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Message: <blockquote data-quote="innerdude" data-source="post: 7155083" data-attributes="member: 85870">First, I'd go back and re-read the "Lazy GM" threads posted here and elsewhere. Seriously. Most of the advice in those threads was stuff I was already doing, but it was a great reminder to see it all codified like that. Second, you've talked about trying several different kinds of systems, but it doesn't sound like you've found one that really "resonates" with you as a GM. You played 5e to level 20 with the online group, but it doesn't really sound like you're "in love" with 5e, or that the choice to run it was actually a choice you made and not just as "the default." When I moved from Pathfinder to Savage Worlds, my GM-ing took off exponentially, because I no longer had to worry so much about the choices the players were making. I could improvise on the fly with ease, and let them go wherever their actions decided to take them. I had found my "zen," my "center" as a GM there. There's way less "scrambling," massively less prep, and way more time in play to actually listen to the players.The only other thing I'd add is, how much of your GM-ing is really for you, and really for the players? There needs to be some balance, but truthfully, I find the vast majority of it should lie on the player's side of things. Probably 5/6 player desire, 1/6 GM desire, maybe less. The other thing to ask, are there basic GM skills you could improve? Could you improve building NPCs and NPC motivations? Maybe review some acting lessons online, or online essays on character building in fiction. Is it worldbuilding? Find some fun historical research to look at. Whatever it is, there's resources out there. The thing about GM-ing, success is rarely tied to any one single element. But there are almost always (at least as it's happened with me) things that have a bigger impact, or make a more immediate impact on my success because they are cross-threaded, or tied, to other things that also make a difference.And last of all, don't be so hard on yourself (easier said than done, I know). Like any pursuit that's worthwhile, there will be ups and downs. When you're ready and refreshed, like [MENTION=23935]Nagol[/MENTION] said, your mojo will come back.</blockquote>

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