I'm in a pretty crummy mood tonight. I guess it proves that I'm human. Normally, I try to maintain a neutral tone hereabouts, but that's not happening tonight.
I got off work at my normal time, and then drove to my bank to deposit a check. Nah, it wasn't one of the largish checks I've been waiting for, but it's still money. You might not know it, but I do occasional freelance work for Upper Deck, writing creative content for one of their CCGs. That's where the check came from. Into the bank it goes, cha-ching.
After I put the check in, I drive to It's A Grind. The table I prefer was taken, so I plop down at another one. I must've been sitting wierd, or craning my neck in an odd position, because after an hour or so of that I started to get this dull ache in the right side of my neck. It was moving up, turning into a headache, before it really occured to me that I was in any kind of pain.
I'd only managed to peck out 800 words, which isn't bad for the amount of time I'd been there, but it's still not anywhere near what I wanted to get done today. I've learned that it's a good idea to cut your losses if you're feeling like crap, because no good writing can come out of discomfort. Sure, pain might breed art, but I prefer to think of that as emotional pain breeding art. Physical pain...well, it just sucks.
I drove home and got the mail. It was a waste of time, seeing as it was a handful of junk. Not even any bills in the mail today, much less paychecks or comp copies or month-late birthday cards. Hope springs eternal, I reckon.
I got home, and sent my wife off to nap. She was tired, and I always feel like she should get a break every so often. It's not like I'm out having fun, whooping it up with the boys at Hooters, when I'm writing, but I don't feel any less guilty for leaving her home to mind the child all by herself.
And what a foul mood he was in tonight. I think I must've uttered the word, "No," about sixty times in the first fifteen minutes. First he wanted to crawl on me, applying the force of his heavy feet to the more sensitive portions of my anatomy. It's not like he understands that my lap is not a trampoline, or that it's not normal for daddy to speak in a falsetto like that. He just thinks it's funny.
Then he wanted to stand on the coffee table. Bad idea. His little mind clicks and whirs and he thinks, "Well, then, if I can't stand on the coffee table...I'll stand on the sofa!"
Which earned yet another, "No," from me, along with an order to "Sit down."
He knows what that means, but he looks at me as if to say, "Oh, father? What's that? You can't possibly be speaking to me. I'll just go on doing what I'm doing. How else will I manage to fall and break a bone before I turn two?"
I ended up making him dinner, which consisted of macaroni and cheese, some apple sauce, and a pickle cut into bite-sized pieces. He ate a good deal, so he must've been hungry. After I'd cleaned up the mess, we sat and played Halo 2 until he began to rub his eyes in a manner that suggested he was tired, but unwilling to admit it.
So off to bed he went, after getting a shot of baby Tylenol to ease the agony of his newly-emerging molars (one on each side, at present). Teething is such a pain. Is it any wonder he was being bad? I suppose I'd probably run around being disobedient if I was in constant oral discomfort, too.
Surprisingly, he went to sleep pretty quickly. After his cooing and whining had tapered off to little toddler snoring, I went and got his mother up.
And here I am now. It's almost 10 o'clock, and I have to wake up and go to work in seven hours, after which I have to try to get some manner of writing accomplished before coming home and maybe doing some laundry.
A piece of advice to all you kids out there: don't grow up. It's a pain in the butt. Be nice to your mothers and fathers so that they will allow you to live at home in ignorant bliss of all the responsibilities you would otherwise be forced to accept as an adult.
31 July 2006
Mr. Nose, Meet Mr. Grindstone
It's amazing how much work I can do in a single sitting if I put my mind to it, barring headaches, stifling heat, or toddler issues.
In that sense, it was a productive weekend. I've still got a good bit more to catch up on, but I feel confident that I'll have something that is (at the very least) presentable quite soon.
Working on 40k is intimidating. Licensed products, in general, are intimidating all by themselves; but this is Warhammer 40k. Not only do I have to answer to the folks at Black Industries, but there are a lot of hard core fans out there in the Materium with very strong, deeply-entrenched opinions about the setting that I need to consider, as well.
I wonder how it will all pan out in the end. It could go either way. I'm hoping the line will be a success, and it'd be nice to have an opportunity to continue working on it as it grows. We'll see.
I should be writing now, but it's lunchtime and I'm in my cube at work and the time I'm given to eat and relax only amounts to 1 short hour (half of which I've already squandered). I'm waiting to hear from my wife in email, which should happen any time now. Then I'll probably surf the internet until the proverbial bell rings and I am forced to go back to work.
The Emperor protects!
In that sense, it was a productive weekend. I've still got a good bit more to catch up on, but I feel confident that I'll have something that is (at the very least) presentable quite soon.
Working on 40k is intimidating. Licensed products, in general, are intimidating all by themselves; but this is Warhammer 40k. Not only do I have to answer to the folks at Black Industries, but there are a lot of hard core fans out there in the Materium with very strong, deeply-entrenched opinions about the setting that I need to consider, as well.
I wonder how it will all pan out in the end. It could go either way. I'm hoping the line will be a success, and it'd be nice to have an opportunity to continue working on it as it grows. We'll see.
I should be writing now, but it's lunchtime and I'm in my cube at work and the time I'm given to eat and relax only amounts to 1 short hour (half of which I've already squandered). I'm waiting to hear from my wife in email, which should happen any time now. Then I'll probably surf the internet until the proverbial bell rings and I am forced to go back to work.
The Emperor protects!
28 July 2006
I'm So Confused
I have been taken by surprise at how quickly the month of July has passed me by. A number of things have gone poorly, in one respect or another: my PbP WFRP game has been ignored, mostly due to my writing obligations (which have snowballed). The TW playtest session has been mothballed, as well, due in part to the lack of local FLGS support, as well as my own insane schedule.
I feel badly about it, but my hands are bound. Better luck next time, I suppose...that is, if there is one.
Part of the reason I feel so crummy is that all thoughts of the playtest had been driven out of my mind in the weeks following my encounter with Game Empire's manager. I promised to post a final decision by 7/1, which I ultimately forgot to do. The heat, as well as family obligations, haven't helped me to focus.
Obviously, I'm all about excuses. I'll try and make it up to folks, somehow.
GenCon is in less than two weeks!
I feel badly about it, but my hands are bound. Better luck next time, I suppose...that is, if there is one.
Part of the reason I feel so crummy is that all thoughts of the playtest had been driven out of my mind in the weeks following my encounter with Game Empire's manager. I promised to post a final decision by 7/1, which I ultimately forgot to do. The heat, as well as family obligations, haven't helped me to focus.
Obviously, I'm all about excuses. I'll try and make it up to folks, somehow.
GenCon is in less than two weeks!
26 July 2006
Uncredited, But Not Forgotten
Due to an oversight, it appears as if artist Frank Walls was not credited for his illustrations in the recently-released Hand of Shadow. Rob Vaughn of Fantasy Flight Games has posted a public apology to Frank, both on FFG's forums and on the Against the Shadow forums. I'm glad he did, or I might not have discovered this talented artist.To view a couple of other illustrations that appear in Hand of Shadow, as well as some of Frank's other pieces, check out his web site, located here.
25 July 2006
Of Milestones and Millstones
One thing I didn't know about before I started landing writing gigs was the "milestone." In basic parlance, a milestone is a deadline of sorts, before the actual deadline. It's a chance for the folks you're writing for to review your work, make comments, and suggest changes. It also gives them an idea of how far along you are, and whether or not you're on track.
I've got a milestone due on 8/1. I'm not real worried about it, since the final deadline for the project is over two months out. Still, it's a little bit nervewracking. I want to be sure I have a good start, and I want to impress them with what I've got done so far.
So that's that. I've got quite a bit of work to do between now and then, but I've also got a much better idea of what I'm doing now.
Oh, and then there's Gen Con: the best four days in gaming, which will stretch out into six days of getting next to nothing done. Sure, I could resign myself to staying in my hotel room, putting my nose to the grindstone and generating words while my friends, peers, and colleagues venture out into the Indianapolis nightlife, eating and drinking and hanging out.
But to heck with that. If I'm paying for an airline ticket, you better believe that I'm going to try to enjoy myself between the time my plane lands and the time my return flight takes off. It's only fair.
Given that, I'm trying to decide if I should bother taking my laptop with me. On one hand, it's nice to think that I'll find a nice (free) hotspot somewhere over there, but odds are, I won't. I tried last year, and found nothing. I ended up lugging the computer around like a notebook-shaped cross. It's just another piece of carry-on luggage that I'd just as soon not worry about having with me.
From that, it sounds like I've made up my mind already.
As it is, I'll be lugging around a pile of books: my PH, DMG, and TW Player's Manual, for starters. Not to mention the game folder, which will contain the scenario notes, multiple copies of the PC character sheets, etc. My little battle mat, too, along with a handful of miniatures.
Speaking of the minis, I'd originally wanted to pick up some decent figs and paint them up, at least to represent the PCs. I even went so far as to pick them out, but I never did buy them. I don't really have the time to paint them, anyway, at least not to my normal standards. Given that I'm also out of practice (I don't think I've put paint to pewter in, gods...two years?), it would take that much longer to get a suitable paint job done. As much as it might embellish the game, I'm going to have to stick with a handful of pre-painted plastic D&D minis, like I did at SoCal last year. It's a shame.
I'll also need to keep some room open for the inevitable purchases I will be making. How much will I budget? I have no idea. I guess that depends largely on how many paychecks I get between now and August 8th. With luck, I'll be paid for some of my recent releases, which will allow me to go nuts, relatively speaking. Last year, I don't think I bought a single book. I relied on the generosity of others and begged for comp copies.
I've got no idea what, if anything, I'd like to pick up. Probably some of the Black Industries stuff I've been missing (business expenses, don't you know); new releases for the WFRP line, since it's one of the only games I'm keeping up with these days.
So, yeah. GenCon. Soon. The time has passed so quickly, my head is practically spinning. Ah, the joys of impending air travel!
I've got a milestone due on 8/1. I'm not real worried about it, since the final deadline for the project is over two months out. Still, it's a little bit nervewracking. I want to be sure I have a good start, and I want to impress them with what I've got done so far.
So that's that. I've got quite a bit of work to do between now and then, but I've also got a much better idea of what I'm doing now.
Oh, and then there's Gen Con: the best four days in gaming, which will stretch out into six days of getting next to nothing done. Sure, I could resign myself to staying in my hotel room, putting my nose to the grindstone and generating words while my friends, peers, and colleagues venture out into the Indianapolis nightlife, eating and drinking and hanging out.
But to heck with that. If I'm paying for an airline ticket, you better believe that I'm going to try to enjoy myself between the time my plane lands and the time my return flight takes off. It's only fair.
Given that, I'm trying to decide if I should bother taking my laptop with me. On one hand, it's nice to think that I'll find a nice (free) hotspot somewhere over there, but odds are, I won't. I tried last year, and found nothing. I ended up lugging the computer around like a notebook-shaped cross. It's just another piece of carry-on luggage that I'd just as soon not worry about having with me.
From that, it sounds like I've made up my mind already.
As it is, I'll be lugging around a pile of books: my PH, DMG, and TW Player's Manual, for starters. Not to mention the game folder, which will contain the scenario notes, multiple copies of the PC character sheets, etc. My little battle mat, too, along with a handful of miniatures.
Speaking of the minis, I'd originally wanted to pick up some decent figs and paint them up, at least to represent the PCs. I even went so far as to pick them out, but I never did buy them. I don't really have the time to paint them, anyway, at least not to my normal standards. Given that I'm also out of practice (I don't think I've put paint to pewter in, gods...two years?), it would take that much longer to get a suitable paint job done. As much as it might embellish the game, I'm going to have to stick with a handful of pre-painted plastic D&D minis, like I did at SoCal last year. It's a shame.
I'll also need to keep some room open for the inevitable purchases I will be making. How much will I budget? I have no idea. I guess that depends largely on how many paychecks I get between now and August 8th. With luck, I'll be paid for some of my recent releases, which will allow me to go nuts, relatively speaking. Last year, I don't think I bought a single book. I relied on the generosity of others and begged for comp copies.
I've got no idea what, if anything, I'd like to pick up. Probably some of the Black Industries stuff I've been missing (business expenses, don't you know); new releases for the WFRP line, since it's one of the only games I'm keeping up with these days.
So, yeah. GenCon. Soon. The time has passed so quickly, my head is practically spinning. Ah, the joys of impending air travel!
23 July 2006
Event Ticket Up For Grabs
It seems that there's a fellow who bought a ticket to the Thieves' World game I'll be running at GenCon on Friday the 11th. He's putting it up for grabs on ENWorld, and only asking face value for it ($3). As far as I know, all three games are sold out, so if you want to play but couldn't get your foot in the door, this is your chance. You can get in touch with him via this thread on ENWorld.
Today was busy! I managed to get to the coffee shop and do some writing, though, and it was a bit easier than yesterday. I still have a good bit of work to do by next weekend, but I'm confident that I'll be fine.
I just won't see much of my family over the next week and a half..!
Today was busy! I managed to get to the coffee shop and do some writing, though, and it was a bit easier than yesterday. I still have a good bit of work to do by next weekend, but I'm confident that I'll be fine.
I just won't see much of my family over the next week and a half..!
22 July 2006
Like Blood From A Stone
So I'm here, writing, and I've done a lot less than I intended to do. Mostly, it's me staring at the computer screen, scratching my head, and trying not to pay attention to the conversations around me. I'm not specifically tired or anything, and I'm not uninspired, particularly.
I'd hoped to get a certain amount done today, but I don't know if that's going to happen quite the way I'd planned. Then again, I haven't really eaten since last night, and I'm planning to hook up with my wife and kid so that we can grab a bite somewhere. Maybe after I eat, I'll be more able to concentrate on the things I need to concentrate on.
More later, perhaps.
I'd hoped to get a certain amount done today, but I don't know if that's going to happen quite the way I'd planned. Then again, I haven't really eaten since last night, and I'm planning to hook up with my wife and kid so that we can grab a bite somewhere. Maybe after I eat, I'll be more able to concentrate on the things I need to concentrate on.
More later, perhaps.
21 July 2006
A Couple of Things
First off, this is my 100th blog entry here. I've had the blog up about a year now. I'm not sure what it's worth, but...yay.
Next, Hand of Shadow showed up on my doorstep yesterday. It looks good, and I'm glad it's finally out. As my fourth and (for the time being, anyway) last contribution to the Midnight product line, it's a fairly high note. Feel free to let me know what you folks think of it if you get the chance.
In another piece of news, I've been told that I can give some information as to the project(s) I'm currently slaving away on. Let me give you a hint: the Inquisition.
Okay, okay. So maybe you know, maybe you don't, but BI will be releasing a series of role-playing games based on the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The first game, Dark Heresy, involves the PCs as agents of the Inquisition. I'm fortunate enough to be involved in this product line. I've already done some work on one product, and I'm currently crunching away at the next one.
I can't give much more in the way of details, but I've been bursting at the seams over this for a while now.
I was also able to participate in some playtesting for a project that JD Wiker (of the Game Mechanics) has been working on. This happened on Wednesday evening, and it was a good bit of nasty fun. I'm glad I was able to help out in my limited fashion.
All for now...
Next, Hand of Shadow showed up on my doorstep yesterday. It looks good, and I'm glad it's finally out. As my fourth and (for the time being, anyway) last contribution to the Midnight product line, it's a fairly high note. Feel free to let me know what you folks think of it if you get the chance.
In another piece of news, I've been told that I can give some information as to the project(s) I'm currently slaving away on. Let me give you a hint: the Inquisition.
Okay, okay. So maybe you know, maybe you don't, but BI will be releasing a series of role-playing games based on the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The first game, Dark Heresy, involves the PCs as agents of the Inquisition. I'm fortunate enough to be involved in this product line. I've already done some work on one product, and I'm currently crunching away at the next one.I can't give much more in the way of details, but I've been bursting at the seams over this for a while now.
I was also able to participate in some playtesting for a project that JD Wiker (of the Game Mechanics) has been working on. This happened on Wednesday evening, and it was a good bit of nasty fun. I'm glad I was able to help out in my limited fashion.
All for now...
18 July 2006
Hand of Shadow Released
And here we have it. I guess it can be ordered from FFG's online store now, which also means it should be showing up at your FLGS any time now. Groovy, eh? Check out the product page here.Next up, some news from Black Industries: basic product info on the forthcoming Dark Heresy game and companion GM's screen. Information on other products should be posted fairly soon, too.
17 July 2006
The Voting Booth is Open
For those of you who are interested, voting has started in the ENnie Awards. If it's your bag, go on over and cast your ballots. There are plenty of great products and publishers up for recognition this year.
16 July 2006
I Saw It. I Held It In My Hands.
We took a family trip to the Birch Aquarium this morning, and on the way home we swung by Game Empire to kill some time before heading off to a wonderful sushi lunch. There it was, back with the rest of the WFRP titles: Children of the Horned Rat.
I picked it up, stroked the cover, and browsed through the tome, admiring it. I showed it to my wife. I showed it to my son. Then I wiped off the drool I'd unconsciously left on the cover (heck, that's almost as good as an autograph) and put it back on the shelf with its companions.
It looks good. Speaking from a GM's standpoint, it'd be one of those books I'd buy if I didn't already have several copies earmarked for delivery to my front porch (I hope).
The goons across the way are having one of their profanity-laden hip-hop screaming drink-to-excess talk-too-loud laugh-like-buffoons-at-everything parties today. Keri and JD, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's days like today that make me wish I could cast silence. Or fireball.
I picked it up, stroked the cover, and browsed through the tome, admiring it. I showed it to my wife. I showed it to my son. Then I wiped off the drool I'd unconsciously left on the cover (heck, that's almost as good as an autograph) and put it back on the shelf with its companions.
It looks good. Speaking from a GM's standpoint, it'd be one of those books I'd buy if I didn't already have several copies earmarked for delivery to my front porch (I hope).
The goons across the way are having one of their profanity-laden hip-hop screaming drink-to-excess talk-too-loud laugh-like-buffoons-at-everything parties today. Keri and JD, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's days like today that make me wish I could cast silence. Or fireball.
11 July 2006
The Illusion of Nothing New
Well, with the release of Hand of Shadow for Midnight, my list of up-coming releases has been reduced to a meagre "Several Uber-Secret Projects." Now, all this really means is that I'm working, yeah, or I've got up-coming products on the way, but since they haven't yet been announced, I can't post titles or any of that jazz.
I feel wierd about it, I'm not sure why. It's kinda like, "Gee, I've got nothing to look forward to." Which is far from the truth. It's just that all the releases I've got up-coming probably won't see print until 2007.
There is one product I had a teeny, tiny hand in, which is TGM's Arcane Quarter, and that should be hitting virtual shelves any time now...
Well, then. That's that. Off to bed with me.
I feel wierd about it, I'm not sure why. It's kinda like, "Gee, I've got nothing to look forward to." Which is far from the truth. It's just that all the releases I've got up-coming probably won't see print until 2007.There is one product I had a teeny, tiny hand in, which is TGM's Arcane Quarter, and that should be hitting virtual shelves any time now...
Well, then. That's that. Off to bed with me.
10 July 2006
ENnie Nominations Announced
The nominations for the ENnie Awards have been announced. Two of the products that I contributed to (the Thieves' World Player's Manual by Green Ronin [for Best Supplement and Best d20 Product], and Template Troves III by Silverthorne Games [for Best Adversary/Monster Product]) have been given Honourable Mentions.
I don't know if this means that they aren't eligible for votes in the ENnies, or not. Either way, it's still nice to know that the products were considered good enough to be distinguished in some way.
I don't know if this means that they aren't eligible for votes in the ENnies, or not. Either way, it's still nice to know that the products were considered good enough to be distinguished in some way.
07 July 2006
Still No CotHR (or "Where's the Cheese for my Whine?")
Despite the fact that BI has attested to sending out the comps of Children of the Horned Rat (as well as Terror in Talabheim), I still haven't seen a copy. I'd say I'm not complaining, but I guess I am. At this rate, I'll be paid for the projects before I see them in finished form (which is something I wouldn't actually complain about, really).
I got out of work early today so that I could pick my boy up at his grandmother's. He and I drove to the local (meaning: less than 20 minutes away) game shop, and the child konked out on the way there. I put him on my shoulder after we'd arrived, and he slept quite peacefully as I browsed the store shelves.
They've got every WFRP title produced thus far at the store, right up to Barony of the Damned, but nothing newer. I sighed, shrugged carefully so as not to wake up the boy, and browsed the board games. The guy behind the counter asked if I was looking for anything specific, and I told him.
First off, he's not familiar with RPGs, and I can cut him slack for it. I know the guy from back when I worked at Game Towne; he was a very loyal customer, and now he's semi-retired and works at this store to pass the time and stay tuned to one of his favorite hobbies. Knowing him, I also know that he's much more a wargamer than anything else. That's fine, since the hobby isn't exactly limited to my own narrow slice of it. So when I mentioned the title, he wasn't familiar with it.
Still, what he said basically boiled down to this: it's not lucrative for the store to buy stock of most RPGs because they don't sell. He offered to order the book for me, in which case I'd get a copy within a week's time.
I thanked him, but since I'm supposed to have a number of complimentary copies coming my way, I'd be better off saving my money for a book that I didn't help to author.
So we get back to the double-edged sword of supporting the friendly local game store (FLGS). I'll be honest: about the only thing I buy at local game stores are minis (collectible and non-collectible), and dice. That's it. I will occasionally buy a board game or card game, because it's generally more economical to buy those locally. I've even been known to buy RPG products at a FLGS; I'm not against it, mind you, but I'm a self-admitted penny pincher.
It makes me wonder, perhaps the only reason the store's got all those spanking new WFRP titles on the shelf is because they don't sell, and they've made a decision to refrain from buying future releases because it's waste of their money since the books end up collecting dust. So, as an alternative, they'll offer to special order the books that you want. This means you have to wait up to a week to even browse the title, and then when you buy it, you're paying full cover price plus local sales tax.
As an alternative, I can order the same book from Amazon.com at a substantial discount, it will arrive within 2-3 business days, and I'm not paying sales tax (at least, not yet).
It's a tough choice. I don't want to see the local shops dry up and blow away, but I'm also an economically-challenged freelance writer with a family to feed, clothe, and house. Saving even a few bucks, especially on the things I deem to be luxury items, really does add up in the end. Given the choice of buying online or eating Top Ramen every other day, I'll take the online purchases.
If the crowds of boisterous tweens is any indication, this particular game store (which isn't the one I ranted about previously; you remember, the one where the manager got annoyed because I interrupted his EverQuest game to ask if I could book a table for my four-hour TW playtest, and was subsequently told that I couldn't because there was a Pokemon tournie that weekend) has a seemingly healthy corner on the local CCG market. CCGs are renewable income, and the tournaments provide additional cash payments. Are they close enough to bankruptcy that supporting the local RPG community is out of the question?
Which leads me to wonder, is there a local RPG community? If there is, are they not supporting local shops? And if they aren't, are their reasons in any way similar to my own?
It seems that the slippery slope gets slipperier. I hate to be a lukewarm supporter of my local game stores, but it's hard to get behind them when they don't support me, either as an author (by not carrying the products I work on) or as a gamer (by not carrying the products I may be willing to buy).
Not to mention Game Empire, which won't even give up valuable table space to cater to the RPG crowd.
I love the hobby, but I'm a bit frustrated. It's not like this is news, particularly, but it still annoys the snot out of me, and I had to vent a little.
I got out of work early today so that I could pick my boy up at his grandmother's. He and I drove to the local (meaning: less than 20 minutes away) game shop, and the child konked out on the way there. I put him on my shoulder after we'd arrived, and he slept quite peacefully as I browsed the store shelves.
They've got every WFRP title produced thus far at the store, right up to Barony of the Damned, but nothing newer. I sighed, shrugged carefully so as not to wake up the boy, and browsed the board games. The guy behind the counter asked if I was looking for anything specific, and I told him.
First off, he's not familiar with RPGs, and I can cut him slack for it. I know the guy from back when I worked at Game Towne; he was a very loyal customer, and now he's semi-retired and works at this store to pass the time and stay tuned to one of his favorite hobbies. Knowing him, I also know that he's much more a wargamer than anything else. That's fine, since the hobby isn't exactly limited to my own narrow slice of it. So when I mentioned the title, he wasn't familiar with it.
Still, what he said basically boiled down to this: it's not lucrative for the store to buy stock of most RPGs because they don't sell. He offered to order the book for me, in which case I'd get a copy within a week's time.
I thanked him, but since I'm supposed to have a number of complimentary copies coming my way, I'd be better off saving my money for a book that I didn't help to author.
So we get back to the double-edged sword of supporting the friendly local game store (FLGS). I'll be honest: about the only thing I buy at local game stores are minis (collectible and non-collectible), and dice. That's it. I will occasionally buy a board game or card game, because it's generally more economical to buy those locally. I've even been known to buy RPG products at a FLGS; I'm not against it, mind you, but I'm a self-admitted penny pincher.
It makes me wonder, perhaps the only reason the store's got all those spanking new WFRP titles on the shelf is because they don't sell, and they've made a decision to refrain from buying future releases because it's waste of their money since the books end up collecting dust. So, as an alternative, they'll offer to special order the books that you want. This means you have to wait up to a week to even browse the title, and then when you buy it, you're paying full cover price plus local sales tax.
As an alternative, I can order the same book from Amazon.com at a substantial discount, it will arrive within 2-3 business days, and I'm not paying sales tax (at least, not yet).
It's a tough choice. I don't want to see the local shops dry up and blow away, but I'm also an economically-challenged freelance writer with a family to feed, clothe, and house. Saving even a few bucks, especially on the things I deem to be luxury items, really does add up in the end. Given the choice of buying online or eating Top Ramen every other day, I'll take the online purchases.
If the crowds of boisterous tweens is any indication, this particular game store (which isn't the one I ranted about previously; you remember, the one where the manager got annoyed because I interrupted his EverQuest game to ask if I could book a table for my four-hour TW playtest, and was subsequently told that I couldn't because there was a Pokemon tournie that weekend) has a seemingly healthy corner on the local CCG market. CCGs are renewable income, and the tournaments provide additional cash payments. Are they close enough to bankruptcy that supporting the local RPG community is out of the question?
Which leads me to wonder, is there a local RPG community? If there is, are they not supporting local shops? And if they aren't, are their reasons in any way similar to my own?
It seems that the slippery slope gets slipperier. I hate to be a lukewarm supporter of my local game stores, but it's hard to get behind them when they don't support me, either as an author (by not carrying the products I work on) or as a gamer (by not carrying the products I may be willing to buy).
Not to mention Game Empire, which won't even give up valuable table space to cater to the RPG crowd.
I love the hobby, but I'm a bit frustrated. It's not like this is news, particularly, but it still annoys the snot out of me, and I had to vent a little.
05 July 2006
Ashamed of the Game
I read a post today on RPG.net, and it got me to thinking. Am I ashamed of the fact that I'm a gamer?
The short answer: no, I am not.
I've never been particularly shy about letting people know that I'm a gamer. At the most, I'm no more shy about telling folks that I play D&D than I am about telling them that I do this, that, or the other thing. What's to hide? If it comes up in a conversation -- if someone is really interested enough to ask me -- I'll tell them flat out: I play RPGs and I write RPGs.
Now, in my experience, when it does come up in casual conversation with non-gamers, they do one of two things: they nod, smile, and move the conversation on; or, if they have an interest, they'll ask for details.
In either case, I've opened up a virtual Pandora's Box for them. It's rare that anyone will care to ask more than a couple of questions, and if they do, that's fine. I'll try to make sure I don't get too in-depth; let's face it, some of the minute details of gaming can be pretty damn boring, even to gamers.
I've only ever managed to cultivate a couple of new players in this fashion, and these were people who'd gamed earlier in their lives, but had since lost touch with the hobby and wanted to try their hand at it again. Recruiting new players from the ranks of non-gamers seems to be a rare occurance. Why? Beats me; maybe the stereotype of "gamer = geek/nerd" is ingrained in their consciousness, and God forbid that anyone do something that is considered geeky by the rank and file.
Is gaming geeky? You might as well ask yourself if Chess, Checkers, Monopoly, Clue, The Game of Life, Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, Jenga, Twister, or any one of a number of common family board games are geeky. What makes these games socially acceptable/mainstream, while role-playing or wargames are "fringe"? Is it because the latter are more visibly keyed to "make believe," and "make believe" is a childish pasttime?
I think that some gamers feel persecuted. There's this racial memory (or something) stemming from the days of Pat Pulling and BADD. It constantly crops up on message boards, and the argument that RPGs are somehow evil or Satanic or involve real magic has been debunked so many times by so many qualified individuals that it seems like an exercise in self-validation to continually bring it up in public forums.
When was the last time that gaming was portrayed in the mainstream media in a negative light? I'm not talking about the occasional 700 Club expose on evil role-players or the Vampire card game; I'm talking about Dan Rather telling the American people that Satan is amongst us in the form of dice-wielding nerds. I can't recall anything recent; which isn't to say that there hasn't been something, but I'm sure it would've been transmitted through the grapevine by now.
So why the bum rap, both within the hobby and without? Is the bum rap from without merely our own self-persecution or "gamer pride" coming to the fore, uninvited and unprovoked? Or is there really some threat from beyond?
Concerning my own habit of speaking plainly about my gaming hobby, there are folks in my workplace who know about it. A couple of them will occasionally tease me, and this is easy enough to shrug off. They mean it in a good-natured kind of way (at least, I hope they do), so it's easy to ignore or laugh at.
Being involved in a hobby -- any hobby -- can lead to extremist attitudes. Someone who rides his bike religiously, participates in marathons or races, and who has a life-sized sculpture of Lance Armstrong in their den might be perceived as strange, too. Still, biking (or skiing, or surfing, etc.) are physical activities that are accepted enough to see prime time on television. Poker, as well, is something that you can tune into, though I wouldn't necessarily peg it as my kind of spectator sport.
When was the last time someone televised a D&D game? I'd like to see that, even though I'll be the first to admit that it'd probably be really boring unless the production values were through the roof. Like Poker, I don't see D&D as a spectator sport, either.
As far as inducting non-gamers into the hobby, I can't say I haven't tried. I'd never ask someone I'd just met if they'd want to play in my group, whether they were a gamer or not. I need to know what sort of person they are, what their likes and dislikes are, before I even begin to consider adding them to the roster. Even then, they'd have to express an interest for me to broach the subject.
Once more, I'm off on a rant. Heh. Enough grandstanding. My lunch hour is just about up, though, so maybe I'll touch on this more later on.
The short answer: no, I am not.
I've never been particularly shy about letting people know that I'm a gamer. At the most, I'm no more shy about telling folks that I play D&D than I am about telling them that I do this, that, or the other thing. What's to hide? If it comes up in a conversation -- if someone is really interested enough to ask me -- I'll tell them flat out: I play RPGs and I write RPGs.
Now, in my experience, when it does come up in casual conversation with non-gamers, they do one of two things: they nod, smile, and move the conversation on; or, if they have an interest, they'll ask for details.
In either case, I've opened up a virtual Pandora's Box for them. It's rare that anyone will care to ask more than a couple of questions, and if they do, that's fine. I'll try to make sure I don't get too in-depth; let's face it, some of the minute details of gaming can be pretty damn boring, even to gamers.
I've only ever managed to cultivate a couple of new players in this fashion, and these were people who'd gamed earlier in their lives, but had since lost touch with the hobby and wanted to try their hand at it again. Recruiting new players from the ranks of non-gamers seems to be a rare occurance. Why? Beats me; maybe the stereotype of "gamer = geek/nerd" is ingrained in their consciousness, and God forbid that anyone do something that is considered geeky by the rank and file.
Is gaming geeky? You might as well ask yourself if Chess, Checkers, Monopoly, Clue, The Game of Life, Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, Jenga, Twister, or any one of a number of common family board games are geeky. What makes these games socially acceptable/mainstream, while role-playing or wargames are "fringe"? Is it because the latter are more visibly keyed to "make believe," and "make believe" is a childish pasttime?
I think that some gamers feel persecuted. There's this racial memory (or something) stemming from the days of Pat Pulling and BADD. It constantly crops up on message boards, and the argument that RPGs are somehow evil or Satanic or involve real magic has been debunked so many times by so many qualified individuals that it seems like an exercise in self-validation to continually bring it up in public forums.
When was the last time that gaming was portrayed in the mainstream media in a negative light? I'm not talking about the occasional 700 Club expose on evil role-players or the Vampire card game; I'm talking about Dan Rather telling the American people that Satan is amongst us in the form of dice-wielding nerds. I can't recall anything recent; which isn't to say that there hasn't been something, but I'm sure it would've been transmitted through the grapevine by now.
So why the bum rap, both within the hobby and without? Is the bum rap from without merely our own self-persecution or "gamer pride" coming to the fore, uninvited and unprovoked? Or is there really some threat from beyond?
Concerning my own habit of speaking plainly about my gaming hobby, there are folks in my workplace who know about it. A couple of them will occasionally tease me, and this is easy enough to shrug off. They mean it in a good-natured kind of way (at least, I hope they do), so it's easy to ignore or laugh at.
Being involved in a hobby -- any hobby -- can lead to extremist attitudes. Someone who rides his bike religiously, participates in marathons or races, and who has a life-sized sculpture of Lance Armstrong in their den might be perceived as strange, too. Still, biking (or skiing, or surfing, etc.) are physical activities that are accepted enough to see prime time on television. Poker, as well, is something that you can tune into, though I wouldn't necessarily peg it as my kind of spectator sport.
When was the last time someone televised a D&D game? I'd like to see that, even though I'll be the first to admit that it'd probably be really boring unless the production values were through the roof. Like Poker, I don't see D&D as a spectator sport, either.
As far as inducting non-gamers into the hobby, I can't say I haven't tried. I'd never ask someone I'd just met if they'd want to play in my group, whether they were a gamer or not. I need to know what sort of person they are, what their likes and dislikes are, before I even begin to consider adding them to the roster. Even then, they'd have to express an interest for me to broach the subject.
Once more, I'm off on a rant. Heh. Enough grandstanding. My lunch hour is just about up, though, so maybe I'll touch on this more later on.
04 July 2006
I Am Fortunate
Why?
From a personal standpoint:
I have a great family. My wife and son povide me with no shortage of love, happiness, and support. My mother is always there when I need her.
I have wonderful friends, both locally and abroad. No matter the distance, I can always count on them for advice, information, or a friendly chat.
I've got a good job. I don't make six figures a year, but I'm still able to afford little luxuries here and there; a show, a nice dinner out, an iced latte at the coffee shop.
From a professional standpoint:
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with many gifted authors and designers on projects (and products) that I believe in.
I have been able to write for some great game companies, such as (in no specific or particular order) Green Ronin, the Game Mechanics, Wizards of the Coast, Fantasy Flight Games, Black Industries, and Silverthorne Games. These companies are all top notch, they pay on time, and they support their freelancers.
Most of all, I've been able to create a small niche for myself in an industry that has been a part of my life, in one form or another, since I was in grade school.
The reason I'm posting this is because it's easy for me to lose sight of the fundamental things that make my day to day existence enjoyable and interesting. Life isn't all fun and games, and I get distracted by the daily worries that haunt us all: bills, taxes, traffic, world affairs, politics (God forbid), aches, pains, and age.
Wait...it's Independence Day, not Thanksgiving...
From a personal standpoint:
I have a great family. My wife and son povide me with no shortage of love, happiness, and support. My mother is always there when I need her.
I have wonderful friends, both locally and abroad. No matter the distance, I can always count on them for advice, information, or a friendly chat.
I've got a good job. I don't make six figures a year, but I'm still able to afford little luxuries here and there; a show, a nice dinner out, an iced latte at the coffee shop.
From a professional standpoint:
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with many gifted authors and designers on projects (and products) that I believe in.
I have been able to write for some great game companies, such as (in no specific or particular order) Green Ronin, the Game Mechanics, Wizards of the Coast, Fantasy Flight Games, Black Industries, and Silverthorne Games. These companies are all top notch, they pay on time, and they support their freelancers.
Most of all, I've been able to create a small niche for myself in an industry that has been a part of my life, in one form or another, since I was in grade school.
The reason I'm posting this is because it's easy for me to lose sight of the fundamental things that make my day to day existence enjoyable and interesting. Life isn't all fun and games, and I get distracted by the daily worries that haunt us all: bills, taxes, traffic, world affairs, politics (God forbid), aches, pains, and age.
Wait...it's Independence Day, not Thanksgiving...
03 July 2006
Just For Fun...
I've no idea how accurate this is, but...
You scored as Storyteller. You're more inclined toward the role playing side of the equation and less interested in numbers or experience points. You're quick to compromise if you can help move the story forward, and get bored when the game slows down for a long planning session. You want to play out a story that moves like it's orchestrated by a skilled novelist or film director.
Law's Game Style
created with QuizFarm.com
So that's my score. How about you?
Tactician | 83% | ||
Storyteller | 83% | ||
Method Actor | 67% | ||
Specialist | 58% | ||
Butt-Kicker | 50% | ||
Power Gamer | 42% | ||
Casual Gamer | 17% |
Law's Game Style
created with QuizFarm.com
So that's my score. How about you?
23 June 2006
Time To Get Cracking
I have decided that it is time for me to go back into overdrive. Work lately has been sporadic, due in part to my birthday blues. It's time to get the old motivation back, to live up to some kind of ideal. After all, there is work to be done.
You might recall I was tired yesterday. I went home after work and had a short nap, and once the boy was down to bed at 7:00, I went back to bed and slept until 5:30am (with a brief spell of activity between 10 and 11). I feel better for the sleep, though I'm still a bit tired.
You might recall I was tired yesterday. I went home after work and had a short nap, and once the boy was down to bed at 7:00, I went back to bed and slept until 5:30am (with a brief spell of activity between 10 and 11). I feel better for the sleep, though I'm still a bit tired.
22 June 2006
Drag Arse Tired
I've got another fifteen minutes until my lunch hour expires. I should've spent it sleeping. My son continued to be sick and cranky last night, a condition brought on by an adverse reaction to a recent innoculation. I didn't get to bed until about midnight, and he was restless and fussy much of the night (which kept both my wife and I on pins and needles).
Sleep? I have a vague memory of what it must be like.
He does seem to have improved somewhat, so here's hoping that tonight is a bit more restful than the past two nights have been. As tempting as it is for me to beg my manager to let me go home early, I can't really afford to do that.
If I can manage to get a nap in after work, I plan to go to the coffee shop and get some work done tonight.
So that's that for the time being. I'll be in touch...
Sleep? I have a vague memory of what it must be like.
He does seem to have improved somewhat, so here's hoping that tonight is a bit more restful than the past two nights have been. As tempting as it is for me to beg my manager to let me go home early, I can't really afford to do that.
If I can manage to get a nap in after work, I plan to go to the coffee shop and get some work done tonight.
So that's that for the time being. I'll be in touch...
21 June 2006
Comp Copy Update
No, I haven't received my copies of CotHR (or of TiT, for that matter).
However, I did hear back from Black Industries, and I guess I should expect them to be sent out soon. It's not exactly the, "They're in the mail, and you should get them any day," answer that I wanted, but it's far better than, "We decided to donate your comps to a local animal shelter for use as cage-lining."
I'm staggering through the day in a sleep-deprived haze right now. The boy has been sick since last night, after suffering a reaction to his latest bout of innoculations. Unfortunately, there's not much we can do but administer Tylenol and TLC in equal doses. Should I go out to write tonight, I fear that I will merely end up shorting out my laptop when the drool from my slack jaw pours out onto it.
Campbell's chicken and stars soup for lunch. Yum!
However, I did hear back from Black Industries, and I guess I should expect them to be sent out soon. It's not exactly the, "They're in the mail, and you should get them any day," answer that I wanted, but it's far better than, "We decided to donate your comps to a local animal shelter for use as cage-lining."
I'm staggering through the day in a sleep-deprived haze right now. The boy has been sick since last night, after suffering a reaction to his latest bout of innoculations. Unfortunately, there's not much we can do but administer Tylenol and TLC in equal doses. Should I go out to write tonight, I fear that I will merely end up shorting out my laptop when the drool from my slack jaw pours out onto it.
Campbell's chicken and stars soup for lunch. Yum!
18 June 2006
Getting Started is (Often) the Hardest Part
I tell you, I've been tired lately, and not a little bit down in the dumps. It's that damned birthday coming, I tell you. At least I don't lie about my age (though there was a time when I was certain that I was a year older than I actually was; what a relief it was to find out the truth!).
Anyway, I'm sitting in the local coffee shop, outlining some work, sipping an iced coffee, and trying to settle into ye olde writing mode. Some days it's easier said than done.
Oh, by the way. To those who might be interested, I've been to every game store in the county and I haven't seen a single copy of Children of the Horned Rat on the shelves. Amazon lists it for sale, with a 24 hour turn-around. I'm not sure what this means. Maybe someone can enlighten me?
In any case, it's Father's Day here in the States. My wife took me out for sushi last night to honor my second Father's Day, leaving our son at home with his uncle in the babysitting role. The sushi was good, and it was nice to have some time alone with my gal. Given that I've got other things on my mind, it's not always easy for me to enjoy the time we have together.
This morning, my son and I went to my mother's place, and I cooked breakfast for my stepdad. It turned out well enough, for your typical cholesterol-laden morning meal.
What was I saying about writing? Oh, yeah. I guess I'd better get to it. Chop, chop.
Anyway, I'm sitting in the local coffee shop, outlining some work, sipping an iced coffee, and trying to settle into ye olde writing mode. Some days it's easier said than done.
Oh, by the way. To those who might be interested, I've been to every game store in the county and I haven't seen a single copy of Children of the Horned Rat on the shelves. Amazon lists it for sale, with a 24 hour turn-around. I'm not sure what this means. Maybe someone can enlighten me?
In any case, it's Father's Day here in the States. My wife took me out for sushi last night to honor my second Father's Day, leaving our son at home with his uncle in the babysitting role. The sushi was good, and it was nice to have some time alone with my gal. Given that I've got other things on my mind, it's not always easy for me to enjoy the time we have together.
This morning, my son and I went to my mother's place, and I cooked breakfast for my stepdad. It turned out well enough, for your typical cholesterol-laden morning meal.
What was I saying about writing? Oh, yeah. I guess I'd better get to it. Chop, chop.
17 June 2006
One Night in Sanctuary Pre-Indy Playtest
I've managed to recruit a group of local gamers to help me playtest the Thieves' World scenario I'm going to be running at Gen Con this summer. I'd planned to run the game at a local shop, Game Empire, which is more or less central to the folks who will be playing.
Unfortunately, it appears as if weekends are the time of tournies at the game store, and the management won't allow me to reserve a table for the four-hour event. I was told to call in the afternoon so see if tables were available; this doesn't do me much good, because it means that any manner of planning with a coherent schedule is impossible. The other option, I was told, is to run the game during the week. Fat chance, considering work schedules.
The manager of the store (I reckon; if not a manager, he was still someone in authority) was playing a computer game in the back, and seemed somewhat annoyed that the employee who was helping me would be bothering him about this. Wonderful customer service, that. I've got no problem with the fellow who took time to help me out, but the manager's obvious unwillingness to help -- or, at the least, to be congenial about the question -- was all too obvious. Color me unimpressed.
If I needed another reason to shop for my game books on Amazon, Game Empire's management has handed it to me. Let's see what Amazon has going for it.
Reduced pricing? Check.
Large selection? Check.
No need to drive thirty miles to browse the shelves? Check.
Oh, and no need to deal with owners/managers who would rather play video games than help a long-time customer out? Check!
Allow me to be somewhat annoyed. I understand that these miniatures and Pokemon tournaments bring the store money, but at the price of alienating patrons who don't play those types of games. The store has a pretty large room set aside, but it's not big enough, I guess.
There are few enough game stores of quality in the area these days. The one most local to myself, Pair A Dice Games, is geared heavily towards CCGs. Game Empire, obviously, is more worried about customers who play minis and Pokemon. Game Towne, my former employer (in the distant mists of time), has recently closed down its tiny little game room (according to the rumors I'm hearing). Not many other options remain to me.
Unfortunately, it appears as if weekends are the time of tournies at the game store, and the management won't allow me to reserve a table for the four-hour event. I was told to call in the afternoon so see if tables were available; this doesn't do me much good, because it means that any manner of planning with a coherent schedule is impossible. The other option, I was told, is to run the game during the week. Fat chance, considering work schedules.
The manager of the store (I reckon; if not a manager, he was still someone in authority) was playing a computer game in the back, and seemed somewhat annoyed that the employee who was helping me would be bothering him about this. Wonderful customer service, that. I've got no problem with the fellow who took time to help me out, but the manager's obvious unwillingness to help -- or, at the least, to be congenial about the question -- was all too obvious. Color me unimpressed.
If I needed another reason to shop for my game books on Amazon, Game Empire's management has handed it to me. Let's see what Amazon has going for it.
Reduced pricing? Check.
Large selection? Check.
No need to drive thirty miles to browse the shelves? Check.
Oh, and no need to deal with owners/managers who would rather play video games than help a long-time customer out? Check!
Allow me to be somewhat annoyed. I understand that these miniatures and Pokemon tournaments bring the store money, but at the price of alienating patrons who don't play those types of games. The store has a pretty large room set aside, but it's not big enough, I guess.
There are few enough game stores of quality in the area these days. The one most local to myself, Pair A Dice Games, is geared heavily towards CCGs. Game Empire, obviously, is more worried about customers who play minis and Pokemon. Game Towne, my former employer (in the distant mists of time), has recently closed down its tiny little game room (according to the rumors I'm hearing). Not many other options remain to me.
15 June 2006
Hand of Shadow At Print
As mentioned a couple of weeks ago on Against the Shadow, Hand of Shadow is at print. Amazon.com lists a street date of June 25th.
14 June 2006
On the Cusp of Thirty-Three
I'll be turning 33 in just over two weeks. Another year behind, and who knows how many more years ahead. Not to mention, Father's Day is this Sunday. It will be my second Father's Day as a father.
It's hard to believe how fast time is passing. Used to be a month was a long time, and a year...well, a year was an eternity. No longer is this the case. The older I get, the faster my life seems to slip away. It's like the vortex around the drain at the bottom of a bathtub: the closer you get to the center, the faster 'round you go.
I got an email from Amazon.com this morning, suggesting that I order a copy of Children of the Horned Rat, since I've previously ordered WFRP products. I was like, "Hey, no fair. I wrote it!" Well, part of it, at any rate. I keep having dreams (nightmares?) that my copies of the book show up, but I can't recognize any of the writing as my own.
This little evil test is making the rounds. I figure I'll join in and show you folks just how benign I actually am. It's sort of embarassing.
I've been reading a lot lately. Not "a lot" compared to some folks, but for me, yes. Good stuff, too. Unfortunately, it's research for a project and I can't really divulge what it is I'm reading up on. I'm such a tease.
So, GenCon comes closer to being a reality. I've recruited a crew of strangers for a pre-con playtest of my Thieves' World scenario. All I need to do now is nail down a venue for the playtest to take place. I'm aiming for Game Empire, a FLGS down in Clairemont Mesa. I need to head down there soon and see what I can dig up on reserving a table...if that's even possible.
And so it goes. I guess I should get back to work.
It's hard to believe how fast time is passing. Used to be a month was a long time, and a year...well, a year was an eternity. No longer is this the case. The older I get, the faster my life seems to slip away. It's like the vortex around the drain at the bottom of a bathtub: the closer you get to the center, the faster 'round you go.
I got an email from Amazon.com this morning, suggesting that I order a copy of Children of the Horned Rat, since I've previously ordered WFRP products. I was like, "Hey, no fair. I wrote it!" Well, part of it, at any rate. I keep having dreams (nightmares?) that my copies of the book show up, but I can't recognize any of the writing as my own.
This little evil test is making the rounds. I figure I'll join in and show you folks just how benign I actually am. It's sort of embarassing.
| You Are 28% Evil |
 A bit of evil lurks in your heart, but you hide it well. In some ways, you are the most dangerous kind of evil. |
I've been reading a lot lately. Not "a lot" compared to some folks, but for me, yes. Good stuff, too. Unfortunately, it's research for a project and I can't really divulge what it is I'm reading up on. I'm such a tease.
So, GenCon comes closer to being a reality. I've recruited a crew of strangers for a pre-con playtest of my Thieves' World scenario. All I need to do now is nail down a venue for the playtest to take place. I'm aiming for Game Empire, a FLGS down in Clairemont Mesa. I need to head down there soon and see what I can dig up on reserving a table...if that's even possible.
And so it goes. I guess I should get back to work.
02 June 2006
My iPod as a Magic Eight Ball
I don't own an iPod, but I do have iTunes. So...check this out. It doesn't really make much sense, but maybe I can overanalyze it into doing so. My comments (if any) are in italics. The titles don't always hold us much weight as the songs themselves.
Instructions: Go to your music player of choice and put it on shuffle. Say the following questions aloud, and press play. Use the song title as the answer to the question. NO CHEATING.
How does the world see you?
Wiser Time – The Black Crowes
Ummmm...ooookay. Let me think about this. Moving forward, not looking back?
Will I have a happy life?
Close (to the Edit) – Art of Noise
Not many words to speak of here (except for the occasional, "Hey!" or "Tra la la"), so I guess since the song makes me happy...I guess the answer is yes? Either that, or I won't be happy until I've closed (to the edit) or drawn closer to some ephemeral edge.
What do my friends really think of me?
A View to a Kill – Duran Duran
I was voted "Most Likely To Become An International Spy" in my senior year.
Do people secretly lust after me?
Kizmiaz – The Cramps
I guess not.
How can I make myself happy?
Threshold – Front Line Assembly
A song about political corruption, martyrs...ultimately, a pretty depressing techno-industrial tune, and not altogether promising.
What should I do with my life?
Eat Steel - GWAR
Should I be eating the steel, or making other people eat the steel? Now I'm confused.
Will I ever have children?
This Was My Life - Megadeth
It's obvious that I've had children. Perhaps this means that my life was leading up to having kids..? Or, perhaps, my life is now going to be all about my kid(s).
What is some good advice for me?
Golgotha Tenement Blues – Machines of Loving Grace
This seems to tell me to stay the heck away from the big city. Another not-so-happy song.
How will I be remembered?
Prophecy – Queensryche
It's not like I'm Nostradamus or anything.
What is my signature song?
Canary in a Coal Mine – The Police
Ah, finally, something I can agree with.
What do I think my current theme song is?
No Sign of Yesterday (live) – Men At Work
My loves of yesterday, lost and forgotten?
What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
Sick of You – GWAR
Oh, please. I'm not that big a jerk. I don't think.
What song will play at my funeral?
Brother (unplugged) – Alice in Chains
I guess I don't get this one, either. It's not as if I'm estranged from my family or anything.
What type of men/women do I like?
The Happiest Days of Our Lives – Pink Floyd
If this is to be read rightly, I guess it means I like school-age ladies. Or school teachers. Hrm.
What is my day going to be like?
Submerged – Synaesthesia
Ambient music, so no lyrics to interpret. Does this mean I'll be drowning in a short while? Or, more likely, I'll be drenched in sweat (as I'm wearing the uniform tomorrow).
In any case, I call B.S. Yet it does prove how absolutely bored I am, if I'm willing to run the thing, post it, and then (to make matters worse) try to shoehorn meaning into it.
I'm going to bed now.
Instructions: Go to your music player of choice and put it on shuffle. Say the following questions aloud, and press play. Use the song title as the answer to the question. NO CHEATING.
How does the world see you?
Wiser Time – The Black Crowes
Ummmm...ooookay. Let me think about this. Moving forward, not looking back?
Will I have a happy life?
Close (to the Edit) – Art of Noise
Not many words to speak of here (except for the occasional, "Hey!" or "Tra la la"), so I guess since the song makes me happy...I guess the answer is yes? Either that, or I won't be happy until I've closed (to the edit) or drawn closer to some ephemeral edge.
What do my friends really think of me?
A View to a Kill – Duran Duran
I was voted "Most Likely To Become An International Spy" in my senior year.
Do people secretly lust after me?
Kizmiaz – The Cramps
I guess not.
How can I make myself happy?
Threshold – Front Line Assembly
A song about political corruption, martyrs...ultimately, a pretty depressing techno-industrial tune, and not altogether promising.
What should I do with my life?
Eat Steel - GWAR
Should I be eating the steel, or making other people eat the steel? Now I'm confused.
Will I ever have children?
This Was My Life - Megadeth
It's obvious that I've had children. Perhaps this means that my life was leading up to having kids..? Or, perhaps, my life is now going to be all about my kid(s).
What is some good advice for me?
Golgotha Tenement Blues – Machines of Loving Grace
This seems to tell me to stay the heck away from the big city. Another not-so-happy song.
How will I be remembered?
Prophecy – Queensryche
It's not like I'm Nostradamus or anything.
What is my signature song?
Canary in a Coal Mine – The Police
Ah, finally, something I can agree with.
What do I think my current theme song is?
No Sign of Yesterday (live) – Men At Work
My loves of yesterday, lost and forgotten?
What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
Sick of You – GWAR
Oh, please. I'm not that big a jerk. I don't think.
What song will play at my funeral?
Brother (unplugged) – Alice in Chains
I guess I don't get this one, either. It's not as if I'm estranged from my family or anything.
What type of men/women do I like?
The Happiest Days of Our Lives – Pink Floyd
If this is to be read rightly, I guess it means I like school-age ladies. Or school teachers. Hrm.
What is my day going to be like?
Submerged – Synaesthesia
Ambient music, so no lyrics to interpret. Does this mean I'll be drowning in a short while? Or, more likely, I'll be drenched in sweat (as I'm wearing the uniform tomorrow).
In any case, I call B.S. Yet it does prove how absolutely bored I am, if I'm willing to run the thing, post it, and then (to make matters worse) try to shoehorn meaning into it.
I'm going to bed now.
I'm Still Waiting
To see a copy of Children of the Horned Rat, that is. From his posts on RPGnet, Steve Darlington is just as bereft of his comp copies as I am of mine.
The sad truth about freelance writing and complimentary copies of the products you produce is that you rarely (if ever) get to see them before they are released to the general public. On one hand, this is hardly an issue; technically, I am able to see these books, albeit in a somewhat raw and fragmentary format, months before the average gamer will be able to slap down his money to purchase a copy.
On the other hand, it's almost like fathering a child, yet having to wait until the rest of the family gets to see it before you do. You'd love to be handing out cigars, but you don't know if the baby is a boy or a girl yet. You hear a lot of things from the folks who've seen the kid: "Oh, it's just adorable!" or "It's got its father's eyes!" but you've no way to make your own judgements on the baby's appearance. For all you know, it was born with six eyes, buck teeth, and an extra nipple.
I very much doubt that Children is a book I'll be ashamed of. From what I've seen (of the final drafts, way back when), it's going to be on par with the incredible standards of quality and excellence that is practically synonymous with both Green Ronin and Black Industries. That fact makes the waiting even more miserable than it would be if I didn't give a toot one way or the other.
And so I whine, on and on.
This weekend, I start (and finish) work on another non-RPG project before going back to the figurative trenches of Ye Olde Uber-Secret Booke. It was tough to get rolling, but now that I've made some progress I'm feeling a bit more confident about the whole thing.
Break is over. Back to work. See you on the flip side.
The sad truth about freelance writing and complimentary copies of the products you produce is that you rarely (if ever) get to see them before they are released to the general public. On one hand, this is hardly an issue; technically, I am able to see these books, albeit in a somewhat raw and fragmentary format, months before the average gamer will be able to slap down his money to purchase a copy.On the other hand, it's almost like fathering a child, yet having to wait until the rest of the family gets to see it before you do. You'd love to be handing out cigars, but you don't know if the baby is a boy or a girl yet. You hear a lot of things from the folks who've seen the kid: "Oh, it's just adorable!" or "It's got its father's eyes!" but you've no way to make your own judgements on the baby's appearance. For all you know, it was born with six eyes, buck teeth, and an extra nipple.
I very much doubt that Children is a book I'll be ashamed of. From what I've seen (of the final drafts, way back when), it's going to be on par with the incredible standards of quality and excellence that is practically synonymous with both Green Ronin and Black Industries. That fact makes the waiting even more miserable than it would be if I didn't give a toot one way or the other.
And so I whine, on and on.
This weekend, I start (and finish) work on another non-RPG project before going back to the figurative trenches of Ye Olde Uber-Secret Booke. It was tough to get rolling, but now that I've made some progress I'm feeling a bit more confident about the whole thing.
Break is over. Back to work. See you on the flip side.
30 May 2006
CotHR Is Out
That's the rumor, anyway. I found this out last week, but I've been lax in my blogging duties lately. I'm very excited about this book; it's been a long time coming, and I wonder when I'll be able to page through it myself and see how it looks, smells, etc.
It's the finished product that always chokes me up, you know. The work, well, it's work, and it's not like it always comes easily. Children was one of those books that was fun to write, so I'm sure I'll get shivers up my spine the moment I crack the cover and get my first whiff of fresh ink.
Anyway...I'll post more later. Maybe.
It's the finished product that always chokes me up, you know. The work, well, it's work, and it's not like it always comes easily. Children was one of those books that was fun to write, so I'm sure I'll get shivers up my spine the moment I crack the cover and get my first whiff of fresh ink.
Anyway...I'll post more later. Maybe.
23 May 2006
It's Too Quiet
You can reckon that when it's quiet, I'm either busy or I'm being lazy. In this case, it's a combination of the two. Am I busy? Certainly. I've also been ignoring a few things that I probably shouldn't be ignoring (which includes about 95% of the non-spam email I get).
The day job is draining me dry lately. The company I work for is relocating this coming weekend, and it seems like the past 45 days have been filled with the constant uphill struggle of preparing for the move. It'll be nice to be snug in our new facility. The old one leaves something to be desired.
On the writing front, it's that top secret project. I'm also going to be helping out with another CCG, which is light work that pays real well. Knock on wood.
Over at Against the Shadow, there's been a post by one of the members where he gives Legends of Shadow a pretty critical/negative review. I'm never one to debate reviews with fans (or non-fans, as the case may be) because, frankly, I'm too close to the project to be completely objective. I don't think that it would be professional for me to offer a rebuttal, even if I wanted to.
I did respond to his post, though, mostly to let him know that I was the one who wrote such-and-such chapter, and not one of the other authors. The way I see it, I don't mind if folks know who to blame for this chapter or that. More power to them, I suppose.
Back to the subject of reviews, yeah. I won't say I've had tons of my work reviewed critically in the past, but I decided a long time back to expect slings and arrows from opinionated people. Anyone who hangs their chin out in any creative field, be they artists or writers or whatever, should expect to get slapped in the face once in a while.
As tempting as it may be to use this forum to express my opinions on Legends in comparison with those that have been posted at ATS over the past few days, I will refrain and refer to the above statement: I'm too close to the project to be objective, even if I wanted to be.
Back to real life, for the moment. Tonight: writing. Tomorrow: writing. The day after that: writing. You get the idea.
The day job is draining me dry lately. The company I work for is relocating this coming weekend, and it seems like the past 45 days have been filled with the constant uphill struggle of preparing for the move. It'll be nice to be snug in our new facility. The old one leaves something to be desired.
On the writing front, it's that top secret project. I'm also going to be helping out with another CCG, which is light work that pays real well. Knock on wood.
Over at Against the Shadow, there's been a post by one of the members where he gives Legends of Shadow a pretty critical/negative review. I'm never one to debate reviews with fans (or non-fans, as the case may be) because, frankly, I'm too close to the project to be completely objective. I don't think that it would be professional for me to offer a rebuttal, even if I wanted to.
I did respond to his post, though, mostly to let him know that I was the one who wrote such-and-such chapter, and not one of the other authors. The way I see it, I don't mind if folks know who to blame for this chapter or that. More power to them, I suppose.
Back to the subject of reviews, yeah. I won't say I've had tons of my work reviewed critically in the past, but I decided a long time back to expect slings and arrows from opinionated people. Anyone who hangs their chin out in any creative field, be they artists or writers or whatever, should expect to get slapped in the face once in a while.
As tempting as it may be to use this forum to express my opinions on Legends in comparison with those that have been posted at ATS over the past few days, I will refrain and refer to the above statement: I'm too close to the project to be objective, even if I wanted to be.
Back to real life, for the moment. Tonight: writing. Tomorrow: writing. The day after that: writing. You get the idea.
04 May 2006
Star Wars OT
Well, as this news item on CNN goes to show, I ain't never. Such good news has rarely been heard by my ears. I've thus far refused to buy the Special Edition of the trilogy, and with the impending release of the original theatrical release of the movies, I'll finally be able to show my little boy the movies as I saw them when I was just a sprout.So...in a word: awesome.
02 May 2006
More CotHR Previews
Black Industries has posted two more previews of Children of the Horned Rat for download. You can find them on their previews page at this link. I'm pretty excited about this book, and can't wait to finally see it in print!
01 May 2006
One-Hundred Days
That's how long we have left before Gen Con indy. I made my flight reservations yesterday. The way I saw it, the seats aren't going to get any cheaper; plus, I'm about a month late buying my airfare compared to last year. The only difference is that this year, I'm paying for them with money I earned writing, as opposed to adding another debit on to my credit card statement.
I checked Gen Con's event listings and found my games. I reckon that since they're listed there, they must be more or less bulletproof. For anyone who plans to be in Indy and who wants to sign up for one of my three Thieves' World sessions, the event numbers are as follows:
RPG01315, 8/10, 4pm - 8pm, "One Night In Sanctuary"
RPG01316, 8/11, 2pm - 6pm, "One Night In Sanctuary"
RPG01317, 8/12, 2pm - 6pm, "One Night In Sanctuary"
One night in Sanctuary makes a hard man humble, and so on and so forth.
The last game of my Midnight campaign went off relatively well on Saturday night. For more details, feel free to check the Shadows of the Past web log.
A co-worker asked me if I find writing to be less fun now that I'm doing it for money. This was due to a discussion we were having about people who say you should try to get a job that you love, and you'll never work a day in your life, and whether or not that's strictly true.
Reflecting on it, writing/game design is work. It always has been. This doesn't mean I don't enjoy it, though I'll admit to enjoying certain aspects of what I do more than others. So long as the enjoyment I feel outweighs the discomfort, I'll continue to do what I do. As time has passed, I've learned tricks that speed up the work, or that make the less-than-fun tasks more tolerable (if not enjoyable).
Gardening, after all, is work; not that I'm a gardener, but I've pulled my share of weeds and mowed my share of lawns. I figure that an avid gardener might enjoy the end result of his toil: the blooms, the vegetables and fruits, and the fresh air and sunshine. In exchange, there's a certain amount of toil that goes into gardening: the weeds I mentioned, the mowing, the pruning, the digging, the manure, the pests.
To me, writing is like gardening. I pull my metaphorical weeds, true, but I also get to smell the flowers. As it stands, the scent of the literary roses, the sight of them in the figurative sunshine, and the allegorical flavor of the fruit, is well worth the labor involved in pulling a few weeds.
Enough for now. Back to work soon. My thirty minute lunch break is nearing its end.
I checked Gen Con's event listings and found my games. I reckon that since they're listed there, they must be more or less bulletproof. For anyone who plans to be in Indy and who wants to sign up for one of my three Thieves' World sessions, the event numbers are as follows:RPG01315, 8/10, 4pm - 8pm, "One Night In Sanctuary"
RPG01316, 8/11, 2pm - 6pm, "One Night In Sanctuary"
RPG01317, 8/12, 2pm - 6pm, "One Night In Sanctuary"
One night in Sanctuary makes a hard man humble, and so on and so forth.
The last game of my Midnight campaign went off relatively well on Saturday night. For more details, feel free to check the Shadows of the Past web log.
A co-worker asked me if I find writing to be less fun now that I'm doing it for money. This was due to a discussion we were having about people who say you should try to get a job that you love, and you'll never work a day in your life, and whether or not that's strictly true.
Reflecting on it, writing/game design is work. It always has been. This doesn't mean I don't enjoy it, though I'll admit to enjoying certain aspects of what I do more than others. So long as the enjoyment I feel outweighs the discomfort, I'll continue to do what I do. As time has passed, I've learned tricks that speed up the work, or that make the less-than-fun tasks more tolerable (if not enjoyable).
Gardening, after all, is work; not that I'm a gardener, but I've pulled my share of weeds and mowed my share of lawns. I figure that an avid gardener might enjoy the end result of his toil: the blooms, the vegetables and fruits, and the fresh air and sunshine. In exchange, there's a certain amount of toil that goes into gardening: the weeds I mentioned, the mowing, the pruning, the digging, the manure, the pests.
To me, writing is like gardening. I pull my metaphorical weeds, true, but I also get to smell the flowers. As it stands, the scent of the literary roses, the sight of them in the figurative sunshine, and the allegorical flavor of the fruit, is well worth the labor involved in pulling a few weeds.
Enough for now. Back to work soon. My thirty minute lunch break is nearing its end.
28 April 2006
My Cup Runneth Over (with Mucus)
I've been sick. I think I mentioned this in my last post; in fact, I'm sure I did. The illness has finally tapered off. Though I'm not entirely comfortable, I am able to function somewhat more effectively than I could at this time last Friday. Only thing is, my respiratory system is producing vast quantities of nasty slime. The sheer amount and varying viscosity of the substance is appalling, especially right after I climb out of bed in the morning.
In a word: disgusting.
In other news, tonight is Alan's Shackled City game. We postponed last Thursday, due to my illness and Adam's required presence in the workplace. We rarely play on Friday nights.
The kicker is that we're also playing the last session of Shadows of the Past tomorrow night. Poor Mike! He'll be coming down two days in a row, at an overall distance driven of 400 miles (both ways). He may as well get a hotel room. Maybe he can sack out on someone's sofa.
So I'm on my break at work, filling ya'll in on the world and how it's been treating me. Which is to say, not bad, but not particularly well. If not for the past nine days of suffering, I'd give it a grade of A-. As it is, I can really only say that the time deserves a collecive D+.
In a word: disgusting.
In other news, tonight is Alan's Shackled City game. We postponed last Thursday, due to my illness and Adam's required presence in the workplace. We rarely play on Friday nights.
The kicker is that we're also playing the last session of Shadows of the Past tomorrow night. Poor Mike! He'll be coming down two days in a row, at an overall distance driven of 400 miles (both ways). He may as well get a hotel room. Maybe he can sack out on someone's sofa.
So I'm on my break at work, filling ya'll in on the world and how it's been treating me. Which is to say, not bad, but not particularly well. If not for the past nine days of suffering, I'd give it a grade of A-. As it is, I can really only say that the time deserves a collecive D+.
23 April 2006
Hand of Shadow
In case you didn't know it, I've been working on my half of Hand of Shadow for the past couple of weeks. I had to do some creative project juggling, but Hand is one of the books I've wanted to do for a while now. The writing is done, now, though I daresay some revision might be in order.Hand of Shadow is liable to be the last Midnight book I work on for a little bit. I've got two fairly large (not to mention, Top Secret) fish to fry in the coming months, one of which is truly massive in scale. When a peer told me early on that this would be a busy year for me, I wasn't aware of just how true his words would ring two or three months later.
I do hope that Fantasy Flight Games sees fit to invite me back for more Midnight projects when the time comes. I've enjoyed working on every single one of them, to one degree or another. I'm not sure if that shows in my writing or not.
In the meantime...I've got to focus on some research now. Keep in touch!
21 April 2006
Children of the Horned Rat Previews
Black Industries has posted a couple of previews for the up-coming WFRP supplement, Children of the Horned Rat, on their web site. In specific, there are excerpts from the book on the preview page, designer notes (written by myself and Steve Darlington), some of the book's art in a new gallery, and some player handouts on their downloads page.Take a look-see!
20 April 2006
Marcus Calls In Sick
I'm going to have to miss tonight's Shackled City game at Alan's place. This is due to a horrible plague that I've been afflicted with, spread to me by my beautiful (yet obviously diseased) son. At least, I'm hoping that whatever it is I've been stricken with is the same thing that he had, because he got over it and I'd like to think that I'll be getting over it soon, too.
So, yeah. My throat is scratchy, my lungs feel like they're full of sand, and I slept for about two hours last night while spending the balance of my time laying there, wishing that it would all end.
I did come to work, though. I'm typing this from my little half-cubicle right now, in fact. Time for lunch, and even though I'm not particularly hungry, I should probably eat.
::whine::
So, yeah. My throat is scratchy, my lungs feel like they're full of sand, and I slept for about two hours last night while spending the balance of my time laying there, wishing that it would all end.
I did come to work, though. I'm typing this from my little half-cubicle right now, in fact. Time for lunch, and even though I'm not particularly hungry, I should probably eat.
::whine::
19 April 2006
Legends of Shadow Comps
My comps of Legends of Shadow are here. I haven't had a spare moment to read the book in depth, but I look forward to doing so.
For now, rest assured that the book looks fabulous.
For now, rest assured that the book looks fabulous.
15 April 2006
Pushing the Envelope of Non-Productivity
Five words:
"I got nothing done today."
Holiday weekends make for busy weekends. Normally, there would be plenty enough daylight left to get some writing in, but I've got company coming in about 90 minutes. Someone tattoo a big "L" on my forehead.
There's always tomorrow. Up at 6am, to the shop by 7am, write until 11am, to Easter dinner at 11:30am, ham and Easter trimmings until 3:30pm, back to the coffee shop by 4pm, and then they close at 7pm.
It sure sounds workable "on paper," but I'm sure something will muck up the plan.
Gary
"I got nothing done today."
Holiday weekends make for busy weekends. Normally, there would be plenty enough daylight left to get some writing in, but I've got company coming in about 90 minutes. Someone tattoo a big "L" on my forehead.
There's always tomorrow. Up at 6am, to the shop by 7am, write until 11am, to Easter dinner at 11:30am, ham and Easter trimmings until 3:30pm, back to the coffee shop by 4pm, and then they close at 7pm.
It sure sounds workable "on paper," but I'm sure something will muck up the plan.
Gary
14 April 2006
Pink Floyd Depresses Me
I really do like the music, though.
I'm already predisposed to a certain amount of gloominess. I don't curl up into a ball and weep; I don't stab myself in the leg repeatedly while flushing the toilet again and again. The romantic part of me wants to say, "It's the poet in me," and leave it at that.
When I write, I listen to music. I've got a vast collection of MP3s (all honestly acquired), so I've got a good selection to choose from. Tonight, I started off with Disturbed, and then switched over to Pink Floyd's Mettle after about a half an hour. I got started late tonight, and odds are that I won't be getting much more done before the coffee shop closes (which is why I'm posting in the first place).
Now, Mettle doesn't really depress me. The top depressing PF albums, IMO, are Dark Side of the Moon, The Final Cut, and The Wall. In that order.
When I'd had my fill of Mettle, I switched over to Dark Side of the Moon. I feel much gloomier now than I did when I arrived. What a silly monkey I am! I should have put on something happy, like Carnival of Chaos by GWAR.
Just rambling, just rambling...
I'm on the final leg of my latest endeavor for the Midnight product line, and I've got a good start. Much of tonight was laying it out, getting an idea of what I'll be doing over the next couple of very busy days. Cripes, I wonder if I'll manage it all.
Tomorrow: laundry and housework, followed by a session of my own Midnight campaign. Sometime, between the chores and the game, I need to sit down and get a few thousand words written.
Sunday: Well, it's Easter. It didn't occur to me that the coffee shop would be keeping wierd holiday hours, but I guess they deserve time off just like everyone else. I'll need to work some writing in then, too, either before or after we head to my mom's place for Easter festivities.
Monday and Tuesday are the last two days I have to devote to this chapter. As long as I can manage to get 65%-70% of the work done this weekend, I should be clear to finish things up early next week. Joy! Rapture!
As it is, I need to save this post and get my stuff packed before they push me out of here with a broom.
I'm already predisposed to a certain amount of gloominess. I don't curl up into a ball and weep; I don't stab myself in the leg repeatedly while flushing the toilet again and again. The romantic part of me wants to say, "It's the poet in me," and leave it at that.
When I write, I listen to music. I've got a vast collection of MP3s (all honestly acquired), so I've got a good selection to choose from. Tonight, I started off with Disturbed, and then switched over to Pink Floyd's Mettle after about a half an hour. I got started late tonight, and odds are that I won't be getting much more done before the coffee shop closes (which is why I'm posting in the first place).
Now, Mettle doesn't really depress me. The top depressing PF albums, IMO, are Dark Side of the Moon, The Final Cut, and The Wall. In that order.
When I'd had my fill of Mettle, I switched over to Dark Side of the Moon. I feel much gloomier now than I did when I arrived. What a silly monkey I am! I should have put on something happy, like Carnival of Chaos by GWAR.
Just rambling, just rambling...
I'm on the final leg of my latest endeavor for the Midnight product line, and I've got a good start. Much of tonight was laying it out, getting an idea of what I'll be doing over the next couple of very busy days. Cripes, I wonder if I'll manage it all.
Tomorrow: laundry and housework, followed by a session of my own Midnight campaign. Sometime, between the chores and the game, I need to sit down and get a few thousand words written.
Sunday: Well, it's Easter. It didn't occur to me that the coffee shop would be keeping wierd holiday hours, but I guess they deserve time off just like everyone else. I'll need to work some writing in then, too, either before or after we head to my mom's place for Easter festivities.
Monday and Tuesday are the last two days I have to devote to this chapter. As long as I can manage to get 65%-70% of the work done this weekend, I should be clear to finish things up early next week. Joy! Rapture!
As it is, I need to save this post and get my stuff packed before they push me out of here with a broom.
12 April 2006
Legends of Shadow Update
Oh, and by the way (when I'm not bitching about word counts)...According to this post on the Against the Shadow forums, Legends of Shadow is shipping. This means that I'll have my comps in hand fairly soon. I hope that my efforts at fleshing out Aradil are met well by the fan base. I'm a bit nervous, and looking back on things, I may have gone a different direction. Hindsight = 20/20, I suppose.
I continue to get Midnight-related work, so I guess my turnover wasn't too horribly terribly bad. Hand of Shadow is a different beast, entirely, and I mean beast.
EVIL
The more copy that I write, the more firmly I believe in an evil entity that forces authors to over-write to one degree or another. I'm sure he's a gleeful little jerk, perched invisibly on the shoulders of folks with serious deadlines and word count restrictions.Two years ago, the fear was thus: "A million words?! Holy pickles! How the hell am I going to write a million words?!"
These days, it sounds more like this: "A million words?! Holy pickles! How the hell am I supposed to keep it under a million words?!"
09 April 2006
A Blur of Typing Fingers
That's what this weekend has been to me. I took two nights off from writing -- Thursday and Friday. I so needed a couple of nights off. Thursday was Alan's Shackled City game, where Adam's bard was smashed into so much pulp. He was, perhaps, destined to meet such an end, considering that his hit points were still in the single-digits at 3rd level.Poor Talmin. We mourn his passing. No longer will he be the butt of many jokes. We will always carry a piece or two of him with us...at least, until we wash our clothes. With the force of the impact from that blow, I'm sure there was a crimson Talmin spritz covering everything within a fifteen foot radius.
Adam will return next time with a magic user, filling a niche in the party that has long been vacant. At last, we'll have some heavy artillery.
Back to writing. My work on the Wizards book was finished a week ago today. I spent the following Monday pitching in on TGM's Arcane Quarter, which should be out fairly soon. It'll be nice to have my name attached to the third in the City Quarters series, regardless of the size of my contribution.I hadn't planned to do any writing on Tuesday, as that was my wedding anniversary, and my wife and I had plans to go out to dinner. Dinner was great, but we managed to get back home before 7pm. I felt obliged to do some work, and so I went over to It's a Grind and made a little progress on the current Midnight project.
That's what I've been doing all weekend, as a matter of fact: making progress on the Midnight project. I've managed to get quite a bit done, which is good; the deadline is fast approaching, and I want to make sure I'm on time with my turnover so that I can go on to the next project I've got lined up.
Nicole at Green Ronin sent me the preliminary game schedule for Gen Con Indy this year. Once it's been approved by the Gen Con folks, I'll make sure I post my game dates and times. In case I hadn't mentioned it early, I'm running Thieves' World for GR, and doing a little bit of work at their booth.
August seems so far away, until it occurs to me that its only four months down the road and we're already four months into 2006. How the hell did that happen? The busier I get, the faster the time seems to pass.
::sigh::By the way, Amy and I picked up a copy of FFG's Fury of Dracula boardgame yesterday. When the game was announced, I read the product page and thought, "Hey, this sounds like Scotland Yard with vampires." Scotland Yard happens to be one of Amy's favorite childhood games, even though I've never tried it. We'll need to iron out a time to try it out at some point.
30 March 2006
"It's Been Comped."
So said Noelle tonight, when I told her I wanted to pay for the latte they gave me at It's a Grind last night.
"Hey!" I protested. "I told Michelle I'd pay for it."
Noelle shook her head. "Too bad."
So that's that, then. I paid for tonight's iced tea and retreated to my corner to write. I certainly hope these folks stick around for a while, and make some sort of profit. After this "royal treatment," I'd hate to have to go back to Borders/Seattle's Best. I'm freakin' spoiled rotten now.
Especially since Jennifer, the owner's daughter, offered to let me stay and work while they were cleaning up this evening. "Thanks for the offer," I said. "I have to go home and spend some quality time with my wife before bedtime." It's nice to know that I don't have to scurry out like a frightened rodent after hours, especially if I'm on a roll.
The Wizards book is, as they say, "In the bag." Another day or two and an art order and I can put it behind me. It's been a relatively interesting project, a positive experience, and a long-term goal achieved. It was a little more mechanics-heavy than I would have preferred, but that's the nature of the d20 beast. Writing for WotC, even in this limited capacity, is a goal that has long been in my sights.
Oh, one other small news item: I went and ordered a slew of D&D books from Amazon tonight. My wife is a temptress. "You earned the money," she said. Which is true. I did earn the money, word by bloody word. Might as well spend it on something game-related for a change.
"Hey!" I protested. "I told Michelle I'd pay for it."
Noelle shook her head. "Too bad."
So that's that, then. I paid for tonight's iced tea and retreated to my corner to write. I certainly hope these folks stick around for a while, and make some sort of profit. After this "royal treatment," I'd hate to have to go back to Borders/Seattle's Best. I'm freakin' spoiled rotten now.
Especially since Jennifer, the owner's daughter, offered to let me stay and work while they were cleaning up this evening. "Thanks for the offer," I said. "I have to go home and spend some quality time with my wife before bedtime." It's nice to know that I don't have to scurry out like a frightened rodent after hours, especially if I'm on a roll.
The Wizards book is, as they say, "In the bag." Another day or two and an art order and I can put it behind me. It's been a relatively interesting project, a positive experience, and a long-term goal achieved. It was a little more mechanics-heavy than I would have preferred, but that's the nature of the d20 beast. Writing for WotC, even in this limited capacity, is a goal that has long been in my sights.
Oh, one other small news item: I went and ordered a slew of D&D books from Amazon tonight. My wife is a temptress. "You earned the money," she said. Which is true. I did earn the money, word by bloody word. Might as well spend it on something game-related for a change.
By Golly, I'm a Coffee-House Regular
Or so it would seem. I've been there just about every night for the past two weeks. The barrista ladies are starting to call me by name.
I went in last night to work on the current project. Before I left, Amy offered to give me a few dollars to buy my coffee with. I declined; I use my ATM card, and besides, she might want to buy some lunch or something with the money.
I arrive, place my order for a triple latte, and pull out my ATM card. "The credit card machine is down," the young lady tells me.
Under normal circumstances, I'd drive the two miles home and get the cash that had been previously offered to me, and then drive back. But the coffee folks wouldn't have any of that, so they gave it to me on the house. Gratis. Free. I insisted that I'd pay them when I go back tonight, but they didn't seem too worried about it.
Try getting that kind of service at Starbucks.
I'm just about done with my work on the WotC book. Next in line is Enter Title Here for Midnight. That'll be fun, but it will also mean some crunch time. I really expected to be done with the Wizards book earlier, but there's no use whining about it now. I've made my bed, and now it's time to sleep in it.
Catch you later...
I went in last night to work on the current project. Before I left, Amy offered to give me a few dollars to buy my coffee with. I declined; I use my ATM card, and besides, she might want to buy some lunch or something with the money.
I arrive, place my order for a triple latte, and pull out my ATM card. "The credit card machine is down," the young lady tells me.
Under normal circumstances, I'd drive the two miles home and get the cash that had been previously offered to me, and then drive back. But the coffee folks wouldn't have any of that, so they gave it to me on the house. Gratis. Free. I insisted that I'd pay them when I go back tonight, but they didn't seem too worried about it.
Try getting that kind of service at Starbucks.
I'm just about done with my work on the WotC book. Next in line is Enter Title Here for Midnight. That'll be fun, but it will also mean some crunch time. I really expected to be done with the Wizards book earlier, but there's no use whining about it now. I've made my bed, and now it's time to sleep in it.
Catch you later...
14 March 2006
Marcus to the Fourth Degree
So my little cleric will be advancing to fourth level, and I've been agonizing over the choices I need to make. I'd originally decided I'd slap a level of fighter on old Marcus when he hit 4th, but I've decided against that and determined that I'll stick with another level of Cleric. Perhaps I'll go with fighter when I hit 5th level, instead.
I suppose I could go through the reasoning, but it comes down to numbers. Mostly, I like the idea of the save increases for both Fortitude and Will. The extra spells are a nice perk, too. Plus, there's the 4th level attribute point, which I'll be sticking into his Wisdom score.
Fighter was appealing from the standpoint of the bonus fighter feat, and I really hadn't considered what that feat might've been. It won't hurt to wait.
In the meantime, I think Marcus needs to invest some of his hard-earned coin in a heavy crossbow. I'm sick and tired of not having some kind of ranged weapon to plink at bad guys.
I suppose I could go through the reasoning, but it comes down to numbers. Mostly, I like the idea of the save increases for both Fortitude and Will. The extra spells are a nice perk, too. Plus, there's the 4th level attribute point, which I'll be sticking into his Wisdom score.
Fighter was appealing from the standpoint of the bonus fighter feat, and I really hadn't considered what that feat might've been. It won't hurt to wait.
In the meantime, I think Marcus needs to invest some of his hard-earned coin in a heavy crossbow. I'm sick and tired of not having some kind of ranged weapon to plink at bad guys.
Interesting News, and a new TTIII Review
It looks like Black Industries has announced the impending release of an RPG of hulking proportions: the Warhammer 40k roleplaying game. Due to be released as three separate games, it looks like it could be a lot of fun. Now, the hard part: waiting until March 2007, when the first core book sees release. This is a game I'd love to play right bleeding now.Read the official press release here.
You'll also find a new review of Template Trove III over at ENWorld. The review, written by Duane Nutley, a Staff Reviewer for d20 Magazine Rack, is very kind to my humble addition to the Template Trove series. It's always nice to see one's work appreciated.
Read the review here.
12 March 2006
A Hard Choice
It's only happened a couple of times before, where I've had to choose between participating in two tasty projects. If I were Superman, I might be able to take on every single project that comes my way. Unfortunately, I'm not, and I can't. I have limits, and I have to be fair to both myself and the folks who pay me to write for them. I have to remain conscious of my limitations as a writer/game designer.
It's a difficult balancing act. As I've continued to write, my confidence in my abilities has grown. I remember when the thought of 7,000 words with a month deadline scared the living daylights out of me. These days, I see 7,000 words as ten days' worth of work (if I'm trying to stay comfortable), and a weekend's worth of work (if I need to crank it out post-haste).
While I try to maintain realistic expectations of my own abilities, I certainly don't want to undercut myself. I am oftentimes (okay: I am always) my own worst critic. It's quite easy for me to convince myself that there's no way I can accomplish a specific task in a set amount of time, much less juggle two or even three projects like some kind of literary acrobat. At the same time, if I can look at the time I have available in conjunction with the word counts and relative complexity of the projects at hand, I can often see ways to make it work with time to spare.
It's not only a matter of knowing how much I can get done, either. I've got a family, and I need to devote a certain amount of time to them, too. Giving them less of me than they deserve or need is just another way of making life harder. Fortunately, my wife is the most understanding person I know; my son seems to be equally forgiving.
So that's the way it goes. Without getting into specifics, I've had to cut myself free of one project in order to work on another. My feelings, all at once, include guilt, elation, trepidation, and relief. It's strange, this emotional rollercoaster that they call freelancing. I suppose that we're all different animals with different creative engines beneath our respective hoods, but I wonder if other writers feel the same way when these things happen to them.
At the present, I'm at the new coffee place. Free wi-fi never felt so good. Another reason to scorn Starbucks and Seattle's Best, with their damnable pay as you go commercial wireless networks.
Last night was Alan's Shackled City game. We were down one player due to rotten luck mixed with slick roads: Adam, my brother in law, had a fender bender on the way to the game, and pulled out in order to get things taken care of. With Mike driving down from Palm Springs, the rest of us decided to play without him. It was a bloody mess, but we performed relatively well, taking the bad guy and his brood down after a tough battle.
Will Marcus make 4th level? Will any of us? Here's hoping. We need as much as we can get. The only choice at that point will be thus: should I continue on as a pure cleric, or add a level of fighter in to boost his martial abilities?
My plan was always to stay along the lines of a cleric/fighter, with the emphasis on cleric. I reckoned the ratio would be 3/1, which means I'm due for a level of fighter-type. I don't expect that the difficulty of the campaign will diminish, and we'll need all the BAB and HP that we can get. Spells are nice, but I tend to go through them so quickly.
Anyway, a picture or two from last night's game, featuring product placement by Alex. Because everyone knows that gamers with taste drink Diet Coke.
It's a difficult balancing act. As I've continued to write, my confidence in my abilities has grown. I remember when the thought of 7,000 words with a month deadline scared the living daylights out of me. These days, I see 7,000 words as ten days' worth of work (if I'm trying to stay comfortable), and a weekend's worth of work (if I need to crank it out post-haste).
While I try to maintain realistic expectations of my own abilities, I certainly don't want to undercut myself. I am oftentimes (okay: I am always) my own worst critic. It's quite easy for me to convince myself that there's no way I can accomplish a specific task in a set amount of time, much less juggle two or even three projects like some kind of literary acrobat. At the same time, if I can look at the time I have available in conjunction with the word counts and relative complexity of the projects at hand, I can often see ways to make it work with time to spare.
It's not only a matter of knowing how much I can get done, either. I've got a family, and I need to devote a certain amount of time to them, too. Giving them less of me than they deserve or need is just another way of making life harder. Fortunately, my wife is the most understanding person I know; my son seems to be equally forgiving.
So that's the way it goes. Without getting into specifics, I've had to cut myself free of one project in order to work on another. My feelings, all at once, include guilt, elation, trepidation, and relief. It's strange, this emotional rollercoaster that they call freelancing. I suppose that we're all different animals with different creative engines beneath our respective hoods, but I wonder if other writers feel the same way when these things happen to them.
At the present, I'm at the new coffee place. Free wi-fi never felt so good. Another reason to scorn Starbucks and Seattle's Best, with their damnable pay as you go commercial wireless networks.
Last night was Alan's Shackled City game. We were down one player due to rotten luck mixed with slick roads: Adam, my brother in law, had a fender bender on the way to the game, and pulled out in order to get things taken care of. With Mike driving down from Palm Springs, the rest of us decided to play without him. It was a bloody mess, but we performed relatively well, taking the bad guy and his brood down after a tough battle.
Will Marcus make 4th level? Will any of us? Here's hoping. We need as much as we can get. The only choice at that point will be thus: should I continue on as a pure cleric, or add a level of fighter in to boost his martial abilities?
My plan was always to stay along the lines of a cleric/fighter, with the emphasis on cleric. I reckoned the ratio would be 3/1, which means I'm due for a level of fighter-type. I don't expect that the difficulty of the campaign will diminish, and we'll need all the BAB and HP that we can get. Spells are nice, but I tend to go through them so quickly.Anyway, a picture or two from last night's game, featuring product placement by Alex. Because everyone knows that gamers with taste drink Diet Coke.
11 March 2006
Latest Release: Future Player's Companion in Print!
The Future Player's Companion is now in print, and should be gracing the shelves of discriminating game stores as I type this. Formerly released in three electronic volumes by The Game Mechanics, the FPCs have been combined into a single book and published by the great folks at Green Ronin. The FPC was written by myself, Neil Spicer, and Rodney Thompson. Anyone who plays d20 Modern or d20 Future (or any combination thereof) should find the book to be indispensable.In other news...
It's not that I've given up writing at Borders/Seattle's Best, but given my near-daily forays into that neck of the woods, I'm starting to dislike the drive. You see, the thing that attracts me to Seattle's Best is the size of the coffee shop. It's large, roomy, with lots of tables. It gets crowded, but the clientelle is rarely obnoxious. I've found that it's easy to go into "writing mode" while I'm there, and I get lots of work done.
As I mentioned, though, there's the drive. With afternoon traffic during the week, it can take me nearly 45 minutes to drive home. Between the time spent in traffic and the horrid price of gasoline, I've started to desire a place that is somewhat closer to home. That's not to say that I haven't tried other places in my neck of the woods. None have made the cut. I've tried a number of the local Starbucks shops, but they're either a) too small, or b) rife with distraction.
So I learned about a week ago that a new coffee shop has opened up just down the street from me, maybe five minutes away. "It's A Grind" looks to be a franchise, though I've never heard of it before. I went in today to give the place a shot, and I found it to be a pretty satisfying place to work.On the plus side, the prices are pretty good (as far as coffee shops go), the coffee I had was tasty, and it wasn't crowded (which is a double-edged sword; there needs to be a steady stream of customers to keep the place in business). The folks who were there (the barrista girls and a few customer-types, including a few local cops) weren't obnoxious. On the down side, it's a smallish place. There are two tables near the rear of the place, by the restrooms, which are perfect places to sit and work, but I have a feeling they'll be prime real-estate for people like me.
I'll go back there tomorrow morning and do some more work on the WotC book. For now, I need to keep any eye on my child before he tears the place down around us.
07 March 2006
I Have Become Bee-Like
That is to say, busy.
One thing I have noticed about this industry is that the work comes in fits and spurts, and not in any sort of rational or predictable manner. Though it has been a steady progression (kind of), there have been occasional periods of dead air punctuated by endless months of breathless creativity.
Take the time being, for example. The WFRP project is moving now, though I dare say I haven't started on it. Given the deadline, I feel that I can slack for a little bit while I wade through my portions of the book I'm working on for Wizards. Add to that a new Midnight project that I'm sharing with Robert Schwalb with a mid-April due date, and you can see what I mean.
Anyway. I'm on lunch, but it's back to buying in a few moments. I'll check back in at a later date.
One thing I have noticed about this industry is that the work comes in fits and spurts, and not in any sort of rational or predictable manner. Though it has been a steady progression (kind of), there have been occasional periods of dead air punctuated by endless months of breathless creativity.
Take the time being, for example. The WFRP project is moving now, though I dare say I haven't started on it. Given the deadline, I feel that I can slack for a little bit while I wade through my portions of the book I'm working on for Wizards. Add to that a new Midnight project that I'm sharing with Robert Schwalb with a mid-April due date, and you can see what I mean.
Anyway. I'm on lunch, but it's back to buying in a few moments. I'll check back in at a later date.
26 February 2006
GM's Day
I heard about GM's Day last year, and completely forgot about it until just last week. I'm not sure how official it is, as far as holidays go, nor do I know how many folks in the gaming community either recognize and/or care about the nature of this so-called holiday that happens on March 4th.
Me? Well, I joke about it with my players. I was telling my wife that we might have a TPK at the next Midnight session (coincidentally occuring on March 4th) if the GM's Day tribute wasn't satisfactory. She laughed. Little does she know. (::evil laughter::)
Not to worry. I'm not one of "those" gamemasters. I don't take my personal frustrations out on my players, unless it's a convention scenario and there are one or two PCs ruining it for the rest of the group. That's rare -- in fact, I've yet to take justice into my own hands at a convention game that I'm running -- but I do prepare for such occasions. Consider yourself warned.
I've got some work to do tonight. I need to revise my portions of a synopsis, and I want to work on the Midnight campaign a little bit more. I'm supposed to participate in a Civil War presentation next weekend, so I probably won't have much time to work on it then.
In other news, it looks like I'll be writing a small portion of an upcoming D&D product for Wizards of the Coast. No details, of course, but I'm happy about it. I'll post more about it when I've been given the green light to do so (which will likely be a while from now).
I need to rouse my little boy from his nap so that we can run a few errands around town. If anything comes up in the meantime, I'll make sure to post about it.
Me? Well, I joke about it with my players. I was telling my wife that we might have a TPK at the next Midnight session (coincidentally occuring on March 4th) if the GM's Day tribute wasn't satisfactory. She laughed. Little does she know. (::evil laughter::)
Not to worry. I'm not one of "those" gamemasters. I don't take my personal frustrations out on my players, unless it's a convention scenario and there are one or two PCs ruining it for the rest of the group. That's rare -- in fact, I've yet to take justice into my own hands at a convention game that I'm running -- but I do prepare for such occasions. Consider yourself warned.
I've got some work to do tonight. I need to revise my portions of a synopsis, and I want to work on the Midnight campaign a little bit more. I'm supposed to participate in a Civil War presentation next weekend, so I probably won't have much time to work on it then.
In other news, it looks like I'll be writing a small portion of an upcoming D&D product for Wizards of the Coast. No details, of course, but I'm happy about it. I'll post more about it when I've been given the green light to do so (which will likely be a while from now).
I need to rouse my little boy from his nap so that we can run a few errands around town. If anything comes up in the meantime, I'll make sure to post about it.
24 February 2006
My Metamorphosis
The title of this entry is not to imply that I have become some kind of cockroach like Gregor Samsa. It is merely to indicate the changes that have taken place in the past two or three years, much to my surprise. To put it plainly, I woke up one day and people were referring to me as an "industry professional."
I have no clue when this happened. When did I cross the threshold between amateur and professional? Is it tied to money, somehow? Does being paid for one's work make one a professional? Or is it something more? A benchmark of one's skill, perhaps? Or the length of one's list of writing credits? Was there a single release or product that distinguished me?
Hell if I know. Maybe someone else can clue me in, because I'm not sure if I'll ever understand.
One thing I do know, though, is that I have a hard time believing it. I've definitely become much less excitable in regards to new projects -- this came with experience, knowing my own limits as a writer, and working to expand them with time and practice -- but I've never grown used to the fact that I'm actually doing it. Every project I take on feels like the first one. I am always awed that someone is willing to pay me to write for them.
I see the whole "professional" thing it in the same light as I do "growing up." Mentally, I don't feel any older than I did when I was eighteen. Yet, seeing as I'm in my early thirties, the rest of society classifies me as an adult. All grown up; a family man. Old enough to smoke, drink, and drive a car. Likewise, I don't feel any different than I did when I was an industry amateur. I do feel somewhat less worried about my ability to complete projects on time, given my own constraints (family, work, and life in general). Does that mean I'm jaded? Or am I merely combat-hardened?
The more I think about it, the more I feel like it's an individual observation made by other folks. Let's face it: my daily life hasn't changed dramatically due to my newfound status as a professional game designer. I'm not wealthy. Complete strangers don't stop me at the grocery store and gush over my dubious fame. Come to think of it, complete strangers don't stop me at the local game store, either.
And for that, I am eternally grateful. If there is a God, I am in his merciful debt.
Another observation that I've made, at least with the folks I've gamed with, is that the average gamer doesn't give a darn who is writing the supplements he buys. With the exception of writers that I consider to be Industry Powerhouses, like Monte Cook, or folks who I consider to be Old Guard gamers, like Dave Arneson and Gary Gygax, there is little name recognition to be had amongst gamers, especially the casual ones. And if you expect any kind of name recognition outside of the industry? Hah! Forget about it!
To my mind, the only people that pay attention to who is writing which books are the people that are also writing them. Either that, or they are people who want to break into the industry. I suppose that's a simplistic view of things, and I'm sure there are plenty of gamers out there who would love nothing more than to prove me wrong on that count. I get more name recognition because of my relationship to my grandfather's construction company than I do for the number of words I've had published.
Another thing to consider is that most people don't know what the majority of writers and game designers look like. Photographs of the guilty parties aren't usually included between the covers of a supplement or book (though, in the case of certain mediocre titles, perhaps they should be). Our words are our distinguishing marks, and even they can rarely be told from the words of other authors once a book is finished.
Soooo...that's tonight's rant du jour. I'm not sure if I accomplished anything, or if I came to any sort of conclusion. I guess the point, in no uncertain terms, is that I don't feel much different than I did when I sat down and typed my first paying words. I'm older and (hopefully) wiser, but I still feel wet behind the ears.
I have no clue when this happened. When did I cross the threshold between amateur and professional? Is it tied to money, somehow? Does being paid for one's work make one a professional? Or is it something more? A benchmark of one's skill, perhaps? Or the length of one's list of writing credits? Was there a single release or product that distinguished me?
Hell if I know. Maybe someone else can clue me in, because I'm not sure if I'll ever understand.
One thing I do know, though, is that I have a hard time believing it. I've definitely become much less excitable in regards to new projects -- this came with experience, knowing my own limits as a writer, and working to expand them with time and practice -- but I've never grown used to the fact that I'm actually doing it. Every project I take on feels like the first one. I am always awed that someone is willing to pay me to write for them.
I see the whole "professional" thing it in the same light as I do "growing up." Mentally, I don't feel any older than I did when I was eighteen. Yet, seeing as I'm in my early thirties, the rest of society classifies me as an adult. All grown up; a family man. Old enough to smoke, drink, and drive a car. Likewise, I don't feel any different than I did when I was an industry amateur. I do feel somewhat less worried about my ability to complete projects on time, given my own constraints (family, work, and life in general). Does that mean I'm jaded? Or am I merely combat-hardened?
The more I think about it, the more I feel like it's an individual observation made by other folks. Let's face it: my daily life hasn't changed dramatically due to my newfound status as a professional game designer. I'm not wealthy. Complete strangers don't stop me at the grocery store and gush over my dubious fame. Come to think of it, complete strangers don't stop me at the local game store, either.
And for that, I am eternally grateful. If there is a God, I am in his merciful debt.
Another observation that I've made, at least with the folks I've gamed with, is that the average gamer doesn't give a darn who is writing the supplements he buys. With the exception of writers that I consider to be Industry Powerhouses, like Monte Cook, or folks who I consider to be Old Guard gamers, like Dave Arneson and Gary Gygax, there is little name recognition to be had amongst gamers, especially the casual ones. And if you expect any kind of name recognition outside of the industry? Hah! Forget about it!
To my mind, the only people that pay attention to who is writing which books are the people that are also writing them. Either that, or they are people who want to break into the industry. I suppose that's a simplistic view of things, and I'm sure there are plenty of gamers out there who would love nothing more than to prove me wrong on that count. I get more name recognition because of my relationship to my grandfather's construction company than I do for the number of words I've had published.
Another thing to consider is that most people don't know what the majority of writers and game designers look like. Photographs of the guilty parties aren't usually included between the covers of a supplement or book (though, in the case of certain mediocre titles, perhaps they should be). Our words are our distinguishing marks, and even they can rarely be told from the words of other authors once a book is finished.
Soooo...that's tonight's rant du jour. I'm not sure if I accomplished anything, or if I came to any sort of conclusion. I guess the point, in no uncertain terms, is that I don't feel much different than I did when I sat down and typed my first paying words. I'm older and (hopefully) wiser, but I still feel wet behind the ears.
Children of the Horned Rat Announced
Black Industries has erected a product page for my first WFRP product, Children of the Horned Rat. You can find it here. In addition, they have a product page up for my second WFRP product, Terror in Talabheim, which can be seen by following this link.I'm really quite excited about both of these books. I'm very proud of them, especially CotHR, and I can't wait for them to be released. Unfortunately, they won't be released in time for submission to the ENnies, but there's always next year.
I guess you can tell I'm excited! I don't usually post from work! Then again, I'm on lunch, so it's all legal.
22 February 2006
Legends of Shadow Cover
I guess the guys at Against the Shadow bugged Rob Vaughn at FFG for a scoop on LoS, and he sent them the (possible) cover art for the up-coming Legends of Shadow. It's a pretty sweet-looking picture, I think.I'm off to Alan's Shackled City game tomorrow night. It'll be nice to roll some bones and kick some hobgoblin butt.
No other news worth printing, so I'll cut it short while I'm ahead. ::grin::
21 February 2006
So Many Games, So Little Time...Again
You know, I totally forgot about Thieves' World. Prior to (re-)starting the current Midnight game, I was torn asunder when trying to choose between it and a new, fresh Thieves' World campaign. I've said previously that of all the settings I've helped to develop, that of Sanctuary is the one that I'd most like to play right out of the box.
I am adding several rules from the TW books to my Midnight game, just for grins. To name a couple, I'm allowing players to take levels in the Savant and Assassin core classes from TW, and I'm using the massive damage rules from TW as well. I also intend to implement the rules for Reputation that are presented in TW (so that I can judge how far my players' reputations have gotten, both for good or ill).
Star Wars is another d20 game that I really enjoyed running, back when I was running it. I'm saddened by the fact that it sees little support these days. Some folks might say that the Star Wars collectable miniatures game counts as RPG support, but I'm not really buying it. I don't have the money to invest into SW minis, and even if I did, I'd prefer to fill out the first series of minis (as it contains figs representing characters from the "classic" films). Clone troopers? Meh. Give me a fistful of good old-fashioned stormtroopers any day.
There's also d20 Modern, a game that I've written for (the up-coming Future Player's Companion), but which I have (embarassingly) never actually played. The systems are more or less the same across the entirety of the d20 platform, so I don't feel too bad about it. Yet I would enjoy giving Modern a shot, regardless. I nearly began a Modern mercenary game not too long ago. I don't remember what stopped me; likely my aforementioned attention deficit disorder.
I am adding several rules from the TW books to my Midnight game, just for grins. To name a couple, I'm allowing players to take levels in the Savant and Assassin core classes from TW, and I'm using the massive damage rules from TW as well. I also intend to implement the rules for Reputation that are presented in TW (so that I can judge how far my players' reputations have gotten, both for good or ill).
Star Wars is another d20 game that I really enjoyed running, back when I was running it. I'm saddened by the fact that it sees little support these days. Some folks might say that the Star Wars collectable miniatures game counts as RPG support, but I'm not really buying it. I don't have the money to invest into SW minis, and even if I did, I'd prefer to fill out the first series of minis (as it contains figs representing characters from the "classic" films). Clone troopers? Meh. Give me a fistful of good old-fashioned stormtroopers any day.
There's also d20 Modern, a game that I've written for (the up-coming Future Player's Companion), but which I have (embarassingly) never actually played. The systems are more or less the same across the entirety of the d20 platform, so I don't feel too bad about it. Yet I would enjoy giving Modern a shot, regardless. I nearly began a Modern mercenary game not too long ago. I don't remember what stopped me; likely my aforementioned attention deficit disorder.
20 February 2006
So Many Games, So Little Time
I've always had a problem with making up my mind when it came time to choose which game I wanted to run. As a DM/GM, I've often had a serious case of attention deficit disorder (that is, ADD...not to be confused with AD&D). Lately, with my bourgeoning Midnight campaign, I seem to have hit a good stride. I don't feel the overwhelming urge to lose interest in the game in favor of another one. Sometimes the players and plot click just so.
That said, there are other games I'd love to run long-term. Warhammer Fantasy is one of the ones I'd really like to run (and play, come to think on it), but even I have certain limitations. I'd considered running a WFRP campaign in conjunction with the current Midnight game, but I'm starting to think it's not going to fly just yet.
I'd also love to try my hand at Eberron. While I wouldn't mind running the game, I'd probably prefer to play it. There's always less sacrifice involved with playing a game, as opposed to moderating one. I'd have to make time to really immerse myself into the setting (something I've done in relation to both WFRP and Midnight, due in part to the fact that I've been writing professionally for both settings), and I can't say that now would be a good time to do so.
Of course, there are classics, like Forgotten Realms. The current incarnation of FR is one of my favorite settings. I don't mind keeping current on FR releases, and I fully intend to start up a FR campaign when I have both the time and the inclination.
And then there's the setting of settings, at least in my book: Dark Sun. The setting hasn't seen a complete conversion to v3.5, though there have been attempts (both Dungeon and Dragon magazines had Dark Sun-related articles some time back, and there's a web site -- Athas.org -- that prides itself on the wealth of 3.5 Dark Sun information it contains).
This would be fine, but I'm a very "hands-on" type of DM, and that includes my preferences for Dark Sun. In other words, I don't want to use someone else's interpretation of my favorite AD&D campaign setting, so I'll convert it myself. I've already got a good deal of that task taken care of, which means that I can probably start up a 3rd edition Dark Sun game anytime I please.
That said, there are other games I'd love to run long-term. Warhammer Fantasy is one of the ones I'd really like to run (and play, come to think on it), but even I have certain limitations. I'd considered running a WFRP campaign in conjunction with the current Midnight game, but I'm starting to think it's not going to fly just yet.
I'd also love to try my hand at Eberron. While I wouldn't mind running the game, I'd probably prefer to play it. There's always less sacrifice involved with playing a game, as opposed to moderating one. I'd have to make time to really immerse myself into the setting (something I've done in relation to both WFRP and Midnight, due in part to the fact that I've been writing professionally for both settings), and I can't say that now would be a good time to do so.
Of course, there are classics, like Forgotten Realms. The current incarnation of FR is one of my favorite settings. I don't mind keeping current on FR releases, and I fully intend to start up a FR campaign when I have both the time and the inclination.
And then there's the setting of settings, at least in my book: Dark Sun. The setting hasn't seen a complete conversion to v3.5, though there have been attempts (both Dungeon and Dragon magazines had Dark Sun-related articles some time back, and there's a web site -- Athas.org -- that prides itself on the wealth of 3.5 Dark Sun information it contains).
This would be fine, but I'm a very "hands-on" type of DM, and that includes my preferences for Dark Sun. In other words, I don't want to use someone else's interpretation of my favorite AD&D campaign setting, so I'll convert it myself. I've already got a good deal of that task taken care of, which means that I can probably start up a 3rd edition Dark Sun game anytime I please.
19 February 2006
The Sound of the Starting Gun
Bang, it says. Bang, bang.
As of tomorrow, I start work on the next Warhammer Fantasy book that will bear my name. Along with three other very competent authors, I will spend the next few months writing about
Honestly, it will be nice to go back to work after a break. The last product I worked on was Legends of Shadow for FFG. I also did some freelance work for Upper Deck, though mum is definitely the word on what it was. Let's say it was a juicy opportunity, and leave it at that.
Hand of Shadow has been announced over at Against the Shadow. It looks to be the equivalent of the Book of Vile Darkness for Midnight, aimed at running campaigns where the PCs are minions of Izrador. I guess everyone has an opinion on this. When asked who was writing Hand of Shadow, Rob Vaughn replied that he'd like to see Rob Schwalb and myself write it.
That would be my fourth Midnight credit, once it comes down, and another chance to work with Dr. Evil. Both are excellent reasons to accept the offer, once it is officially pitched my way.
I spent about a week taking the Thieves' World adventure that I ran at Gen Con SoCal last year, and turning it into something that Green Ronin might find useful for Gen Con Indy. All indications are that I'll be running it there this year, though I haven't heard specifics from anyone yet.
On the gaming front, my Midnight campaign is going well. We've had two sessions so far, and the PCs are chugging along. I fully expect them to hit fifth level within another two sessions, and then all bets are off.
As of tomorrow, I start work on the next Warhammer Fantasy book that will bear my name. Along with three other very competent authors, I will spend the next few months writing about Honestly, it will be nice to go back to work after a break. The last product I worked on was Legends of Shadow for FFG. I also did some freelance work for Upper Deck, though mum is definitely the word on what it was. Let's say it was a juicy opportunity, and leave it at that.
Hand of Shadow has been announced over at Against the Shadow. It looks to be the equivalent of the Book of Vile Darkness for Midnight, aimed at running campaigns where the PCs are minions of Izrador. I guess everyone has an opinion on this. When asked who was writing Hand of Shadow, Rob Vaughn replied that he'd like to see Rob Schwalb and myself write it.
That would be my fourth Midnight credit, once it comes down, and another chance to work with Dr. Evil. Both are excellent reasons to accept the offer, once it is officially pitched my way.
I spent about a week taking the Thieves' World adventure that I ran at Gen Con SoCal last year, and turning it into something that Green Ronin might find useful for Gen Con Indy. All indications are that I'll be running it there this year, though I haven't heard specifics from anyone yet.
On the gaming front, my Midnight campaign is going well. We've had two sessions so far, and the PCs are chugging along. I fully expect them to hit fifth level within another two sessions, and then all bets are off.
08 February 2006
More Than You Ever Wanted to Know
About me, that is. I saw this list on Nicole Lindroos' web log, so I decided to fill it out and post it on my own. Thanks, Nicole!
Four jobs I've had
1. Game store clerk.
2. Receiving clerk.
3. Purchasing clerk.
4. Freelance writer.
Four movies I can watch over and over
1. Bad Taste.
2. Alien.
3. Conan the Barbarian.
4. The Wild Geese.
Four places I've lived
1. Ft. Clayton, Panama.
2. San Marcos, California.
3. Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.
4. Ft. Gordon, Georgia.
Four TV shows I love
1. Earth 2.
2. Firefly.
3. Robotech.
4. Star Trek (the original series).
Four places I've vacationed
1. Ligonier, Pennsylvania.
2. Indianapolis, Indiana.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana.
4. Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Four of my favorite dishes (to cook)
1. Sloppy joes.
2. Roast chicken.
3. Roast beef.
4. London broil.
Four sites I visit daily
1. CNN.com.
2. EN World.
3. RPG.net.
4. Google (in one form or another).
Four places I would rather be right now
1. At the movies.
2. Asleep.
3. Gaming with friends.
4. The San Diego Wild Animal Park.
Four jobs I'd like to have
1. Game designer (full time).
2. Elementary school teacher.
3. Chef/cook.
4. Actor.
Four places I'd like to live
1. Northwest Oregon.
2. Pennsylvania.
3. The Bay Area.
4. Any blue state.
Four books I love
1. The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.
2. The Lord of the Rings (does that count as three?)
3. No Bugles, No Drums by Charles Durden.
4. Neuromancer, by William Gibson.
Four places I'd like to vacation
1. Ireland.
2. Australia.
3. Normandy.
4. Britain.
Four of my favorite dishes (to eat)
1. Carne asada.
2. White pizza.
3. Baby back pork ribs.
4. General Tso's chicken.
I guess that's it.
Four jobs I've had
1. Game store clerk.
2. Receiving clerk.
3. Purchasing clerk.
4. Freelance writer.
Four movies I can watch over and over
1. Bad Taste.
2. Alien.
3. Conan the Barbarian.
4. The Wild Geese.
Four places I've lived
1. Ft. Clayton, Panama.
2. San Marcos, California.
3. Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.
4. Ft. Gordon, Georgia.
Four TV shows I love
1. Earth 2.
2. Firefly.
3. Robotech.
4. Star Trek (the original series).
Four places I've vacationed
1. Ligonier, Pennsylvania.
2. Indianapolis, Indiana.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana.
4. Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Four of my favorite dishes (to cook)
1. Sloppy joes.
2. Roast chicken.
3. Roast beef.
4. London broil.
Four sites I visit daily
1. CNN.com.
2. EN World.
3. RPG.net.
4. Google (in one form or another).
Four places I would rather be right now
1. At the movies.
2. Asleep.
3. Gaming with friends.
4. The San Diego Wild Animal Park.
Four jobs I'd like to have
1. Game designer (full time).
2. Elementary school teacher.
3. Chef/cook.
4. Actor.
Four places I'd like to live
1. Northwest Oregon.
2. Pennsylvania.
3. The Bay Area.
4. Any blue state.
Four books I love
1. The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.
2. The Lord of the Rings (does that count as three?)
3. No Bugles, No Drums by Charles Durden.
4. Neuromancer, by William Gibson.
Four places I'd like to vacation
1. Ireland.
2. Australia.
3. Normandy.
4. Britain.
Four of my favorite dishes (to eat)
1. Carne asada.
2. White pizza.
3. Baby back pork ribs.
4. General Tso's chicken.
I guess that's it.
01 February 2006
The Future Player's Companion Is At Print
I have it on good authority that the FPC, as we call it, is currently at print. I guess that means we'll be seeing it on bookshelves sometime this month.In other news...there is no other news. I reckon I'll have more to post later. I always do.
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