Ask the Author: Bill Bodden
Answered Questions (5)
Bill Bodden
It may sound flippant, but don't quit your day job - seriously. The publishing world is upside-down right now, and many talented writers can't make a living at writing anymore whether they've gone the self-publishing route, are sticking with traditional publishing, or some combination. Those of us just starting out have an even more difficult time of it, so having income coming in is critical to keep food on the table.
Bill Bodden
I go by the seat of my pants with fiction, just because inspiration often shows me a better place to go than I originally had in mind. In truth, I should really re-learn how to outline properly and outline stories regularly, because it probably would help me tremendously with structure.
For RPG work I usually have a general outline I need to stick to, but in most cases it's very loosely defined so I still have some room to change things around.
For RPG work I usually have a general outline I need to stick to, but in most cases it's very loosely defined so I still have some room to change things around.
Bill Bodden
Length depends on the project. When I'm writing fiction, I have an idea of where I want the action to go, but sometimes things occur to me as I write. I pay much less attention to word count when I'm fleshing out an idea of my own. If I'm writing for a fiction open call where there is a word limit, I pay attention to that and keep within those boundaries.
For tabletop gaming assignments, there is usually a specific word count I need to aim for.
Thanks for your question!
For tabletop gaming assignments, there is usually a specific word count I need to aim for.
Thanks for your question!
Bill Bodden
Ultimately, I prefer writing fiction, because I generally have a bit more latitude. It can be very rewarding to write in someone else's world using their characters and specs, so the RPG writing I do does offer many opportunities for creativity. However, I often find that if I have a sudden inspiration, I usually can't include it in that kind of writing work because it tends to go "off book".
More mainstream non-fiction can also be rewarding, but most of my work has been in non-traditional (i.e. gaming) non-fiction venues. Even though writing for games is essentially making things up, when one deals with historical subjects within the game framework -- as I often do -- it requires research and keeping a lid on my wilder impulses so the material doesn't get too far out of whack.
Thanks for the question, Alex!
More mainstream non-fiction can also be rewarding, but most of my work has been in non-traditional (i.e. gaming) non-fiction venues. Even though writing for games is essentially making things up, when one deals with historical subjects within the game framework -- as I often do -- it requires research and keeping a lid on my wilder impulses so the material doesn't get too far out of whack.
Thanks for the question, Alex!
Bill Bodden
I'm currently working on two things related to the tabletop gaming industry: a chapter in the Ghouls book for Vampire: The Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition, and a super-secret project for Modiphius Entertainment.
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