I am not ashamed to admit that I am a gamer. Everything from pen and paper games like Shadowrun and Werewolf: The Apocalypse to MMORPG's (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games) like EverQuest and World of Warcraft.
I think my time as a gamer has strengthened my writing.
Things like character creation and plotting are the main focus of an RPG. Well, having fun is the main focus but you get what I mean.
Character Creation
Who is this person I am portraying? (This works both player and Game Master sides) What are their motivations? How would they react because this thing just happened to them.
There are a ton of things to think about before you even start to play your character in any RPG. All the same things you should be thinking about for the characters in your books. Even small NPC's need motivations. You never know when the players may take a liking to them and they become Major Characters!
Taking the time to make character sheets for the characters in your novel is extremely helpful. Keep in mind that you should update the sheet whenever a major thing happens to them to alter how they look or what they believe.
Story Creation
What is going on? When you create a gaming campaign you need to be flexible while still having a set goal in mind for your players to achieve. Have a basic plot outlined for what is going to be happening to your players.
Don't let the small things get away! Anything your players say or do should be taken into account when causing them grief!
This translates to writing well, being flexible with your basic plot allows your mind to weave a better story. Being open to new ideas on the fly keeps your story active and engaging.
There are a dozen books on campaign creation through various game sites. Take a moment to stop in and see how Dungeon Masters or Game Masters run their worlds. Writing books are great but there is a whole section of untapped ideas and techniques available from these guys!
These are the two major points to look at when your a gamer getting into writing. (Or a writer who is getting into gaming!) Every serious gamer I have ever had the pleasure of talking with is an avid reader. So take the time to talk to these guys, they are more than happy to tell you what they want to see for the Next Big Book!
Howl at the moon and make some magic,
Iniriba
I think my time as a gamer has strengthened my writing.
Things like character creation and plotting are the main focus of an RPG. Well, having fun is the main focus but you get what I mean.
Character Creation
Who is this person I am portraying? (This works both player and Game Master sides) What are their motivations? How would they react because this thing just happened to them.
There are a ton of things to think about before you even start to play your character in any RPG. All the same things you should be thinking about for the characters in your books. Even small NPC's need motivations. You never know when the players may take a liking to them and they become Major Characters!
Taking the time to make character sheets for the characters in your novel is extremely helpful. Keep in mind that you should update the sheet whenever a major thing happens to them to alter how they look or what they believe.
Story Creation
What is going on? When you create a gaming campaign you need to be flexible while still having a set goal in mind for your players to achieve. Have a basic plot outlined for what is going to be happening to your players.
Don't let the small things get away! Anything your players say or do should be taken into account when causing them grief!
This translates to writing well, being flexible with your basic plot allows your mind to weave a better story. Being open to new ideas on the fly keeps your story active and engaging.
There are a dozen books on campaign creation through various game sites. Take a moment to stop in and see how Dungeon Masters or Game Masters run their worlds. Writing books are great but there is a whole section of untapped ideas and techniques available from these guys!
These are the two major points to look at when your a gamer getting into writing. (Or a writer who is getting into gaming!) Every serious gamer I have ever had the pleasure of talking with is an avid reader. So take the time to talk to these guys, they are more than happy to tell you what they want to see for the Next Big Book!
Howl at the moon and make some magic,
Iniriba