Hello, Xyliacs. Like I said last week – WOW.
As many of you who read this story know, I posted in my blog last time that I was suffering from burnout. That I was in that questioning mode that all of us creative types wander into from time to time. In my personal life, I find myself struggling with things more than I should- I try not to get into that sort of stuff too much here in Xylialand, but as each thing in our lives is dependent on everything else, when one element becomes shaky, everything else is a bit wobbly too. So it has been.
And so, looking for solutions to stabilize myself and my life, I was considering the necessity of pulling back on this Xylia project. Like I said, I struggled with justifying it. I love it, I desperately want to believe in it, but I have so many realities I have to face. Every week, trying to manufacture money out of straw so that I can cover the latest ‘uh oh’ expense that comes up when you’re a mom providing for three while I try to make a living in a decidedly artist unfriendly economy. The Should I be doing this?
And so, I asked ‘out loud’ to those of you who read this story- Should I be doing this?
Xyliatales doesn’t have the biggest numbers in the webcomic world. Not by a long shot. After nearly two years, they’ve held steady and modest, but other comics, newer ones, are boasting hundreds of thousands of hits a week. I may not get as many comments or forum posts as others, either. But I’ll tell you what. I have the BEST readers of any of them out there. The VERY BEST. Supportive, inspiring, thoughtful, understanding, and just plain AWESOME. Every single one of you. Way over a hundred comments were posted last week, and every single one of them was something that I could have printed out and said- ‘that’s why I should keep doing this.” I’ve said thank you a few times, and I will say it many many more. THANK YOU, Xyliacs. Thank you SO MUCH.
And you know what I’m going to do? I am going to shop for an agent. Try to find someone who will promote this story into the bigger arena. And with the submission, I am going to include every single one of those comments, and I’m going to say- “My friends, the Xyliacs, want me to finish this story. And I DON’T want to let them down. Will you help me?”
There will be a second update this week! Thursday! Stay tuned!!
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My work is appearing on ArtBloom! It should be up late this evening (Sunday) This is a wonderful site that shows the progression of artists’ works and abilities over time. I have one piece going up that I drew in 1971. Yes that was SEVENTY-ONE. I’m old, kids. Anyway, check out this site! Sarah Ellerton will be featured soon, too.
Donation incentives still available- click on the links below. Starting this week, as a $5.00 donation incentive, I will be offering intallments of the ‘Xyliatales Sketchbook- this features behind the scenes notes and sketches about the making of Xyliatales from two years ago to the present. Click the link- it should be up sometime this week!
Nakie Winter Adora is done (if you are 18+) Remember that all donations go towards the two update incentive!! Make sure to refresh the page to see how that’s going. AND REMEMBER: Please don’t hesitate to contact me right away if you have trouble downloading or receiving images. Xylia, Adora and Livy babies are still available as well as downloads of the first illustrated chapters of Nigel’s Opus unavailable ANYWHERE else. Click banner to see what’s available…
——————————–NEWS———————
-Would you like to follow my Tweeting? I try to announce Xylia things on Twitter as I get them done- hear about it first here!
-Next Xyliatales On Air Talk Show: Wednesday, June 3 at 9:00PM CDT. FWIW, from time to time, I do broadcast live while I work on pages. This happens sporatically- I will announce it with a tweet, and a forum announcement, so if you want to get in the loop, subscribe to my Tweets, or join the forum. Or you can watch right here on the site!
Thank you for reading, and thank you SO much for your amazing support.
~B
May 31st, 2009 at 7:52 pm
:3 Great update, as always!
<3 u & <3 Xylia tales.
May 31st, 2009 at 8:52 pm
I just want to keep the love flowing! <3
I read *every* update and *love* the story, I especially love the mature aspect of the relationship between the main characters as it’s something unusual on webcomics (and I should know, I read almost 30). I’m 25 years old, I know that where there’s love there’s passion and I deeply enjoy it especially when it’s beautifully drawn! (yes, I saved all the naked pics that were posted as vote incentives! I couldn’t believe there was someone against tender and honest moments fixed by skillfull hands because they only saw nudity and scandal!)
Thanks for answering my last post about pronounciation. I’m from Argentina, by the way so at least I was pronouncing Xylia right because it’s very ‘spanish-ruled’ phoneticly.
And I’m not a fan of Pink, I respect the girl though and since you mention it, I think she could really play a mean Tychia! XD
Also want to second, Matt from last post who was one of the 1st to say that he’d rather wait longer for updates than have a stressed and sad Barb. I think that as a/n (frustrated) artist myself, art can be pain but it also can bring so much joy that it makes it always worthwhile but sanity should always come first especially for a mom.
Take care, huge hugs from down here!
May 31st, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I love that little smile on Claudius’ face in the next to last panel. Something tells me Tychia isn’t going to find him to be as much of a push over as she’s used to. This could get really interesting.
May 31st, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Good luck! I hope you find a great agent who can help with Xylia. Tychia really doesn’t take rejection well, does she? And she doesn’t seem to realize that hours for her has been months for Claude. I don’t he’ll be such a pushover this time.
May 31st, 2009 at 9:31 pm
It doesn’t matter if Xylia brings in big numbers.
As long as you have the passion for it, it’s alright.
XYLIA FTW!
May 31st, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Oh wow, I love Claudius’ last expression. XD So much.
And just want to say I really appreciate the work you put in to your lovely webcomic, it is one of my favorites! <3 So thank you for creating Xylia Tales! ^_^
May 31st, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I always look forward to Xylia updates, its in my toolbar faves and I always end up checking back more than once a week just in case there is something new
The stories great, the art is fantastic, its got fairies and one of them is color themed purple what isn’t to love you’ve got me hooked till the very end.
May 31st, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Yikes! Tychia’s extra scary there.
Good luck with the search for an agent. I’ve been reading this comic since it was only about 5 pages in and it deserves a bigger audience
May 31st, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Just wanted to say thank you again. I’m a brand new reader (a whole week now), but I was lucky enough to check back while you were broadcasting your current page. I watched as you were fleshing out the first frame, “inking” the characters and playing with backgrounds – very impressive to watch you work – especially how quickly and elegantly your lines were drawn. it was also a lesson in how much effort really goes into a page – wow.
One of the things I like best about your art is how you’re not afraid of color – I love the red glow on everything when Tychia is around and how every individual has their own color “theme”.
I’m impressed with the story so far too – I’m quite certain with a little more exposure you would have a lot more viewers – I found you because you were linked from Phoenix Requiem (fwiw) and am glad I did.
May 31st, 2009 at 11:53 pm
I love your attention to faces and other detail, your composition is perfect, and backgrounds amaze me.
Thank you for working so hard.
June 1st, 2009 at 1:14 am
Claudius’s smile is great! Heh heh. Interesting times ahead….
I also like the jagged panel break between Panels 1 & 2 – very visually interesting.
Tychia’s wings, the way they fold down a little on her back when she lands – makes me think of something between a dragonfly’s and a wasp’s wings… fitting – more predatory in aspect than most of the other faeries’. :-]
Think the agent idea is a good one. Xyliatales is quality work, and I’d bet you retain most of the audience that comes by for more than a click or two, so getting the word out more is likely to enlarge the following.
I’d also bet we have more than one Browncoat in the audience, in spirit, at least. What’s say, Gang? Let’s do our part to put out the word as best we can? If each of us could infect even just one other person a year with “Xylia Fever”, the numbers would double every year!
Share what you love, and everyone benefits….
June 1st, 2009 at 1:15 am
You know, Tychia’s actually kinda predictable sometimes.
June 1st, 2009 at 4:29 am
Hi Barb,
Just wanted to pop in again & leave you many huggles ’cause your post today brought a tear to my eye because to be appreciated in any sort of form (even as one’s own world is threatening to tumble down around one’s ears) is such a wonderful thing and so I wanted to thank YOU again for finding a way to continue Xylia.. gives me inspiration to keep going myself even if what I’m doing is not something as awesome (or touches as many people) as what you are doing.
*stops babbling*
Love today’s Xylia (Cladius Strong! yayay!) and all future ones!
June 1st, 2009 at 5:59 am
First of all let me say: Somehow I don’t think we’re all that far apart in age and I am not old, so you can’t be either!
~ Second I think an agent is an awesome idea, Xylia deservesto be shown off as the awesome graphic novel it is! Third, I love Claudius’ smirk and Tychia’s pissed off “Arrogant wanker!” just classic!
We are here for you Barb! Don’t ever forget that.
Oh and btw, my e-mail’s been acting a bit wonky, did you get my last one about the colors for the portraits??
June 1st, 2009 at 5:59 am
I wouldn’t call it rejecting, I’m just not into blondes ^^
June 1st, 2009 at 6:17 am
Woo, what a comic! I can just hear Tychia in my mind with this screechy high surprised voice (even though I usually imagine it fairly husky), “Look wha’ you go an’ do wi’ youself!!!” And Claudius bathed in that red light with that smile on his face. Heeee!
June 1st, 2009 at 6:31 am
I hope Claudius has some nifty moves because the look on Tychia’s face tells me that business is about to pick up. I hope Claud is up to the challenge.
June 1st, 2009 at 7:27 am
Hey!! Wow! Thank you for all the comments today! I am going to post a video response to these and forum chatter later today, so watch for that. Thanks for reading!
~B
June 1st, 2009 at 8:39 am
I’m excited. As usual. I have to say this comic got me through my move recently. Thanks so much! Having something that was stable, something that was the same moving from place to place was a comfort and nothing is more exciting than waiting to find out if Tychia about to get her butt whooped. I mean he went through all that training. I think she’s gonna end up flat on her back.
June 1st, 2009 at 8:47 am
Oooooh!! Its like present-monday!
Sketchbook!! An extra update on thursday, and one of the most awesome pages up to now. I love everything about it! The expressions are priceless: Claudius smile is the best! I love Tychias response too, the last panel is lovely!
And…..agent! wieeeeh! I dont know anything about agent-stuff but I wish you all the luck in the world. I hope youll find someone you can work together fine with and who can get this wonderful story out there! Ill get the support signs out again! *starts doing a wave again*
@ J. : thats exactly how I picture Tychias voice: screechy high.
Her accent is just awesome too!
June 1st, 2009 at 8:52 am
oh and btw: I saw you working on this page live, just for I went to bed. Ha! Gotcha!
I like how you try to connect with your fanbase with the broadcasts and Twitter! This is so different from the printed comic market where you just buy an album in a shop.
June 1st, 2009 at 9:54 am
*snicker*
Tychia is such a brat. I love it.
Incidentally, when I commented about not wanting to see a ‘second Talismen’ on the last comment page, I merely meant that I would hate for you to cancel the project (for whatever reason). I’m happy to hear that you’ll continue with Xylia, as I said before, I really want to see how this works out. ^_^
Keep up the scrumptious work.
~Shir
June 1st, 2009 at 10:26 am
Barb, thank you so much for the personal response to my comment and everyone else’s. You are a wonderful artist to support because you appreciate it so much! And that makes it all worthwhile.
btw, I love Claudius’ smile when he rejects Tychia. hehe.
June 1st, 2009 at 10:49 am
We love you Barb, don’t ever forget that ^_____________^
June 1st, 2009 at 12:52 pm
@Karstel I was going to make a comment about Tychia ending up flat on her back. But then I remembered this is a family comic.
June 1st, 2009 at 1:34 pm
I love your paneling. And honestly I have never seen anyone manage to work colourful glow into pages and make it seem shiny and dreamy so well.
And Claudius? *le swoon* Have him quirk his mouth like that often! I’ve brought tissues, won’t drool. Much. XD
June 1st, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Beautiful page, Barb! Have we ever seen that look on Claude’s sexy face before? He looks like he’s about to kick some serious butt!
June 1st, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Snazzy expressions on this page. And I’ll have to remember Tychia’s “Absobloodylutely”. It may come in handy sometime soon.
Also, thanks for the personal response, I hope that you find an awesome agent and, how is the voices of Xylia conest planning out?
June 1st, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Keep going with this. If Freakangels can get a print comic distribution, you deserve one!
June 1st, 2009 at 3:52 pm
There’s no doubt in my mind that with the quality you provide here you can get it printed. I’ve seen much worse printed off. Strive for it! We’ll all support you.
June 1st, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Tychia has some of the funniest lines, that last panel made me snigger! I love the fresh night atmosphere in this page, my favourite panels are the masterpieces that I shall call Truimphantly Smiling Claudius and the one decepting The Woman Scorned But Not Quite Yet Believing It.
I see that you like finding out the origins of your readers – I am from Croatia and I found XyliaTales on the links page of Earthsong, I believe.
June 1st, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I love Claudius’ green eyes. I agree absobloodylutely that he needs to smirk more often. Swoon! I also love his expression, looking down his nose at her, in the 2nd panel – I can almost imagine him taking out a handkerchief and rubbing her dirty finger print off his nose.
As to where I’m reading, I live in Virginia and found you on recommendation from Galaxion creator, Tara Tallan. I’ve only been reading since about Thanksgiving, I think.
June 1st, 2009 at 6:09 pm
You have such an immense iron resilency. Any lesser person with just as much on their plate as you would have already thrown their hands up in defeat. I think that alot of people just don’t understand what kind of pressure you’re under and with 3 children to care for I’m shocked that you’ve been updating like you have.
So I think that you should continue this comic not only because you love to do it but because all of your fans, including me :], love it as well and want to see what comes of this amazing comic.
Oh, and I’m from a little town in Arizona called Kingman. I’ve been a silent supporter of yours for a while now. I can’t even remember how long! And I’ve always wanted to donate money to your comic but I’ve got a rather hectic life too and my bills suck up all my money. >_< But I promise I will donate soon!
June 1st, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Hi again! I want to make sure you never forget how amazing you, and your story are, so I’ve decided to start posting in here a bit more. Again, you’re just awesome! The layout of the last three panels is perfect; Claudius’ smirk is perfect. This made me smile today, so thanks a bunch!
June 1st, 2009 at 8:29 pm
The expression on his face is priceless. That’s determination. Claudius is back! Speaking of determination, Barb. I’ve been one of the more silent fans of your web comic for a little over a year, and I have to say this is a story that deserves to be finished. I’ll be wishing you the best of luck on promoting your story.
June 1st, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Wow Claudius makes me really happy in this update. That is exactly the right response to someone like Tychia. She looks SO angry in the last panel, its great..
June 2nd, 2009 at 7:12 am
Thank you everyone for your comments! I recorded a message on Ustream last night to respond to some of the messages that had been posted, click my name or paste this link to see: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1594354
I ramble A LOT, so my apologies. ^_^ Those of you who posted after my message:
Mae- thank you! The smirk got good reviews- I was really looking forward to this page because of that.
Rogue- determination… this is just getting started…hee hee hee…
Spotch- yay! Claude is finally starting to step it up a bit. Thank you Oly. Thank you.
Thank YOU everyone for reading!!
~B
June 2nd, 2009 at 7:58 am
Indeed “Indeed.” is one of the more epic answers available. (I frequently use it myself.)
This page increases the comic’s epicity even more. But I don’t give sixth stars.
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:26 am
http://www.thedreamlandchronicles.com/
Don’t ask me why I think you’d do so well to promote yourself through this website, but an ad there might garner you a lot more traffic. The author of that comic seems to be a great guy and he’s very like you in how he communicates with his readers. Best of luck-great page as always!
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:46 am
WOW! one of the best pages yet! Definitely!
Yup, Claude really is scrumptious!
… and the smirk is priceless…
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:38 am
Being an artist has its ups and its downs. I’m a frustrated …blocked artist who is scared to try to do the things she envisions for the fear that i dont have the skill to get my vision across. Already you’ve proven your sheer talent both in story and in skill…dont let those things go by a fear that perhaps its not making enough capital. Advertisement, getting to con’s when you can…all those things will help create a larger fan base to help you with the capital you need. But moreso, what you need is to know you are fabulous with or without it. Be fearless. A struggle is so much more rewarding then having things handed to you. You’ll enjoy your well known name so much more because of this challenge.
fyi…his little knowing smile, in the second to last panel of todays page? priceless…
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Yummy! I love pretty much every expression on Claudius’s face here! Plus, the whole “Seriously? You don’t wanna shag me? ARE YOU A BLOODY POOFER?!?!” thing Tychia’s doing is great, and if he doesn’t want to shag her, I’ll volunteer to take his place.
Also….gone two hours? Well, that makes the time equivalence thing a little interesting. Send a baby through, pick it up a week later, and you have a grandfather waiting for you.
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Arrogant? Pot, meet kettle.
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:19 am
Man, Claude has come a long way…This re-meeting of Tychia is already off to a great start! XD
June 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
Hi Barb -
I’ve been following Xylia for quite a while, and more recently Nigil’s Opus as well. Your stories are beautifully written and drawn. I believe you should be very proud of the art you create and you certainly should keep going. We have to know how the story comes out!
The agent idea is a good one. I found Xylia through a mention by another web artist (don’t remember who), so getting more exposure is bound to bring more readers. I don’t follow as many webcomics as I might, I always have lots to do, but I always follow Xylia.
I’ve never commented before. I’m 61, female, and raised a son on my own. I wish you the best always.
June 3rd, 2009 at 9:19 pm
I knew a girl in HS that was like Tychia – thought she was God’s gift to men. Most of the hormone-addled guys followed her around. She was so stuck on herself.
Saw her about five years later. She hadn’t changed. I had gone through some things in those five years that changed MY standards. She couldn’t believe it when I turned her down.
June 4th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Hehehe. We love you Barb
(Also: Claudius’ smirk mm-MMM!!)
June 12th, 2009 at 1:46 am
June 13th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Aaahhh *<–sound of realization*. So THAT’S why Tychia asked his name! It’s only been a few hours on Epsilon! Well, that should make things a bit better for Claude. He’s been here two weeks, but Xylia’s only been waiting a few hours for him.
January 28th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
REEEEEJECTIONNNNN!
Ty, darling, it hurts. There’s no need to scream about it.
This comic makes me laugh.