A Note On My Book’s Title and Possible Direction Change

These notes were originally written on August 17, 2023 and added to and edited on November 30, 2023.

A new update on my upcoming book, THE DUNGEON MASTER'S ULTIMATE CAMPAIGN BLUEPRINT FOR DUNGEONS & DRAGONS.

Useful discovery #1 – Change comes from taking action and seeing a better path

Change cannot happen in stasis — only decay.

Change comes from movement, agility, and the expense of energy.

A better path, requires change.

And change comes from the removal of inertia:

• Move, so you start

• Start, and you will find

• Find, and you will discover

• Discover, and you will know

• Know and you will invent change

A Recent Decision

I’ve decided that in order to make this book more unique, I would change its substance a bit. It will still remain primarily about Game Master techniques and tips for GMs of all ages to have fun and learn how to run a successful and non-stressful D&D campaign.

It will take on some new philosophical ideals that are built around my life as a GM, a husband, a father, a friend, a business owner, and a co-worker.

They will contain real-world stories and life events that tie to many aspects of gaming.

Fantasy reflects reality and vice versa. There are important lessons to be learned anywhere in life, not just in the physical world, but also in the mental world, and in the spiritual realm.

Our game world can act as a mirror to our tangible (IRL) one.

So, I thought of a new title for this book as the one I previously chose was horrendously and unabashedly too long: The Dungeon Master's Ultimate Campaign Blueprint for Dungeons & Dragons: Mastering Fun – The Complete Guide to Creating, Running, and Expanding a Long-Standing D&D Campaign for DMs of All Ages and Experience Levels.

What was I thinking?

So, I’ve decided to change it to reflect my life.

One in which contains two of me.

The me which had his feet, firmly planted on the ground.

And, the other, more day-dreaming me that wanted to do everything, be everything, and live as a wizard with a pointy hat and a magic sword.

Yeah, kinda like Gandalf.

Since the behind-the-scenes newsletter for this book was called “The Philosophy of Game Mastering” it’s started to grow on me. And, it’s a shorter title, has a nice ring to it, and aligns better with some of my personal stories as it relates to the book’s subject matter.

This came from conversations with Jason and Kyle. Jason and Kyle were 2 of the first people I interviewed to gain market insight into what Game Masters wanted to see in a book like this.

Here’s a direct quote from Jason:

WOW!

That’s some solid advice and something I didn’t think about. Thanks, Jason.

Your words are truly inspiring.

And, that’s why this book exists. It started with a thought.

I turned into an action.

And my actions turned into words, and the words were formed into story and substance.

But, here’s the important part.

If I stop moving forward with my actions, this book will never exist.

A New Working Title For My Book

I remember a popular song on the radio in the 80s. The song reminds me of D&D quite a bit and the song’s title fits well into the personal stories and theme of learning to be a great game master.

The song is by Aldo Nova, Fantasy.

If you’ve never heard this song before, you’re in for a treat. Let me know if you think I’m correct by hitting reply to this email.

Just do me one favor: pretend you’re living in the 80s when you listen to it.

Imagination makes you grow and is an essential element to playing D&D so use your imagination please. 😃

And, without further ado, here’s the new (somewhat shorter) title for my book:

Life Is Just a Fantasy — The Ultimate Campaign Blueprint for Dungeons & Dragons & Becoming the Game Master of Your Life

If you know someone who’d appreciate the content of this newsletter, or would like my book, please feel free to share it with them. And, thanks for being awesome!

Until next time.

-Joe

P.S. The book is still available for pre-order. I’ll be updating the cover mock-up soon. 👇🏽