Updates and End of the Year Thoughts

Hello everyone!

First, the website got a few tiny updates. The first is that there’s now a darkmode option, for anyone that prefers that. I’m so sorry for not implementing it sooner, I just…didn’t realize that it was a possibility. But they have a plugin for everything these days. Anyway, if you look at the bottom lefthand corner of the screen, you’ll see a little flame icon. When you click that, bam! Darkmode!

There’s now the option to sign up for update reminders via email, in case anyone is interested in that. That’s literally the sole function of it, I promise that I won’t use it for evil lol (like idk, marketing? Nah fuck that). I can’t remember how to set up a RSS feed anymore, and given my aversion to using most social media websites, I thought that this might be the best solution? On desktop, it’s on the right hand side of the screen, under the Zevon image and story synopsis. On mobile, it’s at the bottom of the screen.

The final update is that there’s a Ko-Fi for IC. Now I’m the tiniest apprehensive to promote this, because I feel the need to make this very clear: Interpersonal Chemistry is free to read. On this website, it will ALWAYS be free to read. I don’t want a single reader to ever have to worry about that! Times are tough (EGGS ARE LIKE $4-$5 A DOZEN AS OF TYPING THIS??), and I write for personal enjoyment. I want everyone that needs it to have access to a form of escape with no string attached. It’s more important than ever that queer fiction exists without barriers.

So, dear reader, do not ever feel obligated to contribute fiscally to the Ko-Fi, and CERTAINLY do not ever feel guilty if you don’t; I just appreciate that you’re here reading about Mitch’s struggles and woes! But if you decide that you want/are able to toss some spare change towards it, know that every single dollar goes directly towards all things IC related. I mostly set it up to offset costs, like website hosting and future merchandise. I guess look at it as an investment, rather than a donation?

ANYWAY, with all of that out of the way, you can click the orange button and it’ll take you to the page, or you can check it out here.

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OK WITH THAT OUT OF THE WAY, it’s time for RAMBLINGS.

So, just gonna get this out of the way: I am so extremely grateful to every one of you. For taking a chance on my work, for all of the kind words, the love and support, all of it. I don’t know what compelled you to check this story out, but thank you so much for doing so. I’m glad that you’re in my life. And if you’ve been reading since before the revisions and STUCK AROUND? You’re a literal angel. You have my undying love.

I’ve touched on it before, but IC has been an idea that’s kicked around for over 20 years in my head and only recently manifested to reality. When I started actually writing it in late 2020, I didn’t quite know where it was gonna go, didn’t have an outline, just kind of…went for it. Paused for the majority of 2021 due to lack of direction, then came back to it with a vengeance (I mean, I was still mostly clueless, if I’m being real).

This time last year, I was still so…insecure? Definitely in a shaky place, questioning my abilities, wondering why I bothered with this at all. Y’know, just like how Mitch is about everything forever all of the time. I didn’t even know what Interpersonal Chemistry was supposed to be, what to call it. A book? A web novel? A serial? How do I even tell people about this project that I’m putting my heart and soul into?

It’s really only within the last few months that my confidence has solidified (SLIGHTLY; less like concrete and more like Jell-O, but still better than liquid or straight up vapor). I shared Chapter 19.6 with a dear friend of mine, who suggested that I flesh out more of Avi’s reaction to the situation unfolding. I admitted that I was afraid to add anything further to the wordcount, because I’d like to eventually get physical copies of IC published. As it is, the wordcount already on the border of “too long” according to traditional publishing.

I took their advice and added more to the update; amongst other things, the flashback with Dylan was a last second addition as a result, but I can’t imagine that scene without it. Since then, I’ve been including more and more to each update -characters and various details- that didn’t exist before because I was too wrapped up in the final product instead of telling a story the way that *I* wanted to tell it. It’s more work, but god it feels right. Cohesive. Whole.

So at this point, it’s safe to say that Interpersonal Chemistry is a serial. It’s also nebulous as to when it’ll end because I keep putting shit in (presumably it’ll wrap up in the latter half of 2023, instead of May or June like I originally anticipated). Beyond that, I’ve already started working on a sequel, which maybe we’ll start to see by the end of the year.

The other plans for IC in 2023:

-More comics and zines
-Merch (buttons, stickers, and decals, at the very least)
-A visual novel (lmao I’m not kidding, more on this later)
-Interactive events (hint: who wants to be ZEVON’S VALENTINE)

If there’s any other improvements that anyone wants to see -like additions to the website or general IC related content- hit me up! I’m always down for feedback <3

Alright, hoping that everyone has a safe and happy new year. Again, thank you so much for reading, for being here, for the support. It means the world to me.

xoxo,

Jack