• Guess what? Most studios don't offer professional development for game writers

      So how are writers supposed to take risks and challenge themselves?

      Like most early-career game writers, I did it in the worst way possible:

      By shipping

      I sent work out into the world that sometimes was pretty bad. :( Other times it was...ok. Just ok. (But I wanted it to be great!)

       

      The experience was stressful and wrecked my confidence because I KNEW the work could be better - but I just didn’t know how to make it so.

      This lack of training can derail a writer's career

      Especially once you move past an entry-level role

      Imagine landing the job or the promotion - and THEN blowing it, by shipping bad work. Nooooooooo!!!

       

      I’ve seen it happen, more than once. I’ve seen people blow up their game-writing careers because they just weren’t ready for the opportunity.

       

      You don’t want to be that writer!

      Once I started sharing my work with other writers, things got a whole lot better

      I learned from mentors and colleagues, both

      I was able to develop helpful insights, thanks to writers who were more experienced than me...

       

      And I was able to share my work with colleagues, so we could learn from each other.

       

      A good network is everything. It's how I developed my skills and confidence, and eventually built my career.

    • I'm here to help you get where you want to go

      (Without having to go through all the pain and trial and error that I did)

       

      That's why I'm offering this new workshop, exclusively for former students.

    • Introducing:
      The Narrative Department
      Alumni Workshop

      Designed to help you develop your game-writing skills, your portfolio, and your network
      so that you can take your game-writing career to the next level.

    • Build a playable story

      You won't just start it; you'll FINISH it

      You've got a head start (if you want it)

      Good news: you don't have to create an original story for this workshop if you don't want to. I recommend adapting an existing story, like a fable or a fairy tale (OR writing a story for an existing game). Why? Because this sets you up for success in a couple of ways. It makes life simpler. You don't have to come up with an original story, make it great, and THEN make it playable. This approach allows you to focus on key game-writing skills - namely, creating player choices and writing great dialog - and it ensures that Yes, you will complete a project in six weeks! And you can always take as much creative license with the story as you like. This option doesn't limit you; it frees you. (But it's up to you!)

      You've got accountability

      On Wednesdays - or Thursdays, if you're in Europe - we WRITE. As the workshop progresses, you'll develop flowcharts, dialog, playable work...this is structured to keep you moving, all the way to the finish line.

      You've got support

      You'll be developing your own project, but you'll be part of a dedicated 4-person group throughout the workshop. This way, you can get dedicated feedback from other writers who know your process and understand your vision. (And if you want even more feedback, you can always reach out to all of your other classmates. You're surrounded by supportive people who want to help.)

      You've got ME

      No hotseats this time! In this workshop, you'll get private, direct feedback from me on your project, not once but twice, to help fast-track your growth.

    • Hone your game-writing skills

      This workshop is designed to help you develop the key skills ALL game writers,
      at every level, need to develop:

      The ability to create interesting choices

      The ability to write
      great dialog

      The ability to iterate, based on player feedback

    • Meet industry professionals

      If you've ever wanted to visit the Speaker's Lounge at GDC, here's your chance

      Every Saturday, you'll meet game developers from different departments

      You'll meet narrative directors, animators, voice actors, level designers and artists.

       

      These sessions will be casual get-togethers where you can ask questions,
      listen to war stories, and build new relationships.

       

      It's a golden opportunity to learn how to work with other teams. And who knows,

      maybe you'll end up working with some of these people in the future.

       

      Crazier things have happened!

    • How It Works

      1

      Pre-Workshop:
      Coffee

      You and I will meet one-on-one to discuss your goals and our gameplan.

       

      This way, we can set you up for success.

      2

      Phase One:
      Choices

      You'll pick your story and start building your story and your player choices. At the end of Week Two, you'll share your work with your group (and me) for feedback.

      3

      Phase Two:
      Dialog

      You'll continue to develop your game/story, but in this phase we'll focus on dialog. At the end of Week Four, you'll share your work with your group (and me) for feedback.

      4

      Phase Three: Feedback

      You'll sort through the feedback you received, develop a gameplan, and iterate.

       

      Most importantly, you will finish and SHIP!

    • When Do We Meet?

      We'll meet on Saturdays, from 12-1:30pm CST, for industry conversations with guest speakers.

       

      We will also meet Wednesday evenings for workshops. Exact time is TBD.
      I will poll registered attendees to find a time that works best for everybody.

       

      We'll have a repeat workshop on Thursdays at 12pm CST.

       

      Everybody is welcome to attend one or both workshops. The more the merrier!

    • The Investment

      Alumni Pricing

      If and when I open up this workshop to the public, the cost will be $997. But the cost right now for the Alumni Workshop is $497.

       

      This picks up where our masterclass left off. You know the other writers in this class. You know what an awesome group of people this is.

       

      If you've been missing our weekly get-togethers, this is your chance to jump back in.

       

      This workshop is designed to help you do something that is essential for every writer's career: Get It Done. When you're ready to apply for that new role or ask for that promotion, you'll have this work in your back pocket as evidence that you're ready for the next step.

       

    • Imagine, six weeks from now

      You could be a stronger writer...

      With the samples to prove it

      ...with a playable story...

      That demonstrates your ability to incorporate feedback and still ship with confidence

      ...and a growing network

      You'll know more people in the industry - and they'll know you, too.

    • The next step

      I'm excited to offer this alumni workshop - but it will only happen if enough people sign up.

      So if you're interested, now's the time.

       

      This is an amazing group of writers - talented, supportive and collaborative.

      Let's all grow and get better, together.

       

      See you inside!

    • Register Now

      Workshop begins this Saturday, September 4th

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