Eastward is a self-contained narrative entity; it has a linear storyline where players' choices have no impact upon anything that happens. I wanted to change this, so I wrote my own quest for Eastward: one with branching narratives and psychological ramifications.
Read MoreTwo Stories in Twelve Hours
Welcome to the time I wrote two stories in twelve hours.
This actually isn’t unheard of for me; ideas sometimes start flooding in for me all at once—something about unlatching the door to the Imagination Cupboard and seeing what’s been accumulating inside. What is unusual for me is having no other option but to write two stories in 12 hours.
When the pressure is on, suddenly that cupboard latch starts to feel more like a well-loved toothpaste tube that you’re fighting to squeeze the last amount out of.
This is the position I found myself in when I entered the final round of the NYC Midnight 250-Word Microfiction Challenge writing contest (contest results are currently pending).
Read MoreShort Story: My Monster Wingman
This is a short story I wrote for a writing contest back in 2020. Although it is technically “finished,” I know what happens next and haven’t written it, yet—which makes this also very, very unfinished. Or maybe possibly a Part One?
Warning: Rated “R”
My Monster Wingman
"It's safe, now," I whisper, leaning over the bed.
My monster sticks his head out. "Really? You mean it? I don't have to go back?"
"Never again," I reassure him. "It's popsicles and strippers from here on out."
He growls with displeasure. "You know that doesn't do anything for me, right? Too few arms, not enough eyes."
"...Gross."
"You're gross."
I pat my bed. "Come on, hop up. Be my wingman." I hold out my phone and show him the violently pink heart bubbles floating on the screen. "She keeps sending me 'likes,' but ignoring my messages."
Read More
I Wrote Backstory Scene Scripts for Zoink’s Video Game, “Lost in Random”
Zoink recently released their brand-new game, Lost in Random, and I’m crazy about it.
Lost in Random combines everything I love about video games: amazing storytelling, beautiful graphics, and a brand-new, imaginative world that you get to explore and experience at your own pace.
I loved roaming the teapots of Onecraft, meeting the multiple personalities of Two-Town, resolving the civil war in Threedom, receiving a pep talk from Death outside of Fourburg, arguing with the alchemist in Fivetropolis, and confronting the Queen in Sixtopia...all with my trusty Dicey by my side.
By the time I finished the game, I was hungry for more. I wanted to learn everything I could about the world and the characters within it.
I went on a lore hunt, chasing down all of the information I could find.
Read MoreShort Story: Good Kitty
Lucinda stretches, luxuriating in the heat rising up from the volcanic lair’s floor.
Life as a super-villain’s beloved cat is good: treats and snuggles flow freely, and Lucinda gets to menacingly purr from the cradle of her mistress’ arms during big speeches.
Read MoreShort Story: Superheroes Anonymous
“Hello, and welcome to Supers Anonymous, where we help each other recover from the trauma of being Overpowered Beings.”
Anthony, an apartment building superintendent, shifts uncomfortably in his seat. Contrary to what he had believed upon seeing the sign, he would not find himself in the warm bosom of like-minded brethren, swapping horror stories about clogged toilets and nightmare tenants.
A man wearing comically-large oven mitts stands up. “Hi, I’m Mega Mitts, and this morning a tenant of mine clogged up her toilet like she was angry at it.”
Huh. Or maybe I will.
Read MoreI Created A Video Game in Eight Weeks, Using RPG Maker MZ
…A recently orphaned boy, on the verge of adulthood.
...A mysterious summons from an ineffable presence.
...A cult that sprang out of a famine.
...A choice that impacts the lives of many.
Welcome to Visiting G.R.A.N.D.M.A., a video game I made from scratch using RPG Maker MZ!
Grounded in emotional realism, yet swimming in absurdism, Visiting G.R.A.N.D.M.A. is a hilarious romp with a dark storyline. It has multiple endings that each emphasize the impact and consequences of the players’ choices and will stay with you long after you finish playing.
What will happen to the people you encounter? How will meeting you affect their lives? Only you can say.
Read More