On the Other Side of Deadlines... Plus GHC 2023 and MOAR!

Hello, hello my lovely readers. I’m listening to Kiki Rockwell’s “Rituals On the Bank Of A Familiar River.” It warms the cockles of my ice-cold heart that an artist would set the truth of the witch trials to modern music. Great album.

This summer has been incredibly busy, and I’m happy to report that I’ve converted a whiteboard into a “filled with blue text” board marking my speculative projects. I think it’s worth noting and reminding people that, if you want to hire any writer like myself, we always balance what we want to do against the financial reality of being a creative in 2023. I can’t “just” work on my own stuff, and though I do have supportive friends and family, I also have obligations on top of trying to have a life.

This worldview, dear reader, is no different from the vast majority of writers out there. I’m not the type of person who’s going to sugarcoat that, either, because I’d rather encourage you to find a way to create and persist than incur feelings of self-doubt because you’re not “making it.” Truth? If you are making art, you are living someone else’s dream—even if you don’t think you are. Besides, success is objective and nobody can judge what that means for you.

This summer was a success for me, because I’ve managed to hurl over my next big hill to reclaim those parts of myself that were on sabbatical. The result? A whiteboard. If you haven’t thought about using visuals to help, try it. What’s nice about the whiteboard, is that it’s a project snapshot without getting into the weeds. This type of list has helped me visualize what I want to create while reminding me that administrivia, housework, etc. are the unpaid (but necessary) aspects of my creative life.

Next time, I’ll chat about ways to find small joys. It matters!

New! Gaming Update

In Things I Can Talk AboutTM news, I’m on the other side of deadlines for three game-related titles. I picked up some developer/editing work for two projects and wrapped up adventures for the Pacific Rim RPG from Evil Genius Games. Recently, one of my unannounced projects debuted!

I’m happy to report you can pick up a copy of the Mistborn RPG supplement Nobles: The Golden Mandate from Crafty Games. This was an interesting project to work on because nobles are both antagonists but, as the titular character Elend Venture proves, can also be rebels keen on overthrowing the Lord Ruler.

I’m also returning as a special guest for GameHole Con’s 10th anniversary, where I'll be running an adventure I designed, participating in panels, and signing games. Here’s my GameHoleCon 2023 schedule!

Thursday, October 19th

10 am CST - The Cursed Citadel, Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

3 pm - Narrative Design in TTRPGs

6 pm - The Cursed Citadel

10 pm - Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition Livestream

Friday, October 20th

9 am CST - The Cursed Citadel

1 pm - Worldbuilding for TTRPGs

Saturday, October 19th

10 am CST - The Cursed Citadel

3 pm - Horror in TTRPGs