I’ve taken a short break from writing and rendering over the past few weeks. I’ve been busy sharpening my software development skills, learning Python and Spark, spending some time playing video games, and consuming visual novels. I have stored quite a lot of creative energy and feel ready to continue messing with my fictional people’s lives.

The project I’m working on alongside “Hinterlands Cedar” is a visual novel sharing a connection to my “Sims” stories. Rather than focusing on generations of Sims, this novel will follow one protagonist and his odd interactions with one of the most significant characters in the Bariman Legacy, Moira McAllister.

Nash first encounters Moira during the enigmatic and suspenseful opening scene of “Nash Must Learn.” Much of what Nash does throughout revolves around their initial meeting and the extraordinary gift she gives to him. Nash will grow as a character during this branched and episodic experience while following choices made by readers, who guide him to answer the question, “Who is Moria McAllister? And what is the purpose of her incredible gift?”

Readers will be introduced to Nash when he is at a low point, having survived a violent home intrusion that ended his fiance’s life, wounded him, and ultimately forced him to give up his job as a police officer. Returning to his childhood home, he will encounter old friends, meet new people, and confront problems he ran away from many years ago.

We will likely visit themes common to my other writing projects. Characters will be imperfect and sometimes deeply flawed. Each will possess strengths and weaknesses. Choices made by the reader will change how the story plays out, the direction of the lives of those around him, and the outcome of his own tale. How will Nash use Moria’s gift? Why did she give it to him? What is this vital thing that Nash must learn?