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I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how much I appreciate your work. I really respect that you try to stay true to your characters and story, and that you're not just another people pleaser author. I see a lot of authors who change their original ideas just to please others, and somewhere along the way they burn out and stop writing altogether. Please don't sacrifice quality for quantity, don't let people pressure you into writing something you wouldn't enjoy writing.

If I remember correctly, you said earlier that Ryder wouldn't really fall in love with MC in the rivals route? So if it doesn't fit his character, then please don't do it just because some people want it, unless YOU see that it will fit the character in the end. I don't want to see another great character to be ruined.

I also really like how much detail you put into your characters, the differences between male and female RO it's really refreshing, I love it.

I very rarely comment on anything, I rather belong to the group that quietly observes. Lately, however, I've been quite irritated by the loud group that likes to pressure authors, so I decided to break my silence. I hope you won't give in to the pressure and keep writing what you want and what makes you happy. I really think that it translates into quality and that you're less likely to burn out, which I wouldn't want. Only two chapters have come out and I already love this story :)

Anyway, I wish you good luck with this project and I look forward to the next update.

Cheers for this message, honestly. You've no idea how much it means to me.

And yeah, you're right. It's exhausting. Writing on its own takes it out of you, but chuck in all the coding, flavour text, branching paths... it slows everything right down.

I started rewriting mainly because I wasn't satisfied with it, to be fair. Sure, a lot of it came from people asking for certain stuff, saying there wasn't enough interaction and all that.

This is my first IF, so I knew not everyone would love it, and that's fine. I did take on suggestions, especially the ones that came from a good place. But I'll never water down a character just to make someone else happy. If that's not how I see them, I'm not writing them that way. Simple as. I have to like them.

And again, you're spot on. Ryder on a rival path ain't gonna suddenly fall head over heels. But being who they are, they'd still play the game a bit. Bit of banter, some spark. That's what I meant by potential. They click, but it'd be rough. Ryder doesn't trust easily, and that path'd be rocky as hell. Way different from the proper romance route. Still, flirting's in their blood. There'd be a bit of a push-pull vibe, but I've already got that sort of thing going on in Riley's route, so I don't want to rinse and repeat.

No fan-pleasing here though, don't worry about that. I'm happy with how the rewrite's shaping up, especially with how the routes are coming together. If someone's not into it, then fair play. Just not for them.

Oh, and just to say. Since this is a rewrite. It means what's in the current demo won't match anymore. I want people to come at it fresh without dragging expectations from the old version. I've changed Lane's absence from five years to four. Nothing major, but it lets me add a bit more backstory in. More meaningful choices, more chances for people to shape the MC, more playthrough variation. Chances to see/meet characters early, etc.

I'm excited about it, just wish I could move quicker. Doing my best, though.

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QUICKLY BEFORE THE WORLD GOES BOOM!!What books, shows, documentaries or movies inspired you to write this game and what is your biggest idea you'd come up with for a scene or chapter!! GO!

Don't put me under pressure!!!

Just love for F1 and the Netflix's show "Drive to Survive." The dramaaaa. The adrenalineee. The politics! The laughs! Also this year, I’ve watched the movie "The Rush" (2013 Hunt vs Lauda). It wasn't what I used for inspiration but it definitely helps me write more personally now. Proper goosebumps. So if you haven't seen it. I 100% recommend it. Also, of course, cheers to life experience. The good kind. The bad ache kind that just doesn't let you forget! Oh and this girl heart of mine that loves romance! Cannot not write it.

Oi...I have loads of ideas. Nothing about exes but I had to write romance. It is what it is now. But a scene RIGHT now that I'd write?

Picture a night race in the Middle East. Full throttle. Sandstorm. Visibility zero. No comms and tech saving your arse. Just you, Lane, and Ryder. All three too stubborn to quit. You fly bliiind. Guided by instinct. Memory. That obsession in your gut that screams be first or be forgotten. Pure chaos. 👀

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In the revision will we be able to do a lover-rival-lover again route for Lane?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: I need to stay sane when writing. Coding everything barely lets me breathe so don't need to add more. The story’s never been about “we hate each other then magically make up.” If you want any shot with Lane, you have to keep it open. That choice happens early. Hopefully it’s clear what they all mean.

And just to be crystal clear: Lane is canonically over the MC. On every route. That’s not up for debate. They did the work. Moved on. Shut the door. Doesn’t matter how many nice choices you make later. It's just too little, too late.

If you play it like you’re over them too, that’s it. Door’s shut. Room’s cold. Empty. You’re not getting back in.

But on the romance path, the feelings ain’t gone. Not completely. They're just... deep. Pushed down. Locked up. There’s a chance they resurface, if the choices line up and you don’t make things worse. 🙈

No one wants a cardboard cut-out for a character. So, let me build this out properly from that initial choice. If it makes it any better... on the romance path, you can be a prick if you want. Be chaotic, if you want. Your story. Maybe that’ll even scratch the “enemies to lovers” itch.

Just know that even door open doesn’t mean Lane’s giving you another shot. If you’ve got more bad points than good, and your earlier choices back it up, they’re still not going forward. I’m not twisting logic to fit every route. That’s hell, and it ruins the characters. Replayability's big without it. Promise. There’s loads of scenes and flavour texts you’ll miss just from picking one path over another.

Ryder's route is the only route that might even have a sniff of rivals-to-lovers. Maybe. No promises. There's potential... buuut until I get deeper into writing it, I can't say if it'll even make the cut.

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waitttt! points meaning they can shut us down??

Well, you can't just move mad and think it won't catch up to you. 🤪

Could be a laugh. Or not. Depends what your idea of fun is.

Some ROs will vibe with your energy, some’ll clash hard, and others’ll just dip out. Ain't gonna be the same for everyone. One man's smooth ride is another one's madness. 👀

But yeah... points will help me give proper scenes and flavour texts. I can't wait to see what people get and all the things the ROs tell you. 🤭

Bad thing... or good... it'll be at least a good few chapters until any real drama starts happening.

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Just gonna stick a quick note here ‘cause I’ve had lots of messages about changes and stuff. Don't panic. 😅

Ryder’s route. No, you’re not missing anything. It does actually just end with “However, at the end of the day…” That’s intentional. It's not a bug. I get why some people think there’s more, but the idea was kinda a fade-to-black moment. I know that can feel a bit like something’s missing, but for me, that’s the point. Still, if you wanted more, I’ll take that as a win.

Re: Lane – they’re fine if you move on. They’re not in bits anymore. So if you’re feeling someone else, go for it. Lane’s a slow burn. I know some people won’t have the patience for that, and that’s okay. There’s a lot going on with them, and a quick apology isn’t gonna suddenly fix everything.

Ryder and Lane still seem to get the most attention, but maybe their fans are the loudest? Hard to tell sometimes.

Also seen a lot of “I liked RO until…” stuff. Which, fair enough. Not all of the ROs are gonna be for everyone. But I’m not gonna sand down the edges just ‘cause a few people didn’t like something about them. That’s just who they are. And yeah, I’m sure there’ll be stuff in the rewrite that someone somewhere finds cringe. Not changing it. It’s not meant to be smooth. Already made peace with the fact that this won’t be everyone’s thing. And honestly? That’s fine. If it’s not your story, that’s alright. Still appreciate you gave it a go. ❤️

And now the changes – didn’t really wanna say anything but my inbox has just been one question after another, so. Here we are.

The whole “friendship to romance” thing – no, there’s still not a separate route for that. Well, not quite. What has changed is that even if you pick a character as just a mate, there’ll still be flirty or romantic choices but there won't be romance-y scenes/vibes. If you go for those flirty choices while on the friend path, it might open up stuff later on, like them saying, “We’re friends, yeah? Doesn’t really feel like it.” That’s your window, if you wanna go deeper.

But if you double down and say you’re friends, that’s it – no switching later. If you pick crush/flirty early on, then you’ll get more romance-y stuff, obviously. It doesn’t lock you into their route, but yeah, you might end up in a love triangle. Or square. Or something worse. And that’s intentional. Consequences are part of it. I like it that way. Think a lot of players do too.

If not, no worries. Your story, your choices. Do what's right for you.

Rivals to lovers? Popular question. Still not 100% on that one if I’m honest. Might try the points system with it, see how it plays out. Could open up a few flavour texts and scenes that way. Not promising anything though, so don’t hang your hopes on it just yet. At least with Lane – they wouldn’t fall for it. Not really their thing. Ryder though? Yeah, bigger chance there. They like tension. Kinda live for it. So if that’s your angle, give it a go. Might pay off.

Gender roles. Do they matter? Yeah, when it comes to how the ROs and the world around you treat you. People will react based on your gender, how you come across, how you carry yourself – all that. But no, when it comes to relationships.

Lastly, stats. Don’t worry, it’s not gonna be super heavy, but they’ll matter for stuff like personality, how the media and public perceive you. You’ll notice it in little flavour text changes, that sort of thing. It’ll add some depth, but nothing too complicated. But there will be a stat for winning. Might be tough to hit, not sure yet. Still figuring it out, but it'll be there.

And of course, whatever I’ve said here – take it with a pinch of salt. I’m not done yet, but this is where things are at right now, and I don’t think it’s gonna change ‘cause, for one, I’m not rewriting anymore. And two? I’m bloody tired and I’m not gonna bend over backwards to fan service just to shift my vision.

Stay safe.

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So when you say you're rewriting, is everything from scratch or is most of it still the same? I liked the story anyway so Im just curious

Yeah so, I rewrote it from the beginning—like, properly sat down and went at it fresh. Some scenes might look familiar at first and you might think, “oh, I know where this is going,” but... nah, it won’t go the same way. There’s more depth now, more variations in how scenes can play out, different paths you might not catch first time around. Bit more replay value, hopefully enough to keep folks hooked til the next update drops. Still the same essence...that didn't change... but characters and scenes? Just... grown-up a bit I guess.

You can still expect the wildcard, the sims/headquarters stuff, the party scenes—all that’s still there—but with more layers to it. I’m really trying to lean into the personality you build, and let that shine more in how things unfold. Personally, I like it a lot more, even if it’s taking ages. Feels more alive. 👀

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Writing is bloody hard. I’m in the thick of it at the moment—so, yay for the weekend—but I’m starting to notice just how much I lean on setting in some scenes. Like, a lot. I keep using the same stuff over and over, and when I try to switch it up, everything else just sounds overdone or painfully cliché.

Also, I’ve used “like” more times than I’d like to admit—unintentional pun, but here we are. 🤭

London weather’s made a few too many cameos too—might as well give it a speaking role at this point. ☁️ Maybe it’s just because I’m the one writing it, so I see all of it. Might not even be that noticeable when someone else reads it, but it bugs me.

Still, I’m not changing anything for now. It is what it is. I’ll just try to be a bit better from here on out. Hopefully time and health hold up so I can finally start wrapping this thing. It’s been a long time coming.

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Back on the Ryder love train, I can't wait to see them again

I'm excited for you! 🎉

There's a lot of variations in the revision that I hope people will take advantage of when they wait for the next update. So will be looking forward to how everyone plays.

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Hey author!! Sending some love towards u .. U deserve it and also take care of yourself.

Ty for the amazing if and the characters.🫶

Also, Black Flag is the reason I've started watching F1 now 🥹

Cheers for this sweet message. Thank you so much! It's so nice to see because I don't get these often! 🥺

It's usually "When is the next update?" Which I understand, but it doesn't give me any much of a boost or time to write.

Aaah! Yay! I'm so glad... I've gotten a few of those messages and they make me happy. It's not a requirement to know much about the sport but it's always more immersive when people are aware of behind the scenes and how it all works. ❤️

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Hey!! Just checking in to see how u are , it's been some time since we heard from you 🥹🥹. Andd while i was replaying i just noticed how MCs personality affects their interactions and it's just chef's kiss ... So thankuu once again for all your efforts 🫶

Also if you're comfortable with answering this then plz ; Can we make MC regret what they did to Lane, like regret regret .. it's likenusually the RO who regrets but this time the MC ?

I'm still here. I know it's taking a long time but I'm working on it. Life's a bit mad so I haven't always had the time to write and with a focus on exams now, I've been prioritising that. Promise I'm still working on it and will hopefully have it soon.

I think I gave myself more than I can chew and with lots of people wanting this and wanting that, it got to be a lot.

People were suggesting all sorts for the story that I hadn't planned and at some point, I just had to remind myself why I started. People will always have an opinion and that's fine. I just had to remind myself that no matter what I do, people will have it. This was a fun project and not a task, and I want to keep it that way.

And yeah, to answer your question. There will be loads of choices on the Lane route that'll shape how your MC feels about everything.

Thanks to all who stuck around and checked in. I'm hoping in the next few weeks I'll have it all together. And can dive into completing it. I never want to rewrite again. 🤭

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i’ve just played the demo and i truly love it! it’s so refreshing to see how malleable our character is and how their personality feels very unique and how that affects situations. i also just love the plot in general:) keep it up!!!! thanks for ur hard work

Thank you so much!! That's a nice compliment and I'm glad you noticed so far. It took a long time to code all the personalities with the replies so I'm glad people are noticing. I want the choices and personalities to matter just as they do in real life. You won't get along with everyone. 🤭

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How would the ro’s react to a mc who’s legs got hurt in a accident and ask them to help with a bath dating stage

Play your cards right, you might just get such a scene. 🤭

Seriously though, hmm ... I want the choices to matter and I did plan on having scenes where MC gets hurt based on choices of course. Just like how you do in the races, what happens to you, etc.

So I don't want to go into detail. I can say, what to expect from each RO.

If you want laughter/playful/teasing choose Ryder. You'll be distracted, comforted, and in pain from laughing.

"Well... not quite the date I was imagining."

"I'm no expert babe, but I could get used to being your personal clean-up assistant."

"Don't move, alright?... Not that you can, eh?"

"Don't fall for me now, yeah? Wouldn't want you emotionally attached."

You want less reassurance but more action? Tenderness? Catered to, and romance with playfulness? Riley for sure.

"You sure you're alright with me doing this?"

"Can't have you wandering about looking all miserable, can I?"

"I'm not one for being soft but it's you. Don't go thinking I'd do this for just anyone."

"Don't look at me like that... you might owe me one after this."

You want confidence, efficiency? Competence? Thoughtfulness? Support? Full care and quiet affection? Phoenix.

"I'll stay here if you need help."

"You just rest. I'll sort the rest."

"You've got this knack for needing my help, don't you?"

"If I didn't care, I wouldn't be here."

"I'm glad it's me helping you."

You want Lane? Dating again? Huh? 😜 Hmm ...if you want warmth, attentiveness, compassion? Your ex checks the boxes, though it might not be all that easy given your history. I can't promise fluff here. But ...

"I've got you... I'm not going anywhere."

"Suppose I can't say no... never could, could I? Still a bloody sucker for you, aren't I?"

"You've still got that way of making me drop everything for you, don't you?"

"Bet you've missed me doing this more than you care to admit."

Hope that helps. It's just some things you could expect hearing from them. I haven't answered much of the asks and I apologise. I spend all the time I can have writing. Toughest part is the branching and writing differences in personalities between male and female ROs when needed.

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Hey hey 👋

Still here... still working. I've come far from last time so I'm happy about that but the deadline I set passed so boo hoo for that.

I've underestimated A LOT of what it takes to write an IF. The time. The work. The coding. The branching. It's definitely teaching me a lot but it's not stopping me yet. I'm too invested in this story of mine so that's still pushing me to continue. So many times I wanted to give up, but it always pulls me back in. I just can't let it go so I'm constantly in a love-hate relationship and being a perfectionist doesn't help either. I'm constantly rewriting something. Am I close? Yes. I'm literally branching choices and setting up and gathering my variables to organise and keep track of properly. I think if I did this right in the beginning, I wouldn't have this issue. 😂

Also, don't take that as expecting any time soon because testing always has me adding and changing things because they don't sound right the second time. Advice is always welcome though.

I just dived in into it last year thinking how hard can it be... so here we are. 😅

It's very, very hard but I think what's needed is energy and TIME! I don't always have a lot of it but I'm working and pushing it through. Hopefully I get it out soon enough.

Hope everyone is doing well 💌

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Another month...Another small update before the new year. Surprisingly, I've gotten quite a bit done. Half way there. I've had to start from scratch so that's why it's taking a bit longer than expected. While the gist of it all will stay the same, most of it's rewritten. Once I am done with Chapter One, I'll update it and let you all know. Chapter Two will probably be redone completely as I don't think it fits how it is now.

Cheers for bearing with me. I'm really trying and hope to finish as quickly as possible while still doing life. Take care!!

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Helloooo players! To all those that write in asking about progress, you're more than noticed and appreciated. It's nice to know the story is loved. To those that write in about songs reminding them of some of my characters, it's also very nice to see and read those!

As for the story and update. I am still working on it, buuut I haven't had much progress done since the last update. I should've known holidays would slow things down for me.

And it's not like I haven't done anything. I really have. I deleted and rewrote a few times. Not once. Not twice. I'm starting out for the fourth time, actually. 😮‍💨

I'm new to interactive and new to coding in general, so when I first started to write I thought it's best to do and write as I go. Just thought to see how people felt about it. Not the case, hence why the big set back. So although I keep going back and forth between Prologue and Chapter 1, I am writing and I'm not just working on code though that is the most difficult and tedious, and I mean very tedious, part! 😒 It easily drives me bonkers. Also, being a perfectionist, I'm never happy with my product and think I could do better hence the constant rewritings. But, I'm learning to be gentle and I understand that I will never be a 100% happy with writing. It's a working process and so am I.

But I do take some ideas from you all, so I got a lot of messages asking if there was more to some of the RO scenes in Chapter 1, so I'm tiding up everything and rewriting a lot!

So it's a lot of work and I am working. I will not make any time estimates because we all know they never work out, unless I'm like 90% done then maybe. So while I unfortunately don't have the best news, know that I didn't give up. Let's hope for some better news next month.

Take care of yourselves. 💌

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Just finished the demo and all I have to say is when is Riley gonna stop playing and be my stay at home husband/wife 💔

🫶

Problem is, Riley doesn't want to stay at home. 😅

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waaiit! love pentagon? U mean I can romance them allllll? How long? How far without consequence and how much will the consequences hurt? 😅

Sure! See where it gets you. 😅

How long?

Until you're no longer in a pentagon but a love-square, or love-triangle...until maybe you end up alone? See how long you can push. 😅

How much will the consequences hurt?

Hm ...have you ever stepped on a Lego? Yeah, like that, but emotionally. 😜 J/K ...I don't know. I'll see how far I'm willing to take it. 🤭