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#PennedPossibilities 605 — SC POV: If you had a “do-over” button, what one event in your life would you like to have a second chance at?

Dante: I couldn't save her, and I've missed her every single day since. I've replayed that one terrible moment over and over, a million times, and my mind won't let me rest. Only now do I know what I should have done. If only we could change the past...

#PennedPossibilities 606 — Is your MC keeping any secrets? Can you tell us more without giving away any spoilers?

It isn't a spoiler, thankfully, and it's also something that I've spoken about in various writing hashtags (including mine) in great detail. Alexios' past is the "secret" that he keeps well hidden. So few know about his past, what happened to his home world, and the loss of his people. Fewer still know that he was turned into a slave (along with the other survivors). He found a way to escape. Technically, he's still a man on the run. Only his closest friends know the truth.

#PennedPossibilities 607 — Antagonist / Villain POV: Where are you in your life right now? What are you most pleased with?

Dr. Death: My research is going well. I'm pleased with my work, as per usual, and with the connections I've formed through the work. The work is all that matters, in the end. My father was right. My alliance with the Syndicate has always been strong, and they /need/ me. I've made myself indispensable to them. I'm no pawn to be used.

#PennedPossibilities 0.43 — How does your MC best recharge their spirit?

Credit: @HeliaXyana

Early on, the answer for Alexios will always be to spend time with his friends or at private parties with them. It's how he lets loose. Later on, it'll be to spend time with his friends AND his lover (Trick). Life gets interesting for them. It's the little things that make him feel better and will recharge his depleted battery, so to speak.

#PennedPossibilities 608 — Does your MC have any nicknames?

Alexios does! They call him the Ghost because he can disappear within the Midnight City at the drop of a hat. He escapes. Everyone wonders how. He's just... /that good/. Being an experienced gang leader (among other things) does have its perks, I suppose.

#PennedPossibilities 609 — Can you tell us about a secret that your antagonist / villain is willing to take to the grave?

Dr. Death told no one about Alexios' escape from the ship. How could he? He had a perfect track record. It would have ruined him. To not only escape but to then disappear completely would have looked terrible for the doctor. It would have been seen as sloppy and messy. In the end, he had no choice but to keep it a secret. One day that decision might just come back to haunt him...

(For context, this happened two-hundred years ago. It's all backstory.)

#PennedPossibilities 610 — What are the most significant sounds we hear in your WIP? For example, it could be the sounds of nature or the noises of a bustling town.

• The sounds of market vendors chatting with customers. Marketplaces are popular.
• The typical sounds of a warehouse.
• Alternatively, I also think of the gang's busy smoke shop or the downbeat of music in the nightclub as well.
• We hear chatter in many, many different languages around the Midnight City. One just gets used to it.
• Fun fact: Alexios grumbles, grunts, and groans a lot. He's grumpy, okay? Miserable choom that he is. (it kind of reminds me of Geralt of Rivia a bit, but only in that respect. LOL.)

#PennedPossibilities 611 — Have you ever been able to relate to your antagonist / villain? If the answer is yes, then how so?

Honestly, I can't. Not even in a single way. Dr. Death is a bastard who enjoys murdering entire civilizations on planets and using "the leftovers," AKA those who somehow survived, for experiments. There's nothing to relate to there. He isn't just an antagonist. He's a true villain.

#PennedPossibilities 612 — Has your SC ever snooped in a friend or partner’s house?

Junk snoops around in everybody's home or place of work, not even a gang warehouse or shop. He's subtle about it. He can't help himself. But hey, that's just how he is and we love him for it. He's silly that way. Plus, honestly, as ridiculous as it sounds, he loves learning about his friends or partners.

Dante, however, respects everyone's privacy and never peeks around in any homes or workspaces. Why bother?

#PennedPossibilities 613 — How do you feel about the world or universe you’ve created within your WIP? Are you satisfied with it thus far?

I am, actually. I love creating different universes, and this one is no different. When it comes to anything cyberpunk, dystopian, and grungy, whether it's a book, game, film, television series, or a wonderfully-molded #TTRPG, heck yes—it's going to be something that I'll fall head over feels for. The entire SFF universe within this series of mine is a thing that I'm falling deeper and deeper in love with the more that I write it. It's been a long time coming. This book series (and the world within it) started back in about '08 or '09. The result of all that hard work is more than worth it. In short, yes, I'm so incredibly satisfied.

#PennedPossibilities 614 — SC POV: What is one phrase that you would really like to hear right now?

Dante: That everything is gonna be alright. That we'll all f*ckin' get through this. That she loves me, too. I don't know, just something. Some comfort would be nice right about now. It's been a tough year for the gang and I.

#PennedPossibilities 615 — What is the best time of day for you to write? (Early or late morning, midday, afternoon, or nighttime?)

According to my girlfriend, for me, it's, and I quote, "Between 2 and 4 am on the night of a Blood Moon every four to eight years."

Seriously, though, it's usually nighttime. Sometimes I can sneak in some writing in the afternoons as well, if I'm lucky. I've become a creature of habit when and where it concerns my writing. I usually get my best ideas later in the day as well. It works best for me.

#PennedPossibilities 616 — Name a bizarre and hyper-specific detail that you know about one of your characters but is completely irrelevant to the story.

I should have made a Marvel joke, but...

Junk is a Master (or Iron) Chef level cook. He's absolutely amazing in the kitchen, and that goes for both baking and cooking. No one makes a better crème brulée. The synthetic eggs he uses are a very high quality as well. (Not a bad idea for us struggling Americans right now.)

#PennedPossibilities 617 — Random: If you’re also an avid reader, what’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever used as a bookmark?

Oh, I've got a few...

A very old price tag, an unused bandaid still in the wrapper (found that one last week), a random recipe for a cheese soufflé, a ribbon, etc. Sometimes you need to find something quickly!

I thought this would be a fun prompt to ask everyone.

#PennedPossibilities 618 — Is your SC prone to jealousy? How might they handle any envious feelings?

Dr. Arcturius "Dante" Cason hates when the woman he loves is shown attention from anyone. He would never say it, would never voice the words aloud, but he'll burn with jealousy as he watches on. All of this is ridiculous, of course, because he'll never tell her how he feels... Maybe one day, if he ever gets up the nerve. Until then, he'll just suffer in silence. (Also, I've never mentioned this woman's name here. It's a big spoiler for Book 2.)

As for jealousy in any other way, Dante never experiences it. He's a fantastic doctor and others look up to /him/, not the other way around. "Workplace jealousy" never happens. Dante's Inferno is a med shop that everyone frequents.

#PennedPossibilities 619 — What type of “accent” does your MC have? Tell us about their voice. Discuss speech patterns, vocabulary, slang, or their way of speaking, if you like.

Sorry but as a massive wrestling fan, I just have to say... "619! Booyaka, booyaka, that's my pueblo!" God, I love Rey Mysterio so much.

Alexios Jace comes from a planet that I've mentioned many times before called New Glasgow, where a group of people (Scottish families, obviously) left Earth as it was dying and claimed a habitable world for their own. That particular planet was destroyed by the Syndicate, and Alexios was the sole survivor. Now living on Citune, he's the only one with a voice quite like his. He has a distinctly Scottish accent, setting him apart from everyone else around. His slang is a mix of cyperpunk and Glaswegian. While he says "choom" like everyone else, he always throws around "mate" rather easily as well. That's just a quick example. I will say, on top of things, he's always a mardy, grumpy man, and he tends to grumble a lot. His voice is deeper, thick with an accent, and everyone automatically assumes he's pissed off. Go figure.

#PennedPossibilities 620 — What have you enjoyed about writing your antagonist / villain?

Dr. Death is a smooth motherf*cker. His lines are excellent, but I'm biased. He isn't as much of a (noticeable) sleazeball as you would expect, honestly. It comes as a surprise, I'm sure, with the way I talk about him. He attracts women for a reason. That's the extent of it for me, though. Everything else about him is disgusting.

#PennedPossibilities 621 — What was the bravest moment in your MC’s life? Were they known to be courageous from then on?

It was the moment Alexios chose life... He escaped slavery, becoming the sole survivor of his planet being destroyed and its people turned into slaves or experiments. He survived. It was the bravest he's ever been. Since then, courage has come easily. He's a man on the run. He's a rebel, a fugitive, a crime circuit boss, a gang leader, a salesman on the black market, etc. Bravery is a must.

#PennedPossibilities 622 — Does your MC read? If so, what sorts of things? Do they have a preferred genre of choice?

Alexios reads. In his spare time, he likes to leaf through adventure stories. (Romance novels too, but that's something he'll NEVER tell another living soul, not even Junk.) During workdays, he spends time searching (and reading) the system database and combing through the warehouse archives for acquired books and other trinkets. It's all for black market clients, and it depends on whatever they want. Alexios' gang sell antiques and oddities to customers willing to pay for their desired items. If there's something they don't actually have, Alexios and his gang will do everything they can to find it for them. But yes, Alexios enjoys reading in his downtime. Comic books, novels, long or short stories, etc. All from the genres I mentioned as well.

#PennedPossibilities 623 — In theory, what would be your SC’s weapon of choice?

Junk prefers knives. He has a set of cryo-blades and they freeze the poor soul who gets stabbed. It'll freeze, burn, and immediately "cauterize" the wound. Fantastic.

Dante is a lover, not a fighter. He's a doc, after all. He's ridiculous whenever he's somehow found himself in a fight, all long limbs and not a single ounce of grace in his body. He manages to stay alive, though. He's the type to choose a frying pan if it's the closest object he can find to defend himself.

Cosmia's a bar owner. An empty bottle works. She doesn't need a weapon, though. Her mouth is more than enough. She'll curse you on your way out of the door. You'll run for your life.

#PennedPossibilities 624 — Are there any mental health issues that run in your SC’s family?

Many complications come from bad chips and implants. It can affect the brain in the myriad of ways. Dante's family have suffered a lot in the past, and his father was one such case. The man went insane from a virus on his chip. His mother is still alive and well, though. What's more, since her husband's passing, she's done well for herself. Depression and anxiety also run in his family. Living on Citune, it's no wonder.

#PennedPossibilities 625 — How physically fit are your characters? Does it factor into your WIP in any way?

It doesn't factor into the story, but here we go. Here's just a handful of the characters in the series.

FYI: Gang members and those in the criminal world tend to be on the thinner side, only because food with nutrition is more expensive and therefore harder to find (or afford). Cyberpunk works don't feature happy and peaceful worlds, after all.

• Dr. Death (Antagonist / Villain): He's well-toned, nice body. Everyone falls for him. (Yuck.)
• Alexios (MC): He's muscular but also on the taller side (and covered in scars and cybernetic parts).
• Noona (SC): She's scary and intimidating despite being thinner. No one f*cks with her.
• Junk (SC): He's a bit fluffy, on the chunky side, and he's adorable for it.
• Trick (SC later turned MC): He's thin and graceful.
• Dante (SC): He's tall (even taller than Alexios) and slim. Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome in every way. He's in shape.
• Cosmia (SC): Short and well-toned (especially her arms). She works out. Often. Being a bar owner isn't the only thing she does at work. She's also a bouncer of sorts.

#PennedPossibilities 626 — MC POV: Are you afraid of your capabilities?

Alexios: Every. Single. F*ckin'. Day. I'm constantly terrified. Does it hold me back? Never. Could it? Yes, it very well could, choom, but I choose not to let it. I'm capable of terrible things and yet I choose to instead do /good/ sh*t. I mean, /good/ in terms of the Midnight City but hey. I might be a gang leader but I choose to help the little people, you know? I give back when I can. As for things that I'm physically capable of, in terms of fighting, yeah... Sometimes it scares me. It should scare the other guy, too. *wink*

#PennedPossibilities 627 — How does your MC have their home decorated?

Alexios has an interesting cyber-flat. His home is neat, decorated with a few posters from his days playing in bands, and he has a nice bedroom area and a small kitchenette. It's his private space. It's clean, well-kept, and cozy. There's even a sitting room area with a television, sofas, and some gaming equipment for whenever he actually has the time for relaxation. His musical instruments are there as well. Not that he spends much time at home, of course, but he enjoys it whenever he's there.

(I'm including a screenshot photo from #Cyberpunk2077 for reference, just to help.)

#PennedPossibilities 628 — Tell us about the trauma your antagonist / villain has endured. (If they have any.)

There was this one time that Dr. Death broke a nail in early adulthood...

This idiotic arsehole has never truly "suffered" in the ways we normies and peasants would understand. He's always had enough money to rid him of any troubles he might have.

#PennedPossibilities 629 — How did you break into publishing? (If you’re already published, of course.)

It was #DoctorWho magazines for me!

I actually still take part, fun fact. I love magazine work. Some of them are done for charity as well, so it's great. I love indie publishing.

#PennedPossibilities 630 — Is your MC receptive to warnings and advice given by others?

Hardly. The only time he ever listens is when either Junk or Dante give him any advice. Warnings as well, to be fair. A warning is generally taken as a challenge in his eyes, and advice can and will be either taken into consideration or discarded, one or the other. Sometimes he's an idiot. If the words come from Dante and / or Junk, however, he's liable to actually listen. He has a habit of doing rash, stupid things because of a fiery temper and they've been able to stop him. On occasion, Cosmia has been able to change his mind as well, but it's a rarity.

#PennedPossibilities 631 — What does your antagonist / villain do to relax?

There's a few options here. He could go to work in his lab. Work always clears his mind. He could visit a robohooker, too. That always does the trick as well. He might even just take the evening off from working in his lap and sleep if he desperately needs to relax.

#PennedPossibilities 632 — What originally inspired your WIP’s plot?

Oh, that's easy. For me, it was playing #CyberpunkRED, #Cyberpunk2020, and finally moving on to GM the games as well. The universe used in the homebrew games I've created is the same one featured in the novel. I love creating original universes, worlds, and stories.

#PennedPossibilities 633 — How did you choose the title for your story, and what significance does it hold for you?

The City of Opulence perfectly sets up the series. From this simple title, you can expect that there will be wealth in the city. The money, however, isn't for our characters, not really. It's for the rich, and they don't share it. That is by design, mirroring our society as well. And you know what we say, after all? Eat the rich. Our characters are struggling to get by, turning to a life of crime in order to survive, and trying to disassemble the carefully constructed system. They're a part of a gang, and it's exactly how a big family should be, and thus they take care of each other.

When I first came up with this title, I have to say that I fell in love with it. It suits the story quite well. Cyberpunk novels will all have catchy titles. Or, at the very least, they /should/. I've spoken enough about the various major themes within the genre, and this series (Digital Dystopia) is no different. "High tech, low life" is generally how the genre is described. Enough said. The rich only get richer while the poor get poorer.

Needless to say, this title is very important to me. The title of the series, Digital Dystopia, is one of my favorites as well.

#PennedPossibilities 634 — MC POV: How much do you value companionship? Do you always keep people around, or do you prefer to be alone?

Alexios: It isn't about what I want or what I value. My friends stay close, and they always have. We're a family, choom. I'm thankful for it, too. If that means that I value friendship and companionship, then I guess so—the answer's yes.

#PennedPossibilities 635 — Are there any specific cultural influences that shaped the world or characters in your story?

Many. Cultural influences play a significant role in shaping narratives and characters. I wanted to demonstrate an appreciation for diversity and invite the readers to explore the rich tapestry of (my) storytelling. (Ahem. I hope.)

I mean, I TRY to do that. The majority of us all do. That counts for something, right? Because diversity in all aspects is what I strive to get across and to showcase in my stories. Cyberpunk tales are no different. They're ripe for the picking. People of all different cultures, backgrounds, sexualities, money or status, walks of life, etc. They're are all there, and it's a beautiful mix of people, like a full-on cultural melting pot.

As for specific influences, I would have to say that I'm not really sure if I could stop and name any off of the top of my head. There are so many. Cyberpunk stories (like I already said) and science fiction fantasy tales are amazing that way. We can pull it all together, taking a little bit of everything to use. A variety of cultures can be found.

Here's just a few examples:
• Chinese
• African
• Italian
• Mexican
• Japanese

I think that's the beauty of it, finding inspiration from every walk of life and letting it guide and inspire your storytelling.

#PennedPossibilities 636 — Are your characters superstitious?

Not particularly. It's a cyberpunk (and SFF) universe, and while a few of the characters believe in various religions, the majority of them just don't have the capacity for either a superstitious mindset or different beliefs (relating to such a thing).

#PennedPossibilities 637 — Does your MC have a past that haunts them?

In every way. 100 years ago, Alexios lost his family, friends, his entire planet, etc. It was a nightmare, one that he relives every night when he closes his eyes, and it will always "haunt" him.

#PennedPossibilities 638 — Is your SC more introverted or extroverted? Or do they fall somewhere in the middle?

Dante is an introvert. (Unless you get enough booze in him, of course.) He's a quiet, studious doctor who keeps to himself. Only his friend's know his true silliness. He's a man with a dry wit, good jokes, and will help wherever and however he can. Only the gang see that side of him. He's a kind, sweet, and caring friend.

Junk is a complete extrovert who would do /anything/ for anyone, whether it's deadly serious or something related to any fun escapades. He's a silly man, but he's also a fierce friend, so the "favor" doesn't matter. (He's similar to Dante in that respect.) He's always been extroverted as well. He's loud and proud. He's definitely the type to show up to a hostile takeover assignment (for a gang's territory) in a hot dog costume as well, so...

I could go into detail about the other characters but this post would end up being wicked long, so I'll refrain.

#PennedPossibilities 639 — Does your MC have any pets?

There's a ginger cat that lives in the gang's warehouse and Alexios is the chosen one. He adores that man and he's all over him, all the time. Alexios, in turn, loves it. He's such a softie for the little furry baby.

#PennedPossibilities 640 — MC POV: Tell us about the good habits you have.

Alexios: Good habits? What are those? Pfft. I wake up early. I usually sleep alright. I'm f*ckin' good at being on time to meetings with my chooms and various clients. And... Yeah, that's probably about it...

I had a rough infusion therapy session today. I've been in bed all day since arriving home. Just not feeling well at all, sore and feeling icky, but I'll be alright in a few days.

#PennedPossibilities will resume tomorrow. x

Still not feeling very well. I should be back tomorrow for #PennedPossibilities. Bear with me. x

#PennedPossibilities 641 — How do you relax and recharge when the muse is depleted?

(I'm back, guys! I'm still amongst the living lol. I somehow found the energy to post a new prompt tonight. I should be around more tomorrow.)

I read, focus on games, watch films or shows, listen to audiobooks and podcasts, etc. I'm easy that way. It recharges my energy, gives me clarity, and sometimes gives me random bits of inspiration along the way.

If I need to take a step away from writing, I do just that. The ideas will eventually come to me. And believe me, I /do/ take breaks whenever I need them.

A big thank you to my friends @HeliaXyana and @Maelguerra for helping with #PennedPossibilities these last two days. I love you guys to bits. You're the best, I swear.

#PennedPossibilities 642 — How old are some of your characters?

FYI: I should say that people in this universe can live a long time due to enhanced genetics or cybernetics. Cyberpunk universes (and SFF ones as well) are all rather interesting.

Also, this is random but I've got notes that I can pull from for random characters featured throughout the first novel and series.

Alexios (m): 250
Junk (m): 40
Rain (f): 54
Aero (m): 30
Noona (f): 98
Dante (m): 180
Astria (f): 40
Fenris (f): 28
Cosmia (f): 36
Dr. Death (m): UNKNOWN

#PennedPossibilities 643 — How does your SC respond to the quiet? Do they take comfort in silence, or seek to fill the void with noise?

Junk can't handle silence. It drives him insane. He's always listening to music, singing, or speaking—even if it's only to himself. There's no such thing as "peace and quiet" while he's around.

#PennedPossibilities 644 — Does your MC’s current actions reflect their past experiences?

This is spoiler territory, so I'll have to be careful with my words. Someone from Alexios' past reemerges, which of course isn't news, but he has to be very, very careful not to allow the past to repeat itself. He ran last time, if only because he had no other choice, but he can't run this time. He has to take a stand and face Dr. Death. His current actions do reflect the past (and that includes his experiences), up to a certain point, but it's also time to change. Change in action is good. It's growth. Trick will help him along the way. Love is a great motivator.

#PennedPossibilities 645 — What was the most unexpected challenge you encountered while writing your WIP?

My answer might not be one you're expecting... This particular SFF and cyberpunk tale of mine happens to be one that I once posted elsewhere but is currently on AO3. (I feel like I have a bajillion chapters to upload, because I do, and I just haven't gotten around to it yet. Sorry, readers!) But, yes... All of that needed to be shared before I say more. In the world, there are people who unfortunately love cyberpunk stories but HATE anything #LGBT+ / #LGBTQIA+ in the slightest. Twats exist. We knew this. The main romance in the first story in the series is between two MEN. The series features an array of interesting characters, genders, sexualities, etc. Such is life. Don't like it? F*ck off. Feel like you need to air your homophobic grievances with me? Again, f*ck off. Wanna hate on me next? I'll say it again. F*ck off. I don't have the time for it. Dealing with all of that was an unexpected challenge. I had a lot of hate, which is why the series is over on AO3 now (because it's a much better place) before its eventual publishing. People. Just... People.

#PennedPossibilities 646 — How would you describe your MC’s job or occupation? (You can be comedic about it, if you like.)

Alexios Jace AKA "the Ghost" is a gang leader who sells black market items to the needy and well-paying (not the well-deserving, big difference there). His friends love to love him, and other gangs love to hate him or hate to love him—but it's probably a healthy combination of the two, to be fair. On the side, he also owns a smoke shop named Headstoned and a club called the Apex Nightclub. Needless to say, the gang rakes in good profits from it all. Alexios is a good leader. (And a better friend. To hell with what he'd say about it.) All in all, he's just a clever businessman.

#PennedPossibilities 647 — This is a prompt for visually impaired authors. How do you focus on the senses in your writing? Do you think that makes your writing any different from what you’ve encountered before?

My visually impaired friends here who brave the world and write wonderful stories absolutely deserve the love and attention. I love this prompt, so here you go. I can't wait to read the responses, especially maybe from @the_spc and @lunar_fang as well if we're lucky.

#PennedPossibilities 648 — MC POV: Tell us about your home.

Alexios: I'm not telling you about where I came from, you know, my home planet. Not happening. Let's take a different route. I live in a small cyberflat, cozy and comfortable. It's near the gang's warehouse, club, and smoke shop. I love nights spent at my desk area, or just reading in bed as it rains outside. Best kinda night, choomba. I don't mind admitting that the kitchenette doesn't get the attention it deserves, but hey, maybe one day. We all need a place of solace, and mine just so happens to be my home—even if I don't spend as much time there as I'd prefer. The warehouse is similar, to be fair, but all in a different sort of way. That's safety, which could be considered another kinda comfort, if we're breaking it down. We all need comfort, choom.

#PennedPossibilities 649 — What research did you conduct for your WIP, and did you uncover anything surprising or fascinating?

I saw this quote about research and writing earlier... "Research is my favorite part of the writing process, and is for many other authors as well. By asking about their research journey, you acknowledge the dedication they've put into crafting an authentic and well-informed story. And you never know, they may have a 'surprising thing you learned' that didn’t make it in the book!"

That's so true. All of it.

For this story, it was a ton of research on cyberpunk books, games, shows, and films—and for years, no less. The cyberpunk genre is rather of niche... The one thing I didn't want to do was come up with an idea (that I was so proud of), only to learn later that another author had already thought of it. I didn't want that ever happening. Creativity and originality. We need more of it within the genre, and I tried my best.

Research is key, and I absolutely LOVE doing it. Everything feels fascinating, surprising, and amazing when it comes to SFF and cyberpunk work.

@anderlandbooks

You did, mostly. Their planet is called Franssisi Four (at least in the human archives).

@floofpaldi

@floofpaldi @Firlefanz @AlinaLeonova Oh, yay!

@anderlandbooks @Firlefanz @AlinaLeonova N'awww, thank you!