Well, helloo. If you're following me and reading this then...you must really hate me for my lack of activity on this blog. I apologise for that. Doing a masters degree really kicks my ass, and leaves me with no time to write. But Golden has never been dead or abandoned, it's very much always at the forefront of my mind.
And, for that pure reason, I know it's a story I haven't been 1,000% happy with so the story is going through some major changes. Probably, the first is that it's being rewritten. A (somewhat) new plot written with whole new software—we're making the move to Twine.
My reasoning; I've spent over a year learning the coding which makes me want to rip my hair out. I get to have a lot more ownership over my work, the customisation options are stellar, and you guys will get to read it for free.
The reasons for rewriting has been because I want to fix the cringey writing from when the story's first demo was released. It's mostly from the earlier chapters, but then the thought of plot changes came to me and I wanted to implement those. Realistically, the majority of what's being rewritten is what I had planned for book two—so I'm just bringing that forward. I'll update the synopsis closer to the release of this rewrite.
The changes (which can be subject to change): I'm getting rid of the university idea (though you can still choose careers that are related to those degrees from the options that'll be given) (e.g., if you liked the nursing student option, then your MC can work as a nurse). I'm thinking that the MC will already know about the supernatural world to some extent—there'll still be a lot of suspense and mystery and things to unravel, that was always going to remain. And, in this rewrite, my thought is that the MC and the gang will be working at a multi-agency organisation — called The Everbrook — where the aim is to bridge the gap between humans and supernaturals. To make the world run smoothly, so to speak.
The ROs are the exact same! No changes to that—the only change is that them and the mc will somewhat know of each other already. The genre is the same. MC is still as they are, a Lehsian socialite with a pretty (yet peculiar) birthmark. The parents will have much, much less of a role, but they'll still be mentioned here and there.
This seems like a load of word vomit, but I feel like these changes will improve the story. I'm hoping that it'll make MC less of a spare part in the story, allowing them to have more autonomy in the supernatural universe, especially with their enhanced skillset.
I've done the customisation in terms of the UI layout for Twine already, and it should be mobile friendly too. With that done, I've started writing and I'm a few thousand words in. A lot of what I've written in the ChoiceScript version can still be used, but also getting back into writing a story from scratch is something I'm looking forward to.
I feel like this is a bittersweet thing because yay to a new and better story, but also the time it's going to take to get it out. I'll debate whether to release the whole ten chapters, or do a few chapters at a time, like splitting it up into chunks (releasing three chapters now, and three chapters later on).
Another reason as to why I've taken so long to mention this, other than learning code and the rewrite, is just the whole process of this being a little nerve-wracking. The whole thought of a rewrite of something I've put so much effort into is scary, but it'll be worth it.
I'll accept any questions you've got, and I'll create an FAQ regarding all of this too. But, most importantly, you're in the loop of how this is progressing. I really appreciate everyone's kind words about this story: loving the ros, re-reading it, still sticking by my writing—it means a lot. So, thank you and I hope the future of this story is what you want and more.
The Everbrook—the multi-agency organisation where the aim is to bridge the gap between the supernatural and human world. An organisation for the community.
Whilst successfully working there for almost four years, you know the ins and outs, know the environment like the back of your hand...or so you thought.
On a day that was supposed to be your day off, you're called in. You do your job as you've done a thousand times before. Then, you're pulled into a mystery. A teenage boy, battered, bruised, covered in blood, screaming and begging for your help. All before he loses consciousness.
Why does he ask for your help?
Because of your sparkling reputation? Because he trusts you? Or, because he's desperate?
Something's off. You know it. Even more so when cracks in The Everbrook start to show. Departments are under strain. Patterns are starting to emerge. What once ran like clockwork is beginning to stutter.
You can't ignore it. Side by side with your best friend, and an unlikely group of allies, you strive to find out what's really going on.
Crack a couple cold cases. Uncover some secrets.
They say the truth will set you free...but what if it changes everything you thought you knew?
Play as male, female or non-binary; straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, graysexual, demisexual, asexual, aromantic w/ the choice of your own pronouns.
Choose your career at The Everbrook: nurse, therapist, lawyer or journalist.
Choose your speciality (cunning, tactician, empathy or combat) that will help you on your mysterious journey...let's just hope your weaknesses don't get in the way.
Romance any of the five romantic options; gender-selectable; male, female and a non-binary option for one. Romance supernaturals or a human. Tropes include: best friends to lovers, rivals to lovers, immortal x mortal, slowburn romance, unrequited love.
Explore The Everbrook's departments and see how well you work with one another.
Have an opinion on the supernatural community. You can become a valued member, or there can be an irreparable bond between you.
Embark on a crazy adventure and discover the truths everyone’s so desperate to keep hidden.
This game is rated 16+ due to depictions of violence, nightmares, death, murder, strong language, and eventual (optional) non-graphic nsfw scenes.
THE BEST FRIEND
Ireland Monroe. Criminal investigator at The Everbrook. More commonly known as your best friend. As the two of you bonded over your similar upbringings: a lifestyle of recognition and riches, your loyalty to one another is always admired. They keep their cards close to their chest, yet you're the only one that can get this perfectionist to show their hand. With their easygoing manner and clever humour, you and Ireland side by side are a formidable force. But maybe stepping over the platonic line will make you a stronger pair.
Friendship is safe, something that should never be ruined. However, maybe there's something beautiful to gain from those ruins.
THE DEMIGOD/DESS
Arguably the best hunter to grace The Everbrook's corridors for decades, Hunter Athalia/Asher Dempsey. With the weight of Ancient Greece on their shoulders; as a distant relative of the Goddess Athena, some would say A has a right to be...prickly. They don't think you belong in this organisation. You and your upbringing reflect everything The Everbrook isn't, and A does everything to make that known. Their snide remarks, sarcasm, and inability to think before taking action always rubs you the wrong way. But if there's anything worth gaining, past the guards they have up, it's their loyalty.
Beyond the tension, the organisation's ideologies, and the hatred... maybe they'll let themselves do the one thing they constantly avoid. They'll finally allow themselves to feel something real.
THE WEREWOLF
Blaire/Blaze Holden is an emotions reader, an overlooked job for a werewolf that despises what they are. Despite their insecurities, B radiates gleaming eyes, soft smiles, and a heart of gold. With their keen mind, charm, confidence, and emotional intelligence—if there's someone you want in your corner, B's the one to call. They say softness makes you weak, yet B's as strong-willed as they come. Maybe you'll see just how strong they are.
Described as the embodiment of the sun, the people pleaser who puts others first. Will you be the one to give them a love that finally feels like home?
THE VAMPIRE
It's hard to find a criminal. It's even harder to read their mind. Kiana/Kaidan de la Renta is a profiler. One of only three at The Everbrook. Tasked with analysing the unknown in exquisite detail, K's observant nature is one of their best traits. And they have the ego to match. On the outside, they're the typical vampire. Introverted and full of bravado and profanities. But beneath the lopsided smirks and diamond earrings, you'll find something more tender. A sensitive personality, a broken soul...and a desperate cry for help.
Flirting is easy. Vulnerability is scary. You can get them to have both, and finally gain the connection they've been craving.
THE WITCH/WARLOCK
Phoebe/Phoenix Martens is much more than the magic that runs through their veins and bursts from their fingertips. As one of The Everbrook's healers, they're the kind of calm you want to have before, during, and after a storm. The (fake) blonde, blue-eyed magical being has a razor-sharp intellect, and cares more about others than any kind of ego. The suave European seemingly has the perfect life...yet they're the one that's never chosen. Always the last book on the shelf.
Such a gentle and artistic soul is merely more than just reliable. Take the leap. Choose to love them.
Here are my many, many apologies for my lack of activity when it comes to everything IF related (sorry, sorry, sorry!!). However, I have a fun update, not THE update but I can confidently say we're very much closer towards this rewritten story being out and available for you to read.
I'll begin with the changes I've made, and there are many. First will be that the story is getting a brand new name. Not completely, the Golden element will still be in there. The new name is The Golden Thread. I thought it'd work better for the series being a trilogy, and the first book will have a golden thread from the beginning that runs throughout the series — tying everything up when we get to the end.
Additionally, as there have been a whole load of changes, I've also created a new Tumblr blog for this rewrite. It's @goldynskies. I'll still keep my old blog for a while, or at least until this update is out and then I'll just archive @/milaswriting (so from today the askbox on here will close, but the one on my new blog is open). But I thought with everything start fresh, a new Tumblr blog would be good. It's currently empty, but I will be posting on there very soon (like today with the new intro post!).
In terms of actual writing, that's been going very well. It's been a while since I've enjoyed writing, and it's nice to finally be at that stage and be excited to type out words. I finished the first career route out of four, so for the nursing MCs, your route is all done and involves a not-so-fun vampire patient, a lot of persuasion, and a whole load of blood at the end. I'll be moving onto the next career route, which will be the lawyer, a route I'm quite excited to write considering you'll be getting a tight-lipped young adult to defend in an alleged murder case.
After the career routes are done, the ROs will be introduced, and the whole climactic scene and plot of this rewrite will be in full swing.
I promise we're getting there, and we're heading in the right direction to stuff being released! Thank you for sticking by me, and I can't wait to take you on this new and fun adventure.
TL;DR: We have many more fun details on the rewrite, @goldynskies is my new blog where I'll post about it on, and the rewrite is writing.
hi Mila i hope everything’s going well with u 😊 i had a dream about Golden (and P, darling that they are); i don’t remember much in the way of details, just that it was so sweet & lovely and i just wanted to say i’m so excited for the rewrite whenever that happens!! 🥰💖
Aw, reading this made me smile. My heart is all warm and fuzzy. I’m glad P is a character that gives you such comfort. And I also can’t wait to bring you news of the rewrite, I promise it’ll be worth it <3
Hello Mila. Golden used to be one of my faves and while I was absolutely in love with the old work and didn't find it cringe I respect your decision and courage to decide to change it for something you really want to write. Your writing is beautiful and I'm sure whatever you decide to pen down would be even better than the previous. Thank you for sharing your work with us for free, I really appreciate. Hope your writing keeps bringing you joy and money.
Aww, thank you so much for your kind words and well wishes! I hope when the update is out (because it absolutely will be out before this year ends!!), it will be one of your favourite reads again.
hi hi! first of all, i love both IFs you made but I haven't checked in either for a while, so I was surprised to see you wanting to rewrite Golden since I thought the original is so good!
But what prompted the rewrite? :)) I'm just very curious...Also feed me some A Dempsey spoilers if possible 🥺 they're the reason I suddenly wanted to re read this story
Hello! This post will explain the reasons for the rewrite.
As for A facts/spoilers:
A’s a bounty hunter in the rewrite.
They fell into the role of being a hunter by accident.
Lover of coffee and cheesecake.
A disliking the MC comes from the fact that they feel the MC only has their job because of their rich status. The Everbrook prides itself on being an organisation for the community — rich kids don’t exactly fit that.
When they’re truly in two minds about something, A flips a coin to make their decision.
Never leaves the house without a hairtie.
(In a relationship) A asked P to sketch their favourite picture of MC, and they keep it in their wallet.
Because of callouses, one of A’s biggest insecurities is their hands.
Pottery is the new activity they’ve gotten into, and they actually enjoy it.
wanted to pop into the inbox and let you know that i'm still so excited for golden! i don't say this to rush you or anything, just wanted to let you know that you'll always have an audience 👍 i really liked the first draft and i know i'll like the second and i still think about your characters often. and i hope your degree is going well!
Thank you so much! I always feel incredibly guilty for how long this is taking me to rewrite, and for not updating, or with how I don’t engage very much on here. It means a lot that my characters are still thought about <3 the degree is going well! I got 82% on my dissertation, we’re officially getting to the homestretch of this degree now
A doesn’t swim very much, but when they do, they realise they should do it more often. It’s an activity that instills calm in them.
B would much rather swim in the sea than a pool. A beach kind of vibe, and they’d make a fun joke about spotting a mermaid. They’re indifferent about swimming.
Ireland isn’t good at swimming, and in true Ireland fashion, they avoid what they’re not perfect at. You’ll just see them watching.
K is very much just an observer when it comes to swimming too (K and Ireland agreeing on something… shocker). One of the others or the mc could be swimming, and K would casually sit on the side and admire.
P would be an amazing swimmer. I imagine they’d easily cut through the water and look very ethereal and skilful doing so.
A and their moments of silence. They’ve been so used to being on their own that, even when living with someone, they’ll try to find that escape to sit with their overthinking mind. They’ll swear nothing’s wrong, it’s just force of habit. And the constant smell of coffee.
B’s are somewhat obvious, when a full moon comes they’ll be away for a night or two during transformation, and there’ll be the odd days they come home with a new injury. Their behaviour changes slightly in the lead up to transformations too. Alsoo, you might find that bits of your jewellery are missing and they’re randomly wearing them.
Ireland, they’ll have some true crime podcast playing through the speakers of their home. It’s like they become obsessed. One they get so entangled in to solve that it’s hard to pull them away from it, and back into reality.
K, well, their sleep pattern is non-existent. They’ll swear it’s fine for you to fall asleep without them, and when you do, they’ll try to be as quiet as possible around the house… whether they actually succeed at that can be another thing.
P, the fact they need some kind of sunlight or moonlight streaming in, so a curtain or blind must be open just a little. The urge for them to make their home into a florist with the amount of plants and flowers they come home with. And the fact that there’ll always be a random paint splotch somewhere; on the table, on the wall—somewhere, because of where they rest their paintbrush.
Our fifth edition of the Black History Month Author Spotlight series, features Mila (@milaswriting)!
(Mila’s game Golden is one of the games I fell in love with when I first got into Interactive Fiction, and it feels like such a dream to be able to interview her now! It’s so interesting to interview someone who’s been in the IF community for a while now, and see how stories—and their authors—change and evolve as time goes by too.)
Author: Mila
Hello! I’m Mila, a twenty-three year old woman from the UK. Something readers may not know (or probably do considering how much I complain about university), I crave academic validation. I got 90% on an essay I did this year and I was so proud of myself that I’m considering doing a PhD. We’ll see if Dr Mila ever becomes a thing, haha.
Games: Golden (Fantasy, romance, mystery, supernatural)
Short blurb:
You work for The Everbrook. A multi-agency organisation in the city of Lehsa that bridges the gap between the human and supernatural world. You’ve been working there for three years now, and you’re suddenly forced to work with a group of allies to solve mysteries that have landed right in the palm of your hand.
Quote from the interview
I wish I could say I’ve had amazing encounters with vampires, magical beings and werewolves to inspire Golden—but that isn’t exactly the case. I’ll let you know if that ever happens though! I’ve always been a bit of a bookworm, more so as a young adult than when I was much younger, but usually the portrayal of poc characters in media wasn’t always shown in a positive light. Or poc characters, when it came to romance, weren’t given the lead roles where a swoon-worthy romance story was played out. To, sort of right those wrongs, and have other black readers like myself, be able to see themselves in the characters of stories—I created a diverse cast of ROs.
Read on for the full interview!
Can you tell me a bit about what you’re working on right now and your journey into interactive fiction? What inspired the game/story you’re currently writing?
I’m currently working on a fantasy supernatural interactive fiction, Golden. Officially, Golden is five years old now. I released it in December 2020 and was regularly writing and working on it for a couple of years. And then I noticed that as I grew from an eighteen/nineteen year old teenager, the ideas I had for my story were different, thus I wanted to make a few changes. A few changes turned into a lot of changes. And now I’m in the process of a whole rewrite, alongside moving to Twine.
Covid was in 2020, and that’s ultimately the year I got into reading interactive fiction too. I first read fanfics of an interactive fiction game, then read the original story itself, and got really into the process of the reader being able to make meaningful choices that impact their reading experience. That was a supernatural story too, and that’s how I ended up creating my own.
When it comes to the changes I’ve made to Golden, the inspiration came from a lot of things. One being my love for mystery, crime and psychology—I wanted that incorporated into the story I’m writing. I love the element of lore and world building, so that’s how I knew the fantasy/supernatural element would be in there. Additionally, my love for found family and complex characters also inspired me to write this story, but to also make the changes I have. Lastly, I’m a hopeless romantic at heart, I adore the stuff! So reading and writing good romance is everything to me.
How has your identity, heritage/background, upbringing, or personal experiences influenced your storytelling or writing process? OR How does your work feature aspects of your identity / experience?
I wish I could say I’ve had amazing encounters with vampires, magical beings and werewolves to inspire Golden—but that isn’t exactly the case. I’ll let you know if that ever happens though! I’ve always been a bit of a bookworm, more so as a young adult than when I was much younger, but usually the portrayal of poc characters in media wasn’t always shown in a positive light. Or poc characters, when it came to romance, weren’t given the lead roles where a swoon-worthy romance story was played out. To, sort of right those wrongs, and have other black readers like myself, be able to see themselves in the characters of stories—I created a diverse cast of ROs.
B Holden was the first one I created. I already knew they were going to be a werewolf, and I wanted them as a character to be the complete opposite of how a werewolf is usually described and portrayed. Aggressive, animalistic, dangerous—yet, I’d like to think that B is, and comes off as, someone who is the sunshine that lights up a room, someone who’d make you feel good on a bad day, a kind of person you’ll always want around. From my own personal experiences, I’m a nursing student and I’ll be graduating this year and going into a working environment. I think the changes to Golden emulate that, instead of being a student, the MC is navigating the supernatural world themselves and they’re very immersed into it.
What does your writing process look like? Any rituals or habits? Any tips, tricks, philosophies or approaches that have worked very well for you?
Oh! So, the background is that I love The Naturals series and The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, and I got to meet her at a book event in my hometown. And during her talk, she said that she writes with a ‘Writer’s Hit List’. On that list, the writer jots down all of their favourite things that they love about characters, or elements they want their story to have. It’s a bit like a word dump, for example, ‘loves characters that enjoys baked goods’ or ‘loves when character speaks multiple languages’.
Then you end up with a super long list of traits you’d like to give your characters or factors you want your world to have. And you can get your inspiration from literally anything, so that’s something fun to have. You can add to it when you’re not thinking about writing, and then when you have writer’s block, or just want some inspiration, you can open your notes app and see what you wrote down.
Currently, whilst juggling uni and personal life, on my days off/working from home, when I get a burst of inspiration I usually open up my laptop and write in my bedroom or the living room. And whilst writing, I put on ROs’ playlists that I’ve made on Spotify. My new RO, Ireland Monroe, their playlist has been extremely helpful in motivating me to write.
What’re you excited to tackle/implement/work on next? Or anything you’re looking forward to in the year ahead?
I’m excited about getting this rewrite out! I’ve felt really guilty about keeping readers waiting so long for content from me, or just disappointed in myself that I haven’t been able to produce content as quickly as other authors. I know it’s a terrible thing to compare yourself to others, but sometimes it’s one of those things you can’t help. We’re into February now and I genuinely think that I’m getting better at telling myself to just work as best as I possibly can.
But, yeah, I’m excited for people to read and see how Golden’s developed with me as an individual. It’s interesting considering the story has grown up with me, and it’s sort of taken its own shape and whispered to me, “I know you want to change me, don’t be afraid to do so”, and now my nerves about that are near enough gone.
I just want it to be a good writing year overall! So, I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed that the story ideas that play in my head everyday are able to be transferred to screen so others can enjoy them.
If you were to say one thing to your readers, other authors, and/or the interactive fiction community: what would it be? OR If you could change one thing about the interactive fiction community, what would it be?
My advice to readers would be that as writers, we definitely write our stories as an escape and whilst it’s important to write for ourselves, we write with the hopes that you enjoy it too. If there’s a particular scene or character or story that you love, definitely tell that author. It’ll make their day, their week, even. It’s such a wonderful feeling to hear from you guys. And also, just continue to consume the content that’s put out. And just a personal thank you to the readers I have for being patient with me.
For authors, I’d say to have fun writing. If, in your gut, there are changes you’d love to make to your story, then do so. Remember that, no matter what, there’s always going to be at least one person that loves what you write. Always. So, if it’s motivation you want to continue putting words onto paper (or a screen), then that’s it. I also think it’s fun adding a little bit of yourself into your story.
Any books, music, movies etc. you’re obsessed with at the moment, or which changed your life (or perspectives on something)?
I read The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes and it’s absolutely changed my brain chemistry for the better. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes mystery with a romantic side plot. I love YA murder mystery books, so A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, books by Karen McManus. I also love Taylor Jenkins Reid. And, as its black history month, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is my favourite black author and she writes queer mystery/thriller books. My favourite of hers is Where Sleeping Girls.
Music: I adore Billie Eilish (Hit Me Hard and Soft should’ve won a Grammy, I will die on this hill!) Noah Kahan and Sam Barber are artists I’ve really been loving at the moment. Gigi Perez as well, Sailor Song and Fable are songs I can never skip.
This-or-that segment: (red = Mila's pick)
Coffee or tea?
Early mornings or late nights?
City or countryside?
Angsty or Cozy romances? (Or enemies-to-lovers or best-friends-to-lovers?)
Steady progress or frenzied binge-writing followed by periods of calm?
Summer or Winter?
First drafts or editing?
Introvert or extrovert? (Gosh, I’m SUCH an introvert)
Plotter or pantser?
Characters or plot first?
Write your own “either-or” pairing: vampires or werewolves? (don’t tell B or K I even asked… I can’t pick between my faves, so I’ll let you guys choose :D)
If we choose for MC to have had a crush on Ireland then does Ireland start to feel jealous seeing MC crushing on another RO ? A case of not appreciating what you have till it gone kind of situation.
I just picture an MC who was affectionate toward Ireland (not overly so but the right amount that their feelings are obvious), Ireland turns them down, MC still shows some special affection (not as much as before) cause obviously feelings don’t just go away and then once the other ROs come to town MC completely does a 180 and treats Ireland like any other friend/acquaintance while showing affection to one of the other ROs.
I wouldn't call it full-blown jealousy, but Ireland would be lying if they didn't feel something. Ireland's a natural overthinker, so that's why they've thought so much about what it would've been like if they accepted the MC's feelings back then—but they had their own reasons as to why they didn't.
I imagine Ireland going through a process in their head of knowing the MC has moved on and dealing with that internally. Like I said, it's not jealousy, but maybe a kind of nostalgia for something that never happened—a relationship between them and their best friend.
I know romances are defined by MC choices, but for each LI, on a scale of 1 to 10, how likely are they to make the first move if they began to develop feelings for the MC?
A, -1/10. They’d just hope that the feelings disappear… so no different to how they are now.
B, 7/10. They’d need to hype themselves up a little to do it, but they’d eventually make a move, say life’s too short to not tell people how you feel.
K, 6/10. If you get K on a good, confident day then they’d make a move. If it’s on one of their introverted days, they’d just admire you from afar.
P, 9/10. The person who’s heart > head, of course they’ll make a move and whether they’re accepted or rejected, they’ll feel good in themselves that they took the leap.
