LONG Hell Down Under Update/Check-In:

Long update post incoming--TLDR at the bottom for convenience!

Hey, folks.

First off, I want to apologize for the radio silence for a while. Truth be told, I’ve been really overwhelmed. Frankly, I bit off more than I could chew with the launch of this VN, and I’ve struggled trying to make content for it. Originally, this was going to be something I worked on full time, alongside my art. However, shortly after the launch, I actually landed a wonderful full-time writing job using my degree. The work-life balance has been a larger adjustment than I realized it’d be. Additionally, my partner and I had to move twice. First, moving in together earlier this year. And immediately after, due to a stalker assaulting him at our apartment. I then had to have surgery in May (induced by stress). All that is to say, it’s been a rough few months, physically and financially, but especially creatively. Y’all deserve so much more. HDU deserves more. I’m sorry I haven’t been delivering.

More importantly, I should’ve just been more forthcoming with updates when these things happened. I’ve made some progress now that things are settling down, but I’ve honestly struggled with working on updates. Art block has righted itself in my way, but to work through it, I’ve scrapped some old story ideas, and outlined the whole story and major characters. I’m really excited for what the future of HDU looks like. But it’s turning into something much larger than I imagined, which is largely due to the support it’s received so far. ♥ 

 When I thought up this VN, I envisioned it as something very small with a niche community. I’ve admittedly also been positively overwhelmed by the reception of HDU! Which, by the way, I’m incredibly grateful for–I really never thought HDU would ever pop up on people’s radars. 😅  This support is what’s pushing me back into the creative saddle these days. So for all of the supporters and readers of HDU, thank you. Seriously. I’ve gone through some difficult days, and hearing what people think of something I made, through their eyes… It reminds me why I do it. I know I haven’t said it enough, but I appreciate the support immensely!

However, I didn’t anticipate some of the difficulties of the VN-making process, such as patreon scalping. It took the wind outta my sails and left me a little creatively disposed.

So, I’ve decided to move away from patreon. I’ll just have my Ko-Fi donations! Any of the money made by this project feeds into itself (towards sound editors, background artists, etc.). I don’t take any for myself. Rather, I use my own to support it, too, especially as I’m now fortunate to have employment. Former patrons will receive content earlier than normal releases for some future updates, to honor their support of me there. But due to the nature of the scalping, and for my own sanity, eventually I will just be releasing new updates to my discord first, and then on itch.io some time after. Eventually, no early releases, and just public releases.

However, that will also mean that updates are, inevitably, going to be more sporadic. I work better when I operate on a timeline where I can release something when I’m happy with it, which I believe this VN will benefit from. While future projects may be with a team and on a release schedule, HDU is a passion project. It’s a story that’s very personal to me. It’s involved some religious deconstruction (and a strange look at religious trauma) while writing, which has been quite… something. I appreciate your patience with me!

While there are some planned things I want to commission for the story, I want this VN to be something I enjoy making again. Because, I do. I want to go through the process of drawing it, writing it, coding it, and bringing this idea in my head to life. And with the amazing sound from @/CrystalVGM, I genuinely have enjoyed doing just that. I want to get back to that, and make something I look forward to sharing with y’all. Please grant me patience while I transition this project into something that works again. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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TL;DR: I apologize for my prolonged silence. Launching the VN overwhelmed me as I underestimated its demands alongside my full-time writing job. Moving twice due to a stalker and undergoing surgery added to the challenges. I'm sorry for not delivering the content you deserve! I've made progress and overcome art block by outlining the story and major characters. The support from readers has motivated me to continue, and I'm grateful for the positive reception. Patreon scalping has discouraged me, so I'll switch to Ko-Fi for only donations for this project. Former patrons will receive early access to updates for a while. Eventually, I'll only release updates on Discord first and later on itch.io, all publically. Expect more sporadic updates as I prefer releasing content when I'm satisfied with it! This VN is and will continue to be a passion project for me. I appreciate your patience–your support means the world to me!

P.S. – I’ve included a small excerpt and a few poems from upcoming planned updates of HDU, for any of those interested. Thank you for your patience with me and this story. ♥

May Hellion skies burn red for y’all!

–Dec