This page almost killed me with all 16 characters present. The funny thing is when I originally scripted this, I temporarily forgot that if Ryan was gonna try on Ky's binder, he was probably going to already be inside to do so. So the last two panels were sort of an afterthought to address that. XD
So, I usually don't like to burden y'all with my personal drama, but I've been pretty depressed lately. It's led to me slacking on my work and letting me fall behind on my page buffer. Then I get stressed out and overwhelmed by how much I have to do, and become paralyzed and completely unable to get anything done, which makes me depressed and spirals off into a vicious cycle.
I don't want to take a break, because I'm so close to the finish line with this story, and finishing any story would be a first for me. And that's really exciting for me! But my body and my brain are telling me I need to take a break, or it's gonna do more harm than good. Normally, I'd try to at least hold out until the chapter's over, but we're only like halfway into this one (and I probably shouldn't put my mental health on hold for months).
So here's the plan. I'll continue to post through next week (it'll run out the rest of the buffer, and it's just a better spot to leave off, story-wise). And then I'm going to begin a one month hiatus from June 25th until July 26th. I'll give myself a little time to breathe and recover and sort things out, and build the page buffer back up without constantly looming deadlines, and I'll ideally be ready to get back to posting by the end of next month. Worse comes to worst, I'll extend it if I absolutely have to, but this is the goal I'm going to aim for at this time.
I'm so sorry to put you through another hiatus again so soon, but thank you so much for your understanding! I'm hoping this will ultimately for the better for both myself and for Rain, which I think will be better for the reading experience as well.
You take whatever time you need Lynn! We're all here to support you. Writing Rain is an incredible gift to us all, and we owe you breaks like this! Hope you can get into a happier headspace soon, and we're all here to support you!
I'm not sure how to feel about the end of the story. Obviously I'm super happy for you finishing your first story -- that's a really big milestone, good on you! But on the other hand, I love Rain and I don't want it to end! :(
I love panel 4. It seems like Ana has the right idea, but I think everyone else (other than Fara and Vincent) has a change of clothes that we saw them arrive in. Presumably Gavin will have some of his own clothes here for when he stays with his dad. I also like panel 5. It brings some important characterisation to two fairly minor characters.
...Jocelyn, I have confidence that you're going to finish Rain. IMO, there's no worth rushing it. Taking a break is an absolutely essential part of sticking that landing. Depression is associated with forgetfulness, so that might be why you forgot what Ky and Ryan were doing.
It's very possible that the majority of Rain readers aren't people currently waiting eagerly for the next page, but people in the future who will be able to binge the whole thing. It's defo worth taking the time now, not just for yourself, but for all the readers who will appreciate a good ending. Endings are hard, especially when the piece has being going for longer than 10 years! Take care. <3
Well, as some have predicted, precipitation happened. Not unusual for a summer gathering. And, Trevor, your carpet will dry. It's not a big deal. Also, Ryan looks so much more comfortable now, even though he's surprised everyone came inside....
You're completely justified in taking breaks, your health definitely comes before sticking to some arbitrary, self-defined schedule. This past year has been rough for all of us, and I can honestly relate to being in need of a break right now.
I really appreciate all of your openness and communication - your consistency throughout the process is more than I can say about some other webcomics, and that's pretty special to me.
Take all the time you need, I know I won't be going anywhere. Hope you feel better soon.
Mental health is important! Take the time you need. And know that you're awesome!
Coincidentally, with where you're currently planning to end the hiatus, it means RAIN will come back right after my birthday (July 25th). Just kind of a cool coincidence; and makes RAIN coming back almost like a bonus birthday present.
Oh, the "feeling bad -> not doing stuff -> feeling worse because of that -> doing even less cycle. I know that one well too, unfortunately :(
Take your time, and don't feel guilty about needing some time. Wishing you a quick recovery ^_^
1. Mental Health is no joke. Take all the time you need Jocelyn!
2. Why does Ana look so depressed?
3. Big cat? Lol! Where did that nick name come from?
4. Ryan is totally rocking that binder!
I was so thrilled to see a new comic when I checked today. Going to be away next week, so I will still have a bunch to look forward to, then ! After that, break time for the artist is terrifically fine. Thanks for the heads up, of course. Maybe I'll post some of the stuff in the comments I have thought about in the past when doing archive dives on specific thoughts. Can't even remember my normal handle, right now. Y'all have a great day and an awesome summer, or at least keep hanging on, day to day. [ Never give up, NEVER surrender !! ]
Ryan being excited about trying on a binder is so cute! I remember when I first tried one on, I felt super nervous and embarassed. It was before I ever identified as trans, so I expected to try it on and see an uncomfortably masc version of myself in the mirror. When I actually tried it on, I saw a VERY comfortably masc-looking person staring back at me. That really shocked me. I didn’t know what to think about my body or identity or anything. Then my gf at the time barged right through the door. I was completely mortified lmao. Felt like she’d just walked in on something very private and exposing. Anyway I definitely identify with Ryan’s reaction right there xD very fun
If that's what you need to do, do it Jocelyn. It's no fun when you feel like you're obliged to write, and something that once made you happy stresses you out. Also, yay for almost finishing Rain! :) Except I'm kind of sad that it might end soon.
take a month beak without comic work if u need it believe me some of us know how u feel personally every one need a break from work to unwind I personally need a break from life with covid my gender issues being stuck inside the house on a bloody spectacular day I just want to go to the park and have a nap under a tree so I understand u need to take a break
Take all the time you need we will be here when you get back funny side note I checked the update for rain and it’s raining outside and it’s raining in the comic I found that funny 😛
...Jocelyn, I have confidence that you're going to finish Rain. IMO, there's no worth rushing it. Taking a break is an absolutely essential part of sticking that landing. Depression is associated with forgetfulness, so that might be why you forgot what Ky and Ryan were doing.
It's very possible that the majority of Rain readers aren't people currently waiting eagerly for the next page, but people in the future who will be able to binge the whole thing. It's defo worth taking the time now, not just for yourself, but for all the readers who will appreciate a good ending. Endings are hard, especially when the piece has being going for longer than 10 years! Take care. <3
I really appreciate all of your openness and communication - your consistency throughout the process is more than I can say about some other webcomics, and that's pretty special to me.
Take all the time you need, I know I won't be going anywhere. Hope you feel better soon.
Coincidentally, with where you're currently planning to end the hiatus, it means RAIN will come back right after my birthday (July 25th). Just kind of a cool coincidence; and makes RAIN coming back almost like a bonus birthday present.
Take your time, and don't feel guilty about needing some time. Wishing you a quick recovery ^_^
2. Why does Ana look so depressed?
3. Big cat? Lol! Where did that nick name come from?
4. Ryan is totally rocking that binder!
2. Sorry to read it, take care of you, hope it will pass quickly
Thank you for this amazing story!