author question for you: you've mentioned you would have done things differently if you'd started writing ly now - what are the main things you'd write differently if you could start from scratch? have those thoughts changed since some of the oops surprise themes from "season one" have sparked interesting character arcs in the more recent chapters?
mmm yes good question good question.
(ly ask game/ama post)
i think a lot of my would-do-differents center around isabella. granted a lot of these present really good opportunities for growth/follow up scenes i've enjoyed writing or think i'll enjoy
i think the portrayal of isabella skirts into misogynistic at times, so i'd concentrate on ways that vilify her without bringing her femininity into it
probably would not have written the mug scene and certainly wouldn't have let dan fuck after it
i do not know if i would write isabella doing The Main Bad Thing She Did now and days, which obviously would leave the story without a really important catalyst for a lot of things and idk what the answer to that would be. there's so much queer media where queer people don't get to control the narrative of their life, and even though dan takes control into his own hands, it's still an action he makes Under Duress. if i was starting from scratch, i think i'd rather That be a decision dan makes freely
i'd probably write less isabella specifically and more of an overall snapshot of dan's trail of failed and unhealthy relationships
also some structural things i'd do differently, like more robust character backgrounds and write in present tense, which was weirdly taboo at the time but god i love writing in present tense.
as for the alcohol, i wouldn't have (and didn't, obviously) set out to write that theme, but the more i've started working with it, the more it's clear how well it fits dan's character and is a really interesting dimension to his growth and quest for a healthier life, and also colors his past decisions in a way that make a lot of sense. spoiler, the shame from it all also has the potential to tie in really neatly with kink. so, all in all, maybe it's not the arc i would have intended to write, but it fits so well, i probably would do it over again













