CM Simpson: Writer & Gamer

When I started this chapter, I thought equipment would be an easy run. Since Project1 is a rules conversion and the equipment pre-existing, I didn’t think I’d add anything new or have to alter the descriptions too much. Well, how wrong I was. Firstly, the tables needed rejinking to bring them into line with the new rules set. That wasn’t too hard, and then the weapon descriptions needed a little tweaking—also not hard. But then I actually started to have ideas, and thoughts of ‘wouldn’t it be cool if…’ and, well, the weapons section took a lot longer to write than planned. Four new weapon descriptions and their resulting additions to the ‘Equipment’ table and descriptions weren’t enough. Noooo. I had to add crunchy bits to some of the existing weapons as well. New ammunition followed and tables for the new ammunition, and Project1 has grown by 10,423 words to 37,921 words and my timeframe for completing it this week is blown. Now, I know this all sounds like I’m complaini

Project1 progresses, but I have cut it from 30,000 words to 24,000. It hurt, I’ll admit, but now it’s much more focussed and a better introduction to the setting because of it. On the upside, the cut material hasn’t been wasted. I now have a good start on two supplements that expand on important aspects of the setting, and I have more space for expanding on the other material that’s needed in the basic book. All of which is very exciting. So… Chapter 1: Background, Chapter 2: Classes, and Chapter 3: Skills are all complete. Next I have Chapter 4: Equipment, which is partially complete, and Chapter 5: Monsters. I’m also thinking of adding Chapter 6: NPCs, and Chapter 7: Introductory Adventure. With a week off from work, I may even get this done by the end of the year, but I’ve said that before, so I guess I’ll just wait and see and update you again at the end of the week. Merry Christmas, everyone J .

Project1 has just crossed the 31,000-word mark. Character classes are done—and I mean completely done, bar the play-testing—so I am now working on the new races. Normally, I’d put up a short free read to celebrate, but I can’t do that without giving away what the project’s about. Since that might imply a relationship with the publisher that doesn’t exist, I’d rather not do that. Project1 is planned as an on-spec submission with no guarantee of acceptance. I can’t even discuss the research I’ve done as that might also leave clues, so all I can say is that I’m enjoying this project. Whatever the outcome of the submission, this project is something I have to get out of my head. I’m not worried that I’ll regret the time spent on it. It won’t be wasted. Despite Project1’s relatively unique nature, working on it has spawned other ideas that lend themselves to more generic systems and settings, and these are now waiting to be written. I’ve also had an idea for a setting that I can use

Love the mechanical bugs and kraken, but especially adore the leaf-green spider, kraken, copper-bodied praying mantis and rhinoceros beetle. Link: http://catherinetterings.blogspot.com/ Take some time and a wander through a clockwork-styled wonderland :-) I warn you, players. I am seriously inspired!

So, November went okay, and I learned a lot about my work habits and lifestyle. I’m not sure I want to set such stringent goals for December. One of the things I noticed in November is that having such well-defined goals was also a straight-jacket when I had a new idea that needed some attention. On the other hand, I believe I need to set firm goals so that I am working towards completing projects and maintain at least a little discipline in my writing. One of the other things I noticed is that these goals didn’t give me much flexibility. If, for instance, I accepted a contract for work, or had a submission accepted, I wouldn’t have been able to concentrate on it and maintain my progress in any of my goals. That’s probably not good business. I think what I want to do is set a main project to work on, and nominate secondaries that can be moved in and out until they become the main project. That way, if I am offered a contract, or have edits, I can make that the main project, and

November went better. I’m starting to work out where my limits are and to balance them with my work. It does mean not writing as much as I used to, but it doesn’t mean giving up writing entirely. Writing Me: 1.       Adventure1: Scene 2: Monster Stats /4 +; 2.       YA Novel1: Outline: Ch.1-4; character development:partial; 0/2000wds. 3.       Short Story1: outline: not completed; 0/2,000 words. 4.       Project1: Chapter 1 edited. Character Classes: edited the already completed work but did not completely finish the classes due to unexpected research requirements; Races: started; 1,500 /5,000 words BUT removed an equivalent amount from the manuscript draft. Still short, but not as short as I might have been. Chart-value should be noted to exceed value of word number entered in chart. 5.       Project2: Chapter 1: Adding Project2 to Your Campaign: was complete until I added a new section; Chapter2: Project 2 Class: started bare bones outline;. Start Chapter 3: Project 2