Hey guys, I can't even remember the last time I uploaded a work-in-progress before. I don't want to make a habit of it, but I wanted to upload something as it's just been far too long. Perhaps you will find some interest in seeing this as a WIP before the final version goes up some point later - hopefully not too much later.
I went to see a specialist about my left hand injury and was recommended surgery to attempt to repair the nerve damage. By the time this strip goes up, I will hopefully have gone through it already (same day) but it will take me a while to really get back into the swing of things, I think. Work has chosen to become fairly stressful at the same time as this hullabaloo.
I've been really mad at myself, for a long time now, about the lack of progress I've had on my personal projects and lack of engagement with the community here. I hate change, so whenever something big happens, I tend to sit on my hands and wait until the storm blows over, and then take forever to get back into the saddle. A lot of random things happened in 2021 that really threw me off my groove in big ways, and this finger injury has been just another thing in a series of events that just... keep happening.
I'm starting to realise that things are just going to keep happening, and if I keep just sitting around and waiting for things to blow over so I can form a new routine again, I'm probably never going to get anything done. Last year was one of the most unproductive years I've had for SF and I kind of hate that.
So I promise you all, dear readers, that I will do my best to recover as soon as possible, and will get back into this as soon as I can. >-<* I'll update here with another A/N after the surgery, where I hopefully will have a better idea about how things will be. Thanks so much for your kind understanding ;v;* Happy New Year~!
Hey everyone! :3 Thank you all so much for your kind comments. I will absolutely get back to every single one in time.
Early this week I went for rehab/physiotherapy and occupational therapy, and today I went to get the stitches from my finger removed. The doctor said it's healing pretty nicely, so that's good news! I need to keep the splint on for another few weeks, and after that I'm hoping it'll be fairly smooth sailing. Thank you again for your kind words of support and well wishes for recovery ;v;* It can apparently take months to even a year for feeling to come back after nerve damage if ever at all, so we'll see!
I've started a daily part-time job that is currently slightly overwhelming, but I think it'll get easier as time goes on. I've been working very slowly on SF comics; despite the injury being on my non-dominant hand, I have discovered the hard way that damaging my left pinky has actually made a lot of the shortcuts I am used to untenable. It makes everything slow-going and honestly a bit tiring. But I am working on pages, and I would like to build up a buffer again. The Lunar New Year holiday is coming up, and I'm thinking I'll update again either on the first or second week of February.
Sorry for all these stuttering stops; please believe me when I tell you that I really have no intention of giving SF up, even with all these random life curveballs. Thank you once again for being so kind, and for your incredible patience and understanding over this recovery process. ;3;* You guys are the bestest.
I wanted to update to say that SF will return next Friday, 11 February. :D
I removed the splint today and it's the best feeling in the world to be able to just do stuff like wash my hands and put on a long-sleeve shirt without it getting in the way!! >3<* Huzzah!
See you guys next week with a fresh comic page! :D
Is it “Syles”, or “Styles”? (Just trying to be helpful.)
I want you to know that I have missed your updates, but have never wanted you to push yourself beyond your comfort level. I am sorry you are having so many issues pile-up on you and I especially hope your hand surgery goes well. You seem a very nice person, and you deserve nice things in your life. Sadly, we live in an imperfect world and people do not always get what they deserve. …
On the other hand, I don’t ‘deserve’ Serpamia Flare, but I get it anyway … so it can balance out. ^_^
Thank you Gil for being helpful! :D Honest to goodness, it is totally fine to point stuff out. I do make mistakes time to time XD
That said, it is in fact "Syles" in this case, as that is what Naru has been calling him. As to why Naru might be calling him that when it seems the man is known as "Stiles", maybe she can't quite pronounce it right? ;P
Also, thank you for saying such kind and wonderful things and well wishes. ;v;* I, in turn, don't deserve such kind readers but here we are! So thank you so much for reading, and for your unending patience <3 Sending much blessings your way~~~~
The surgery on my hand went well and it seems to be recovering nicely, and that's really all I can ask for! I just gotta keep at it! >3<*)9
First, I'm glad you decided to get a professional to look at your injury. In the long run, I think that will be much better.
Then, although you might be upset with your lack of performance, bear in mind, some of it is beyond your control. I'd say, don't lament that which you can't do anything about, and try to control things that you can. Take your time, make a plan and just try to get as close to a result as you can.
Yes, a WIP is actually nice to see sometimes. It gives an idea of your process, and also shows you're human, and additionally shows your sense of responsibility. Remember, you don't really owe us anything, you do us a kindness by allowing us to see and enjoy your work. (also, that stir-fry looks good!)
Thank you megados! It was a coin toss as to whether the nerves would be able to recover any feeling, but either way I'm glad I took the risk. I would rather try than regret not trying at all. >3<;
You are very right about taking things more methodically. I do have a habit of occasionally just stewing in this feeling of being overwhelmed by all the ambitions I'd like to have. Concrete plans and taking it step by step, however small, are probably the way to go. I'll do what I can!
Also, I'm glad you liked seeing the WIP <3 while I won't make a habit of it, perhaps I could share more of it occasionally '3'
Hadn't noticed it was a WIP till you mentioned it. I thought it was more like a "change of style" (which... could happend?)
2021 was a weird year, even by 2020's covid standards, so don't take it too hard on yourself. Maybe SF doesn't have to be a "routine", but something more of a "I draw when I have some time and I post when is ready" kind of thing? schedules are nice, but not having content _because_ of a schedule is not that nice
That's sort of interesting actually XD I guess it was less obvious because the WIP in this case had all the flats and backgrounds filled in.
Thank you very kindly for your understanding, I know it's been a weird and rough two years for pretty much all of us!
I think at the moment, SF has taken the "I draw when I can update schedule" (lol) but I think just personally, I like being able to update consistently whenever possible. Probably because while I was growing up and getting into webcomics, there was a joy in knowing that a page for a webcomic I was reading would be up that day :3 I hope to give people that too if I can! That said, it's worse to promise something and not deliver :'D So I will do my best to stick to a schedule that works XD;
Thank you so much Wit for your kind words, patience and wise advice ;v;** <3 I will take your words to heart and not do anything crazy... or too crazy...! No, I won't do anything crazy. Promise XD
I remember you mentioning your hand issue, but getting surgery!? Hang it there!
Don't feel bad about the comic and lack of updates. Health comes before all, and honestly, you're constantly communicating with your audience about things, so everyone knows and should understand what is up.
Trust me when I say the last year was terrible for a lot of us, but hopefully 2022 will be better, right?
Yeah, honestly the surgery recommendation took me by some surprise too! But the doctor was pretty optimistic about it so I went for it. I hope for good results in the long run. :)
Thanks for your kind words, MST3K. I have been trying to post A/Ns to let people know I'm still alive, though of course, updates are the best content! I hope to post much more of them this year.
Hey, don't be so hard on yourself. Sometimes you really do have to put your personal passions on the backburner while you deal with more pressing things. We'll still be here no matter what.
I enjoy the little detail showing where all the food came from. You get a nice mix of extrapolating what Nemi's life is like based on how she gets her food and what typical cuisine in the area might be like based on what ingredients are easily available.
Gahhh mel ;v;* Thank you, that is so kind of you! You gave me a doki. <3
And I'm very happy you liked the food detail! :D I tend to fixate weirdly on fantasy food and imagining the equivalents in Archaiea to food we have here XD maybe I'll post a stir fry recipe with 'equivalents' lolol
<Huuuugs>
No worries Rufi, I and I'm sure others too, completely understand. Things are hard, sometimes too hard to keep going, so we leave stuff out till we deal with things, but then things just pile up.. it can be a drag. A good advice I've heard, just do a little bit, even a bit, however much is okay for you then the progress is made, even if not fast but it goes. And then when it's done, it's happy time ^^
I hope you can deal with all your things, and I hope your hand is better now. Sending you lots of love, little sis ^^
*big hug* ;v;** Thank you brother. I really appreciate your long-time support <333 my hand is definitely on the mend now, thank you for your well wishes and love!
And that is very good advice, and I shall endeavour to follow it. Baby steps >3<* Slow progress is better than no progress, right?
("it's happy time" made me feel very happy for some reason to read XD)
Secret tip: I hit the left control with the palm of my hand. Habit from my early days. Might not work for you. Probably doesn't work on a lapop. Possibly worth a try. I do use the keyboard in stand-down mode.
Might also try to remap shortcuts. Plain keys might be possible. Using alt with your thumb migh be easier. Does your favourite program allow you to have different sets of shortcuts? As in, create a second set and when you want to go back you just swap 'em out? Otherwise there might be a way to swap alt and control for the time being. Though on windows it'll take a third-party program, of course.
Oh, and I would advice to take a couple minutes each day to just sit up straight, empty your head, meditate (good idea in any case) and visualise your pinky healing. It's a small thing but it can use all the help you can give it.
I did actually give the left-ctrl-with-palm thing a try A. Moose, thank you for suggesting it! Unfortunately I couldn't quite master it, I kept hitting other keys like a dork lol. But it was fun trying XD
I did end up remapping a lot of shortcuts, or at least, creating new ones that were easier to reach. It was just a bit harder to remap my brain to hit those first XD so a bit slow-going but at least I wasn't stressing my left hand out too much while drawing, lol.
Thank you for your kind advice and words ;v;* My hand is on the mend and I'm very grateful for all the kind words and advice from readers who have been nothing but patient and lovely during this wait. Thank you again <3
...oh, is that a typo in the last panel? should be Styles (t missing)
Edit:
@R/N: hmmm, sitting on your hands might be counter-productive if you have trouble with them/if they hurt...
*hugs* hope all goes well...
Ganbaryu, Rufi *hugs*
@R/N3: great to hear that you are healing nicely *hugs*
I hope your part-time work is going well...
...and please take care of yourself *hugs*
@R/N4: happy new year 🥳
...and great to hear that the splint got removed and you are well...
I realise in retrospect that maybe it was just highly confusing to everyone when I had Naru call him "Syles" when the person mentioned in the inquiry is "Stiles" XD; I wonder if I can make the mispronunciation clearer somehow? I could go back and change it >.>a (I'm open to suggestions!)
1. You are quite right, I probably shouldn't sit on my hands for too long XD
2. My part-time work is okay so far, thankfully. Thank you for caring ;v;*
3. The splint did get removed with no issue! I'm now able to feel stuff (it was completely numb before) months after the surgery, so it does seem like my nerve repair was successful. It'll never be 100% again but I'll take 50~70% of feeling over 0% (which was what it was before the op). Thanks kindly for your well wishes! ;v;*
I want you to know that I have missed your updates, but have never wanted you to push yourself beyond your comfort level. I am sorry you are having so many issues pile-up on you and I especially hope your hand surgery goes well. You seem a very nice person, and you deserve nice things in your life. Sadly, we live in an imperfect world and people do not always get what they deserve. …
On the other hand, I don’t ‘deserve’ Serpamia Flare, but I get it anyway … so it can balance out. ^_^
That said, it is in fact "Syles" in this case, as that is what Naru has been calling him. As to why Naru might be calling him that when it seems the man is known as "Stiles", maybe she can't quite pronounce it right? ;P
Also, thank you for saying such kind and wonderful things and well wishes. ;v;* I, in turn, don't deserve such kind readers but here we are! So thank you so much for reading, and for your unending patience <3 Sending much blessings your way~~~~
The surgery on my hand went well and it seems to be recovering nicely, and that's really all I can ask for! I just gotta keep at it! >3<*)9
Then, although you might be upset with your lack of performance, bear in mind, some of it is beyond your control. I'd say, don't lament that which you can't do anything about, and try to control things that you can. Take your time, make a plan and just try to get as close to a result as you can.
Yes, a WIP is actually nice to see sometimes. It gives an idea of your process, and also shows you're human, and additionally shows your sense of responsibility. Remember, you don't really owe us anything, you do us a kindness by allowing us to see and enjoy your work. (also, that stir-fry looks good!)
Take care! :D
You are very right about taking things more methodically. I do have a habit of occasionally just stewing in this feeling of being overwhelmed by all the ambitions I'd like to have. Concrete plans and taking it step by step, however small, are probably the way to go. I'll do what I can!
Also, I'm glad you liked seeing the WIP <3 while I won't make a habit of it, perhaps I could share more of it occasionally '3'
2021 was a weird year, even by 2020's covid standards, so don't take it too hard on yourself. Maybe SF doesn't have to be a "routine", but something more of a "I draw when I have some time and I post when is ready" kind of thing? schedules are nice, but not having content _because_ of a schedule is not that nice
Thank you very kindly for your understanding, I know it's been a weird and rough two years for pretty much all of us!
I think at the moment, SF has taken the "I draw when I can update schedule" (lol) but I think just personally, I like being able to update consistently whenever possible. Probably because while I was growing up and getting into webcomics, there was a joy in knowing that a page for a webcomic I was reading would be up that day :3 I hope to give people that too if I can! That said, it's worse to promise something and not deliver :'D So I will do my best to stick to a schedule that works XD;
I remember you mentioning your hand issue, but getting surgery!? Hang it there!
Don't feel bad about the comic and lack of updates. Health comes before all, and honestly, you're constantly communicating with your audience about things, so everyone knows and should understand what is up.
Trust me when I say the last year was terrible for a lot of us, but hopefully 2022 will be better, right?
Thanks for your kind words, MST3K. I have been trying to post A/Ns to let people know I'm still alive, though of course, updates are the best content! I hope to post much more of them this year.
Here's to a better 2022 for all of us! >.<)/
I enjoy the little detail showing where all the food came from. You get a nice mix of extrapolating what Nemi's life is like based on how she gets her food and what typical cuisine in the area might be like based on what ingredients are easily available.
And I'm very happy you liked the food detail! :D I tend to fixate weirdly on fantasy food and imagining the equivalents in Archaiea to food we have here XD maybe I'll post a stir fry recipe with 'equivalents' lolol
No worries Rufi, I and I'm sure others too, completely understand. Things are hard, sometimes too hard to keep going, so we leave stuff out till we deal with things, but then things just pile up.. it can be a drag. A good advice I've heard, just do a little bit, even a bit, however much is okay for you then the progress is made, even if not fast but it goes. And then when it's done, it's happy time ^^
I hope you can deal with all your things, and I hope your hand is better now. Sending you lots of love, little sis ^^
And that is very good advice, and I shall endeavour to follow it. Baby steps >3<* Slow progress is better than no progress, right?
("it's happy time" made me feel very happy for some reason to read XD)
*another big hug* <3
I still got my suspicions (see previous posts), but in spite of them I still think he's a decent guy.
I do agree, though, he seems like an upstanding guy.
Might also try to remap shortcuts. Plain keys might be possible. Using alt with your thumb migh be easier. Does your favourite program allow you to have different sets of shortcuts? As in, create a second set and when you want to go back you just swap 'em out? Otherwise there might be a way to swap alt and control for the time being. Though on windows it'll take a third-party program, of course.
Oh, and I would advice to take a couple minutes each day to just sit up straight, empty your head, meditate (good idea in any case) and visualise your pinky healing. It's a small thing but it can use all the help you can give it.
I did end up remapping a lot of shortcuts, or at least, creating new ones that were easier to reach. It was just a bit harder to remap my brain to hit those first XD so a bit slow-going but at least I wasn't stressing my left hand out too much while drawing, lol.
Thank you for your kind advice and words ;v;* My hand is on the mend and I'm very grateful for all the kind words and advice from readers who have been nothing but patient and lovely during this wait. Thank you again <3
...oh, is that a typo in the last panel? should be Styles (t missing)
Edit:
@R/N: hmmm, sitting on your hands might be counter-productive if you have trouble with them/if they hurt...
*hugs* hope all goes well...
Ganbaryu, Rufi *hugs*
@R/N3: great to hear that you are healing nicely *hugs*
I hope your part-time work is going well...
...and please take care of yourself *hugs*
@R/N4: happy new year 🥳
...and great to hear that the splint got removed and you are well...
1. You are quite right, I probably shouldn't sit on my hands for too long XD
2. My part-time work is okay so far, thankfully. Thank you for caring ;v;*
3. The splint did get removed with no issue! I'm now able to feel stuff (it was completely numb before) months after the surgery, so it does seem like my nerve repair was successful. It'll never be 100% again but I'll take 50~70% of feeling over 0% (which was what it was before the op). Thanks kindly for your well wishes! ;v;*
Great to hear, Rufi, ...wow, I did not read into it that it was so bad... *hugs*