Made a very small update today (it’s really just bug fixing). Some folks were getting two variations when meeting Jade for the first time at the office. It’s fixed now 
(I hope), and I once again learn how bad I am at coding lmao
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Progress Update 10/17/2022
Hi! Like I mentioned last week on tumblr if you’re following me there, I spent some time taking a break before going back to writing. I did make a spreadsheet to track my variables, though, one that was left unfinished because it gave me massive migraines lmao. But yeah, overall, I did enjoy the break. It gave me time to let my eyes recover a little, and it’s no longer that hot in here, so it’s the perfect time to get back to writing.
I’ve already written past the updated portions before I even uploaded them, but the new parts are still messy so the goal this week is to edit those and play around with more dialogue options. There will also be two separate routes for this update, so I’m planning to go over my outline once more and add details to flesh them out. I’m quite excited about it 
If I’m able to, I might launch the patreon this week, too! I’ve been making some plans on what bonus content to include to make it both intriguing while also preventing burnout. I don’t want anyone to waste their money, though my priority is to keep writing the update while managing the exclusives, so I’m making sure it won’t be too taxing for me, either. I know that if I manage to balance it well, it can be a great way to help my brain relax from time to time. Plus, since the next part will be split into routes, my goal is also to let the patrons vote for whichever route they’d prefer to see first. I’d really love to get any support I can from this, though! (I’m not sure if I’ll do the same thing for ko-fi, but we’ll see.)
I know this isn’t much of a progress update, but I wanted everyone to know I’m doing a lot better, and that I appreciate all the feedback so far. Do keep sending them in if you have them, in whichever platform you’d prefer – whether they’re reactions to characters, to the Ripper’s misfortunes, and even to the choices the game offers as of the last update. :)))
That’s all and have a great week! I hope everyone who has played the update so far enjoyed it!!! If you haven’t tried it out yet, do let me know what you think once you get the chance to do so!
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Hi! So I’ve decided to launch the patreon on the first of November to maintain consistency, meaning most of the content will be posted there at the first week of every month. It’s not final yet, but I’ve got below the current details, which might still change (I might change the early access for Tier 1 into 4 days, for example). To clarify, the sneak peeks for the patrons will be a lot more comprehensive compared to what I’ll be sharing to the public, and they’ll be more regularly posted there, too. The monthly snippets and short stories will also have a lot of insights with regards to the characters and the worldbuilding :))). Anyway, they’re all ready and waiting for launch, but do tell me if you have questions and/or suggestions. I’d be glad to hear them! (For now, I do have a Ko-Fi, though I’m not sure yet if I’ll be using the tier system there just as I will do with patreon.)
With regards to my progress last week, though, I’m glad to say that I’ve written a total of around 5k words for the second part of Chapter 2 . Naturally, there’s still a whole lot more to write before the update comes, but I do think it’s a nice number (?) and I’m quite happy with it.
Anyway, that’s all! Sometimes I do forget to post my progress updates here so I apologize for that!
And if anyone else has some opinions to share in connection to the latest update, that would be cool :))
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Hi! As I mentioned before, I finally decided to launch a Patreon! For the moment, it will feature content that will be exclusive to Hollowed Minds, and a limited number of tiers until I can be certain that I will be able to follow up with more promised bonuses. But once everything goes well, I might think about adding more so keep an eye out .
Your support will be appreciated a lot! This IF still is my priority, although I’m currently on a very demanding career path right now and I only had to take a pause because of my emerging eye health issues. I don’t exactly have the necessary amount of money to get them regularly checked, and it will be quite difficult to properly save up without overworking. My doctor has also advised me to switch careers to prevent my condition from worsening, and this has unfortunately likewise hindered my capacity to take full-time jobs at the present.
That’s why I’ve been planning to take it slow by going for part-time jobs so I could have more time to dedicate to this craft, but the only way to make that happen is to build up more funds through another way—which is why I’ve decided to launch a Patreon starting this month. The amount I’ll be receiving from this will be mostly utilized for getting my health in check, as well as an attempt to switching to writing full time. Writing has been and will always be my true passion, so I’m hoping this would aid me in making that happen.
It took me this long before I launched a patreon since I wanted to release a decent update first, but now that it’s done, I decided it’s the right time.
As an addition, If I manage to gain sufficient support for this, I may be able to release updates more frequently and with a huge amount of content, too. It’s my goal to keep providing you content that you’re foremostly here for, and I only ask you can help me with that.
If you are however more interested in commissioning me for a specific scenario you’re thinking of for any character, I have also opened two commissions in Ko-Fi.
Anyway, for more details, do refer to this post on my tumblr! Reblogs on that platform will be deeply appreciated.
Right now, the patreon includes those mentioned in the post, with an emphasis on the snippet entitled “The Dangerous Dilemma” featuring a conversation between Richard and Wesley a few years ago, and the short story “A Portrait’s Threat” involving Alex and his assistant a week prior to the fundraising. The first poll’s results will also indicate the first route I will be writing for the next update.
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well isn’t this interesting.
would be a shame if someone had made a playlist for their very specific MC…
oh hey look at that.
a link to a spotify playlist
i look forward to whatever mysteries come from this work, you’ve only told us so much after all.
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Interesting playlist My current favorites from this lineup would probably be Gallows, I Hope You Die in a Fire, and Blood on my Name. So much vibes.
And I hope you will love the revelations that come along with them 
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Hollowed Minds Progress Update 11/27/2022
The current word count for the part I’m writing now is 22k! It did fall short of my expectations, and I have a feeling a lot of that would be cut out before the update goes public lol I’m thinking that some of what I’ve been writing is kinda out of place. I might focus next week on removing stuff that should not actually be there and editing parts that sorely need it.
Some scenes you can expect so far:
- A melancholic chat with Vincent
- A more relaxing chat with another character
- An option to browse the current news (this needs a lot of editing)
- Another encounter with the RO who desperately wants the MC stay miles away from them - I’m so sorry, Alonzo
A dead bodyExplosions
I’ll be honest here. I think this will be the biggest update so far. There’s too many variations that I’ll have to write and account for, and the events are quite a lot, too.
Anyway, that’s all! I hope you’re all having a great weekend!
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I also want Alonzo to stay away from my MC 
@Shai_Manahan Can we avoid this meeting? 
It’s one of the two routes that will be present in the next update. It’s just what I’m writing first since my patrons have voted for it :))) you’ll have to encounter them again either way, but with the second route, your MC’s exposure to Alonzo is significantly cut – aside from the scene where both routes converge.
Of course, encountering Alonzo doesn’t mean your MC has to be civil with them. That route is actually action-filled, and the hostility between the two might be an interesting element when combined with what’s gonna happen.
I personally think both routes will be worth checking regardless of your opinions about them. The first one will give more hints about Alonzo’s motivations and their reasons for hating the MC, and the second will explore a certain environment within the city while providing focus on a significant non-RO character Whichever route you choose to go through, however, I hope you’ll still enjoy it!
Also, the ROs would be a lot more present the further we go into the story, so it will definitely be impossible to avoid them all the time 
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Some small previews for the optional scene where you go through the MC’s past conversations with Wesley :’)))))))) (sorry for the bits of coding)
*page_break When you were fourteen, naive and passionate. The night after you met. It all started there.
*page_break When you met Richard, with a lesson forced upon you. ${Finn} wasn't eager about it at the time.
*page_break You were eighteen. ${Finn}'s parents were exposed, by you and ${whim} alone. Days passed and you haven't spoken to each other.
*page_break And the last time you talked. The end of it all. Five months ago.
Obviously these are from different pages, and you’ll just have to wait for the update to see them in full :)). Of course, it’s a totally avoidable scene as well if you’d rather not see it.
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Hello, everyone! With the way the variations are exponentially increasing in Chapter 2′s second part, I am opening more slots for beta testing! It will be available for around a month, though I will still post a reminder a week before the deadline.
Here is the link!
Some info before you proceed:
- The testing will occur within a specific channel on the discord server, but if you wish to test separately, that will still be possible. It’s not something I highly encourage, however, as it will be difficult on my part to keep track.
- If you’d applied before and weren’t selected, you may opt to fill in a new application, though I do have a couple of people in mind to contact.
- I expect full honesty when you provide feedback. That’s how I’ll be able to improve my writing and the game itself, so please never hold back in case you are accepted.
- The first route I’d like to be tested would most likely be available within January, but please ensure you’d be able to participate around February as well, in case some delays happen.
- This particular update will not be released to the public until the other route is done, so please refrain from sharing links once accepted.
- You can back out of the role any time you wish, but I also reserve the right to remove a highly inactive tester. If, by any chance, you get busy by the time I seek feedback, do inform me so I can make adjustments, and it’ll all be good.
That’s all and thank you!! Feel free to ask any questions if you have them. Reblogs on tumblr would be appreciated as well!
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Progress Update 1/08/2023
Action scenes my beloved. There are more scenes I have to go back to at the start of this section, but I decided to move forward for now. And it’s plenty fun. It’s full of variations, and there are “nice” surprises waiting for readers who would choose to go through this route.
I can’t promise anything with regards to romantic interactions, though. The dynamic between Alonzo and the Ripper can be filled with begrudging respect, but the two of them becoming friends anytime soon is out of the question for now. For now.
Still, there’s this one bit I can’t wait to show
It involves a small, intense confrontation :)))
Happy weekends!
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I really enjoyed your work. Even though I am not a native English speaker, even so I felt that all the characters are alive and have their own character. (Sorry for my English, it is through the translator) 
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Thank you for the kind words 
i’m just glad you feel that way about them :')
And please don’t apologize! I can understand you well and not having English as a native language isn’t something to be ashamed of, either.
I’m actually feeling honored that this was your first post in the forum :DD
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Very unique atmosphere! Can’t wait for the next part.
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Just played the story, so far so good and I liked it, I wish there were more action scenes and conflict and not just talking all the time, the prologue had some action but that was it. Overall the story structure and pacing is on point unlike most WIPS I’ve read, the setting is nice and the characters are well written. More action would be my main thing.
However I also feel that some parts lack explanation as you’re a detective and your enemies called you the “ripper” but why? The detective hasn’t killed anyone and just puts criminals behind bars?
There’s also a lack of explanation why the MC is hated by other cops? This wasn’t explained and kinda puts me off a bit, everyone hates the MC but we don’t know why?
As for the “betrayal part” its not fully explained what happened and why does it matter so much, you’re a detective and a public law enforcement officer and your “journalist partner” published information about you online, why does that matter? We know Richard is an informant so thats understandable but why would a detective care about their public information getting posted online vs being a vigilante, superhero, informant, spy or assassin? This part made zero sense to me.
So to me the betrayal and revenge part of the story is weak right now as getting your online information leaked isn’t that huge of a deal of a public law enforcement officer.
Everything else is pretty solid however and I can’t wait for the next update, keep up the good work.
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Well i think i can anwser part of questions though addmitly its been a bit since my last playthrough.
Why it matters the MC was known for taking down criminals yes that couldnt be done by others and they ruffled feathers because powerful people who werent your normal criminals got exposed and convicted. They were also considered a underling of the police commisoner? I forget the exact details lol in any case other cops were jealous and suspicous what have you. Then you add in you having made powerful enemies for your actions well it makes sense the hate and or wanting to remove you as a threat before you target them. Corruption defintly in the goverment and quite possibly the police force as well.
As well the MCs family has a history with this town i think the brother was a politician? I think i dont remeber off the top of my head but defintly a powerful figure.
To the betryal part they werent just some journalist they were a partner of sorts helping you take down those people. Yet not only did they do a hit peice about you and more they exposed the guy with you who was unknown informant and the like and your friend as well. thus causing not only danger to him but to his family all because the guy we were tryi g to get info on for our boss turned them? I dont recall if a exact reason was given or not but there ya go lol i hope my ramblings helped even if its been a while since i last played lol
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They explain why you are called the ripper in the story? Basically you rip powerful people from power bit by bit. The police hating you is because you exposed many corrupt officers and so the cops good and bad hate you for it sice you “betrayed them”.
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Thanks for the response, I know the journalist is a partner of sorts but in my opinion the “betrayal” part was kind of weak, you got your reputation ruined but even before that your reputation as the Ripper was already ruined in the first place.
I mean a bad news article isn’t the end of the world, the MC got 5 months suspension and the reputation which already was bad just became worse so I didn’t really care that much about the “betrayal” part, felt a bit weak.
Ah I see, when I played the story just now I never saw the text that the police were corrupt and you exposed their corruption tbh, the author maybe should make that clearer perhaps?
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it wasnt just a ‘bad news article’ if i remember right it was basically framing you as taking money from one of the most corrupt officials i think? and also its very clear that the entire police force is corrupt and they hate you for being anti corruption. i dont wanna sound rude but did you actually read it thoroughly ?
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