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Writing and Wyverns: How Does Role-Play Affect Critical Thinking?

Table of Content:
Introduction
Methods
Results and Discussion
Conclusion

Works Cited
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C

METHODS:

My very first question on the subject was what skills can be learned from playing role-playing games, and whether or not can they be used in a real life situation. Next, could these same skills be gained by playing video games, or does the pre-rendered world given to players negate the need and therefore the honing of playing skills. Finally, I took a look at not just the players of role-play, but the creators. Game masters and dungeon masters have to create campaigns and change events they have planned as the game progresses. Is this any different from writing a story? What effects does storytelling have on critical thinking skills?

My first step in finding answers to these questions was to survey a sample from the population. I wanted my results to fall into one of four categories: role-playing for those who mostly play table-top role-playing games, video gamers, for those who play their games on some sort of virtual console, and a storywriter’s survey, for those who write fiction. I excluded non-fiction writers because I was more interested in the imagination and creative aspect used in building a fictional world. The final category was a survey for anyone who did not fall into those categories, purely as a control group.

In each survey, I began with the same four questions. First is a question about letter grades received in composition class to be used as a reference point to reading and writing ability. Next is a question asking participants to rate their own ability to visualize people, places, and things, along with mental maps. The third standard question is an open-ended question asking participants what strategies they use when they come across a difficult problem, or something they don’t understand. Finally, there is a speculative question about the differences between stories and games. This question served not only as a window into each group’s opinion, but the response can be analyzed as a piece of text from the participant, to look for critical thinking and composition skills.

In addition to the above, the gamer surveys include questions about the imagination difference between video games and table-top games, an open ended question about what participants do when stuck in a game, and a question asking if they have ever solved a real life problem with skills learned from a video game. In the table-top survey, I asked about the imagination involved during play, skills from games used in real life, and problems in real life solved by using problem solving from games. Finally in the storywriter’s survey, I asked how the writer overcomes writer’s block, and asked if they have ever solved a problem in real life using a method they have used in a story they’ve written.

I first distributed these surveys over the internet, through two different “guild” networks; one guild dedicated to text-based games, and the other a video game guild. In both guilds, the surveys were featured in an announcement, which could be viewed by all members of the guild. This ensured that I would be able to target my desired population. I then passed out hard copies of links to the survey on campus. Due to the anonymous nature of the online surveys, I can only guess about the participant’s age range, gender, nationality, occupation, and other identifying traits. Thankfully, they only trait I’m interested in is the hobby of my samples.

To analyze these results, I first sorted each by the categories and the letter grades, as an initial show of critical thinking and composition skills. I then compared the answers to the questions of “how do you solve problems in your hobby” and “how do you solve problems in real life,” seeing if I could make any connections. Finally, I paid close attention to the open-ended responses as a whole to determine how each participant handled each question, analyzing the content, and sentence structure of each.

Through the course of this research, I ran into multiple errors; the first of which was my concern for the honesty of the surveys. According to my research, none of my participants received anything below a C letter grade. I found that highly unlikely; my doubts further increased by the poor grammar and spelling used in some of the surveys. Another problem with the online surveys was some of the participant’s answers had no useful information in them. Sometimes I got a simple yes or no, when I was hoping for an elaboration. Overall, I am happy with the few detailed responses I did receive. Also, I should have done an interview with at least one person, but I have yet to meet a text-based role-player face-to-face. I believe that an in-person interview would yield better results than an online meeting. This type of interview could not only give me more in-depth questions that I could not have prepared before hand, but I could ask them to elaborate on an answer I found could be particularly helpful.

CONCLUSION:

My research shows that it is not just the love of fantasy or even role-play that improves the critical thinking skills that are necessary for composition classes. It’s the writing and creating aspect that connects the two. Because such unconventional thinking is required for both hobbies, a greater need develops for such skills. Because video games are pre-rendered and don’t require creation on the part of the player, gamers do not develop the same skills that they use in a composition class. Because they always have someone or something to look to or ask for help, they don’t develop the research or problem solving skills that the writers and role-players do.

This is a very shallow step into the ocean of RPGs and writing. More studies need to be done with face-to-face interviews, observations of a player writing, solving problems, and playing their games, and in-depth analysis of their research skills. With more research, we can discover more ways of teaching composition. Encouraging students to write in their spare time may not only improve grades, but improve the skills that students need. Traditional critical thinking and problem solving skills are becoming less and less valuable in a world that is constantly up-grading to the new technology. Students need to learn to adapt to this changing situation. There may be a hidden jewel in the controversial practice of role-playing. After all, adapting and surviving in a new world is what it’s all about.

APPENDIX A: SURVEY RESULTS FOR TEXT-BASED GAMERS

Sample 1
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: A
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
I try to research it as well as I can, and figure out how it works. I'm usually curious about it and want to know more so I can better understand it.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
In my case, the only difference is the fact that when I'm playing a game, I am doing it together with other people, and we all put similar effort into the story. When making up a story on my own, I only have myself to rely on, and might not get as much new input. ^^
5. When you play a game, how much imagination is involved?
Depends on the game. If there's a Game Master involved, my imagination may be limited, but more often than not I play free-world rpgs, and that's when I need to use my imagination all the time. Together with the other players, I have to build a believable world, good character interaction, and character development. It demands quite a lot.
6. Do you use any skills you would use to play the game to solve real life problems? How? For example, would you "Map out" a difficult idea like you would make a map of an area?
I actually use a lot of the character interactions I've used in the roleplay, and the ability to put myself in someone else's shoes, attempting to see the situation from the other person's view in arguments and such.
7. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a game?
Yes, multiple times. Mostly arguments.

Sample 2
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: B
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
Try to write down the concept and try to shape it
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
When you make up a story, you have to be willing to improvise
5. When you play a game, how much imagination is involved?
As much I can, but nothing way too simple or complex
6. Do you use any skills you would use to play the game to solve real life problems? How? For example, would you "Map out" a difficult idea like you would make a map of an area?
Draw it out and refine it with my ideas
7. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a game?
A few times but nothing too big that I remember it

Sample 3
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: B
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
I tend to stop and examine it for a while to see if I can make sense of it.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
When I'm playing a game, I never know what's going to come next. Making up a story, to me, is akin to crafting a fine piece of art; it's very deliberate.
5. When you play a game, how much imagination is involved?
It depends on the game. Granted, any game can become more intricate with judicious application of imagination, but some are more malleable than others.
6. Do you use any skills you would use to play the game to solve real life problems? How? For example, would you "Map out" a difficult idea like you would make a map of an area?
To tell the truth, I don't very often run into the sort of problem that can be solved like that. Most of my problems are interpersonal or introspective.
7. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a game?
I'm sure I have, but I can't recall one at the moment.

Sample 4
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: A
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
Research for a different portrayal, or explanation.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
With making up a game, you have the story and concept of characters from different people. Sometimes the plot will go in a direction you could never guess. When making a story, you still have an inkling of what's going to happen, but you can never fully predict others.
5. When you play a game, how much imagination is involved?
Quite a bit, as you're acting out your own character and reacting to others as if they exist. As a game master, its your job to create worlds, but there is still a great level of imagination involved in visualizing everything.
6. Do you use any skills you would use to play the game to solve real life problems? How? For example, would you "Map out" a difficult idea like you would make a map of an area?
Many dice games involve a bit of math, as well as vocabulary that you don't usually hear. However, I found that the greatest effect on my real life was learning leadership and management.
7. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a game?
Actually, yes. I met a particularly difficult person to deal with, who wasn't unlike an npc I encountered. Using diplomacy, I managed to take care of this customer's issue. Didn't have to kill anyone this time though...

Sample 5
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: C
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
Attempt to understand it.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
Creating a story involves complex creation, adaptability, ingenuity and skill. Whereas simply playing a game requires ingenuity, some skill, and luck..
5. When you play a game, how much imagination is involved?
Depends on the game. If its simply hack-and-slash, little, if it involves creativity, role playing, and/or vivid descriptions of whats happening.
6. Do you use any skills you would use to play the game to solve real life problems? How? For example, would you "Map out" a difficult idea like you would make a map of an area?
I honestly haven't run into a situation where I have had to.
7. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a game?
Nope.

Sample 6
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: B
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
Look it up, or use context clues
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
not much.
5. When you play a game, how much imagination is involved?
Quite a bit, as you have to imagine your characters, what they are fighting etc etc.
6. Do you use any skills you would use to play the game to solve real life problems? How? For example, would you "Map out" a difficult idea like you would make a map of an area?
Problem solving skills are useful everywhere.
7. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a game?
Yes

Sample 7
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: A
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
I attempt to relate it to something I do understand by coming up with a set of mechanics for it. Failing that, I let it be.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
A game has rules to define what you can and can't do, in order to prevent exchanges such as "Ha! I shot you with my super laser beam!" "Nuh-uh! I have a shield that blocks everything!" "Well my laser goes through shields, even shields that block everything!"
5. When you play a game, how much imagination is involved?
As much as I can manage. I put a lot of effort and imagination into creating and playing characters in a realistic and enjoyable manner.
6. Do you use any skills you would use to play the game to solve real life problems? How? For example, would you "Map out" a difficult idea like you would make a map of an area?
Occasionally. Processes such as character creation have helped me to get better at creating and organizing lists.
7. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a game?
None that come to mind

Sample 8
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: A
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
I analyze or research it until I do
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
When you play a game you're only part of the story. When you make up the story you're creating a world for other people to play in.
5. When you play a game, how much imagination is involved?
Some, not as much as when scripting a game.
6. Do you use any skills you would use to play the game to solve real life problems? How? For example, would you "Map out" a difficult idea like you would make a map of an area?
I use diplomacy a lot and have been known to map out areas that I wasn't familiar with. Depending on the situation I also use the same tactical thinking that I use when I am playing in a game. Also, knowing different vocabulary from DnD has been known to help in crossword puzzles.
7. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a game?
Not yet, no.

Sample 9
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: A
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
Depends on the origin of the idea/concept. If it is an applied knowledge (such as mathematical equations), then I try to find a worked-out example and go from there, or at least work out the problem in writing. If it is a more visual concept or a design idea, then I try to work it out in my head--but I may resort to drawing a sketch if need be.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
Playing a game (either as a video game or a tabletop game) is inherently more passive than creating a story. Although--along with going with the flow--there can be a lot quick-thinking/acting and puzzle-solving. There is also some additional work on the player's part with pen-and-paper games as far as visualizing the scene. Modern video gamers have had little need to truly visualize an image. Some players may even play AS the characters instead of just THROUGH them. This can also be said for Video Games, as my brother and I play many RPGs and sandbox games as different characters with different motivations (not just good to be good or evil to be evil). Coming up with a unique set of character motives/inspirations and sticking to them can lead to a much longer lifetime with either type of game. Preparing a story is an entirely different obstacle. Although there are many similar challenges as playing a game; making a story (or a plot for a game) involves the considering all roles/characters (Player and Non-Player) and not just a single Player Character. Writing for a story has a chance to tax the creator's imagination as they have to think on how each character would react to an event. Compared to writing a game plot, the creator may depend on a little help from the players to help the narrative along.
5. When you play a game, how much imagination is involved?
Personally--being stuck as the Game Master (or GM) most all of the time--I have found the role of GM highly challenging in terms of imagination. No matter how much planning and plotting I make, I could never plan everything my fellow players would come up with. This leads to a lot of thinking on the spot and rewriting the overall narrative in my head while a player does something unexpected. All this time I am also trying to keep the players entertained and buy time by describing everything happening in a scene accordingly. As a Player Character (or PC), I can be viewed as a boon or bane to my fellow PC and the GM. I tend to prefer playing humorous, over-the-top characters (perhaps with another voice than my usual one), and trying to get a few laughs with my antics, speech, and overall survival. This way I get a similar amount of stimulus as if I were running the game; but I do admit it is easier--except GMs can't die, but PCs can.
6. Do you use any skills you would use to play the game to solve real life problems? How? For example, would you "Map out" a difficult idea like you would make a map of an area?
I have been known to sketch something out for confused players in game as well as for confused people outside of games. However, I don't believe this comes up very often--I suppose I'm getting more practice with describing what's going on in my head in words and not relying on drawing things out. Furthermore, I do--like the geek that I am--enjoy to brainstorm current and future campaigns while stuck with nothing to do at work. I also find that my writing of huge epic plots may lead to my excessive verbosity (this helps a lot with college reports).
7. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a game?
Frankly, no. However, I do believe that the processes involved in Tabletop gaming exercise a gamer's ability to think outside the box. I would also add that video games do exercise hand-eye coordination, as well as act as a great stress reliever (if the player knows their own limits).

Sample 10
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: B
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
Think about it and attempt to understand it.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
Playing a game is less active. The story is already there for you...
5. When you play a game, how much imagination is involved?
The game has alot of imagination, but I don't utilize much of my own.
6. Do you use any skills you would use to play the game to solve real life problems? How? For example, would you "Map out" a difficult idea like you would make a map of an area?
Not really...
7. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a game?
Not really, unless you include strategy guides...

Sample 11
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: B
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
I attempt to put that idea or concept within terms that I may comprehend, and then relate it to another. I think communicate in an attempt to grasp the concept with the aid of said person.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
Playing a game is different from creating a story because it's like reading a book. You start the game (open the book) and begin to read (play). As the game goes on you learn more and more about the world, the characters, and the environment. It's hopefully a really fun, and exciting experience. Writing the story/making the game is MUCH more difficult, and not as fun sometimes, but does have it's own rewards of excitement and joy. You're creating something which you hope is amazing, and it's your very own. Your desire is to make something wonderful that others can enjoy, and it just makes you feel happy that you can create something that both you and others will love to read/play.
5. When you play a game, how much imagination is involved?
Although realism is a huge thing to me, I realize that fantasy needs to take precedent sometimes. Imagination doesn't always have to involve fantasy however, and so imagination in my opinion is a huge part of games that I play. In fact I believe that imagination is a part of every game, or at least every good game. Without imagination the game itself would not be possible, and so I think that such a trait is a vital aspect of all games.
6. Do you use any skills you would use to play the game to solve real life problems? How? For example, would you "Map out" a difficult idea like you would make a map of an area?
Well, by playing Dungeons and Dragons PbP and DMing some games. I have to use basic math which helps me to increase my mathematical abilities obviously. I also need to create stories for the game, or randomly make things up as best I can. I am a bit indecisive so I tend to use "luck" to my will. I do this by creating tables with which I roll a die and take the result, or by flipping a coin. "Heads or tails". If I had to map out an idea, like say perhaps how to infiltrate an enemy camp. If I had the time and required so would perhaps write out the steps required in order to do so. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 (Step 4 is variable depending upon the situation which step 3 leads to) Step 4a Step 4b I wouldn't necessarily have to write such a plan out, but could picture it mentally. I have also learned the bulk of my English writing/reading capabilities from playing Role Playing Games that include a ton of text walls. >.>
7. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a game?
I would have to say that I perhaps have, but only with the aspects that I've learned from games. I tend to play Role Playing Games, and am usually always on the good side of things. Seldom is it that I ever play an evil role. Thus I am thrown into moral complications in which a decision must be made. Or that of evil trying to get its nasty little way. Unfortunately I am unable to think of something to relate at the moment. I apologize if my information was not helpful, and I wish you good luck with your work.

Sample 12
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: A
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
If it perks my interest, I look into it.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
Making up a story involves plotting out what each character will do and how they will react, while playing a game takes most of that out of your hands.
5. When you play a game, how much imagination is involved?
A good amount.
6. Do you use any skills you would use to play the game to solve real life problems? How? For example, would you "Map out" a difficult idea like you would make a map of an area?
Yes, I've solved problems in game in similar ways to how I would solve the same problems if I had them in real life.
7. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a game?
not yet.

Sample 13
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: B
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
I usually look it up on the web
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
Stories require more thought, whereas games require putting yourself inside of someone else's story.
5. When you play a game, how much imagination is involved?
Plenty, staying in character is hard
6. Do you use any skills you would use to play the game to solve real life problems? How? For example, would you "Map out" a difficult idea like you would make a map of an area?
not really
7. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a game?
not at all, considering the joking nature of most of my games.

APPENDIX C: SURVEY RESULTS FOR STORYTELLERS

Sample 1
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: A
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
I think about it for a while before asking for help if I still don't understand it. If none of that works, then I give up.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
Making up a story is something completely of your own making while playing a game is just following someone else's story.
5. How do you deal with writer’s block?
I just don't write.
6. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a story you’ve told or written?
No, I don't think so.

Sample 2
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: A
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
I think it over.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
Making up a story comes from your own mind. And playing a game is created by people.
5. How do you deal with writer’s block?
I go out to places and try to focus on ideas for my story.
6. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a story you’ve told or written?
No

Sample 3
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: B
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
I often simplify it into shorter vernacular, and I draw a picture of the concept (Take the Water Cycle, for example)
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
A game is someone else's world, you're just a visitor. In making up a story, the setting, concepts, laws, inhabitants and everything else are yours. The world is you, and you are the world. There's only a fine line between you and your story.
5. How do you deal with writer’s block?
I experiment with music, eat comfort food, and make jewelry.
6. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a story you’ve told or written?
Well, life itself is a story. I've solved all my problems doing this.

Sample 4
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: B
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
I research whatever it is that I do not understand, and read anything that talks about it. If it is a fictional idea, then I go to community sites that talk about it. Googling it helps me out a lot.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
When you are playing a game, for example, a role-playing game, you connect with the characters, and it is like reading a book, because you continue to play in order to find out what's going to happen next, but when you are writing a story, not only are you connecting with your characters, you are also in control of the events, therefore you know what to expect.
5. How do you deal with writer’s block?
If I can't think of anything to write, I usually play music, mostly instrumental. Usually the music will trigger an image, and then I am able to attach words to those thoughts in my head. Another way is that I write fanfictions about my own stories. Putting my characters into a story that does not fit in the main storyline helps me to expand my thinking, because I am freeing myself from the limitations of the main plot.
6. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a story you’ve told or written?
With help from the news on television and books that I have read, I wrote about an event of losing a loved one. When my dog died of kidney disease, I was able to cope with the loss, thanks to my experiences of writing about death, and to the books that spoke of it as well.

Sample 5
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: A
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
Ask Questions, figure it out.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
A story is a world seen from a small point of view, a game is more of a section of a world. The reader usually must follow the story, whereas the gamer must make their own story.
5. How do you deal with writer’s block?
Listen to music, watch movies, play videogames. Fresh Ideas come from everywhere.
6. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a story you’ve told or written?
Sorta. I'd be a boring character, so instead I usually write about how I SHOULD have done things...

Sample 6
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: A
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
I research it until I feel I've grasped the concept. If the writer doesn't understand, you can be sure the reader won't.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
Games have the story and character development spelled out for you already. While often times this is great for inspiration, it's nothing like making up your own world for your characters to live in.
5. How do you deal with writer’s block?
I often watch a movie or play a game with a similar subject. Sometimes, I'll read pieces from a book that I really enjoy to grasp the writer's style and reasons for doing things. More often than not, it works.
6. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a story you’ve told or written?
Yes. What makes a piece of writing great is its ability to relate to every day life. Writing just gives you the chance to put it all out on paper to make sense of. So, it's not too hard to believe that one could help solve their problems with a piece of writing.

Sample 7
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: A
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
Research it until I do understand.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
Well, you have a bit more freedom when making up a story. You control all the characters, and you control what happens to them.
5. How do you deal with writer’s block?
I write something else.
6. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a story you’ve told or written?
All the time. It's amazing that I don't just keep a journal and then publish it.


Sample 8
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: A
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
I ponder the thought and if I don't understand it's formal meaning, I re-write it to make it simpilar. That usually never happens though.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
A video game can only have so much imaginationa nd effects in it. When you make up a story, anything can happen however you want it.
5. How do you deal with writer’s block?
The band Muse and Chiodos usually get me through my writer's block but if that doesn't work, then Stephen King or Anne Rice will do the trick.
6. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a story you’ve told or written?
I was a anorexic for a period of time and writing out what I did and turning it into a biography helped me. Eventually, I really began to notice what I was writing and realize that I needed to change.

Sample 9
1. What was your average grade in composition classes? This includes Writing, English, Literature etc.
Letter Grade
Grade: A
2. How good are you at imagining things, or making mental images?
Poor (1) Fair (2) Average (3) Good (4) Awesome (5)
Imagination X
Mental Maps X
Mental Images X
3. What do you do when you come across an idea or concept you don’t understand?
Read whatever I can find about it before writing out my thoughts on some scrap paper.
4. What’s the difference between playing a game, and making up a story?
Playing a game is like reading a book. Someone else's story slowly unfolds on the screen and in your imagination. Sometimes they're fairly predictable, but I still love finding out exactly what's going to happen next. I'm fairly organized when writing. I plan out major plot points before hand, so I'm never surprised by what's going to happen next. For me, playing a game is creating a story for me, while writing is creating a story for someone else, and I need to worry about what would be interesting to someone else.
5. How do you deal with writer’s block?
Read! My inspiration comes from other stories, and at worst, I'll reconnect with the characters and enjoy myself even if it doesn't resolve the block.
6. Have you encountered a problem in real life that you solved by relating it to a problem you’ve solved in a story you’ve told or written?
I tend to treat all of life like a story. A problem comes up, I figure out the plot, options, and ramifications before proceeding. I can't say it's always worked, but hey, I tried to predict would would happen so at least I was somewhat prepared.

rofl "Peanut sauce," that's rich! (no pun intended) Anyway, back on topic, AND MY MOTHER WONDERS WHY I'D RATHER PLAY GAMES THAN DO HOMEWORK!

I should have her read this at some time or another. It might make her lighten up on me, or it may just make her hate both games, and Gaia a little more than she already does... bout a 50/50 chance either way...

All that aside, that's EXACTLY what the campaign I'm trying to get off the ground in the guild stresses, critical thinking, I'd rather have the players who try to solve problems without immediately going "GRR SMASH" to whatever stands in their way as opposed to those that do.

Well he would if you could find a way to justify the thought processes he'd have to go through to arrive at any intellectual resolution to an encounter or such, especially considering he's a barbarian...

Just to further illustrate the point that any kind of recreational activity like RPing is better for a person than most any other way of learning, you should probably pass around an AD&D PHB instead of any of the other, more recent versions, and a collage paper, any kind of college paper, you'd be best off with an A grade paper. I'd definitely do it! mrgreen

When I said I should show it to my mom, I meant just that, show it to MY MOM, nobody else... it's too long to finish reading, she'd never finish, let alone anybody else in the world. But I think it has a chance at getting published, you just have to know who and where to go to. (I'm kidding about the first part of this bit. SHOW THIS BEAST OFF!)