Windchimes

A freelance writer and Ren'Py programmer who specializes in narrative design and script writing for games, particularly visual novels.Availability: Open (Limited)

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About Me

Hello, I'm Windchimes!I'm a professional writer and Ren'Py programmer who's been working on visual novels, particularly otome and amare games, since 2016. I'm also a native Chinese speaker and have near-native proficiency in English.I currently run my own solo visual novel development studio called Wind Chimes Games and take freelance commissions to help fund the projects.I've worked on many collaborative game jam projects, commercial projects directed by clients, and my own projects over the years. As a result, I like to think I'm decently experienced in working in a variety of settings and types of projects, and my services are adaptable to your needs.I'm always eager to help my clients bring their stories and games to life, so please don't hesitate to message me if you're interested in my services!

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Services Offered

I mainly offer the following services:

Tentatively, I also offer the following services depending on my work schedule, complexity of project and rates:
^{(Please contact me directly to inquire about these)}

• Writing
• Editing
• Programming

• Terms of Service

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1. Reanimation Scheme (2018 - now)
Director, Writer, Programmer
My solo studio's debut otome visual novel project. A successful Kickstarter campaign was held for this project in 2019.

2. Emberfate: Tempest of Elements (2022-2023)
Director, Writer, Programmer
An experimental chatroom / MMORPG simulator visual novel, originally created for Amare Game Jam 2022. The base game was released on Steam / Itch.io in Jan 2023.

writing

1. Royal Order (2023)
Outline Writer
I helped create detailed outlines for missions for Royal Order.

2. Disciple's Diary (2022)
Outline Writer
I was commissioned to brainstorm and plot the story for this project, as well as turning it into a detailed outline.

3. For the Love of Christmas (2022)
Outline Writer
I was hired to write a detailed outline for this Winter Game Jam project in advance before the jam started.

4. Royal Alchemist (2019)
Writer, Outline Writer
I was hired to write the romance scenes for Serin's route, as well as create more detailed scene outlines for part of Nazir's route.

5. Caffeine: Victoria's Legacy (2019)
Writer
I was hired to write the script of Mel's route. I also provided detailed outlines for the scenes prior to writing.

6. Forgotten, Not Lost (2016)
Co-writer, Editor
A commercial kinetic novel created by Afterthought Studios that I edited for. I was also credited as co-writer in the end due to the extent of work I had done for the script.

programming

1. Killer Chat (2024)
Programmer
A Spooktober jam project that I was lead programmer for. I was in charge of writing a chatsim system from scratch, implementing the UI, as well as coding the character customization system.

2. Tell It Slant (2024)
Programmer
A Spooktober jam project that I was a part of. I implemented the custom UI for the project, which includes some animations of the card-based menus sliding in/out.

3. When Stars Collide (2024)
Programmer
I was commissioned to code in the custom UI for some revamped screens and add additional features, such as a glossary and episode recap.

4. Disciple's Diary (2024)
Programmer
I was in charge of implementing the custom UI for the project, as well as coding some additional features and backend systems

5. Meet My End (2024)
Programmer
I was hired to code in the custom UI for the project.

6. Royal Order (2023)
Programmer
I was brought on board to code a music room, custom NVL screen and do logic scripting for the game.

7. Burdock (2023)
Programmer
A Spooktober game jam project. I coded in almost the entire game except for the scripting of expressions. Some highlights of features: point and click map segment and riddle answering by user input.

project management

1. Unannounced Project by Quill Game Studios (2022-2023)
Project Manager
I was hired to manage and direct an unannounced project of theirs, including seeking out appropriate freelancers to hire, communicating with the team, directing and approving delivered work, and managing the project development schedule.

2. Dual Chroma
Project Manager
I was a short-term project manager in charge of keeping the team on track to finishing the demo for Otome Jam, preparing for Kickstarter campaign and setting out a long-term project development schedule.

chinese translation

1. SOLOMANIA (2024)
Chinese Translator
I was commissioned to quickly translate the game's blurb on the Steam store page into Traditional and Simplified Chinese.

Writing Services

Job DescriptionI will write the script of your visual novel, or parts of it as requested. I can also create characters (with detailed profiles) and detailed scene outlines, but please note that it would incur extra fees on top of the writing rates.PricingI usually charge 0.06 USD to 0.07 USD for each word I write.The exact price is dependent on some factors, such as complexity of the story, time available before deadline, amount of background research required...etc. I will let you know the exact rate after receiving all the relevant information about the commission I need.

• Writing Portfolio & Samples
• Terms of Service

SkillsRealistic Romances and Well-Rounded Characters
I’m most confident when writing romance, particularly with female protagonists. Moreover, I'm able to weave interesting plots and mysteries. Previous otomes I’ve written tend to have equal focus on romance and the overarching plot. I also pay a lot of attention to creating well-rounded, realistic characters that feel human and immersive worlds with expansive lore.Game Jam Experience
Having participated in multiple game jams before (NaNoRenO 2016, 2017, Amare Game Jam 2022), I'm able to write fast under pressure.Team Experience
I’m comfortable with working in a team environment, and I have experience communicating with a co-writer to come up with ideas and write consistently together.Familiarity with Ren'Py Script
I also doubled as the programmer for most of the previous visual novels I’ve written previously. As a result, I’m familiar with writing in Ren’Py script format if you prefer the script to be delivered that way.Flexible Writing Style
I can write more flowery language for historical romances, simpler and more straightforward for modern slice of life, or even pure dialogue and casual Internet chat-style of language for chatroom visual novels.

Additional NotesSpecial Areas of Knowledge
I have a Bachelor of Laws degree, so if your story is law-related, I might be the perfect fit!I also have a decent understanding of Chinese culture and history as a native Chinese, so I'd be able to offer ideas or work with yours if you have a Chinese setting for your story or Chinese characters.Limitations
I don't accept projects with R18 content or anything that promotes racism, sexism, discrimination, pedophilia, non-consensual sex, etc.Payment Details

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Editing & Proofreading Services

Job DescriptionEditing: Picking out errors, rewriting and changing the phrasing to improve the language, removing unnecessary or redundant information, pointing out confusing bits or inconsistencies in content, adjusting tones and character voices, etc.
Proofreading: Only combing through the lines for errors such as spelling mistakes, grammar errors and typos.We can discuss if there’s particular things you want or don’t want me to do.PricingEditing: I usually charge 0.04 USD to 0.05 USD for each word of the original script.
Proofreading: I usually charge 0.02 USD for each word of the original script.The exact price is dependent on some factors, such as level of editing or rewriting required, complexity of the story, time available before deadline, amount of background research required...etc. I will let you know the exact rate after receiving all the relevant information about the commission I need.

• Writing Portfolio & Samples
• Terms of Service

SkillsStrong Language Skills
I have a good understanding of English grammar, so I should be able to spot mistakes fairly easily.Experience with Character and Plot Creation
As a writer myself, I’m experienced in matters such as creating characters, weaving plots, etc. Therefore, I will be able to provide feedback on the overall story and give suggestions if asked.Team Experience
Having worked with different writers before, I have experience editing scripts written in different styles. I can also be sensitive to writers’ feelings, and I’ll provide constructive criticisms and suggestions in an encouraging and understanding manner. I’m also open to discussion if the writer(s) disagree with certain changes I’ve made.Familiarity with Ren'Py Language
I’m also comfortable reading scripts written in Ren’Py format as I’ve been the programmer of several visual novels made in the Ren’Py engine before.

Additional NotesSpecial Areas of Knowledge
I have a Bachelor of Laws degree, so if your story is law-related, I might be the perfect fit!I also have a decent understanding of Chinese culture and history as a native Chinese, so I'd be able to offer ideas or work with yours if you have a Chinese setting for your story or Chinese characters.Limitations
I don't accept projects with R18 content or anything that promotes racism, sexism, discrimination, pedophilia, non-consensual sex, etc.Payment Details

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Programming Services

Job DescriptionI’ll be coding your visual novel in Ren'Py. This can include:
- Scripting of your written script and images
- UI implementation
- Adding animations and camera movements
- Additional features or systems e.g. glossary, inventory, mail, etc.
- MinigamesPlease note that I only do coding, not UI design, so all designed UI assets and files should be delivered before I begin work. UI assets can be delivered directly in the form of layered .PSD files, and I can export the elements myself.PricingI usually charge 25-30 USD per hour of work. For simple, straight-forward tasks, a flat lump sum payment can be negotiated.

• Portfolio
• Terms of Service