Dungeons and Dragons and Writers
So, as an avid nerd, I find myself in nerdy situations, such as playing Dungeons and Dragons (or, D&D/DnD).
Now, for those of you that don't know what I'm talking about, I'm talking about a role-playing game called Dungeons and Dragons where a whole group of people roll dice and use character sheets to stimulate a fantasy adventure. You can play as a dwarf, an elf, a paladin--basically any creature you want!--and fight against trolls and orcs and dragons and all sorts of other beasties. It's heaps of fun.
The thing with DnD is that you have to be quick on your feet. You have to describe what your character is doing, feeling, thinking, etc (unless you're the Dungeon Master [or DM--they basically play all the enemies and tell the story for you and plan the entire campaign], and then you have an even greater responsibility with your storytelling) (at least, that's how my friends and I play it, and we love it). Anything can happen in a campaign, and you have to be able to come up with a description of whatever situation you manage to find yourself in.
Since starting DnD last year, I've found my writing getting better. I was more confident about it, and I found that it was easier to get any ideas out onto the page. I'd sit down with a pen and paper, and force the words out, and it wasn't such a chore. Plus, it's really great for inspiration--I mean, what can be more inspirational than pretending that you're an trident-weilding Dragonborn fighting against trolls, and hunting for buried treasure, and rescuing damsels in distress? It's a fantasy-nerds' wet dream (literally :P).
So, If you haven't played DnD yet, and you love writing (especially fantasy), I would recommend you find people in your area who are willing to play it. Your writing will improve ten-fold, and you'll have so much confidence in yourself and your writing. Plus, it'll be a great way to socialise with other nerdy people who share your interests.
The reason I've started talking about this is because I'm going to be playing DnD this Friday--the first time in about 6 months (since one of our members was unable to play, and we sort of lost our nerdy mojo)--and I'm fairly excited.
Some tips for first timers:
1. Don't be shy. Speak up. have fun. that's what it's all about. if you don't participate, then how will you learn and have fun?
2. Be creative. Think outside the box. This is especially important if you're playing as the DM.
3. I like to bring snacks. Chances are, you'll be playing for quite a few hours, so you're bound to get hungry at some point. Last year, I used to bake things and share them out. And I'll hopefully be doing the same this Friday.
4. Be prepared. Familiarize yourself with the rules of the game.
5. Have fun! This is the most important thing, I think. I mean, this is a game, so it's a given that you should probably have some fun.
Now, for those of you that don't know what I'm talking about, I'm talking about a role-playing game called Dungeons and Dragons where a whole group of people roll dice and use character sheets to stimulate a fantasy adventure. You can play as a dwarf, an elf, a paladin--basically any creature you want!--and fight against trolls and orcs and dragons and all sorts of other beasties. It's heaps of fun.
The thing with DnD is that you have to be quick on your feet. You have to describe what your character is doing, feeling, thinking, etc (unless you're the Dungeon Master [or DM--they basically play all the enemies and tell the story for you and plan the entire campaign], and then you have an even greater responsibility with your storytelling) (at least, that's how my friends and I play it, and we love it). Anything can happen in a campaign, and you have to be able to come up with a description of whatever situation you manage to find yourself in.
Since starting DnD last year, I've found my writing getting better. I was more confident about it, and I found that it was easier to get any ideas out onto the page. I'd sit down with a pen and paper, and force the words out, and it wasn't such a chore. Plus, it's really great for inspiration--I mean, what can be more inspirational than pretending that you're an trident-weilding Dragonborn fighting against trolls, and hunting for buried treasure, and rescuing damsels in distress? It's a fantasy-nerds' wet dream (literally :P).
So, If you haven't played DnD yet, and you love writing (especially fantasy), I would recommend you find people in your area who are willing to play it. Your writing will improve ten-fold, and you'll have so much confidence in yourself and your writing. Plus, it'll be a great way to socialise with other nerdy people who share your interests.
The reason I've started talking about this is because I'm going to be playing DnD this Friday--the first time in about 6 months (since one of our members was unable to play, and we sort of lost our nerdy mojo)--and I'm fairly excited.
Some tips for first timers:
1. Don't be shy. Speak up. have fun. that's what it's all about. if you don't participate, then how will you learn and have fun?
2. Be creative. Think outside the box. This is especially important if you're playing as the DM.
3. I like to bring snacks. Chances are, you'll be playing for quite a few hours, so you're bound to get hungry at some point. Last year, I used to bake things and share them out. And I'll hopefully be doing the same this Friday.
4. Be prepared. Familiarize yourself with the rules of the game.
5. Have fun! This is the most important thing, I think. I mean, this is a game, so it's a given that you should probably have some fun.