This is my creative space I have put a lot of time and wall putty into making it inspiring for me.  I am surrounded by quotes of great authors and lyrics from amazing song writers. Also, yes, a healthy dose of Star Wars. 

It helps remind me that guess what I am a writer! 

Being a writer who is a novelist and a screenplay writer. It’s all about…Plot…plot..plot. 

You must weave a world by moving those 26 letters around and creating a reality that sucks the reader in. The first thing that any critic points out is plot holes. So, you continuously go back in making sure everything is locked down tight. The reader feels immersed and satisfied with what you wrote, at least you hope. 

When I was first told “I want you to write one-shots for Moonshine.” I was super excited mystery has always been my favorite genre and growing up in LA in the 90’s Noir was infused into your psyche.

I was nervous, however, it’s hard not to dive in when the designer of the system has so much confidence in you. 

For me it’s always been if I can see the way the story ends, then I slowly start to envision the rest of the story. 

Not to sound arrogant but coming up with stories wasn’t too hard for me 90% of what I write always has a twist. 

I have written four novels and now, five screenplays. When I say writing a one-shots is the most challenging thing I have ever endeavored to accomplish. It’s not an exaggeration. 

I remember skipping up to Ben with my story idea. He thought it was amazing. Then I started writing it. I would come to the table with scenarios and scenes. He would look at me and shake his head. Not because the story was not worth it. It was because of the way I was writing it. 

Plot…you have to be able to envision the end. When writing for a TTRPG you can write an ending but that’s not always how it goes. 

I would frame the story so tight that I was always gently reminded “It’s not a choose your own adventure.” I would try to drive the story as if it followed a blueprint or road map. That started at one place and that leads you to the next location you think they will go. I was reminded “You cannot determine the sequence of events”  

I felt like screaming a few times. How do you not wrap a story up tight or leave it so open that the player feels jumbled or confused at the end? 

Also, there’s no TBC. You need to throw out loose scenarios that leave the player feeling both satisfied and excited to play again. 

As writer it took a lot of time for me to get the nuisances. The biggest one being. “Surprise you control only 50% of the characters in any given scenario…” WHAT? I don’t get to control the dialogue or how the characters are going to react? I can’t act like it’s a script and assume they are going to say the exact thing I think they should say? It was was a struggle. I nearly broke out into hives every time I needed to leave things open ended.

Thinning the plot… is truly an art form. I have a new respect for anyone who can do this on the fly. Or have wired their brains to write a story that leaves everything wide open yet not. 

After countless hand slaps and headshakes. I think I got the hang of it…at least I hope… since we just FUNDED!!!!