very attached to these characters and will be sad to leave them behind. I hope you have enjoyed reading this story as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

One last quick note: Nintendo E3 is coming up in June. A new Animal Crossing game better be announced on Switch, and I want to see more of the Able sisters' lives in this potential game. If no game is announced, I will personally offer this novel up as a sacrifice to the almighty Nintendo gods, begging them for more content (this is very hyperbolic. I'm kidding, but still...It's been five years.) I promise to make an update note if Animal Crossing Switch is announced. 

One last big thank you again for reading this story. Literally any comment warms my heart, even if it's just "cool." I had a fair number of comments, which I'm grateful for, but I also would like to encourage you all to frequently comment and vote on other fanfic author's stories. It really motivates us and makes our day. So thank you again for reading this story. Kudos if you've been here since the beginning.

Much love and thanks!

~Maeve