Monica Valentinelli's Blog: booksofm.com, page 5

Now Live! Rethinking Horror in Games Interview with Dr Megan Connell

If you recall, a few weeks ago I shared the story behind my Rethinking Horror in Games Interview with Dr Megan Connell. This interview is now available for you to watch and/or listen to on the G33ksLikeUs Channel on YouTube! Or, click on the embedded video below. I encourage you to listen and share the video—Megan does get into some deep territory, jamming lots of information into an hour-long conversation, and it’s well worth your time.

The post Now Live! Rethinking Horror in Games Interview with Dr Megan Connell first appeared on Monica Valentinelli.

Spinning a RED Tale–Cyberpunk RED, That Is

Yesterday, R Talsorian Games’ October 2021 Update included a new Cyberpunk RED supplement called Tales of the RED.

And I’m lucky to be one of the writers.

I’m writing two adventures that can be run as stand-alone scenarios, but also as connected stories. My pitch has already been approved and now I’m working on the outline and first drafts shortly after.

I know this Cyberpunk RED story and the worldbuilding elements I designed. It is the kind of adventure that will force you to make hard choices, give you the opportunity to experience a couple of different “Night City” slices, and–with any luck–be emotionally compelling for you as a Cyberpunk RED fan.

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The Story behind my Rethinking Fear in Horror Games Interview with Doctor Megan

It’s the Monday after GameHole Con and the week of Halloween. I had a fantastic time and am grateful to have been part of the show as a special guest. Said I wasn’t going to write the day after the show, but I lied. I realized that I wanted to tell you the story behind why I proposed the Rethinking Fear in Horror Games Interview with Doctor Megan at the show for two reasons: One, MeganPsyD (on Twitter) recorded it, and I’d really, really be grateful if you’ll reshare it when it goes live and two, because the long, sordid backstory isn’t appropriate to share with you when the literal star of this interview is Doctor Megan Connell.

All right… So, one of the many work-related tasks I did during the pandemic was to review all the creative projects I wanted to do but never produced. I think I told you this before, but as a transmedia storyteller I love to develop stories in different mediums to tap into the gifts they bring. Working on IP as a game designer was a great push toward that, because I had the pleasure of being able to study the IPs I was working on in different media forms.

But for all those benefits, working on IPs isn’t “my” work. My IPs. Somewhere along the way, I started recognizing I had limited resources to do what I wanted to do. I addressed this in a previous newsletter, but this was one of the reasons why I developed a scarcity mindset. And, look I am really great at project management to usher projects out into the world with the resources I do have available, but at the same time I have always been a high creative and would much, much rather do that.

So, there I was reminding myself that yes, I have always known what I wanted to do. In fact, here’s a pile of projects I remembered stalled because I needed help to produce them. In the past, I have asked for help. I have a gut-wrenching-to-me cyberpunk story, for example, that primarily works as a movie or graphic novel because of the gifts an actor can bring, but also because the use of color is actually part of the story. [Not just a concept, mind you. I do have materials for this.] Okay, so how do I produce this thing? Write a screenplay, right? Sell it? Win the lottery? Yeah, you see where I’m going with this. Mind you, I did place as a co-write in a screenwriting contest and had a door open for a hot minute, but nothing ever came of that. The real reason I didn’t write the screenplay is because I made a choice not to. I have limited resources and, other than paying money to enter screenplay contests and hoping for the best, it’d be challenging for me in my current position to make the connections necessary for a green light. I also spent a solid five-to-six years pitching and getting to know people at comic book conventions because I secretly wanted to do this story, and wanted to work on other comics first to build of my resume, but have since given up.

Both times, I got a lot of advice to form a path of produced works to increase the chances of my projects getting made. My barrier? Again. Resources. Sure, I could self-publish, but that seems to be the default answer every time. It still costs to self-publish. Time is just one of those costs! My personal art isn’t great enough to pursue it; and I cannot, and will not, find an artist to collaborate with unless I pay pro rates. Laughably, what do you do when you do have a resume but it’s either too long or not long enough?

I have no idea. But, I am lucky I have had friends and folks I’ve thought of as mentors who’ve guided me to an important realization: Keep an open mind and do what I can, because the work is for me even if I enjoy entertaining people. I am so incredibly sad to tell you many of them are no longer with me, but I got here—in this creative space where F-bomb it I’m going to do what I can and hope for the best—because of them. Because of my late Shakespeare professor who not only taught me how to appreciate and write for multiple audiences at the same time, but recognized I was a better fit for film. Because of my late friend who made peace with his own role in publishing and his success after talking to so many other creative professionals in the exact same space I am. Because of several friends of color who have had the patience to help me recognize my own privilege (while recognizing there are still challenges as an aging, female creative) and how I can help lift others and build community. Because of one particular black friend (you know who you are and you are AMAZING) who proverbially held my hand for many years, both before, during, and after a tumultuous time in both gaming and science fiction and fantasy to remind me of my own power. Because of the tireless support and the position I put my loved ones, my friends and peers, my writing group, even former publishers in. Because of the lessons I learned after meeting two of my literary heroes, where one crushed my heart to the point where I never thought I’d recover, and the other extended compassion and friendship.

And now, because of Doctor Megan. The project that I am working on with Doctor Megan is a Ravenloft 5th Edition campaign for DMsGuild.com. This is a set of releases that wouldn’t be possible without Megan’s expertise as a professional psychologist and her deep, deep love of Dungeons & Dragons.

As a former World of Darkness writer myself, I have always felt the horror genre contributes narrative potential to explore our shadows. Philosophically, I believe that shadows and light are crucial components of the human existence and, to a larger extent, the stories we tell. But, I also recognize there are a lot of problematic tropes that I wanted (and have to various ends throughout my career) to work through in the hopes it’ll make the story better, my anxiety notwithstanding. (The concept behind my Apex Book Company anthology Upside Down: Inverted Tropes in Storytelling was inspired by this!)

As before: I didn’t write this campaign, because I was missing something. I knew I was missing an important thematic piece that could, quite frankly, only come from someone who understood what horror was from an actual psychologist’s perspective who understood gaming. Then, I got lucky. Megan and I met at GameHole Con a few years ago, became friends, play Ravenloft together, and eventually got to a place where I could ask for her help.

This is now our campaign. We playtested two scenarios at this show and got amazing feedback. Now it’s a matter of, again, figuring out my resources. I have to prioritize my deadline-centric work, because without a publisher I am fronting the time and costs and friends, I got bills to pay. Then there’s the collaboration with an actual professional who has a day job, loved ones, etc. But, this campaign is a possibility now because this story required collaboration, and it’s all happening thanks to her.

So why THIS interview? Well, because I can’t imagine I am the only writer who’s worked on horror games, who wants to evoke that feeling of fear at the table in a healthy way, who’d be both curious and feel a little less anxious about this heavy genre work after hearing her expertise. Horror game design is hella complicated, yo. And before you freak out… Please know that horror game design from a psychological approach is not always about The Deep StuffTM or massive genre changes—even small tweaks make a world of difference.

I am extremely grateful to Doctor Megan and to GameHole Con for approving this talk. The room was packed, her voice was heard, and with any luck she’ll go on to huge, huge things.

As for me? I really don’t know, but I have a long-ass list and deadlines I need to keep crushing (while seeking out new opportunities). And I’ll keep muddling through all this the best I can. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even find a little more help along the way.

Wouldn’t that be something.

The post The Story behind my Rethinking Fear in Horror Games Interview with Doctor Megan first appeared on Monica Valentinelli.

Donate to Affect my Character During our Extra Life Charity Stream!

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In my list of announcements earlier this week, I mentioned I’ll be playing in an Extra Life Ravenloft game to help me raise money for sick kids.

I now have an awesome donations page set up! For as little as $10 you can affect my character. Huzzah! All donations will be fulfilled on Saturday, October 23rd during our fun game.

You do not have to be in attendance to participate; you can watch virtually or donate ahead of time.

Link to Stream: twitch.tv/demiplanerpg

Link to Donate: Monica Valentinelli’s Donation Page on Extra Life

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October Announcements, New Releases, and Classes!

Hello readers! I have several announcements to share with you today. For your convenience, I’ve collated them all into one giant update.

New Story with Character Rules

I’m pleased to announce I am an Infinite Master and released two titles today. Pathfinder Infinite is a new community content program for Pathfinder 1st and 2nd edition as well as the space-themed Starfinder.

My short story is a “buddy villain” tale titled Revenge of the Deceiver and includes 10 adventure seeds. Set in the necropolis Aerduin’s Folly, it pairs one of the reincarnated serpentfolk with an exiled goblin named Scribbleface.

Click here for Revenge of the Deceiver. This horror story is $1.99 and is available in PDF, mobi, and ePub formats.

I also released Unlikely Companions as a complement to this Pathfinder-inspired tale. If you dig the tale of Chissinilath the Reincarnated and Scribbleface, or want new NPCs to use in your Pathfinder 1E campaign, you’ll find stats, tips, and write-ups for both characters.

“Unlikely Companions” is available because of Scott Holden’s extensive rules knowledge. We worked together on Dagger of Spiragos and Ring of Spiragos for Scarred Lands, and he dropped everything to help.

Click here for Unlikely Companions. Available in PDF format for 99 cents. Compatible with Pathfinder First Edition rules.

Click here to view the Spiragos-themed Scarred Lands adventures. Available in PDF format at multiple price points. Compatible with Pathfinder First Edition and 5th Edition rules.

In-Person Workshop and Virtual Class

I’m teaching twice this month: A city-building workshop at Gamehole Con, and a virtual Horror in Gaming class on Halloween!

City Building Workshop: At Gamehole Con, I am teaching a city-building workshop to help you create settings for towns, villages, and cities where your characters live and thrive. Just a few spots left!

Virtual Horror in Games: On Halloween, I’m teaching a Horror in Games workshop through Rambo Academy for Wayward Writers. Perfect for DMs, narrative designers, and authors interested in fluid story dynamics. All participants will receive a full set of class slides. Sign up now and reserve your spot! kittywumpus.net/blog/class-horror-in-games

If you’d like to suggest a class or workshop you’d be interested, please use my contact form. I am starting to plan my 2022 schedule and am open to feedback.

Out Now! New Supplement!

Also new this week is World of Darkness: Ghost Hunters for Wraith: The Oblivion 20th Anniversary Edition. Several contributors worked on this—including me!

This supplement is full of lore and narrative tips for running a story-centric game set in the World of Darkness. A great companion to this supplement is Haunting Shadows, which includes my 2021 Scribe Award-nominated short story “Scritch, Scratch”.

Click here for World of Darkness Ghost Hunters. Available in print and digital formats.

Click here for Haunting Shadows. Available in print and digital formats.

Halloween Sale at DriveThru

As you’ve probably guessed, several of the games I’ve worked on are genre-related and almost always include mystery, magic, and mayhem—sometimes all three!

To participate in the Halloween sale, click here! You’ll find a list of several titles in print and digital that I wrote, designed, or produced.

See You at GameHoleCon!

Last, but not least I’ll be at GameHole Con next week! I’ve got several events and panels planned—plus a virtual chance to watch my charity game!

Thursday, October 21

Noon: The Box of Knowing 5th Edition adventure – SOLD OUT

4:00 pm: Working With Established Worlds seminar – TICKETS AVAILABLE

Friday, October 22

10:00 am: City Building Workshop – 4 TICKETS LEFT!

1:00 pm: The Shadow Labyrinth 5th Edition adventure – SOLD OUT!

6:00 pm: Rethinking Fear in Horror Games with Dr. Megan Connell – GOING FAST!

Saturday, October 23

6:00 pm: One Night in Ravenloft, a live stream to benefit ExtraLife. – TICKETS AVAILABLE!

Sunday, October 24

10:00 am: The Shadow Labyrinth 5th Edition adventure – SOLD OUT!

The post October Announcements, New Releases, and Classes! first appeared on Monica Valentinelli.

My GameHoleCon 2021 Schedule of Guest Events

Hi everyone,

At the moment, I am planning to present at GameHole Con 2021 in October. Barring cancellation or changes due to the coronavirus, this is the schedule of events you can sign up for. The 5th Edition adventures are set in Ravenloft; you can find full descriptions in the event listings.

Thursday, October 21

Noon: The Box of Knowing 5th Edition adventure

4:00 pm: Working With Established Worlds seminar

Friday, October 22

10:00 am: City Building Workshop

1:00 pm: The Shadow Labyrinth 5th Edition adventure

6:00 pm: Rethinking Fear in Horror Games with Dr. Megan Connell

Saturday, October 23

6:00 pm: One Night in Ravenloft, a live stream to benefit ExtraLife

Sunday, October 24

10:00 am: The Shadow Labyrinth 5th Edition adventure

The post My GameHoleCon 2021 Schedule of Guest Events first appeared on Monica Valentinelli.

[New Release] Eyes of Spiragos RPG Adventure

Eyes of Spiragos is a Scarred Lands adventure that takes place after Gauntlet of Spiragos on the Fangsfall Peninsula on Ghelspad. This Slarecian Vault scenario has been written and designed by Monica Valentinelli, the co-developer of Dagger of Spiragos and Ring of Spiragos, to deepen the impact of later events and uncovered secrets in this Spiragos-themed series. Typesetting and layout design was performed by Scarred Lands developer Travis Legge.

During the introductory adventure, Gauntlet of Spiragos, the PCs uncovered titanspawn artifacts. With the discovery of these unholy relics, the PCs faced an uncomfortable truth: Though the War between gods and titans is over, true evil lingers still. The events in Eyes of Spiragos deepen their understanding of what that revelation means and how they can overcome its taint.

Eyes of Spiragos is a three-chapter adventure optimized for 3rd level characters. It includes suggestions for further setting and rules modifications for ease of use. Gameplay is flexible but has one, narrative requirement: The PCs must have played through Gauntlet of Spiragos. It is also strongly recommended this scenario is completed prior to the finale: Ring of Spiragos.

The horror in Eyes of Spiragos is primarily physical and psychological to build off of the spider-themed elements introduced in Gauntlet of Spiragos, and to foreshadow what awaits them in future adventures.

Rules and setting information are drawn from the free, introductory adventure “Gauntlet of Spiragos” and the Scarred Lands Player’s Guide. Recommendations drawing from Creature Collection have also been included for a strong, thematic tie and to flesh out options for new encounters.

Eyes of Spiragos is now available on DriveThruRPG.com for $2.99.

The post [New Release] Eyes of Spiragos RPG Adventure first appeared on Monica Valentinelli.

Invitation to Virtual 2021 Scribe Awards

Hello readers,

I wanted to invite you to attend the 2021 Scribe Awards ceremony on Friday, July 2nd starting at 4:00 pm PST on Facebook live. The ceremony will be conducted virtually this year using Facebook Live! on the IAMTW Facebook group page, and is hosted by Jonathan Maberry, the president of our organization.

IAMTW Facebook Group link: www.facebook.com/groups/42410867659
2021 Scribe Award nominees: iamtw.org/the-fifteenth-annual-scribe-awards-2021/

Hope to see you there!

The post Invitation to Virtual 2021 Scribe Awards first appeared on Monica Valentinelli.

Announcing a 2021 Scribe Award Nomination for Best Short Story

I am pleased to announce that my World of Darkness short story, “Scritch, Scratch”, set in the Wraith: The Oblivion 20th Anniversary Edition universe was nominated for a 2021 Scribe Award for Best Short Story. This story appeared in the HAUNTING SHADOWS anthology and tells the story of a wraith haunting House on the Rock who encounters a team of ghost hunters. When the wraith discovers the inept paranormal investigators are more dangerous than they appear, the wraith must thwart them or face Oblivion.

The full list of 2021 Scribe Award nominees and Faust Award recipient is posted on FlamesRising.com. It is an honor to be nominated by my peers for my media/tie-in fiction. I am thrilled to be in such great company, and can not wait to celebrate with them in person. Huzzah! A mighty congratulations to all—especially Max Alan Collins, this year’s Faust Award for a lifetime of wonderful achievements!

Good luck to my fellow nominees!

The post Announcing a 2021 Scribe Award Nomination for Best Short Story first appeared on Monica Valentinelli.

Join Me for My Tarot for Writers Workshop

In this two-hour Tarot for Writers workshop, author and narrative designer Monica Valentinelli (Vampire: The Masquerade, Shadowrun, Firefly, and more!) will show you how to use tarot in your storytelling.

From inspirational prompts to building characters and scenarios, you’ll come away with fresh ideas to help you brainstorm everything from character relationships to plot twists.

In addition to a lecture and slides/handouts, you’ll also perform short creative exercises–so get ready to be inspired! A tarot deck of your choosing is recommended but not required for this class.

Date: Sunday, June 6
Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm CST

For more information about pricing, discounts, and scholarships, visit the Rambo Academy for Wayward Writers. Be sure to follow @academyrambo for additional news and updates about upcoming classes.

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