...For all my obsessive planning, it went alright. I inevitably forgot to add in some plot points and scenarios and had to fudge my way through a bit, but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, which is all I could ask for...
Do you have handwritten notes, a plot point sheet or something you can easily refer too (one page if possible) for the next session? If you do find something helpful like this, be sure it has the elements which you find of benefit in the moment.
Related to this, it sounds like you have a lot of players. Do you have a means to keep track of different decisions PCs made (like session notes)?
...The trouble I now find myself in is mainly in regard to writing out the campaign I have in mind.
I fear I may have gotten too ambitious in homebrewing my own storyline, and now I’m kind of regretting it, and a growing dislike for my idea has begun to fester. It’s hard for me to know if an idea I have is truly bad or if I’m just too stuck in my own head...
If you don't have intentions on publishing, grab any kernel that's inspiring: character, situation, a faction or org, a module, adventure, setting, etc and find a way to use it.
e.g. Cabbage merchant from
Avatar: The Last Airbender made an appearance in my campaign as a goblin who sells "cabbages."
(...His business is doing too well for selling cabbages.) Everyone knew who it was right away and loved it.
If you choose to drop in a well-known module, ask if others have run it, and what their experience of that was like.
If you can provide a general outline of what your conundrum is before next session, people are pretty responsive on the forums with suggestions. Depending on the nature of above and everyone's inclinations that day, you could end up with a lot of replies!
I’m really not all too sure what advice to ask for as a baby DM, but any and all thoughts, comments, and advice are beyond welcome and appreciated.
From what you've described, it seems like you're familiar with everyone you are running the game for. You could ask them to elaborate on a particular part of their back story that complements what themes you may have in mind, then offer if they mind a tie-in to a particular NPC, faction, etc. At worse, they will not like the idea, and that is fine. They may also
glomp to the idea, and something great could come out of the collaboration.
