FTC3000

I've uploaded the second part of Rose's story, and I plan on uploading Part 3 in a couple of weeks.
          	
          	In other news, I'm also planning to add illustrations to my stories, and yes, these illustrations will be made using generative AI. I realize the use of AI in creative spaces is a controversial topic, so I think this is a good time to discuss where zi stand on the issue.
          	
          	First, I want to reiterate that I write all my stories without the use of AI. Hell, that's why they take so long to put up! I'm also of the opinion that AI, while a useful tool, can never replace the talent and imagination of creatives. AI music will never be as good as anything written by a human composer, nor will AI art ever be as good as anything made by a real artist or AI writing be as good as something written by a human writer.
          	
          	Like many people, I'm also concerned about how AI is being pushed into every aspect of our lives, whether we want it or not. And of course, there are the ethical and environmental issues to consider.
          	
          	So why am I using it? Because I like having illustrations for my work. I like seeing my ideas and my characters visualized. I like seeing what the characters look like and how they interact. And I figure some of you are visual people who like that too.
          	
          	Of course, some people will be of the opinion that any use of generative AI in creative works means you should be struck off the artistic roll call forever. If so, I'm sorry to let you down, but I suspect you weren't reading this anyway. And while I would prefer to hire a human artist to illustrate my stories, I don't have the money to pay them for it, and I'd feel rotten if they offered to do it for free.
          	
          	That said, if my work ever became popular enough that people would be willing to pay for it, I'd replace any AI pictures with the work of a paid artist immediately. But while it's a free work, I think the AI illustrations are fine for now.
          	
          	Hopefully, that clears everything up. Hope you all like the new content!
          	
          	- N

FTC3000

I've uploaded the second part of Rose's story, and I plan on uploading Part 3 in a couple of weeks.
          
          In other news, I'm also planning to add illustrations to my stories, and yes, these illustrations will be made using generative AI. I realize the use of AI in creative spaces is a controversial topic, so I think this is a good time to discuss where zi stand on the issue.
          
          First, I want to reiterate that I write all my stories without the use of AI. Hell, that's why they take so long to put up! I'm also of the opinion that AI, while a useful tool, can never replace the talent and imagination of creatives. AI music will never be as good as anything written by a human composer, nor will AI art ever be as good as anything made by a real artist or AI writing be as good as something written by a human writer.
          
          Like many people, I'm also concerned about how AI is being pushed into every aspect of our lives, whether we want it or not. And of course, there are the ethical and environmental issues to consider.
          
          So why am I using it? Because I like having illustrations for my work. I like seeing my ideas and my characters visualized. I like seeing what the characters look like and how they interact. And I figure some of you are visual people who like that too.
          
          Of course, some people will be of the opinion that any use of generative AI in creative works means you should be struck off the artistic roll call forever. If so, I'm sorry to let you down, but I suspect you weren't reading this anyway. And while I would prefer to hire a human artist to illustrate my stories, I don't have the money to pay them for it, and I'd feel rotten if they offered to do it for free.
          
          That said, if my work ever became popular enough that people would be willing to pay for it, I'd replace any AI pictures with the work of a paid artist immediately. But while it's a free work, I think the AI illustrations are fine for now.
          
          Hopefully, that clears everything up. Hope you all like the new content!
          
          - N

FTC3000

Hi all
          
          I've decided to put the main story on hold for editing and instead start a story involving one of the side characters introduced in one of my previous chapters. 
          
          I'll probably be uploading a chapter twice a month, so updates will be a bit more regular than usual. Stay tunes.

FTC3000

Happy holidays, everyone!
          
          I've uploaded another side story, this time focusing on the character of Linda. This one also introduces a character named Gladys, who will be appearing in Monica's story later.
          
          I plan to continue the next few chapters of Monica's Progress in the new year, probably around January or February. Hopefully, you all will stick around for that.
          
          Until next time,
          
          
          
          Natasha

FTC3000

Hi all! 
          
          Still on break, still rewriting a few upcoming chapters, hoping to improve them before they're ready to go live. In the meantime I've made a little side project called Tales of Earlswood that gives a bit of background to some of the side characters in Monica's story. First up is Kate's Story, who we first met in Chapter One of Monica's journey, and who will be popping up a few more times later on. It also introduces a couple of other characters, Alice and Jim, who we will find out more about later. There'll be a couple of other stories in this series later on, but for now, I hope you enjoy this one.
          
          Natasha

FTC3000

Hi all! I hope you're all enjoying the story so far.
          
          I've decided to take a short break and plan to resume the story either at the end of this year or the beginning of the next. There's plenty more story to come; Monica's journey has only just started. However, I want to edit and rewrite a few of the coming chapters first, especially the ones where new characters are introduced. So, consider this the end of Season One, with Season Two coming soon.
          
          Once again, I want to thank Dan for allowing me to use his characters and settings and put my own spin on their tales. Also, thank you to everyone who has favorited and commented on the story so far.
          
          Also, I won't be ignoring this account during the break. I have a few short stories based on some of my original characters, Kate, Brenda and Linda, that I aim to post in the meantime. I might have one or two other surprises in store, depending on how things pan out.
          
          Until then, take care.
          
          Natasha