Thondor
I run Compose Dream Games RPG Marketplace
Five things I learned writing a competition-winning Adventure
Back in June, I won the Summer 6d6 Fireball Adventure Writing Competition. Since then, I have spent a fair bit of time mulling things over and learning some new things as well. So here are a few tips and thoughts on the process, and a thing or two I might change.
1. Before writing, review a Grammar Guide.
This may seem a little trite, but it is critical. If you want your writing to be clear, evocative, concise and more importantly correct you need to review some basic rules. You should also know what kind of English your editors/publishers prefer, the kind of formating and file types they use. Many have a guidelines document that they will release to potential writers. Getting this from the start is really helpful. Having to go back and alter things is hard, annoying and you're bound to miss things. Reviewing this sort of material is a huge help as it reminds you to focus on quality from the beginning, and helps you kick some of those bad habits.
I had done a fairly detailed rough draft before I took a look at a Grammar/Writing Guide. It would have helped to do it earlier. There is plenty of good material out there (some of which is quite exhaustive). One that is geared to RPG writers and is relatively short and free is the Writers Guidelines by Polymancer Studios. (currently not available online)
Perhaps the first thing to ask a publisher/editor is if they have a Writer's Guide (and read the darn thing). Have it on your desk (be it physical or virtual).2. Design Notes
If I was to do it again, I would put in some design notes. These notes would be set aside somehow in the text (maybe by using a different colour). Whether this gets included in the final product isn't so important. It helps to remind you of some of the reasons for the decisions that you've made. It also helps the editors figure out what your doing, and there's sure to be a time or two that and editor will say, "If that's the case, you need to make it clearer in the text itself."
3. Not all Editors are Created Equal (and sometimes your reader/editor just won't get it)
From my little experience working on some magazine articles after doing the Sanctum of the Fiery Ladder, I have realized that all editors are not created equal. Moreover, as with everyone they operate in their own particular fashions. Sometimes it can be difficult to get responses. Particularly to that one question that you really wanted answered in your last email with five questions . . . I was fortunate with 6d6 Fireball in that they often gave me quick and detailed responses and kept me posted on changing plans (and even gave me some input!). The suggested changes that they sent me were usually quite detailed and well explained.
Its also important to have a friend and/or family member look over your writing. It really helps to get an additional set of eyes to give you some feedback. Even non-gamers can give you some important insight - it really makes you look at clarity, and realize how much gaming jargon is in your text. For myself, I always print out a copy of the text to review. I simply find it easier to catch errors, find inconsistencies and such. The ability to 'instantly' switch from page 5 to page 22 (and look them at the same time) is pretty important.
Having discussed the above, it brings me to an area that's hard to give good advice on. Sometimes your reader/editor just won't get it. Often this is because your writing isn't clear, but sometimes it is due to differing life experience and 'philosophy.' Some of your readers will get it, but some won't. You need to decide how important this is to you and your vision. Usually you can make these elements a little clearer. Sometimes you need to fight for these things. When you say "Its important because . . .(verisimilitude)" many a good editor will just shrug and say, "Alright." Of course you can't do that to all of their suggestions. They do after all know what they are talking about.
4. Everything takes longer then you think (especially 3.5 stats)
"Yeah, it will only take me a day or two, or an evening . . ." It always takes longer then you think. Everything takes longer then you think, probably weeks longer. This is especially true when 'real life' gets involved. From writing a first page, doing revisions, or making stats everything takes longer. In fact stats and revision/expansion/editing is where you will probably spent the majority of your time.
(Shudder) 3.5 stats (oh for the simplicity of earlier editions!) takes some serious time. Even with some great little tools like Dingle Games Monster/NPC Generator, it can still really drag. Part of it is that making the stat blocks isn't really that creative . . . it's the grunt work part. So judt be prepared and give yourself plenty of time.
5. Emphasizing change in Pacing (perhaps a pacing curve?)
There are a couple of particular instances in the adventure, particularly when the dungeon crawl starts, that I would want to emphasize the change of pace. I believe as written it may feel like a bit of a combat grind and the opportunities for Roleplaying that do occur need to be highlighted in some fashion. In my adventure this is the encounter with the dwarven survivors and the unconscious individual with a silver necklace.
In fact I almost feel that something akin to the grade school 'plot curve' might be used to highlight this. Pointing out the desired periods of high action, and intriguing or intense roleplaying. I will have to consider this idea some more.
Finally - be willing to ask for advice, from anyone willing to give you their opinion and thoughts. Input always helps, even if they don't quite 'get it'. Overall I really enjoyed the whole experience of writing an adventure. And I'm looking forward to the places that my imagination is going to take me next.
Back in June, I won the Summer 6d6 Fireball Adventure Writing Competition. Since then, I have spent a fair bit of time mulling things over and learning some new things as well. So here are a few tips and thoughts on the process, and a thing or two I might change.
1. Before writing, review a Grammar Guide.
This may seem a little trite, but it is critical. If you want your writing to be clear, evocative, concise and more importantly correct you need to review some basic rules. You should also know what kind of English your editors/publishers prefer, the kind of formating and file types they use. Many have a guidelines document that they will release to potential writers. Getting this from the start is really helpful. Having to go back and alter things is hard, annoying and you're bound to miss things. Reviewing this sort of material is a huge help as it reminds you to focus on quality from the beginning, and helps you kick some of those bad habits.
I had done a fairly detailed rough draft before I took a look at a Grammar/Writing Guide. It would have helped to do it earlier. There is plenty of good material out there (some of which is quite exhaustive). One that is geared to RPG writers and is relatively short and free is the Writers Guidelines by Polymancer Studios. (currently not available online)
Perhaps the first thing to ask a publisher/editor is if they have a Writer's Guide (and read the darn thing). Have it on your desk (be it physical or virtual).2. Design Notes
If I was to do it again, I would put in some design notes. These notes would be set aside somehow in the text (maybe by using a different colour). Whether this gets included in the final product isn't so important. It helps to remind you of some of the reasons for the decisions that you've made. It also helps the editors figure out what your doing, and there's sure to be a time or two that and editor will say, "If that's the case, you need to make it clearer in the text itself."
3. Not all Editors are Created Equal (and sometimes your reader/editor just won't get it)
From my little experience working on some magazine articles after doing the Sanctum of the Fiery Ladder, I have realized that all editors are not created equal. Moreover, as with everyone they operate in their own particular fashions. Sometimes it can be difficult to get responses. Particularly to that one question that you really wanted answered in your last email with five questions . . . I was fortunate with 6d6 Fireball in that they often gave me quick and detailed responses and kept me posted on changing plans (and even gave me some input!). The suggested changes that they sent me were usually quite detailed and well explained.
Its also important to have a friend and/or family member look over your writing. It really helps to get an additional set of eyes to give you some feedback. Even non-gamers can give you some important insight - it really makes you look at clarity, and realize how much gaming jargon is in your text. For myself, I always print out a copy of the text to review. I simply find it easier to catch errors, find inconsistencies and such. The ability to 'instantly' switch from page 5 to page 22 (and look them at the same time) is pretty important.
Having discussed the above, it brings me to an area that's hard to give good advice on. Sometimes your reader/editor just won't get it. Often this is because your writing isn't clear, but sometimes it is due to differing life experience and 'philosophy.' Some of your readers will get it, but some won't. You need to decide how important this is to you and your vision. Usually you can make these elements a little clearer. Sometimes you need to fight for these things. When you say "Its important because . . .(verisimilitude)" many a good editor will just shrug and say, "Alright." Of course you can't do that to all of their suggestions. They do after all know what they are talking about.
4. Everything takes longer then you think (especially 3.5 stats)
"Yeah, it will only take me a day or two, or an evening . . ." It always takes longer then you think. Everything takes longer then you think, probably weeks longer. This is especially true when 'real life' gets involved. From writing a first page, doing revisions, or making stats everything takes longer. In fact stats and revision/expansion/editing is where you will probably spent the majority of your time.
(Shudder) 3.5 stats (oh for the simplicity of earlier editions!) takes some serious time. Even with some great little tools like Dingle Games Monster/NPC Generator, it can still really drag. Part of it is that making the stat blocks isn't really that creative . . . it's the grunt work part. So judt be prepared and give yourself plenty of time.
5. Emphasizing change in Pacing (perhaps a pacing curve?)
There are a couple of particular instances in the adventure, particularly when the dungeon crawl starts, that I would want to emphasize the change of pace. I believe as written it may feel like a bit of a combat grind and the opportunities for Roleplaying that do occur need to be highlighted in some fashion. In my adventure this is the encounter with the dwarven survivors and the unconscious individual with a silver necklace.
In fact I almost feel that something akin to the grade school 'plot curve' might be used to highlight this. Pointing out the desired periods of high action, and intriguing or intense roleplaying. I will have to consider this idea some more.
Finally - be willing to ask for advice, from anyone willing to give you their opinion and thoughts. Input always helps, even if they don't quite 'get it'. Overall I really enjoyed the whole experience of writing an adventure. And I'm looking forward to the places that my imagination is going to take me next.
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