Hello Lovelies,

First off, they finally know what’s wrong! I tested positive for Mono. I tested negative for Mono twice before, but third times the charm. Since Mono is caused by a virus, there is no medical treatment. You just get better, when you get better. And thankfully, I am feeling better.

And now, time for a heart to heart…

While sick, I’ve had time to think deeply. And there are some things I regret. For instance, I regret not spending more time with my friends and family. I regret resorting to quick unhealthy foods, as opposed to taking the time to cook healthy meals. And I regret not having the time to do random art projects, just for the joy of it. This led me to seriously evaluate how I use my time.

Between making pages, doing story boards, producing additional content for Patreons, and working on completing the story’s plot on the side, I spend about 30 hours a week on the comic. My full time job requires 40 hours a week, and I spend another 5-10 hours studying. The time I spend at work and studying is not negotiable, so that leaves the time I spend on the comic. 

I brainstormed some ways I could spend less time on comic. One idea was abandonment, which I don’t want to do. Another idea was updating less frequently, which I also don’t want to do. I also could convert the webcomic into a written story, which I have mixed feelings about. On the other side, maybe after some big life stressors get ironed out, the comic’s time requirements might not be problematic anymore.

I’ve run over these possibilities multiple times, and I can’t decide right now. I need more time to think. But even more so, I really need to focus on my test coming up in February. If I don’t pass it, I lose my current position at work. And right after my test, I’ll be trying to get my first home. So, for my health, sanity, job security, and future living situation, I decided that I need to place this comic on a hiatus. Once I pass my test and get a home, I’ll be in the position to decide what to do.

I want to be frank, there’s a chance this comic may end. I don’t like that idea, but that would be the worst case scenario. I also may jump back in, fully charged, with weekly updates. I just don’t know at this time. I have been on such an emotional roller coster. During the first 20 days of being sick, I had 12 blood tests, 2 X-rays, a CT scan, and trip to the ER. And after all of that, they still didn’t know what was wrong. It was incredibly scary…

I’m not sure the exact date this hiatus will end, it depends when I get a home. The latest should May 2019, because that’s when my lease ends. I know that’s a long time away, and I am sorry. But I need to give myself a break as a get better. And I need to fully focus on securing my job, and getting a permanent home. I hope you can understand. Thank you for reading this post.

Sincerely,

Tieback

Hello Lovelies,

I wanted to give an update. The doctors have run a bunch of tests, and they still don’t know why I’m sick with fever. They’re doing their best though, and started a new series of tests. I am excited that I’ve been able to start eating again. I’m going to try to put some weight back on. I’ve lost 6 pounds since this started 22 days ago.

I want to thank everyone for their kind words and support. Reading your comments brought tears to my eyes. (Not joking.)

I’ll post another update in one week on Tuesday, October 16th.

Big Hugs,
Tieback

Hello Lovelies,
I have contracted an unknown illness, and am on day 13 of a fever. This illness robbed me of five vacation days I set aside to work on the comic. And regretfully, I don’t have a page to upload today.

At this time, I’m not sure what exact date I can start uploading again. I’m currently getting some special tests done and will be meeting with an infectious disease specialist. It breaks my heart that I don’t have anything to post. I am so sorry…

To keep you guys posted, I will post an update message bellow this one, once a week on Tuesdays. I thank you for your understanding.
Hugs,
Tieback

Hello Lovelies,

When it came time to make this page, the original design (as seen below) just felt “stiff” and “boring” to me. I played around with several changes, and decided on the version seen above. I’m really proud of it. I hope you like it too!

I’ve got a few extra days off work this week. I’m excited to spend them: drawing pages, making character design sheets, and writing upcoming chapters! I call it a “work-cation” 

If you enjoy this comic, and want to help it continue, please become a Patreon. Archer and the Squirrel Patreons get early and exclusive access to comic pages and comic related artwork!

The next update will be Tuesday, October 2nd.

Hugs,
Tieback

Hello Lovelies!

I passed my test! That’s one test down, and one to go. I’m aiming to take the second test in November, but I won’t know if I’ll be ready for at least another month.

Also, I don’t remember if I’ve shared this or not, but I’ve been on a wait list for an Abby kitten for about two and a half years. And next week, the kitten should finally be ready for pick up. I can’t wait to share a picture with you. 

I hope you enjoy this weeks upload. The next page update will be in two weeks on Tuesday, August 28th.

Hugs,
Tieback

Hello Lovelies,

Here’s page 72! It was a fun one to draw and paint out. Hope you like it.

The other day I was taking a walk down memory lane, and I recalled a very special dinner and tournament I went to as a child. Of course I’m talking about Medieval Times. I came across a behind the scenes clip. Hope it gives you a smile!

By the next upload, which will be in two weeks on Tuesday, August 21st, I will have taken my first big test. Can’t wait to slay this academic adversary. Wish me luck!

Hugs,
Tieback

Hello Lovelies,

Here is your bonus upload for the month. I’m very pleased with how the background people in the first panel turned out. I tried returning to the “blue” technique I used in the prologue, and I think it worked well.

In other news, chapter 13 has been written out! And I should have chapter 14 completed by the end of August. On August 15th, I’m going to take the first of my two big tests. Cram time has officially begun!

The next upload with be in on week on Tuesday, August 7th,

Hugs,
Tieback

Hello Lovelies,

It’s such a treat to get feedback from you guys. I love learning how individual readers perceive the comic, and what they get out of it.

As the creator, I’m so close to the work that I have a very specific perspective of the story. And when I get to hear what readers are observing, I’m sometimes taken completely aback! Because you guys connect dots that don’t even occur to me, and I love that!!!!

And I’ll tell you a secrete. While I’ve been working on finishing the story’s plot, I’ve been taking inspiration from you guys. A few twists and turns yet to come are inspired by your comments. So, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for reading. Thank you for commenting. And thank you for being you. 

Hugs,
Tieback

Hello Lovelies!

The first version of this page was made on a new type of watercolor paper, and that was a mistake! The way the paper absorbed the paint created this “grainy” visual texture, and the colors were just “off”. I tried to fix it in photoshop, but that resulted in an airbrushed effect, which I thought looked just as bad. So I decided to redo the page using the right paper. Lesson learned.

Since I was going to do a redo, I thought it was a good opportunity to see if there were any changes I could make to improve the page. This line of thinking led me to make several alterations, and I’m very pleased with the second version. I thought it would be fun to share both versions with you. I’m curious if you guys prefer the second version as well. At least I hope so, because it sure took a lot of time to make. I’m still getting used to drawing pages with densely populated backgrounds. People are so much harder to draw then trees. Chapter one and two spoiled me…

Hugs,

Tieback