I think it’s a joke that’s been beat to death, but that’s not going to stop me from using it as a blog title. I play Role-playing games, and have, since 1978. Needless to say, when you’ve done something for that long, it becomes a significant part of one’s life, so I’m not likely to stop any time soon.
I’ve been fortunate in that my love of the hobby has led to a few opportunities in the field as well – I’m proud of my work on the indie science fiction game “Blue Planet.” I contributed to Green Ronin’s excellent “Song of Ice and Fire” setting – based on the brilliant George R.R. Martin series. And I’ve even contributed to the expanding fiction of Paizo’s Pathfinder setting. But that’s not the real reason I do this.
As a writer, my imagination is drafted for 6 days a week. I play pretend and tell stories as a part of how I earn my living. Gaming is my brain’s vacation night – it gets to tell stories for no other reason than the simple joy of telling stories. Dungeons and Dragons doesn’t mind that things get a bit clichéd at times. I can engage in the sorts of over-the-top melodrama that I’d never risk on the page. That’s important to me, and I come away from my occasional gaming convention refreshed and ready to dive back into writing all over again.
And that, frankly, is worth its weight in dragon’s gold.
I like this and I completely agree. The creation process, just making stuff up for no other reason than just to do it, is one of the best reasons to be alive.
I’m still slack-jawed impressed that you worked on that Martin game.
Tyrion, all the way!