2019: Power Word Shine
Several years ago, a friend of mine came up with an amazing idea for moving into a new year without making ‘resolutions’ that will never go anywhere. She came up with the idea of a word or theme to use for the next year that will help to motivate you. Since she came up with this idea, I have been doing this alongside her in an attempt to continue to push myself and become a better me. I have renamed these as my ‘power words’ as a homage to the many different games that I play that use these as spells or actions.
Last year, my power word was Balance, because I felt I needed to find some sort of balance in my life. I had to fight to gain this, but I feel like by the end of 2018 I had found a good balance in my life. Some highlights of 2018 are:
I changed jobs….twice. One I did a lateral move in the company I was working for, but found I had the same issues as my old job. I ended up accidentally moving into my current position as a Substitute teacher in a local school district, and I absolutely love my job.
Pip System Primer has made it through its first year! This is my first development position for gaming, and I have learned so much from it. I still have a long way to go, but I know I can keep becoming a better game designer.
The Pip System Corebook won an ENnie, which is super cool. Eloy Lasanta and I both got to give a speech at the awards ceremony, and that was one of the coolest and nerve wracking moments in my life. I am proud to have been on this project and that I get to continue to work on it.
My beautiful sister got married, and I am very happy to now have a brother-in-law.
Jon and I are continuing the march forward to our own wedding, which is coming very quickly.
I got to attend a bunch of conventions that I normally don’t go to. It is always so cool to go, and I get so energized afterwards. 2019 will be a bit slower, only because of my wedding.
My freelance writing has taken off decently, and I’ve been working on finding my balance with that as well. That will continue to be an ongoing process.
I was on the Chicago By Night writing team from Onyx Path Publishing. Vampire the Masquerade has been an influence on my gaming career since the beginning, and I am super excited that I now get to write in that world. I’m looking forward to possible future projects with VtM.
For 2019, I have chosen the power word Shine for myself. I was issued several challenges at GenCon this year, and I intend to push myself and grow as a game designer and writer. I have only just begun, but I am already excited for what ‘future me’ has in store.
“I do not know where I am going from here, but I promise it will not be boring” - David Bowie
