What Inspired This Conundrum?

I haven't had the post release project feeling since 2021 when I released volume two of The Oddball Chronicles. This time is a bit different though. Conundrum Collection was an entire different beast to make and the content isn't like anything I've put out before. I stand by everything I create, but I'd be lying if I said part of me isn't hiding in the corner being a nervous wreck while I wait for the first inevitable comment of feedback. First world creative problems though, I'll be fine. 

Bad nerves aside, I just wanted to give some brief insight into how each story of Conundrum Collection came together. I'll be vague about specific parts of the story as not to spoil for those who haven't read it yet.

Grimm - Before Grimm reached its final form it started as a short story called "Signature Kill" that I wrote way back in 2015. Once upon a time when I was younger and still had a hairline I would create short stories inspired by songs that perked my ears up for one reason or another. The song that moved my brain around to create this was "Peace Or Power" by Deacon The Villain of Cunninlynguists, and Sheisty Khrist. 

When I discovered the Ink software and figured out that I could use it to make a text based game this was the first story I pulled from my digital shelf. It perfectly fit the mold for what I wanted this project to be and represent. It had weighted choices with high stakes and a narrative that I could take in so many directions. The main difference between the original story and Grimm is that I expanded on the original premise to flush out the experience more. The short story felt like it started in the middle of the madness. With Grimm, I let the reader see the before that led to main crux of the story and the aftermath that proceeds it. Grimm is basically the definitive edition of what started as "Signature Kill".

Hoodie Seize'N - I had the concept for Hoodie Seize'N in the back of my mind for ages but up until now I never physically wrote it down. The idea of women stealing hoodies has always been hilarious to me. The more I thought about it I wanted to figure out a way to turn that simple premise into something bigger. Thus, Hoodie Seize'N was born. Creating this took a ton more brain power than Grimm because I had to create something fresh without having a prior story to draw from. Ella is a personal favorite character of mine that I've created. In the real world I'm a man of peace, but in my fiction and games i enjoy agents of chaos. So, I let a little bit of that seep into Ella's personality. This is my little weird version of a cyberpunk world I see when I close my eyes.

I can't say what the future holds. But I've imagined this as being part of a larger universe instead of just one compact story. I know I can do more with this idea, but I also couldn't cram everything I wanted into one story. So there's a possibility I'll do something else with this world one day.

Once again, heartfelt thanks to everyone who has purchased Conundrum Collection so far. If you want to hear the more personal side of what led me to creating this project. Make sure you check out my Youtube video where I break down the life events that led me what to you're reading right now. 

If you took the time to read this, you're awesome. Also, make sure you drink some water today. I'll see y'all around.