The second Ex File is up! This time, it's Solstice!
Happy Winter Solstice everyone! Baby, it's cold outside...
Guess what's finally ready?? Happy winter solstice, everyone!!
"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"
2025 on Tumblr: Trends That Defined the Year
Peter Solarz
KIROKAZE
we're not kids anymore.
🪼
taylor price
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shark vs the universe

blake kathryn
Jules of Nature

if i look back, i am lost
PUT YOUR BEARD IN MY MOUTH

Product Placement
Cosmic Funnies
d e v o n
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titsay
One Nice Bug Per Day
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@bevinbrand
The second Ex File is up! This time, it's Solstice!
Happy Winter Solstice everyone! Baby, it's cold outside...
Guess what's finally ready?? Happy winter solstice, everyone!!
Another fan AMV for @marvelandponder based off of Eros! I've been wanting to make this since the first chapter released (and then the second chapter released and I was like I HAVE to make this lol, it fits too well not to)!
I finally finished writing the Eros chapter analyses, so you can respond to them whenever you have time. I know that you're probably really busy with moving and stuff, so take all the time you need. Congrats on the new job! Is it still in academic advising? Where are you moving to, if you don't mind me asking (please be vague, of course)? Are you moving in with your boyfriend, or somewhere near him (if you're not, then I'm really sorry for assuming)? And happy birthday!!!! You can consider this a late birthday present lol.
Lyrics:
Pinkie: You can relax, my friend
Sunset: Huh?
Pinkie: I can tell you're getting nervous
So do yourself a service
And try to relax, my friend
Sunset: I'm fine, Polites (Pinkie)
Pinkie:
Think of all that we have been through
We'll survive what we get into
I know that you're tired of the war and bloodshed
Tell me, is this how we're supposed to live?
Look at how you grip your sword, enough said
Why should we take when we could give?
You can show a person that you trust them
When you stop and lower your guard
Here we havе a chance for some adjustment
Givе it a try, it's not that hard
I'm telling you
This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms
Whatever we face, we'll be fine if we're leading from the heart
No matter the place, we can light up the world
Here's how to start
Greet the world with open arms
Greet the world with open arms
Sunset:
My friend, I wish that I could say that I agree
But look at the way this fruit is glowing
And filled with glowing seeds
It took me a while to notice just what kind of fruit they eat
It's a lotus, it controls your mind and never lets you free
That's what we'd get with open arms
Pinkie:
This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms
I see in your face, there is so much guilt inside your heart
So why not replace it and light up the world?
Here's how to start
Greet the world with open arms
Greet the world with open arms
Sunset:
Greet the world with open arms
(stealing Pinkie's line because Pinkie needs to hear it too lol) You can relax, my friend
OH MY GOSSSSSSHHH!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
This is so GOOD, oh my gosh!!! It fits so damn well for them, oh my god???
I LOVE this for these two, especially in the context of Eros!!! AWWWW, Pinkie is so loving and sweet (and you're totally right, she DOES need to relax too and the punch is so cute at the end! BWEH!). This really brings out how they both seem to take on a lot of responsibility for making sure other people are happy, even though they're coming at it with different trauma!
The way the body language matches so well is just so satisfying, I love how you matched it up! And the metaphor with the lotus-eaters and demons is SO. FUN. LOVE that!!
Lotus-eaters are trapped by their own vices so of course it's the perfect parallel to how demons work in EQG, and the trauma that Sunset has from the previous Fall Formal!
This is also reminding me how much I need to listen to this amazing musical start to finish (but now I'm always gonna hear this song and think of these two :3)
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! What a kickass bday present, and just AMV in general!! I love it!! I love the way your brain makes these connections!!
Also, yay!! I can't wait to respond to your comments!! You're right that I'm a busy bee but I'm excited nonetheless!
And yeah, my new job is at the same university in Canada! I've been there for a few years now, I'm in the Engineering department as an Academic Advisor/Administrator (that's not the real job title, but that's basically what I do). I'm loving it there now!
YES!! I AM moving in with my boyfriend!!! We celebrated our first year together in April and now we're moving in together at the end of this month! I'm so excited!!! Thank you for asking! I'm pretty much all packed up already, but there's a few things left to do, and a project or two I'd like to get done before moving on out!
I'm also still writing No Rest for the Haunted, so that's in the works, too!! Hehehe!
Sunset Shimmer isn't exactly looking forward to the anniversary of the worst night of her life. To top it off? Her crush on her recently sin
The final chapter of Eros is live! The story's complete - we hope you enjoy the climax :D
I was going to post my comment for Eros on fimfiction but then it turned 2,000 words long...I hope you like it! @marvelandponder
Sunset made a mental note. Get a key cut.
Sunset wanting Twilight to move in with her at the smallest hint that's what Twilight would want? Sunset's such a dork lol
"His purring radiated through her chest. “Ohhhho-ho, yeah, there’s Mama’s good baby boy. Did you miss me?"
"Rather than snickering at her, Timber was too busy using Sunset’s Pet Owner voice, the not quite baby talk (but yeah, baby talk) that she only ever did in total privacy."
It's nice to see Sunset opening up with her feelings more than in Empathy For The Devil.
Eyes watering, Twilight scoffed. “Am I okay? How are you still conscious?”
Awwww not the foreshadowing that Twilight’s going to cry…
pegasis balls
Pegasus balls? Wow that's an amazing swear.
“I have questions. Are we allowed to talk?”"
I love the realistic sex scene, it feels very accurate for Twilight to ask questions rather than just jumping in lol.
Sunset had to keep her own breathing under control, seeing Twilight’s magenta bra rise and fall with her chest.
It's really sweet how Sunset wants to be so gentle with Twilight too. It emphasizes how much Sunset is constantly holding back (her feelings for Twilight because she doesn't want to be selfish, her desire for sex, her emotions in general) for Twilight’s sake. And how Sunset's trepidation about having power again manifests itself as Sunset stopping herself from topping Twilight lol.
“That’s a normal reaction, it’s weirder not to be messed up about it!”
It's interesting that Sunset's not messed up about it lol…does she really not care or is she using sex to avoid her feelings? Or is she using sex to express her feelings of love that she doesn't feel comfortable communicating verbally yet?
Bevins' art is amazing as always. It does worry me a little seeing the 2025 on the cover and the art inside the story…how much art did she do in less than 2 months? Is she overworking herself?
The purple of her eyes dulled. Greyed out. Sunset's heart twisted to see her like that still.
Awwwwww my poor babies.
AJ’s bright smile refused to dim even as Rarity's eye-shadowed eyes drew the shades and her humour flatlined. “At this rate, darling, I’m not so sure I will.”
Awww just ask her out yourself Rarity, it's okay.
Fluttershy knocked on the wood frame of the bulletin board.
Fluttershy being superstitious is adorable. Is it because of her anxiety?
"Offence taken,” Sunset told her, throwing up a middle finger and a smirk."
What I wished Sunset would do in Rainbow Rocks lol
She caught passing students eyeing her warily by the sign-up sheet and sunk into her shoulders as she stepped back. “I feel like everybody would be more comfortable if I just stayed home.”
Awwwww not Sunset regressing back into her Rainbow Rocks self.
Sunset could tell Fluttershy was biting back a comment about ‘roughhousing’ in the halls again so she knocked it off.
Did Fluttershy purposefully avoid saying horsing around lol?
Twilight collected her arms. “I’m sorry. I-I thought I would be, but I don’t think I’m ready for all that yet…”
Twilight’s feelings about the dance mirroring her feelings about sex in the earlier scene…I really admire how you make all the sexual stuff so intertwined with the character's personalities.
Not that she would let it show, but the consequence of being an empath meant that sometimes if the emotions were strong enough? They echoed.
That's really cool, it's a great extension of her character.
Rarity softened. “Oh, of course, dear. If that’s how you feel. We could forgo the dance altogether and spend the night having a fun sleepover instead. Just us girls!"
Awwwwwww Rarity giving up the Fall Formal for Twilight. It's cute how Rainbow wants to go to the Fall Formal so badly too…I know Rainbow likes school spirit but it's still basically a dance.
Visions of sloppy rebound make-outs with strangers danced behind her eyes along with spray-painting something obscene on the hood of Flash’s car.
This is really funny, and it's also in-character that Sunset and Twilight would deal with their breakups in opposite ways. Since the movies love to write Sunset and Sci-Twi as foils. Also, Sunset would definitely have an avoidant attachment style when she was dating Flash…
“Ah-ah-ah! Sunset, no.”
How much do you want to bet that's the same voice Twilight uses with Spike lol
Enjoying Twilight pinning her against a locker a little too much, Sunset surrendered her hands.
Lol Sunset's a switch I guess
“At this point should I just give you a key to my apartment, or…?”
Awww Sunset asking if Twilight wanted a key to her apartment in the past, too.
"No you? But I love you!”
Awwww the platonic I love yous are so sweet. I love that there's a scene for Sunset and Pinkie being friends mixed in with all of the sciset scenes.
"I wanna believe you, but I think I’m not supposed to?” When Sunset looked suitably miffed, Pinkie huffed. “Well! How come whenever I use that line on people asking me out no one believes me?"
I might be misinterpreting this but aroace Pinkie? Or Pinkie feeling like there's no way that they would want to date her?
Out of all of their friends, Pinkie had been the most understanding when Sunset expressed feeling a little confused as to how she should feel apart from other people.
I absolutely adore your characterization of Pinkie, it's perfect. The perceptiveness, the way you write her dialogue is spot-on to how she acts canonically, and Pinkie acknowledges that she can be inconsiderate sometimes. Pinkie absolutely bases most of her personality on doing things for other people, and Sunset does the same thing.
"Okay, Sunset,” she said, little-voiced. “If that’s what’ll put a smile on your face, then you don’t have to come."
Ouchhhhh not Sunset and Pinkie both putting aside what they want to make other people happy
Somewhere along the way, though, it occurred to Pinkie to pause. “You’d tell me if there was another another reason why you don’t wanna come to the Fall Formal, right? Best friends don’t keep secrets from best friends.”
“Of course,” Sunset found herself saying, lemon-lime sour to the tongue. “I wouldn’t keep anything important from you.”
The conversation moved on without her, but something burned like acid-reflux.
Pinkie's hurting? Because she thinks Sunset's not telling her something (about how Sunset's in love with Twilight maybe)? Or Pinkie’s feeling insecure about Sunset keeping things from her/not wanting to be there at the dance?
Maybe she shouldn’t have eaten those jalapeno poppers after all.
If Sunset knew her best friend at all—and by now she should hope she did—this was the place bound to put a smile on her face.
Absolutely perfect transition from the Pinkie scene to a sciset scene, your writing has an amazing flow to it.
That earned her a sock to the shoulder. Not a bad right hook. Why exactly that made Sunset blush left Sunset mostly just confused about herself.
Maybe because Twilight’s copying the punches that Sunset gives to Twilight (and everyone else) all the time lol? Punching is your love language Sunset.
“Curiosity isn’t a bad thing, I think it can be healthy—as long as you’re safe about it. You had some pretty cool ideas there.”
It's really sad that Sunset can see the goodness in Midnight Sparkle and not herself.
“Not that I would suggest anything either,” Sunset said moving closer, “but maybe… maybe we could. If we wanted to, and you know, if you’re up for it.”
That is the very definition of suggesting something Sunset lol
Them becoming lab partners to parallel becoming romantic partners they're so nerdy I love it (I know they're friends right now, it's just really cute lol)
and writing on the whiteboard both magical and mathematical formulas to find the overlap.
The magicmatical formulas from Empathy For The Devil!
“Not exactly the dream best friend candidate to bring home to your folks.”
Best friend candidate? Guys you sound like Lyra and Bon Bon.
“Yeah,” she said, feeling selfish and kind, turning down every instinct that told her she was indulging too much. “I do.“
It's interesting how there is potential for Sunset to be selfish here (while in EFTD she thought of herself as selfish when she was objectively acting really selfless). It plays into Sunset's self-perception of herself being selfish in EFTD.
Sunset's almost hero-worship of Twilight’s selflessness is interesting too, and how it could tie into Sunset projecting how Sci-Twi should be acting like Princess Twilight in EFTD.
Daydreams collided with cosmos
I love the way that you describe sciset…you can really feel the love for both of their characters in how you write them.
And Twilight kissed like if she did it right she could learn the secrets of the universe.
Dang and this is their first kiss? Both of them were really holding back for a long time, huh?
Sunset kept her voice as soft and low as when she’d first approached a scared, hissing alley cat sleeping in a sodden cardboard box.
Awwwwwwwwwww Scruffers.
She gestured down to their compromised position with her eyes, then found Sunset’s again. “I don’t want to guess wrong. You’re the friendship expert. What are we doing?”
Awwww Twilight acknowledging that their friendship is inherent even in the sexual tension is so cute. They value their friendship over everything else, and it's beautiful.
Best friends could do a great many things together, if they were close. They could even hold each other closer than anyone else in their lives.
There's such a thin line between romance and friendship…a lot thinner than some people think. Beautiful exploration of eros. It would be easy to write it as sex without love, since that's technically what it means, but the care that they have for each other is so clear.
I was going to post my comment for Eros on fimfiction but then it turned 2,000 words long...I hope you like it!
This means the world, you have no idea!!! I'll always love any feedback, but the long comments are the best ones :D
Sunset wanting Twilight to move in with her at the smallest hint that's what Twilight would want? Sunset's such a dork lol
She really is - I don't think Sunset fully acknowledges how much of a sap she is for Twilight until we see that line in EFTD where she admits she's "gone soft." As if she wasn't already that way.
It's nice to see Sunset opening up with her feelings more than in Empathy For The Devil.
Agreed! It was pretty satisfying to let her be a bit more open with her feelings - after all that, she did take it to heart! Doesn't mean she's necessarily great with her feelings all the time, but look, she's trying!
Awwww not the foreshadowing that Twilight’s going to cry…
:3
Pegasus balls? Wow that's an amazing swear.
I adore whenever I swear fun swears in fandom, I couldn't resist. I like to think that this one is a little outdated in Equestria. Princess Twilight would be scandalized that she still has a potty mouth like that!
I love the realistic sex scene, it feels very accurate for Twilight to ask questions rather than just jumping in lol.
Oh man, Bevin could tell you how much it meant to me to try for realistic, in-character sex scenes (or lead up to a sex scene, as the case may be)! It took a number of drafts for me to be fully satisfied with how these scenes flowed.
But yeah, one thing that felt important to me was that the characters felt like themselves still - not just pieces of sexy meat. They still have the same personalities, dynamics, and emotions when they're having sex. Let's let them express that! For Twilight, she's a rambler! She has so many questions! :D
It's really sweet how Sunset wants to be so gentle with Twilight too. It emphasizes how much Sunset is constantly holding back (her feelings for Twilight because she doesn't want to be selfish, her desire for sex, her emotions in general) for Twilight’s sake. And how Sunset's trepidation about having power again manifests itself as Sunset stopping herself from topping Twilight lol.
HEHEHEHEHE
See, this is why it pays to treat readers as intelligent - because you are. You totally got what I was trying to communicate about them! I'm real excited for you to read the rest because we've got more to explore with these ideas that you pointed out!
It's interesting that Sunset's not messed up about it lol…does she really not care or is she using sex to avoid her feelings? Or is she using sex to express her feelings of love that she doesn't feel comfortable communicating verbally yet?
I must not spoil! Must! Not! Spoil!
Bevins' art is amazing as always. It does worry me a little seeing the 2025 on the cover and the art inside the story…how much art did she do in less than 2 months? Is she overworking herself?
Aww that's so sweet that you noticed and thought to comment about that!
I can thankfully say Bevin's doing well! The thing is that the watermark usually indicated when a piece was finished. So, Bevin absolutely didn't go from start to finish on several pieces in a crazy amount of time - she's had most of these in progress for a while! A little behind the scenes info, I guess, but she does give a lot of thought and love into what she decides to illustrate and why.
Awwwwww my poor babies.
Agreed!! The babies are too sweet!!
Awww just ask her out yourself Rarity, it's okay.
You would think she'd just do it herself, wouldn't you? I feel like Rarity isn't shy about what she wants in life, she's very capable of going after it herself. My read on it is that Rarity's got a lot of ideas about how romance should be, and sees herself in a very specific role in that.
The irony is she could have what she wanted or at least know whether it was an option if she got out of that mental trap she was in. But, c'est la vie!
Fluttershy being superstitious is adorable. Is it because of her anxiety?
Probably lol - she's definitely been through a lot of danger haha!
What I wished Sunset would do in Rainbow Rocks lol
Awwwww not Sunset regressing back into her Rainbow Rocks self.
She's so different than she used to be, if only she could see!
Did Fluttershy purposefully avoid saying horsing around lol?
::snorts::
Well, now she did XD
Twilight’s feelings about the dance mirroring her feelings about sex in the earlier scene…I really admire how you make all the sexual stuff so intertwined with the character's personalities. That's really cool, it's a great extension of her character.
Thank you!! I always hoped the parallels would be there, it's nice to see that they came through!
Awwwwwww Rarity giving up the Fall Formal for Twilight. It's cute how Rainbow wants to go to the Fall Formal so badly too…I know Rainbow likes school spirit but it's still basically a dance.
Rarity is such a good friend!! And Dash too! I love all these dorks!
This is really funny, and it's also in-character that Sunset and Twilight would deal with their breakups in opposite ways. Since the movies love to write Sunset and Sci-Twi as foils. Also, Sunset would definitely have an avoidant attachment style when she was dating Flash…
You are 1000% right and you should know it
Twi deals with a breakup by crying a lot and trying to hide away in her laboratory (though her friends wouldn't let her go through it alone). Sunset, well, she had other ways of coping.
One of the earliest jokes I remember making with Bevin about these characters is that Sunset takes a sledgehammer to a garbage can in the alley behind her apartment to deal with her break-up feelings, and tried to get Twilight to do the same (but Twilight was just a crying mess and didn't want to damage anything) Sunset: "C'mon! It'll make you feel better!" Twilight: "Can I go back under the blankets inside now??"
How much do you want to bet that's the same voice Twilight uses with Spike lol
Canon. No one can convince me otherwise.
Lol Sunset's a switch I guess
Awww Sunset asking if Twilight wanted a key to her apartment in the past, too.
Does it still count as foreshadowing if it happens later, but also in the past?
Awwww the platonic I love yous are so sweet. I love that there's a scene for Sunset and Pinkie being friends mixed in with all of the sciset scenes.
Pinkie gets to be important!!
I might be misinterpreting this but aroace Pinkie? Or Pinkie feeling like there's no way that they would want to date her?
Must not spoil!! I must not spoil!!! AHHHHHHHH!!
I absolutely adore your characterization of Pinkie, it's perfect. The perceptiveness, the way you write her dialogue is spot-on to how she acts canonically, and Pinkie acknowledges that she can be inconsiderate sometimes. Pinkie absolutely bases most of her personality on doing things for other people, and Sunset does the same thing.
Awww thank you, that means a lot! Pinkie's such a great character! Depending on the episode, she can be fiercely intelligent and perceptive, and I didn't want to lose that with how bubbly and fun she is!
Ouchhhhh not Sunset and Pinkie both putting aside what they want to make other people happy
That's our girls!!! No wonder they're best friends, they're a lot alike!
Pinkie's hurting? Because she thinks Sunset's not telling her something (about how Sunset's in love with Twilight maybe)? Or Pinkie’s feeling insecure about Sunset keeping things from her/not wanting to be there at the dance?
All great questions!! MUST NOT--
Absolutely perfect transition from the Pinkie scene to a sciset scene, your writing has an amazing flow to it.
Thank you, that's such a lovely compliment! I do try! And if I didn't think about how the scenes flow together, then I wouldn't be able to jam in all the stuff I want haha!
Maybe because Twilight’s copying the punches that Sunset gives to Twilight (and everyone else) all the time lol? Punching is your love language Sunset.
The secret love language. Punching!
It's really sad that Sunset can see the goodness in Midnight Sparkle and not herself.
Agreed. Someone should really do something about that...
That is the very definition of suggesting something Sunset lol
::eyebrows bounce::
Them becoming lab partners to parallel becoming romantic partners they're so nerdy I love it (I know they're friends right now, it's just really cute lol)
Gotta love a metaphor :D
The magicmatical formulas from Empathy For The Devil!
Eyyyyy!! Origin story tiiiiime!
Best friend candidate? Guys you sound like Lyra and Bon Bon.
Don't best friends act like they've been married for years??? (I kid, but genuine question)
It's interesting how there is potential for Sunset to be selfish here (while in EFTD she thought of herself as selfish when she was objectively acting really selfless). It plays into Sunset's self-perception of herself being selfish in EFTD.
Sunset's almost hero-worship of Twilight’s selflessness is interesting too, and how it could tie into Sunset projecting how Sci-Twi should be acting like Princess Twilight in EFTD.
I always love when the audience can have a more objective view of the character and realize that how they see the world and themselves is biased. It's fun. Getting a sense that Sunset's view of herself is warped is human, and I love seeing her realize that. Even if slowly.
And yeah, I think you're right - plus, she seems to do that a lot. Acknowledge the good in others while ignoring the good in herself
I love the way that you describe sciset…you can really feel the love for both of their characters in how you write them.
Thank you!! I feel like writing romance is easier and more fun if you understand, at least on some level, what there is to love about the characters involved, as complicated as they may be.
In this case, I adore them. And for the record, I do feel that also applies to characters you as the writer can't stand or think are awful in some ways. If you get why the relationship is happening, it's easier to describe things in such a way where the audience can feel it too
Dang and this is their first kiss? Both of them were really holding back for a long time, huh?
Scratch what I said earlier about realistic sex scenes haha! There definitely is some dramatizing going on here - but in my defense, I'm sure it feels this dramatic to Sunset, kissing her best friend and crush for the first time!
Awwwwwwwwwww Scruffers.
Best kitty cameo!!!
Awwww Twilight acknowledging that their friendship is inherent even in the sexual tension is so cute. They value their friendship over everything else, and it's beautiful. There's such a thin line between romance and friendship…a lot thinner than some people think. Beautiful exploration of eros. It would be easy to write it as sex without love, since that's technically what it means, but the care that they have for each other is so clear.
I've said it before but oh man, we're gonna have fun with the next chapters!!!
Thank you again so much for this - like it made my month to have your reactions written out like this!!! I adore reading them, and so does Bevin!! I'm stoked for more of them after Friday's chapter! :D
I was really worried that I was being annoying by bothering you too much, so I'm relieved to know that you guys like it (just let me know if it's ever too much lol).
My response to your comment also turned 2,000 words long lol (and that's after cutting out all the parts where I basically agreed with what you said - I love this series so much I swear). You don't have to read or reply to any of it if you don't want to! And it's completely fine if you reply to this after chapter two or three comes out, I don't mind!
There's just one thing that I considered important in here (a paragraph predicting some possible upcoming events in Eros) so I bolded it and put it at the top. So you guys can only read that if you want to, it's okay. (@marvelandponder - just tagging you so that you see this lol).
I was really worried that I was being annoying by bothering you too much, so I'm relieved to know that you guys like it (just let me know if it's ever too much lol).
It's the opposite of a bother! We actively look for and love seeing comments! I mean comments of any size are appreciated, for sure, but when we get thoughtful comments like yours, it's the actual best and we adore it so much 🥰When I write something, getting to talk about it with anyone is so much fun!!!
Pretty much the only thing stopping me from responding sooner is, like, access to my laptop (like now for instance). Apart from work, I often head to my partner's place for most of the weekend, and my phone won't let me see under the cut while reblogging.
Just know I read all of your thoughts, comments, and reactions, squeal internally, send it to Bevin, and get excited about responding when I next have the chance!! The love is SO mutual ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for removing the cut! Now prepare my essay in response to your essay :D
Okay so I have theories about this: if Pinkie is aroace, of course she'd feel terrified of Sunset not hanging out with her as much/devaluing her in comparison to a romantic relationship! That's something that aros, aces, and aroaces have to deal with all the time, and it sucks (sucks pegasus balls, you could say lol). Of course friendship is magic and friendships are just as important as romantic relationships (even if it takes Sunset a little while to realize that). It's really sad that in real life romantic relationships are valued so much more than friendships, but at least individual people can choose to do the opposite.
That's one thing that Bevin and I talk about all the time - the way society values romance compared to all other relationships. There's a sort of hierarchy that unfairly prioritizes romantic and sexual relationships over platonic, familial, or any other kind of relationship out there.
Which isn't to say that they're not different - I definitely value my partner in different ways than I value my best friends or family or community members - but the constant prioritizing of one kind over the other sets everyone up for a worse time, whether romance is for you or not.
A great example is your theory here! If most of the population pairs off, anyone who isn't paired off (voluntarily or not) can get left behind. It doesn't have to be that way, but it can be, and you're right, it absolutely sucks!
Sunset's hypervigilance after seeing the light? Poor baby, how did she not realize that you needed therapy sooner (I know it's because she ignores her emotions lol).
Right you are - and I love that you noticed that trauma response. Our girl's been through a lot, huh?
As someone who’s from the Southern United States, no one actually says genuine like that lol, we pronounce it the normal way! People only do that on TV lol. I posit that Applejack sees Rarity acting French and decides to be as stereotypically as-seen-on-TV Southern as possible to joke around/maybe lightly make fun of her lol. But then again Applejack’s walking around using biscuits and gravy as a catchphrase so it could just be her lol.
Hahaha! I love this note - AJ's "countryisms" really aren't always accurate to how people talk.
What would be interesting would be to see what local dialect she's the closest to. Like, in terms of the accent used, the choices of words -- obviously not many people are as cartoony as she is in real life, but like, where in the south would AJ be from if she was from somewhere in specific?
There's such a diversity in the South -- sometimes that can be overlooked!
Also love your headcanon that she's just laying it on thick to mess with Rarity.
I thought that it was out of character for Sunset to not be jealous of Timber in the scenes that take place before EFTD…until I thought about it more and realized that it's because Sunset doesn't see Timber as a threat. Because he's not here, and that just made me really sad
:3
I agree on both counts! :D It IS out of character, and Timber isn't around...
I really appreciate how Twilight wears suits in your stories. You're literally the only fanfic author that I've seen write that! Twilight already wears masculine clothes like bowties, but I guess Twilight wearing skirts all the time throws people off. Or they're conflating wearing masculine clothes with having a masculine personality I guess (and Twilight's personality isn't very masculine, despite her interest in STEM).
Aww I'm glad you like that!!
Yeah, it feels appropriate because we've basically only seen her in bow-ties and ties in her casual wear. Granted, all the girls have worn dresses before, so I'll never say it's out of character for her to wear a dress or skirt, but I've seen her in masculine semi-formal wear a lot so it feels like she basis her style on academia.
The comment about how much time has passed was so natural, it took me a while to realize that it was a way of establishing how much time has passed since the breakup without exposition dumping!
Gotta sneak it in where I can!
Also, Twilight taking Rarity hyper-literally makes me laugh. Poor sweetie!
I just tried to give you what I would've wanted for myself back when I was a writer! I adore your stories (I absolutely love character-based writing, and you're amazing at that). It's so much fun to analyze them!
Awww, you're fucking awesome, thank you! It's kindness like what you're doing that makes the world a better place, in my opinion!
And it's funny, because part of the reason I'm so passionate about writing is to give people the kinds of stuff I've dorked out over in the past - paying forward the fandom, you know?
It's a big cycle of love and being dorks together, and I love that :D
Also, hell yeah for being an essayist and former writer!! I will say too: knowing you're in college, the former writer part is completely understandable haha - a lot of people lose touch with hobbies/passions like reading and/or writing during college because there's just... a neverending amount of reading and writing, and when you do have free time (which never quite feels free because you can always somehow do more studying or homework), then your brain craves rest, or at least variety in how it's being used. I would 1000% support you either way if you regain your love for writing after college - for now, enjoying your college years is the main thing!!
(source: I'm a few years out of college now; although ironically never left campus because I work there now to help students haha)
Character development is the best thing ever, seriously. I really appreciate how slow and natural it is too, as someone who has trouble being vulnerable like Sunset. It's really inspiring to see her change.
You and Sunset both deserve the time you need to be vulnerable!! It's hard stuff, especially if you've been hurt (and who hasn't??). She's working hard on herself, even if she doesn't realize it for part of the story.
The other thing I will say about character development: Sunset clearly is aware that she was a a whole other person when she was in her last relationship. How does she go from learning how to be a friend to learning how to be in a different kind of relationship? That's the crux of Eros for me, or one of them. I wanted to know how a girl like her would open herself up again - and with the other stories being set after Sunset and Twilight got together, we weren't going to get to see how that happened without going back in time haha
I do wonder why the swear is specifically pegasus balls lol…did you want to avoid the stereotypical earth pony racism? And because unicorns are associated with purity? It would be out of character for Sunset to criticize unicorns…I guess pegasus’ are connected with Poseidon, and he's definitely a sex fiend, so it could be that lol (and I feel like Princess Twilight would be scandalized by Sunset cursing at all lol).
Canon, that's so good, omg.
I think I chose pegasus balls mostly because the specificity gives it a little more punch than if she'd said it sucks. Also, yeah, the weirdly sexual image that it conjures up both feels appropriate and makes me laugh a little
You'll find a large number of the smaller choices in my stories are because they make me smile, and that tends to be a good indicator we're onto something haha!
Aww, thank you! I absolutely adore writing essays, so I basically treated my comment like I was writing one lol. I only discovered most of this stuff after reading the chapter twice! I love rereading and rewatching things to discover things that I missed the first time around.
SAME! Rereading and rewatching things to catch new things about it is so fun!! And hell yeah, your essays are so thoughtful, I love this!
It's really interesting to think about what Sunset and Flash's relationship could have looked like. How much did Sunset make out/have sex with him to ignore her feelings? And it's doubly interesting to think about how you can still see the effects of her mindset back then on her relationship with Twilight now, even though she's made so much progress.
All of these are such good questions - you might get the info you're looking for. Some of which will be in Eros, some might be in another Ex Files story ;)
I'm really glad to hear that, I worry a little about her sometimes. She draws all day for work and then comes home to draw some more…I can see that leading to burnout really easily, even though she loves it. I know that I quit reading and writing anything for fun (I still read fanfics obviously! I just avoid reading nonfiction books and published fiction books. And I don't write fanfic at all now) a few years ago because I read/write all day for college…why would I want to do that more? But I guess this comment is writing and I'm obviously having a blast reading Eros, so I do still read and write lol. I hope that drawing for this series doesn't feel too similar to work for her.
Awww it's so considerate of you to think about her!
I'll let her speak for herself in terms of her experiences with drawing for work vs. drawing for fun @bevinbrand.
On my end, I 1000% support her taking care of her health and wellness. She's my best friend first, collab partner second.
It's really cool seeing Rarity being more feminine here, before she became more masculine/confident in EFTD. I guess with her being a cheerleader it would make a lot of sense for her to have this pressure to be stereotypically feminine. Rarity probably knows that she's bi, but maybe she thinks that as a lady (since that's how Rarity would describe herself lol) it wouldn't be prudent to ask someone out? I do wonder if Rarity ever dealt with internalized biphobia in her life (believing that ladies could only date princes when she was younger lol). Or maybe she always believed that other people could date whoever they wanted to, but not her as a lady. But she believes that if she asked Applejack out, she'd be “betraying” the core essence of what she thinks a lady is. She wouldn't think she can be someone who asks other people out, especially when she's not dating men. I could be completely wrong with the internalized biphobia thing since she's obviously really amazing with queer people now. I personally consider the Equestria Girls versions of Rarity and Applejack as bi because of their crushes on Ragamuffin/Dirk Thistleweed respectively, but you could easily make the argument that they're any sexual orientation!
YESSSS - okay, this is so interesting to me because I'm the opposite of her. My first partner was my high school best friend (non-binary, afab). Gender roles didn't matter as much, we actually switched who was more dominant and who was more submissive depending on the day (although I tended toward dominant).
Whereas now I'm a bi woman with a straight dude, and gender roles do come in. I was used to being in the other role. It was really interesting to see gender roles come into play when they weren't a thing before.
For Rarity, she's absolutely used to gender roles Mattering. I think she's waiting for AJ to play the masculine role -- but she doesn't have to!
I am? What, about the avoidant attachment style? Cool, that really interests me because avoidant attachment styles are caused by parents neglecting their kid's emotions by telling them to get over it or not talking about feelings with them. I could see Celestia doing that while she was raising Sunset, and it ties into why Sunset has such a hard time expressing her emotions and being vulnerable. I imagine Celestia after losing her sister to be kind of wary about getting too close to other ponies, so it would make sense if she indirectly passed that down to Sunset. Of course Celestia didn't do it on purpose, there were more important things to worry about like preparing Sunset to fight in a war. And Sunset probably wouldn't realize it because she idolizes Celestia so much/the war environmentwas normalized for her, but it's cool to think of Celestia having flaws.
Y E S
Sunset straight up does not have awareness of this, like you said, but Princess Celestia was loving and kind and a great mentor (and mom), but based on the ways Sunset and Twilight grew up to distance themselves from others, I really don't think Celestia taught them to be emotionally intelligent. And she only realized that when they were older, hence 'go make some friends, Twilight'
Twilight had parents of her own, so I think that's why she fared better than Sunset. Like, once Twilight's out in the world, she doesn't have as much of a problem being vulnerable and understanding empathy as Sunset did.
Personally, I think Celestia's fatal flaw is that she takes things on as her own burden alone. She must have realized at some point that Twilight would be stronger with friends because Celestia faced so much loss by trying to deal with things alone.
Lost her sister, lost her student, lost Starswirl (her mentor)...
There's no way she wasn't in grief, in my mind. And I think she really tried to take it all on alone because she's the leader of Equestria, and is used to taking things on alone. For the greater good.
Sunset swings both ways in all things, even though she would probably consider herself a top lol. (I really like the gifs by the way!)
Bi icon (bicon)
I looked it up and yes! It still counts as foreshadowing, the order of events doesn't matter.
Huh! I learn something new everyday! :D
Yeah that seems to be a recurring theme in Eros…everyone giving up what they want to make other people happy. I'm interested to see how that'll pop up in the future!
Oh hi Chapter 2, I didn't see you there
You can see this in EFTD all the time, especially in how other characters react to Sunset (like Timber thinking it's weird that Sunset said that she wasn't a good friend when they were on the balcony at Cadence's apartment. And the scene where Sunset let Solstice go after he turned into a demon and everyone acted like she'd made the wrong decision. Absolutely love how Sunset's empathy turned into a flaw there, it's fascinating stuff!)
Sometimes people's greatest strengths can also be weaknesses, and vice versa! We love grey area and complexity!
Back when I was writing I really struggled with this (I just projected my own issues onto the characters I was writing, which obviously made them pretty out of character sometimes). The reason you can write characters that you don't like accurately is because of your empathy, and that's amazing! I'm trying to think about how the characters would act and not projecting my thoughts onto them when I'm reading Eros lol.
Thank you!! I tend to write a lot of characters I love, so that makes it easier haha
And I feel you, there's definitely a balance between writing the character as the character, and imbuing them with you. I think no matter what, there's pieces of you in all the characters you write.
I think what helps for me is that I'm focused on the emotion they're feeling, and feeling it to some extent with them. I listen to music as I write, so I get into the emotional headspace with them and so like, even if I wouldn't think or feel the way that they are in reaction to what they're going through, I still genuinely understand why they do.
And honestly, pieces of the writer end up in the characters without meaning to -- some of which I'm aware of, some I only realize later.
What's fun is when Bevin shows up in my writing, so to speak. We're best friends, so the way she thinks and feels about things can show up in certain characters - and she usually picks up on it and we laugh. Or cry, as the case may be!
I'm really glad to hear that, I worry a little about her sometimes. She draws all day for work and then comes home to draw some more…I can see that leading to burnout really easily, even though she loves it. I know that I quit reading and writing anything for fun (I still read fanfics obviously! I just avoid reading nonfiction books and published fiction books. And I don't write fanfic at all now) a few years ago because I read/write all day for college…why would I want to do that more? But I guess this comment is writing and I'm obviously having a blast reading Eros, so I do still read and write lol. I hope that drawing for this series doesn't feel too similar to work for her.
That's really nice of you to worry about me! In all fairness, I do probably worry more about keeping everyone waiting on me than I should, especially since Marvel is the one pulling me back a lot. But I do try my best to balance my workload to something I feel like I can handle without burning out or re-injuring myself (bursitis can solve workaholism, but it's brutal). Back when we were working on Empathy, I had a break from work for a while, especially during the initial months of the pandemic and the studios here were struggling to figure out work from home strategies. There were a few illustrations I did for the first half that were done while I was working, but only two or three, I think. Part of the hiatus was giving me some time to finish everything for the second half, since a bunch of stuff happened in my personal life that took me a while to sort out. And again, the Ex-Files are being released when I get my illustrations finished; since I'm only working sporadically right now, I'm trying to take advantage of my off-contract time to catch up. Because you're right, when I'm working it's pretty intense drawing all day, five days a week, and when I get done for the day I'm pretty tired. Sometimes I want to keep drawing on my own stuff, but I can't guarantee that will be the case, and I also don't want to burn out. So I pulled back the number of illustrations this time around, and am trying to work more strategically so that when my next contract comes up, there's still good EG stories ready to go! I promise, I am doing my best to take care of myself, while not keeping everyone waiting for too long. I'm so excited for y'all to read these stories, Marvel has done so much, and I love these all dearly!
Sunset Shimmer isn't exactly looking forward to the anniversary of the worst night of her life. To top it off? Her crush on her recently sin
Chapter 2 is up!
Sunset Shimmer isn't exactly looking forward to the anniversary of the worst night of her life. To top it off? Her crush on her recently sin
Happy Valentines Day!
It's up! Go see, go see! :D
See you Friday, Rainbooms...
The Ex Files are going to be pretty long, since each story is around the same size as The Exes Club (approximately 15,000 words). There's 7 stories, so that's roughly 100,000 words. Have you guys considered releasing them all as a book in the future, like you did with Empathy For The Devil?
I was hoping someone might figure this out! Yeah, they're actually each fairly long and then all together, it's longer than EFTD by a fairly significant amount!
I've finished the writing for all the stories, so the art production is in process! Bevin's hard at work!!
As for publication, yeah, totally! My plan is to release it all online first, then like you said, combine them all into one collection published in a book. We're actually also going to add in The Exes Club in there so that it can be published too - I think I'm toying with the name Ex Collection but that's subject to change
Whenever the art is ready to go, we can start the online release!!! I'm so excited, you have no idea!!
I'm trying!! I want everyone to read these soon! I'm sorry you're all waiting for me!
Adding to my last question about Derpibooru, let me just say YOU were my inspiration to learn drawing. I lost track from you, but finding your EQG drawings once again, it's like finding my inspiration once again!!!
You touched my hearth once again.
That's really lovely to hear, thank you! I'm so happy my art inspired you that way, it's an honor! My EG drawings are all here, if you need to find them, anytime. :) Thank you for writing in! I'm really touched.
I remember watching your sketches after EQG ended (I still do). Out of nostalgia, I noticed you presumedly asked to no be posted on Deripibooru. Is it possible to know why? I may have not made well my reasearch and asking something once again.
Hello! There were things happening at the site at the time that made me uncomfortable with having my artwork posted there, especially since I wasn't the one posting it personally. I'm sensitive to the idea of my artwork being read as an endorsement of anything it appears on. People in the fandom have been very understanding and respectful about that and I appreciate it a lot.
From what you said in a previous, ask, you haven't work on anything MLP related since EQG had unfortunately ended.
But if they were like "Hey, we need something to keep the fans up here.", would you come back for My Little Pony and Equestria Girls for that matter?
(Plus, hoping Katrina, Nick, Daniel, and Ishii would return too)
I can only speak for myself, but sure, I'd be happy to come back for more EQG if it was available. The G5 stuff was contracted to different studios than the G4 stuff was, some of them weren't in Canada. There's a lot of logistical issues that would go into it in reality, everyone's working different places and all of that. It's complicated.
Hi there! Thanks for the response! Now, i have a crazy solution that might work: Ending Equestria Girls ourselves by making a web series or something like that.
I have this idea after some Transformers fans wanted to end the Michael bay films after the 2017 film was so badly received and was later rebooted.
However, i'm scared that Hasbro would be like "Hey, that's ours!" And just do a cease and desist. Although, with the preoccupied with whats going on now, i dont think they wont do something.
But, what do you think of my idea? and do you wanna hear the plot and story? idk dm or in this?
I think that fanworks are a great way to explore an ending to a series that didn't get closure. My friend @marvelandponder and I have been doing that with a fanfiction series for a few years now, it's a lot of fun! However, anything we make isn't official, since nothing will be unless the company decides to make something. But fandom space is the perfect place for anyone to explore their own ideas of how the story might end!
As for me, I've got my own ideas, just like other folks have theirs. And I'm afraid my job and my hobby creating don't leave me much time or energy to take on anything else these days. But you can be excited about your ideas and work on making it! It's super fun!
Hi there. I want to ask something about EQG: So, word on the street, currently G5 is going to end according to rumors. If that is true, i was wondering if we're getting pony content next year.
I'd figured that if G5 is on hiatus, that could allow Hasbro to renew Equestria Girls for its third season and properly end the series. Plus, that gives us some content for 2025 to keep the MLP hype going on.
(Also, my idea is that Sunset finally got her wish and becomes an alicorn like Twilight and becomes her co-ruler; but she can still access the portal)
Hi! Thanks for writing in. Unfortunately, I probably know less about any plans for the franchise than you do at this point. I haven't worked on anything MLP related since EQG, and even then I had no idea what the plans were. My co-workers and I found out about G5 the same way you all did.
Sadly I'm not much help on this front, but I hope you find out what's happening soon.
(Your idea for Sunset's future is lovely.)
This isn’t a question but I love your work on curly winds and wizkid or care roots whatever he’s name is
Well thank you, I appreciate it! :)
Why yes, noir is my favorite film genre, why do you ask?
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Some hellish Overladies.
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Happy Arospec Awareness Week!
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