I'm off this morning to enjoy a nice game of pretend with my friends.
I get to be A'delade Proudfoot, a halfling bard swept up in adventure in Nevermore with a few elves, a human, a fellow halfling, and a stout, brave dwarf. Together we're searching for a child who is destined to become the thirteenth Watcher, and we're set against the evil Lord Madrake, the lord of a house of one of the first families in Nevermore. His wickedness knows no bounds, and we dare not even speculate the horror that would sweep the land should he find the child first.
His gibbering minions -- half man, half carp -- have chased us through caves, over an underground lake so vast that it could be sailed by galleon, rooted us from our rooms at my beloved Grey Hawk Inn (where I can be found playing for the crowds nightly), and on to a river boat which we hope will take us to the seaside, at the shores of Tara, where we can continue our quest.
Luckily, I have a trusty shortsword, a sling, and of course my magical harp, which I can use to charm enemies. My friends may all boast a wide range of talents, including swordplay, magic, and hiding in shadows. I have faith that we will one day triumph and Nevermore will be safe again.
That's all well and good, Alison, I'm sure you're saying. But how does that help me and my ficiton writing?
Well, blog readers, I tell you about my incredibly nerdy pasttime to remind you of one simple lesson: Remember to play.
You don't have to go out an organize your own D&D campaign, but if you remember to be whimiscal and creative in your every day life, it will work those muscles you need for when you sit down to stare at a blank page.
It's worth it, I promise.
p.s. Tyrus Books has had a busy first week! I've sent our first title, Silver Lake, to the printer. (So exciting!) We've also announced the first of our Spring 2010 titles, with more announcements to follow shortly. Stay tuned!
