#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 before its eventual publishing. People. Just... People.

#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 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 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 0.044 — What is the most altruistic thing your MC has ever done?

Alexios is an interesting case. The argument could be made that the single most altruistic thing he's ever done is form his gang. He brought together the misfits, saving every single one of them. It was the most selfless choice he ever made. He suffers for everyone. He's unselfish and only concerned for the welfare of others, wanting to keep everyone safe, healthy, and whole. They're his family and he would do anything for them.

#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...

#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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.