September 6th, 2017: It's been a while since the last update to all my stories. Nothing coming up in the immediate future, but I thought I'd at least give signs of life. These are still on my mind, just like all of you who've invested into reading my ongoings. Hopefully I get back to it shortly. =)

Note to self, back in the fall of 2012, someone close to your heart wrote you the following, "I want you to write, David. When you say 'you'll try', it doesn't get done. I want you to write." Get to it, 314.

Here's a look at what's coming up in those ongoings and future projects:

Power Rangers: Countdown (Ongoing): My original baby. I'm very sad that this one hasn't moved in a while. Maybe there was a reason for that, considering that a while ago, I got this interesting idea for a character I'll be bringing in during the arc that's set to begin in chapter 13. I'll be making an extra connection between two seasons. Anyhow, what's coming up? At the end of the second arc, Astronema had the original twelve Rangers right where she wanted them and she was setting Dark Specter's forces loose to start conquering the universe. The next arc picks up before the Space Rangers make it back to Earth but just as the invasion begins. Also, it turns out that Master Org is free. Huh? What? Just go with it, it'll all make sense eventually. Anyhow, the Eagle Zord is gonna select its champion. And there's gonna be more cool stuff...

Power Rangers: *Classified*(Coming Up): In the wake of the defeat of Dark Specter's forces, a survivor hopes to undo what Zordon's energy wave did. But where there is evil, there must also be good, as a group of Rangers with nothing to lose and everything to gain is brought together to face this threat. Fills in the holes between Countdown and End of Days.

Power Rangers: End of Days (Ongoing): For those who've yet to check it out, do it, so long as you can handle a darker story. We're 27 chapters in. The Rangers have been marked for destruction and it looks as if the villains they're facing have both the drive and the willingness to exterminate them. Several favorites have already fallen, but what will happen in the wake of evil's latest strike? Who lives on and who dies? Is it really the end for those who have died? I'm also hoping for a new text trailer, setting up the second part of the story. It's going to be one heck of a journey.

Power Rangers: Untitled (Coming Up): For 16 years, they defended the Earth from various evils. When the greatest threat in Earth's history, Venjix, successfully started to make the world his, where were they?

Bring Me to Life (Ongoing): This one is a Ryan Mitchell focus story. It takes place after the events of Lightspeed, with Ryan trying to come to terms with the things he did while he was on the side of the demons. Going from the first chapter, which had a flashback sequence in it, that would include killing a Ranger. Who? Well, Ryan doesn't really know, but he's going to try to find out, with some help from characters from a few other seasons. Also, he's going to try to adapt to life among humanity, with help from one of his former teammates. Disclaimer: I've totally fallen for Ryelsey, so I won't even try to hide the fact that she's that teammate... =)

The Hart of the Matter (Coming Up): This one will be a Kimberly Hart focus story. Of all the characters we got to meet in the early days, Kimberly was one of the most fleshed out. Romantically, she was set up to be paired with Tommy. On a more personal level, we knew about her parents' divorce. We also got a lot of development during season 3, with her mother's move to Paris and the events that led to her departure, to train for the Pan Global Games. This one will be about exploring the individual more, not focusing so much on the heroics.

I'll Stand by You (Tentative title, Coming Up): When one of the Ninja Storm Rangers gets into a serious accident, everyone takes it hard. But for Dustin, the heart of the team, this will be a test like no other.

Selfless (Coming Up): Wesley Collins focus fic. As the Red Time Force Ranger, Wes always puts the greater good first. But sometimes, the price attached to selflessness is too steep...

That's all I'll be posting about for the time being, although I also have plans for a few other stories, a few of which will focus on Billy.

The following was posted several years ago, I don't feel like redoing the math. =P

10 years ago, there was a really special event that changed the landscape of the Power Rangers, Countdown to Destruction. It was the two-part finale to Power Rangers in Space and that was the end of an era. Back then, the only thing that disappointed me was that, even though we had villains and allies from the first 5 seasons of the show, we had no veteran Rangers. And so, I'd imagine what it could have been like, had some of the gang been in the crowd when Bulk and Skull stood up for the Rangers. As a fic, it doesn't add that much to the story, I know, but I also had a little mini-arc for Tommy and a proper goodbye to Ecliptor.

That was 10 years ago. Eventually, I lost touch with the Rangers, midway through Time Force, but I've since managed to find my way back, and the idea of a bigger, better Countdown to Destruction remained, only this time, it wasn't just going to go back to include the veteran Rangers, it would also move forward, setting up characters and events from future seasons. And so, over the last few years, with every new incarnation, there came a new idea of a way to involve certain teams or characters, whether it be by giving them small cameos or even full-fledged story arcs. Finally, I started to write it, and that has been truly awesome.

As I write this, the first arc, which I've come to know as One More Day and which runs from chapters 1 to 5, has been completed. It brought back all our veteran Rangers while at the same time it gave us cameos/references from future Rangers and allies from Lightspeed Rescue, Ninja Storm, Dino Thunder, Mystic Force and Jungle Fury. The premise of One More Day is simply that this is the last day these veterans get to live their normal lives before they're thrust into an adventure that they might not survive. And one thing I will say is that this isn't the ominous announcer in the MMPR pre-show preview saying "Can the Rangers defeat Rita's latest monster?" when we all know they'll win and Rita will have a headache. Not everyone will live through the Countdown, that's a promise.

The second arc, Divided We Stand, United We Fall, is currently underway. I don't want to say too much except that a good part of it deals with the aftermath of a preemptive strike against the veteran Rangers. Obviously, this will be the time where the veterans still standing will have to band together and try and find a way to defend the Earth from Dark Specter's forces, not knowing if the Space Rangers will be able to handle the situation alone.

Working on Power Rangers: Countdown and getting to read a few other stories has also gotten my creative juices flowing and there are at least two projects in the works that I think will be really cool. One will be a sequel of sorts to Power Rangers: Countdown and the other, Power Rangers: End of Days, which kicked off last fall, is based on an event that will bring all Rangers, MMPR through PRJF (and possibly RPM) together for a fallen friend and that's not even going to be the tip of the iceberg. (You can find a trailer for PR: End of Days after the close of Chapter 1: A Parting of Ways)

Last but not least, I'm really loving the notion (thanks to Reader Traffic) that these stories are being read around the globe. It's as if I were traveling everywhere through them. Reviews and messages hugely appreciated. Catch y'all on the flip side!

Now for some lighter content, I'll add more in time...

Favorite Rangers: I've grown really fond of Adam since his reappearance in Once a Ranger. Jen is another I really like a lot, being the first Alpha Female in my mind.

Least Favorite Rangers: Danny & Max (the never-give-up/I'm-not-a-kid combo drove me nuts during a particularly depressing season)

Favorite Villain: Astronema

Least Favorite Villain: Bansheera

Favorite Episodes: Countdown to Destruction ranks very high obviously along with most season finales. A standalone off the top of my head would be SPD's Perspective.

Favorite Couples: Tommy & Kimberly and Wes & Jen

And here's something a little different. Thanks to Shawn over at the Valhalla board for posting these questions...

(Stage One) "WHO ARE YOU, CRAZY FANFIC WRITER?Huh"

What is your first real name?

David

What name do you write under?

project314

Why did you choose that name?

It’s my screen name on all PR boards that I’m a member of. It comes from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in a way. In the show’s 4th season, there was this mystery room with cyberdemon Adam was created, room 314. Somehow, that transformed into project314 and I’ve just stuck with it since.

What was your first thought upon discovering fan fiction existed?

eyes widening “This is so not the PR I’m used to seeing…” My first encounter with fan fiction was with PR, more specifically the very innocent content over at the ‘Basement’.

When and why did you start writing?

In February 2008. I wanted to write a story centered on ‘Countdown to Destruction’ for the longest time, and that’s when it finally took off.

Did you tell anyone outside the Internet that you were about to start writing? If so, who and what was their reaction?

Absolutely not. Lawyer and Power Ranger fanfic writer don’t exactly go hand in hand. My family would look at me weird(er).

What fandoms do you write for?

Power Rangers

Describe your writing area in detail?

It varies, because I write on my laptop, which goes pretty much anywhere. In my room, I’ve started a ‘Ranger mural’ with headshots of various actors from different PR incarnations. I’ve got my thesaurus not too far away. Otherwise, it’s just an ordered mess.

What do you love about writing your fanfic?

The creative process, coming up with new ideas or scenes. Actually, whenever I think of something or write something that makes my eyes water, I know I’m onto something and that’s the greatest feeling.

Favorite fast food?

McD’s (trying to unfavorite it)

Favorite drink?

I wanna say Coca-Cola. Chai lattes. Also, on weekdays at work, since I’m not into coffee, I sometimes get a much needed boost in the form of energy drinks. =)

What state or country do you live in?

I’m a Canuck, as Shawn has made abundantly clear in his ‘facts of the day’ regarding me. But that’s the only part he got right.

Age, only if you want

28

What sort of stories reach you the most and inspire you to write?

A good character piece, something heartfelt and simple. I like some chaos too, sometimes.

Name five movies that you are sure fan fiction writers could have easily written a better script?

Pass. I’m really not too picky with my movies. Hold that thought. I just saw New Moon on Friday. Can someone write an alternative version where we’re rid of both Bella and Edward in the first 10 minutes? (And it's not 'cause I'm a guy. I enjoyed the Notebook and A Walk to Remember. This just got too depressing).

What's in your CD or MP3 player right now?

All sorts of stuff, although lately, anything Glee-related has gotten a whole lot more playtime.

If you write erotica/smut and have or will have children someday, how will you deal with your kid if he or she ever discovers you once wrote erotica/smut?

I don’t have any and it’s not part of my short-term aspirations to write any.

Have you ever read a fanfic that made you truly laugh out loud?

Of Love And Bunnies. I read the first chapter and I still have the image of the DT’s holding on to Dr. O’s legs to keep him from getting anywhere.

Blush?

I’d say the smut over at the Basement, but not really because I knew what I was getting into before clicking a story link. One that might have made me blush was Melissa’s ‘Before My Eyes’ because of how steamy things got between Syd and Sky, what with Sky’s arousal pressing against her... Having read a very sweet take on them in ‘Skin’, this took me by surprise.

Describe the funniest outfit you've ever written fanfic in?

There isn’t really a funniest outfit, unless you consider high school gym shorts to be part of a funny outfit.

Do you have a pet?

Nope. Do plot bunnies count? Because I have a bunch of those.

Link me to what you feel is your best chapter or full story that you have written and are the most proud of?

http://www.fanfiction.ws/s/4594599/1/Power_Rangers_End_of_Days

What do you snack on?

Whatever’s within arm’s reach, or in the kitchen.

How long have you been a fan of the fandom you write in?

Since PR premiered in the Fall of ’93.

Are there any fandoms you would like you write in but just haven't yet?

Maybe Glee, since it has so many great characters to play with.

Do you use a beta reader?

No.

If you could pay your beta reader, what do you feel would be fair compensation?

See answer above. =)

If someone looked under your bed right now what would they see?

Boxes. Hey, it’s as good a storage spot as any other place.

What the latest you have ever stayed up writing fanfic?

4-5 in the morning.

Tell the readers something interesting about yourself no one would probably imagine?

There is absolutely no relevance between this tidbit and my writing, but I’ve never been on a date. (What? I would have said I’m a PR fan, but anyone reading this interview already knows that.)

(Thus Ends Stage One)

(Stage Two) "HOW DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO, OH CRAZY, CASH-STRAPPED FANFIC WRITER?!"

From concept, start to finish how long does it take you to write a chapter?

It all depends on the story and the muse. A few days to a few months…

What’s the longest story you've written so far and why did you take on something like it?

Well, I’ve got two big ones in the works right now, both over ten chapters and nearing 50,000 words. I guess they came about from my love of PR as a whole and of these characters we got to know over the last 17 years. Also, it’s about creating an experience for the reader.

Do you do research on things like locations, clothing, technology, etc for your stories? If so please list a couple of links that you use?

I often turn to the Writer’s Guide to the Power Rangers Universe and rangercentral. For some smaller things, I’ll sometimes consult Wikipedia.

What helps you get past writers block?

Music, also just giving it some time. Or a lot of time.

What helps you set the mood to write?

Music, which I’ll decide on based on the nature of what I’m writing.

Do you write down notes and an outline or just write off the top of your head?

Notes, notes and more notes. I have a notebook that I jot things down in, ideas for upcoming chapters and stories, or scenes I can’t afford to forget about.

What is your personal style of planning your story? Do you plot things out well in advance or wait for readers output/reactions first?

I normally have a general idea of the story I’m going to tell. A beginning, some landmark events/scenes/moments and a sense of the ending. I leave myself a lot of latitude to add new scenes and arcs along the way and also to address some requests on occasion, as long as it works with what was planned. I don’t change directions based on reactions, though.

Do you run plot ideas past friends or your beta reader before you start writing?

No.

What sort of stories do you write?

I like the big action story. I also like the shorter, more character-driven piece. There has to be little twists and surprises along the way. I like happy or bittersweet endings.

Do you enjoy long stories or shorter ones? Why?

I like a long story that takes the time to develop characters and events properly, allowing me to invest myself emotionally. Shorter stories need to have something special about them, something that makes them stand out.

Who are your favorite characters to write for?

Right now, I’d say Ziggy and Dustin. They’re comical characters mainly, so it’s interesting to place them in more serious situations.

In your own words, describe as many of them as you like so that the reader can get an idea of how you personally see them?

Ziggy’s got a great big heart but he doesn’t really fit the ‘hero’ mold. Seeing him deal with his insecurities within the RPM team and trying to live up to what’s expected of a hero, seeing him grow, it makes for a great journey.

As for Dustin, he’s the NS comic relief and, in a sense, I see him as the heart of that team, even more so than Tori. You can always count on him to come through for you. And he says ‘dude’ a lot. Anyhow, it’s fun to flesh out the character a bit more.

What do you strive for with each of your stories?

To provide my readers with an experience. They don’t need to like all my creative decisions, but if I can make them ‘feel’ something, then that means I did my job.

What five absolute DON'T's would you warn a new writer about?

One – Don’t rush your story. There might be a really cool scene you want to get to, but you need to work for it, you need to earn that moment.

Two – Don’t post a story that’s littered with typos, spelling and grammar mistakes. As a reader, major turnoff, even if creatively your idea is brilliant.

Three – Don’t be discouraged from lack of feedback. Different people like different types of stories. Sometimes, you’ll be lucky, sometimes, not as much. It’s not necessarily a reflection on the quality of the story. Keep moving forward.

Four – Don’t go into a story with the intention of simply ‘winging it’. Have some sort of a plan ready. It doesn’t have to be overly detailed, just a general roadmap.

Five – Don’t be scared to dig deep within yourself to come up with a premise, but be careful to use the right characters to tell that story. A story on growing up trapped inside your parents’ divorce will find a great voice with Kimberly and a story about growing up without a mom could work nicely with Justin or Wes. Pick your characters wisely.

What five absolute DO's would you tell them they need?

One – Get a thesaurus and a dictionary, try to keep your vocabulary varied.

Two – Try and find your characters’ individual voices, their personalities.

Three – Write the story you want to tell, not the story you think people will like more.

Four – Always answer reader feedback, good or bad, detailed or not. You want a solid following, you need to show your readers that you care about them. Besides, they took the time to read what you wrote.

Five – Do think outside of the box and have ambitious thoughts and ideas.

Do you have any helpful links for any aspects of writing you'd like to pass along?

Not really.

Best writing advice you ever read or heard?

Writing is an art form for which you never stop learning. Not even the masters of literature ever thought they knew all there was to know about writing. Learn every thing you possibly can and put it to your work. (I went and read that on Melissa’s interview. It would qualify as the best advice I’ve read. =))

What do you feel are your current strengths and weaknesses as a writer?

I think my current strength is in juggling multiple storylines and taking the time to build up to big moments or reveals, even though it might be tempting sometimes to just jump from one big moment to the next. My weakness is in not being able to get into the writing ‘zone’ whenever I’d like to.

How many hours a week do you honestly have to write?

It’s hard to say because writing’s also a big part of my work, so it becomes a question of overkill. I guess if I really tried, I could put 1 to 2 hours a day on average, unless I’m overbooked with activities.

If you write erotica, how would you describe your own personal style?

A number of years ago, I might have dabbled into something that could only be described as smut. Not too inspired and will never see the light of day.

Any tips for those who are considering it? Links?

Look up the Basement, Cheryl Roberts and/or Observe the Viewing Globe. That’s all the tips I’m qualified to give on the matter.

Details in scenes? What does it mean to you and how deep do you go into them?

I’m not the most visual person, I think I go more for emotion and characters. Melissa suggested I try putting more description and less dialogue. I guess that describes the situation pretty nicely. =)

In character and out of character? Your definition?

In character, to me, is an action or a line that perfectly goes with the character you’re writing for. Out of character is when you could change the name of the character performing the action or saying the words and it wouldn’t really change anything. It’s generic, I guess.

Why do you write?

To stir something within myself and within my readers. Also, self-therapy with some stories.

(Thus Ends Stage Two)

(Stage Three) "NO, YOUR HONOR. I DID NOT KILL THAT IDIOT WHO FLAMED ME!

I ONLY STABBED HIM WITH MY PEN UNTIL HE BREATHED NO MORE. BUT I DID NOT KILL HIM!"

Will you someday attempt to write something original and get published?

Don’t think so. Not my goal.

While I'm sure every single fanfic writer on Earth is appreciative of every bit of feedback that we get, there are times when we work really hard on a particular chapter. Perhaps its longer than most and you just feel that the feedback was positive, but too short. How do you as a writer try to explain to a reader that as appreciative as your are for any sort of feedback, you just wish they would go into a bit more detail about that they liked other than a three to five word sentence?

I don’t. I figure that the person who sent me three words still did a whole lot more than the person who read and left no feedback at all.

How do you deal with being flamed? Has it ever happened?

It’s never happened. I’ve had vocal disappointment with my killing off of certain characters on occasion, but not actual ‘I will hunt you down’ flames.

What do you think about fanfiction.net?

Personally, I like it a lot. In terms of finding a nice mix of stories and publishing my own stuff, I’ve yet to be disappointed.

What drives you crazy when you read it in a fanfic?

Spelling, typos, grammar.

Link to a story you love and review it here.

http://www.fanfiction.ws/s/5000302/1/

Thread, by Moonlit Rain. It’s a little oneshot that delves into Tori’s relationships with the five guys on her team. Some snapshots, some thoughts, it’s really sweet. You’ll smile the entire time you’re reading this.

Talk to the underage fanfic writer attempting to write NC-17 stories?

Ummmm. Good luck? Seriously though, just remember to keep in touch with what your characters are going through and their feelings at all times, I guess.

What do you think of the particular fanfic fandom community you belong too? The whole of all the writers, I mean.

I think it’s quite cool because there’s a little something for every type of writer, which means the content we get to choose from as readers is very diverse. Stories based on casts from different seasons, in continuity, out of continuity, action, romance, angst, fluff. You name it, we’ve got it.

Do you think you'll still be writing fanfic in 2 years? Five?

I hope so. I find it so great to have this creative outlet available, plus it seems I’m a decent writer. And hopefully, I’ll get to tell more personal stories through some of our favorite characters.

What's the craziest fanfic request you've ever received?

I haven’t received a crazy request so far…

Do you save your favorite stories on your hard drive?

I’m not that green. In some cases, I print them out, though I’m careful to bring down the font size sufficiently to maximize my page content. There’s consequently also a digital copy on my hard drive.

In a crazy world if you had 200 million dollars and creative license to make a movie in the fandom you write in what would be the name of it, what would be the plot, who would star and how would it end?

Power Rangers: End of Days, I think the title and 15 first chapters give a pretty good idea of what it’s about. Huge crossover, all Rangers from MMPR through RPM. Some changes would have to be made to the script since Thuy Trang is sadly no longer among us. How it would end? That would be spoiling…

Or maybe something less ambitious, that way I could keep 190 million dollars for myself…

By finishing this long ass question and answer session your name has been entered into a Pakistani lottery worth 100 million dollars. If you win what will be the first thing that you do?

Check to see if this Pakistani lottery thing is legit or not.

(Thus Ends Stage Three)