Back to blogging again
Writing
Recovering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has been a long and difficult journey. The nerve damage caused by the condition has left my body weak and struggling to perform even the most basic tasks. My arms and head and neck are functional, but the rest of my body is still recovering. This has made it a real struggle to write, as my hands shake and my fingers fumble with the keyboard. But despite all the difficulties, I have been determined to persevere and continue writing.
One of the reasons I have been so determined to write again is to launch my new book, “Longevity and Other Stories.” This book contains three novellas: “Longevity,” “Shadow Street,” and “The Monster of Blueberry Falls” as well as two short stories: “The Black Hole” and “The Psychic Piranha.” It has been a labor of love, and it is incredibly rewarding to see it finally available to readers.
The book can be obtained through your favorite digital bookseller, or by signing up for my newsletter. I have put a lot of time and effort into creating a diverse and exciting collection of stories, and I hope that readers will enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed writing them. The book is a testament to my determination to not let my physical limitations hold me back from pursuing my passion. The stories in this book are a reflection of my journey and the struggles that I’ve gone through with GBS and my determination to overcome it.
You are more than welcome to purchase a copy.
Or if you are daring, I’m currently offering it to those who sign up to my newsletter.
RPGs
When it comes to hobbies, tabletop roleplaying games are king for me. The trouble is D&D, the biggest of them all seems to be destroying itself from within. Corporate dysfunction and greed can be a major problem for companies, even those that have a strong reputation for excellence. This is certainly the case for Wizards of the Coast, the company behind the popular Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game. (My long-time 37+ year favorite!)
For decades, Wizards of the Coast has been a leader in the RPG industry, thanks in part to its Open Gaming Policy, which allowed third-party publishers to create and sell materials compatible with the D&D system. This policy helped to foster a vibrant community of creators and players, and contributed to the game’s enduring popularity.
However, in a recent turn of events, Wizards of the Coast has taken steps to try and deauthorize the Open Gaming Policy, effectively shutting down the third-party market and limiting the options available to players. This decision has been met with widespread outrage from the RPG community, and it is clear that the company’s actions have driven many customers away.
In light of this situation, many players are now looking for alternative games to play. One such option is the Pathfinder RPG, which offers a similar experience to D&D. Another option is Call of Cthulhu, a horror RPG that immerses players in the world of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos. For those looking for something more futuristic, there is Blade Runner, which looks pretty interesting, an RPG set in the same universe as the iconic film.
Each of these games has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and as players will need to decide for ourselves which one is the best fit moving forward. It is clear that there are many excellent options available for those looking to explore new worlds and experiences beyond the boundaries of the D&D system.
While Wizards of the Coast’s decision to deauthorize the Open Gaming Policy is disappointing and has driven many customers away, there are still many great options available for those looking for new and exciting RPG experiences. It’s important for companies to remember that their actions can have a real impact on their customers and communities, and to always consider the consequences before making a decision.
For a while, I felt they were doing this, not only to my community but to me, like it was a direct attack. “You must now comply and pay more, surviving on in-app purchases and loot boxes and subscription fees.” Now, my eyes are open to all the other systems out there, it just leaves me feeling empowered. My hobby just got better, not worse.
It’s going to be too bad. I imagine all this bad press has a chance to ruin the opening weekend of the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves movie. Pity. I was looking forward to it. It does make me think. I wonder if the druid wildshaping into an Owlbear (not possible rules as written) should have been our first clue that the Wizards of the Coast company had a fundamental disconnect with its own game.
Hats: Writer, Game Master, Blogger
My books are available wherever ebooks are sold.
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