Should Writers Play D&D?

It finally happened: I fell head over heels into D&D. For years, I resisted the magnetic force pulling me towards it. Mostly because I was afraid of all the stats and dice jargon, and feeling that I needed to know all the weapons and spells inside and out. Now that I’ve played a few one-shots and gotten involved in three campaigns, I can confidently say that you don’t need to know everything going in, and if you’re playing with people who are making you feel that way, find a different crew because those people are asshats. 

I can also confidently recommend that writers should play in a few one-shots or campaigns. Why? Because D&D (when done right) is more than just plot and character arcs. It’s about an experience. Participating in these campaigns and paying attention to how the plot and characters interact to create that experience is critical.

While plot devices and character development are heavily taught in MFAs and craft workshops, one element I don’t think enough writers consider is how all these elements are impacting the reader at a given moment. If you want to make your book enticing and marketable, taking that experience into account is critical. 

With that said, I don’t think there is a precise formula that tells you whether or not you’re creating a “good” experience. The best example I’ve seen is Ben Percy’s “suspens-o-meter” that he talks about in his craft book Thrill Me. But even if that still doesn’t feel right, there is another way you can figure out whether you’ve created an impactful experience.

Ask your beta readers.

Instead of asking all of your beta readers for craft feedback, ask one or two of them to give you a “play-by-play.” Ask them to send you updates on how they’re feeling during certain moments. Have them text you as if they’re live-tweeting their favorite show.

Going back to D&D, if you do work up the courage to partake in a campaign, pay attention to how you and your fellow players feel at the end of a session. Do you guys walk away feeling hyped? Anxious about what could happen next? Or do you feel bored and sluggish? 

Whichever way you’re feeling, ask yourself: Why do I feel this way? Understanding what the DM is doing or not doing can work wonders. 

Now you might be thinking, Amanda, I can do this while reading a book. And to that I would answer, Technically yes. However, the key aspect of D&D is that it’s an interactive game. It’s constantly keeping you on your toes. One character’s decision can lead to the party going around their assholes to get to their elbows. Watching a DM roll (no pun intended) with this is a masterclass in creating an experience.

So, if you get the opportunity to partake in a D&D game, I vote you do it. 

Keep calm and adventure on.