How Should GMs Learn to GM?

Shortly after I started writing TT, I asked this open question: how did you learn to GM? Your answers were elightening and entertaining, and they revealed a number of commonalities in the way GMs learn their craft.

I wanted to wait until the TT community had grown to ask the obvious follow-up question, and it’s grown a lot since July. So how about it — how should GMs learn to GM?

Read more

First Review of an Otherworld Excursions Trip

Ryan Lybarger was lucky enough to go on the first Otherworld Excursion, and he wrote a review of his experience on Kenneth Hite’s Occult Architecture Day Trip.

Otherworld Excursions were discussed on TT back in September, in Professional GMing (one of our most popular posts).

Keep Your Goals in Sight - Literally

When I start a new campaign, I usually have a few distinct goals in mind. To help myself stay focused, I write them on a notecard and clip that card to the inside of my screen. This works well for me — it might work for you, too!

Use Your Mental Back Burners

I view my mind as having a few “front burners,” where I do my active thinking, and lots of “back burners” — where most of my brainstorming takes place. When it comes to GMing (or any other creative endeavor), those back burners are my best friends.

When I’m in the shower, or driving to work, or dozing off, my mental gears are turning — and generating ideas for my game (or my next writing project, etc.) — without much active effort on my part.

Once the seed of an idea is planted, it almost seems to germinate on its own — and when you’re thinking about your game, throwing ideas on your mental back burners can be very handy.

Read more

Keep a Journal of Your Mistakes

I stumbled on an interesting post entitled The genius of mistakes (on Occupational Adventure), which resonates well with Write Your Own Naughty List here on TT.

In a roundabout way, it also ties into TT’s interview with Robin Laws.

Interview with Monte Cook

Monte Cook helped usher in the 3rd Edition of Dungeons & Dragons, and is the author of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. After working with Wizards of the Coast, Monte started his own successful d20 publishing company, Malhavoc Press, which publishes Arcana Unearthed (and Evolved), Iron Heroes and many other titles. He also has a highly anticipated d20 setting coming out in 2006, Ptolus.

Monte took time out from his busy schedule for an email interview with Treasure Tables, and we had a chance to discuss Ptolus, his approach to GMing and how he publishes books with GMs in mind.

Read more

Martin’s Interview for Blog Network Watch

I recently did an email interview for Blog Network Watch, which they’ve just posted on their blog.

I talked to them about blogging, gaming and joining the 9rules Network, and included a picture of Treasure Tables HQ.

Squidoo Lens for Game Mastering

I’ve written a “lens” on game mastering for the Squidoo beta, and I’d love to hear what you think of it. If you take a peek, let me know in the comments!

← Previous Page — Next Page →