Hey everyone! Glass here!

I can't believe we're approaching the end of August already! This time last year I was doing prep for Home is Where the Heart is, and creating discords and approaching September completely unaware of how chaotic everything was about to be haha! 

It's been a small while since my last update! So thought I'd just give you a general overview of where we're at with HiWtHi, updates to plans, and some other things I have going on!

1) Where are we at with Home is Where the Heart is? 

Writing -

• Chapters 1, 2 and 3 have been written and reviewed by our wonderful editor! I love seeing their reactions in the comments as they go through all the new content, especially the flirtier of scenes *wink wonk*
• Chapter 4 has been written and is now with the editor to review! They are prioritising voice lines first so that we can send them over to the voice actors and get them recorded! 
• The first draft of Chapter 5 has been written! Though I am never happy with my first draft so will take some time to review and do some rewrites - so currently not ready to send over yet.
• Chapter 6 hasn't been started yet but has been completely outlined, so I know exactly what's going to happen.

The word counts of all the chapters have spiked quite a bit! (The word counts below are spread across all branches).

My partner keeps singing that Hamilton song asking 'why do I write like I'm running out of time' - little do they know the entity will get me if I don't write! /hj

One of the biggest contributions to the larger word counts are the variations I'm adding for personality, the additional scenes I've been adding to give you more of a chance to build relationships with your LIs of choice (including the entity) and just the fact I have a bit more time to write than I did during Spooktober the first time!

This rewrite has been really fun so far, and it's given me some of my favourite moments in the game:

The amount of screenshots I have saved that are just FELIX PLS is unreal...

It almost matches how many I have that are called MC PLS.

Voice Acting

• Chapter 3 lines have all been recorded! I cannot thank the voice actors enough for their hard work! 
• As mentioned earlier once the Chapter 4 lines have been reviewed they'll be sent right on over to them! (And if you can tell my the word count they don't have a small task ahead of them).
• In between writing I have been working on normalisation and other editing!

Art

• I've done a little bit of a revamp of the corridor background, just adding some additional shading and contrast!
• I've done the concept sketches for the lounge remake, and some new backgrounds for the future oooo.
• I have drawn concept art for the entity sprite - this won't appear in the extended demo, to keep as much of the mystery of the entity alive as possible... but they have a form!! Which is exciting! And has been super fun to do! 
• I've also started slowly doing some UI redesigns! (This is how I procastiwork from writing haha) - the new textbox still needs to be implemented into the code, but here is a mock up for you to check out!

There are still a lot of art assets that need doing, but I'm faster at them than writing, so I'm getting the writing all done first and then will power through with my tablet!

2) Updates to plans!

• So originally I said the extended demo will be out in September, but with how long chapter 4 got (it's essentially two chapters in one), real life happening and just wanting to make sure this is done right, me and the team are going to need some extra time. It's looking closer to the end of the year, but I'm taking my time to coordinate with folk and understand what's feasible without burning ourselves out.
• That said, with other commitments in September, progress will slow down a little during the next month, but will pick right back up in October. Even when things go slower I can promise we're all still working our hardest!

3) Other things I'm working on!

• So that time is upon us once more... Spooktober is nearly here! I considered not doing it this year... but then I had a really fun, silly idea that I really wanted to do. I kind of need a small writing break from HiWtHi so that when I get to writing chapter 6 in October I'll be all refreshed!
• So this year I'm working on a short project with myself and an assistant writer called 'The BOO-chelor!' (I swear it will be completed during September :') the scope knife has been out and it is here to stay!)
• There will be four love interests which I'll reveal all throughout September, and it is for all the comedy and monster lovers out there!
• I'm also recruiting for a composer for this so if you're interested please shout at me!!

Synopsis

‘Congratulations! You've been chosen to be this year's single on the hit Halloween dating show ‘The Boo-chelor’. Come and meet your three interested Bachelors and Bachelorettes ready to win your heart! Will you end up finding your soulmate? Or will you end up alone eating the leftover chocolate once again?’

The Boo-chelor is a Halloween themed, comedy visual novel inspired by all the dating shows I've loved and watched over the years. As you play and read you get to learn about your three mysterious suitors, all dressed up for Halloween… though some seem to be more in character than others. Ask them questions, set them challenges and in the end choose one to go on a date.

The Boo-chelor is sponsored by Bat2 Holidays (/j).

Please do give your support during September if this sounds fun for you! 

So that's everything for now! Progress is being made and new things are on their way! As always I want to thank you for your support and kind words, every download of HiWtHi and every comment makes me happier than I can ever say and fuels my motivation tanks!! I love being able to do what I enjoy and share it with you all!

Glass 🦋 x