#cantata

[fir-fireweed]

New Art!

Alright, I’ve been dying to share this! I think this is my favorite piece by Isabela Zaneti yet—so many neat little touches and details.

Presenting our fab daddy/daughter duo!

I’ll be releasing more of the spoiler asks because I’m so excited to talk about this. All the asks I’ve received have been equally encouraging, insightful and hilarious, lol.

[interact-if]

Action/Adventure Winner 🏆 Cantata

It was such an honor to interview @fir-fireweed, author of the winning game in the action/adventure genre. It touches on human connection, hope, and jotting down ideas whenever they come up, and so much more!

See the full list of winners in this category here.

About the author

As one of my characters might say, I’m an elder but not old, haha. I’m probably the same age as the parents of most of my readership.

I’m a Marketing Manager in my other life, and I balance my time between my writing, my career, my husband, my 2.5 kids (counting the dog), and my white picket fence. Viatica was my first foray into fiction after a 20+ year dry spell.

About the game

Cantata is a low fantasy IF about human connection, self-expression, persecution, culture and the loss of it, and ultimately, the indomitable human spirit.

Tell me more about your journey into interactive fiction

I discovered interactive fiction almost 4 years ago, at a critical low point for myself and my family. The aftermath of Covid hit my family hard, particularly my son, and all of us were dealing with levels of depression, apathy and isolation.

I desperately needed something to cheer myself up. When I realized these amazing stories were being written by people just like me, it flipped a switch in my brain. And that’s what I love writing about—that human connection. That’s what I seek to explore in all of my works.

What was the inspiration for this game, and why did you want to write a story in this genre?

Cantata blends my love of words and music and my Italian heritage. The original inspiration was the video game “Jade Empire”, but it evolved into its own unique tale.

Cantata may have been voted in the Action Genre (thank you, all!) but ultimately it’s a story about humanity. It’s about personal tragedies, of persecution, of the loss of heritage and self—all deeply troubling themes that are being played out in very real time right now.

But more than that, it’s about overcoming those tragedies and persevering. That’s something I personally needed to write about and explore.

Are there any specific themes or messages you hope players take away from your work?

All my works revolve around hope, heart, and human connection. I do write about tragedy and strife, because they are important aspects of our journey and moments we all relate to. But I try not to dwell on them. I’d rather focus on the bright side, the silver lining, the light at the end of the tunnel.

Nowadays especially, I think we all need a reminder that there is a light after the long dark, and it’s worth fighting for.

What does your writing process look like? Any habits, tips, tricks, routines or approaches that have worked well for you?

My writing process is very sporadic. I don’t write daily. Personally, I find that if I commit to writing daily, it becomes more of a chore or a job, and I don’t want it to feel forced. However, I do write snippets often. These aren’t long drawn out scenes, usually just lines of dialogue with brief descriptions. These snippets help me flesh out my characters and define their attitude toward one another.

If I had one piece of advice to give, it’d be that the minute you get an idea in your head, jot it down, no matter how bare bones it is, no matter if you think you’ll never use it. You never know what may come of it!

Any books, music, movies etc. you’re obsessed with at the moment, or would like to recommend?

Oh gosh, how limited on space am I here?? Currently, I’m obsessed with Andy Weir. I know everyone is loving “Project Hail Mary” (and rightly so), but “The Martian” was my first introduction to his excellent writing and will always be my favorite.

Going back further, Amy Tan is my favorite author of all time; she probably had the most profound impact on my own writing. She’s a Chinese American author who writes about immigrant families, mother/daughter relationships, culture and the loss of it—and she does it all with heart and poignancy. You might be familiar with “The Joy Luck Club”, which is a phenomenal book, but my personal favorite is “The Kitchen God’s Wife.”

If you were to say one thing to your readers, other authors, and/or the interactive fiction community: what would it be?

You’re never too old to start! If you haven’t written in months, years, or even decades, don’t let that stop you from trying again. Write!

Fun section for the action/adventure genre

Personal fave action/adventure protagonist archetype: The reluctant hero, that dude in the wrong place at the right time.

Personal fave action/adventure setting: Post-apocalypse

If you were transported into the setting above, as the protagonist archetype you selected, what quest/adventure would you be on?

Oh gosh, I’d love to tell you I’d be like my own character Lion, fighting for the oppressed, but Bilbo Baggins is probably more accurate. I’d be giving the heroic speeches and encouraging everyone to do what’s right, while simultaneously complaining that they’re eating all my food, sleeping in my bed, and lamenting all the apocalyptic dirt and dust everywhere.

[exclusively0ccupied]

i introduce you all to my wonderous editing skills please forgive me for the lack of corinne, my long and hard search failed to yield any results in satisfactory memework for the most beloved jacked six foot tall woman to ever exist. *cries in simping on corinne* characters by the fabulous @fir-fireweed ,art not mine(link to the artist can be found on itch io), and memes taken from various corners of the internet and mostly tumblr.

[kloudkween]

Caelum and Unda comic is DONE!!

This was inspired by @fir-fireweed's scene featuring MC's parents and Aestus. I highly recommend checking that out first for context before reading the comic.

Cantata belongs to @fir-fireweed and the wonderful Aestus design belongs to @violetnshenanigans. Go send them your love ᯓ♡

Content Warning: the following contains suggestive imagery.

You know they mean well, but the words sound hollow. You haven’t done anything to make them proud. Not yet.

[hellwzrd]

Cantata brainrot for the day, featuring the parents that haunt the narrative!! I’ve been wanting to draw my MC’s Unda and Caleum, but was violently inspired by @kloudkween’s comic they did recently!

(Cantata by the ever talented @fir-fireweed)

[i-am-le-petit-prince]

Big beefy warrior man save me...save me big beefy warrior man....

(Shitty) fanart of Bayram from @fir-fireweed 's wonderful IF go play it now

"I didn't ask about proper lighting, I said post bayram art"

[k-awfie]

aaaaand finished the rest of the cast!! ....and i'll do it again. honestly, drawing them is so fun JKFdgfd

Vinea is 100% on Coda's route but he can't help and dote and be a mom-friend to everyone around!!.. especially when it comes to being a wingman for his future brother-in-law. he will die on that hill

(Cantata is an Interactive Fiction by @fir-fireweed)

[blueupsideif]

Stop pissing on the porch

@fir-fireweed