Afterword

40 5 2
                                        

Of all the stories I have worked on, this one was by far the most turbulent – in terms of motivation. Yet I truly didn't expect to be so happy with its finished form. Ultimately, this short story was a test of persistence, as I really didn't want to see it through.

"The Threads That Bind Us" might seem somewhat outdated for a Jack/AntiSepticEye fan-fiction, but this is partly due to feeling unsure if I wanted to finish it or not. About a year ago, I had written half of the story and was stuck on the critical decision: whether to see it through or scrap it. This continued until I was faced with one of the busiest, stressful times of my life thus far.

I struggle with what many young writers face: beginning multiple stories but never fully seeing them through to a true end. I have crafted and worked on original stories for over eight years– and until now, I hadn't completed a single thing.

One lesson I have learned over the past year is the importance of being intentional and persistent with your creations – whatever they may be. Life doesn't always allow for time to pursue personal projects. You must actively seek out and make the most of the "creative time" you have.

This is why "Threads" stands today. As a rising senior in college, I made it a goal this summer break to prove to myself I could actually finish some of my creative projects. This would begin by tackling one of my most "luke-warm" creations – and my patience rewarded me.

No, "Threads" is not spectacular. I wouldn't even call it my best writing. But pushing through my creative anxiety and apprehension strengthened my resolve as a writer. At times, I had absolutely no idea how to write certain "loosely-planned" chapters – but that only stretched my abilities. I grew from this experience in ways I wouldn't have if I simply abandoned it.

The point I'm trying to make is to never take your projects for granted – even the ones you kinda hate. There's something to be learned in each of them. Something to equip you for the next one.

If you read this odd-ball work of mine (and this lame afterword), thank you so much. I hope you enjoyed it and it made you smile at least once.

Furthermore, I truly hope this is the first of many works I'm able to share with the world.

Until next time...

- D.S. Solana

The Threads That Bind Us: An AntiSepticEye Origin StoryWhere stories live. Discover now