I've always been a storyteller at heart. It started with the roll of the dice and the flip of a page, where imaginary worlds took shape in the minds of friends gathered around a table. Tabletop RPGs were my first foray into crafting narratives, where character creation and world-building were as vital as the outcome of the dice. From the high fantasy realms of early Dungeons and Dragons, to the gritty bronze-age adventures of Runequest, and the lonely expanses of the universe of Traveller, these early adventures ignited a lifelong passion for storytelling.
The transition to live-action role-playing was a natural progression. Joining the International Fantasy Gaming Society (IFGS) immersed me in a world of elaborate costumes, intricate plots, and the thrill of embodying a character. It was here that I honed my skills as a game master, learning the art of world-building, character development, and pacing a narrative for a live audience.
Creating my own IFGS games was the next logical step. "The K'tath of D'oril" was my first attempt at weaving a complex tapestry of history, magic, and conflict. It was a challenging but rewarding experience that laid the foundation for my future writing endeavors. The subsequent creation of "Sha'te Valley," a massive undertaking involving dozens of characters, solidified my ability to craft detailed worlds, develop compelling characters, and construct engaging narratives.
Unfortunately, life intervened. The demands of adulthood required a shift in focus, and for more than twenty-five years, the worlds of fantasy and role-playing were put on hold. A career as an air traffic controller consumed my energy and attention, leaving little room for creative pursuits. The constant pressure and high-stakes environment were a far cry from the imaginative freedom I had once relished.
Retirement brought with it a renewed sense of purpose, though it took quite a while to unwind from my career with the FAA. The quiet solitude afforded me the opportunity to rediscover my passion for storytelling. With a wealth of life experiences and a fresh perspective, I began to explore the realms of my imagination once more. The leap from game master to novelist was a natural progression. The skills I honed in crafting detailed worlds, developing compelling characters, and constructing engaging narratives proved invaluable in transitioning to the written word.
Graveyard Blues is a testament to this evolution. It blends the fantastical elements I cultivated in my RPG days with the gritty realism of noir fiction. I'm excited to see where this journey will take me next.
Clear Skies,
Jim
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