Outside Insight Summer Fanfic Contest: 22 HOURS REMAIN

My inbox is going to be absolutely miserable.

For those of you entering the Equestria Daily Outside Insight Summer Fanfic Contest, bear in mind that, as of this post, you have 22 hours remaining to turn in your entry! Yes, while it may be midnight blog time, it is already 2 AM here. As a reminder, entries are due at 11:59 PM CST on August 15*.

Go! Write, submit**, win!

*If the form is still open after that time and you're running a bit late, send your story in anyway and I'll accept it! Once I close the form, though, submissions close for good!
** Fimfiction users: Please note that it's not just enough to upload your story there -- you must submit it for moderation before it will appear on the site.
(And please be patient with me, too! I'll be at work for most of the day and may not be able to add your story to the group immediately after you submit it. So long as you've filled out the form, though, I'll take care of your story).

Nightly Roundup #1035

I have no idea why her tail is like that.  I'm alright with it though.

We have roundup stuff, you need roundup stuff, get it all below.

Nightly Discussion #79

What do you think royal guards do all day? Do the princesses have them do menial tasks around the castle?

Or discuss whatever below.

Music of the Day #361

Technically her campanion is a possum, but we can go with a cat just for the sake of this!

Get some music of the day below.

Story Updates - August 14th

STARSWIRL edition.  Or it would be if more than one fic involved him.

Get some updates below.

Fixed Version - My Little Pony Friends Music Video

Hasbro uploaded the corrected version My Little Pony Friends, now with 100% more on sync vocals! Good work everyone!

Get it down below as always.

Thanks to Jason and everyone else for sending it! 

Story: As a Mother

[Adventure][Sad] Quote: Long-time fans of The Descendant's work will no doubt be excited to learn more about the Witches' War. For the rest, this is still a heart-wrenching look at a young Celestia." -Pre-Reader Noir Voice

Author: The Descendant

Description: The War of the Witches? Ever since you began visiting me here in my garden, my newest student, your inquiries have all revolved around that ancient conflict. I will admit, I wish you would ask me about something else. No? Very well. You have selected the subject, but this evening I shall choose the setting, as I believe there is something I need to say. Yes, something I need to say indeed…

As a Mother

Additional Tags: What Celestia can never have.

Discussion: A Swarm of Changelings Have Broken Off From Chrysalis Hive

A group of changelings, tired of the crazy plans Chrysalis comes up with to feed the swarm, have decided to set out on their own and hopefully cut a new life in some corner of Equestria. Of course, most of the pony population that they feed on is currently still wary of the very idea of a changeling, so they need to be careful about it!

How would you advise a group of say, 20 changelings to meld into Equestrian society? Do you think there is a character in the show that would give them a second chance without spreading panic in the streets? What kind of disguises would they take? Or should they just barge right in and avoid being sneaky?

Hit up the comments with your ideas!

Secrets of M.A. Larson Panel - What Madness Goes on Behind the Scenes?

Broadway dance routines, Celestia's love of bananas, and more were dropped at Galacon a few weeks ago.  Their Youtube channel has uploaded M.A. Larsons panel about all sorts of ridiculous things that have or have not happened in the show.  I've only had time to skim around it right now, but some of these concepts actually sound like they would have been a ton of fun. 

Head on down below the break to check it out!

Thanks to Nucleusbrain and Knifestorm for the heads up! 

OC Ponies Used to be Frowned Upon, Today they are Celebrated! Have some history, and Show Off Your Favorite OC Pony!

I know quite a few of you weren't around at all back in the early days, and probably don't know that OC ponies were a largely feared product of our first major haitus.  Many were worried that pony would turn into the next Sonic the Hedgehog fandom.  If you Google "[your name] The Hedgehog" in the image section, you will see what I mean.  For quite a while we weren't even posting OC ponies here on EQD! And with pony creator pumping out all sorts of black alicorn mary sue demonlords, not a lot of the old crowd was willing to make the jump.

Over the years though, original characters have become a completely accepted process of a maturing fandom.  We still get our share of facepalmy special snowflakes, but with characters like Little Pip and the surge of bat ponies, it's pretty commonplace to see them right next to the mane cast in an artists repertoire.  There are some stigmas remaining, primarily people shippin their creations with official characters, but it's much smoother sailing than it was.

Maybe some day EQD will get it's own mascot and stop throwing Trixie everywhere? I should start thinking about that. 

History lesson over! It's time to celebrate with some OC ponies.  In the comments below, drop your personal character, or show off one that caught your eye over the years. 

Comic: Weekend at Shiny's / The Sad Truth / Pony Show / Magical Mystery Shack 3

Shining Armor Planning things, Luna being Moony, Twilight on a talk show, and Trixie joining Gravity Falls.  Click for full.

Drawfriend Stuff #1257

I think sometimes we forget that there was a point in this series where the main character is on FIRE.  Only Twilight Sparkle.

We have some awesome art today actually, so go check it out below, OR ELSE.

[1] Source
'Come closer, I'm not angry ...'

SFM: One Day with Princess Celestia

The animation is pretty basic compared to what we usually post (I feel like I've said that before), but Celestias day is fun regardless.

Head on down below to check it out!

Story: Let Me Complain, Dear

[Romance]

Author: Oroboro

Description: Camping has never been Rarity's favorite activity, but she got to pick last anniversary's, so it's only fair that Applejack gets to pick what to do this time. When their trip goes wrong, however, it's up to Rarity to fix the problem herself. No matter how much she might complain about it.

Let Me Complain, Dear

Additional Tags: Rarity is stubborn, in love and anger.

Manehattan Mysteries Arc Behind the Scenes

I love me some Manehattan Mysteries. Clearly an entire Trixie comic series is next right? That's the logical progression from something like that? Perfect!

And while we wait, we have a bit of behind the scenes from Ted Anderson, going over his annotations for both issues (21-22). This is the first time we have seen something like this from the comic world.  It's interesting to see how they get their ideas out on paper. 

Head on over here to check it out!

The Twilight Will Rise

I really do thing we've evolved once again on the music side.  The female vocalists are rockin it lately.  Get another great song down below the break from Megaphoric, Turquoise Splash, and Joaftheloaf.  Because Twilight needs more music.

Top 10 Pony Songs of July 2014 - Community Voted

July had some good stuff! Do you agree with what everyone voted for? Get the video below!

Nightly Roundup #1034

I can't decide on which movie was my favorite, but this was up there.

Have roundup stuff. Keep those meetups going. We have a few more months until episodes!