I’ve been putting this off because I didn’t want to face it, but it’s time to make things official: for the time being, the Domain is shutting up shop. This is due to a combination of things, my mother’s health being the main one. I’ve mentioned before that I’m her carer, so I have to fit comic production between looking after her. Recently she’s taken a turn for the worse, developing a chronic breathing problem and arthritis in her hands, knees and feet, which means what little independence she had is gradually diminishing, while my responsibilities are increasing. It’s already become difficult to keep to a regular update schedule, and I can only see it becoming more difficult. Mum has to be my priority, so the comic will have to take a back seat for now.
But even if I could find a way of working around my responsibilities in RL, I have to confess that I’m not enjoying this anymore. This might be revealing too much, but I’ve grown to hate the current storyline. You may remember I took a month off in July to try to get my head clear and work out where I was gonna go with it. I thought I had, and had decided to plow ahead with the goal of wrapping it up later in the year. However, it’s just become too much of a slog. I’m not invested in this anymore, and I think that’s starting to show. So for that reason too, I’ve decided to end it.
So what does this mean? Is the comic over, full stop? Well, yes and no. I would like to wrap it up properly, so later in the year I hope to do one last series, ignoring everything after “Most Haunted Domain” and providing a better conclusion to the Mr X 2.0 saga, and to TMOHD itself, or at least this iteration of TMOHD. But what about after that? Well, the key to that mystery is the use of the word “iteration”. ’Cos after that I’m gonna take an extended time out, build on the lessons I’ve learned from producing this comic, and I’m gonna open a can of retcon on this sumbitch! See, I’ve grown to really like these characters, even Jay, and I don’t want to abandon them. But I also want to do them justice, so next time I’m gonna take my time and plan ahead.
I want to use this space here to thank you, whether you’re a new convert or long-time reader, for dropping by the Domain. I hope you’ve enjoyed your time here. I’ll try to keep you appraised of new developments, and of course if you have any suggestions for ways to improve TMOHD version 3 I’ll be happy to hear them. But for now, please remember to keep all equipment clean and open to free circulation of air.
This is Jake Kale, the Master of his Domain, signing off.
Wow! Jake. I am so sorry about your mom.
I wouldn’t give it up, but just play with a new story line later. I love these characters. They are like family or “Friends!” (The TV show)
Keep in mind flash fiction or just blogging. It is a great way to stay in touch with your virtual friends.
Hang in there friend! Sending you and your mom all kinds of positive vibes….
Thanks Susie, we both appreciate that. And thanks for the praise too. It’s very much appreciated. The dominions will be back, I like them too much myself to retire them for good. I will keep up with the blogging when I get the time. In fact I might make my most triumphant return to the Friday Fictioneers this week. It’ll be about time!
PS: Sorry I took so long to reply, I’ve been avoiding the computer since last week. Fortunately I’ve recovered from my hissy fit now! Unfortunately I now have a shitload of correspondence to catch up with!
I’m sorry to hear your mom is getting worse. I can also understand the need to take a step back and think about your creative goals.