How Writing is Like Slaying a Dragon

I would like to clear something up. Make it clear. Very clear. Extra super clear.

Just in case you were under the impression that I am a nerd I would like to abuse you of that idea. I use that phrase of course as the opposite of disabuse. Because I am a nerd. To narrow the definition I like video games,  computers, languages, science fiction, fantasy, board games, role playing, acting like I'm someone that I'm not, Ninja Turtles, and I took martial arts as a kid even though I'm a skinny weakling. I am a nerd.

Oh, I am a modern nerd to be sure. I love playing soccer, hiking, rock climbing, climbing trees, swimming, and the like. But I have to be honest, I think that nerds down the ages have enjoyed things outside of "nerd-dom" as well. Given the chance to play a cool new vidja game or go outside I would probably choose the game...it really depends on the day. I'm a nerd. I guess I'm not exactly a stereotypical nerd (I do fit nicely into some of the stereotypes and others slide by without even noticing me), but I don't think that most nerds are. And what's more,

"I think that everyone should nerd out about something."

I got that quote from one of my college professors when he caught me talking video games. I was finishing up undergrad with a fury at the time and I was married so I didn't do much socializing. I guess he was worried that I didn't have a passion. Good on him. Anyway, I'm a nerd.

So, now that the cat's out of the bag.

Now that that's out of the way I want to start up a series of posts that will draw some knowledge from my role playing, video gaming. These posts will come erratically, but will most likely share a similar title. I'll of course draw connections to writing, and you'll probably see quite a few other posts in between. Here are some of the wonderful topics you can expect me to nerd out about:

• Questing to be a better writer
• Adventures and Plotting
• The possibility space
• Leveling up
• Characters in a Book are not like Characters in W.O.W.
• Map drawing is fun
• Writing: A hero's journey

There is plenty of meat there for the nerd in all of us. But it's Friday, so go home and enjoy your weekend. Write every day, and be sure to nerd out about something.