When I started solo play last year I wrote out everything but I noticed it was killing my vibes while trying to make the game progress. I love to write but realized I was overdoing it. So I did what you did. Bullet points, keywords, reminders to extend on the story when I write my newsletter. I love my new way much better. 😊😊 great suggestions btw!
Great article. Ironsworn is an incredible game. I've always found it fascinating how rolling on random tables can create a cohesive story in our minds.
It's odd how self-conscious solo play can make you feel. Afterall, there's literally no one there to see. Still, I totally know the feeling.
While I'm actively using solo RPGs as a writing tool, and loving it, there's no single right way to play. The main thing is to have fun.
Thanks for the kind words! It's always cool to see the different ways people approach solo RPGs—it seems like everyone has their own personal, creative take.
So happy to see you having fun and finding your own flow to enjoy your game. I see a lot of people trying to solo play in a way they assume is how it's meant to be done and finding out it doesn't work for them. For me I do use solo games as a way to drive narrative prose, but that is by no means the only way!
I love the embarrassment points by the way, I think far too many of my characters could do with getting some recognition for the the embarrassing things I put them through!
Thanks so much! I love seeing the unique spins people put into their actual play reports. Solo roleplaying is such a fun and personal way to express yourself creatively.
I totally agree. It's too easy to forget "This is supposed to be fun!" in the moment, especially if you tend to be an overthinker or perfectionist (like me!).
Also, I wracked my brain trying to figure out what EP stands for, but nothing came to me. Haha.
I really enjoyed this article! I was toying with the idea of doing bullet points and a lot of mind theatre! Then coming back later to fill in the gaps with the prose. Currently I've been writing out the narrative as I play, and find it so time consuming, to the point a few hours could mean covering a single hex in a crawl. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks for the kind words! I totally relate to what you said about the writing process being time-consuming.
When I first started with solo RPGs, I tried writing a novelized version of my play sessions. It was fun and fulfilling, but it took forever! 😬 So much thinking and editing, trying to find just the right word, just the right sentence structure.
I realized it would be much more scaleable to take quick notes and go back and expand things afterward.
This was my exact experience too with writing novelisations of my playthroughs. Finding the perfect tone and the right wording took over from actually playing. I'm going to try this approach the next I play and see how it goes! Thanks again for inspiration 😁
Great article! I had a similar experience. Journaling was one of the main reasons I stayed away from games like Ironsworn and the PBTAs genre in general. When looking at playthroughs to learn the game—especially on Youtube— journaling felt like writing a novel and that tends to be a bit overwhelming for someone who's trying to get into the hobby and learn the rules of the game.
That was very motivational and interesting. I am reading the rulebook and looking forward to try.
What I am actually finding not motivating is to watch on YouTube or listen on Podcasts this game. I feel is all overworked with the parallel literature and many rolls and paths chosen I don’t believe they were naturally taken.
There are some Ironsworn actual play YouTube channels I think are pretty great, like "The Bad Spot." I can understand not feeling motivated by them, though. Different things appeal to different people.
Lovers article. Definitely gives me some ideas on how to journal my solo and keep it manageable. I am really hoping to solo a cyberpunk adventure soon.
A solo cyberpunk adventure sounds awesome. I've been yearning to play some sci-fi games lately, but I already have my plate full with a fantasy Ironsworn campaign, so the sci-fi will have to wait. Hope you have a great time!
When I started solo play last year I wrote out everything but I noticed it was killing my vibes while trying to make the game progress. I love to write but realized I was overdoing it. So I did what you did. Bullet points, keywords, reminders to extend on the story when I write my newsletter. I love my new way much better. 😊😊 great suggestions btw!
Thanks so much! Glad to hear these strategies worked for you too—great minds think alike! 😄😁
Hahaha yes, great minds! 😊😊
Great article. Ironsworn is an incredible game. I've always found it fascinating how rolling on random tables can create a cohesive story in our minds.
It's odd how self-conscious solo play can make you feel. Afterall, there's literally no one there to see. Still, I totally know the feeling.
While I'm actively using solo RPGs as a writing tool, and loving it, there's no single right way to play. The main thing is to have fun.
Thanks for the kind words! It's always cool to see the different ways people approach solo RPGs—it seems like everyone has their own personal, creative take.
So happy to see you having fun and finding your own flow to enjoy your game. I see a lot of people trying to solo play in a way they assume is how it's meant to be done and finding out it doesn't work for them. For me I do use solo games as a way to drive narrative prose, but that is by no means the only way!
I love the embarrassment points by the way, I think far too many of my characters could do with getting some recognition for the the embarrassing things I put them through!
Thanks so much! I love seeing the unique spins people put into their actual play reports. Solo roleplaying is such a fun and personal way to express yourself creatively.
Have fun is the golden rule. If that means writing bullet points and dishing out EPs, go for it.
I totally agree. It's too easy to forget "This is supposed to be fun!" in the moment, especially if you tend to be an overthinker or perfectionist (like me!).
Also, I wracked my brain trying to figure out what EP stands for, but nothing came to me. Haha.
"Embarrassment Points" *cough* from your own example. :-D
Ahahaha. Brilliant! I might have to borrow that term for later. xD
I really enjoyed this article! I was toying with the idea of doing bullet points and a lot of mind theatre! Then coming back later to fill in the gaps with the prose. Currently I've been writing out the narrative as I play, and find it so time consuming, to the point a few hours could mean covering a single hex in a crawl. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks for the kind words! I totally relate to what you said about the writing process being time-consuming.
When I first started with solo RPGs, I tried writing a novelized version of my play sessions. It was fun and fulfilling, but it took forever! 😬 So much thinking and editing, trying to find just the right word, just the right sentence structure.
I realized it would be much more scaleable to take quick notes and go back and expand things afterward.
This was my exact experience too with writing novelisations of my playthroughs. Finding the perfect tone and the right wording took over from actually playing. I'm going to try this approach the next I play and see how it goes! Thanks again for inspiration 😁
Great article! I had a similar experience. Journaling was one of the main reasons I stayed away from games like Ironsworn and the PBTAs genre in general. When looking at playthroughs to learn the game—especially on Youtube— journaling felt like writing a novel and that tends to be a bit overwhelming for someone who's trying to get into the hobby and learn the rules of the game.
Thanks for reading! Glad the article resonated with you.
That was very motivational and interesting. I am reading the rulebook and looking forward to try.
What I am actually finding not motivating is to watch on YouTube or listen on Podcasts this game. I feel is all overworked with the parallel literature and many rolls and paths chosen I don’t believe they were naturally taken.
Thanks for reading!
There are some Ironsworn actual play YouTube channels I think are pretty great, like "The Bad Spot." I can understand not feeling motivated by them, though. Different things appeal to different people.
Hope you enjoy the game!
Lovers article. Definitely gives me some ideas on how to journal my solo and keep it manageable. I am really hoping to solo a cyberpunk adventure soon.
Thanks for reading!
A solo cyberpunk adventure sounds awesome. I've been yearning to play some sci-fi games lately, but I already have my plate full with a fantasy Ironsworn campaign, so the sci-fi will have to wait. Hope you have a great time!
When I do get around to, I will be sure to share my write up of the adventure.
Love this. I'm going to give it a try next time I play.
Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful.
Hope it works well for you and you have a great journaling session!
Enjoyed the article. I've been writing up some game sessions as stories. The storyline is a great prompt for me.
I love the idea of placeholders. I didn't have the need for them yet, but I'm adding them to the solo toolbox. Brilliant idea.
Thanks! Glad it was helpful. :)