Welcome Readers!

Hello Readers!

I should start by introducing myself to you. My name (well, my pen name) is H. A. Spector and I am an MFA Student, Author, Writer, Video Game Enthusiast, and Game Master for Dungeons & Dragons among others. I hail from a tiny town that most of you probably haven’t heard of, Portland, Oregon. Oh? You have heard of it? Well, then, to clear up any other confusion about the city I call home, yes it’s weird—in the most amazing way possible. I’ve been in the PNW now for around six months and honestly, it’s the best place I’ve ever called home (it even beat out Boston, but shh, don’t tell them that). If you want to know more, head over to my About Me page where I have three whole paragraphs dedicated to my life story (well not really, but you know, some of it?)

So, why should you read my blog? That’s a great question. Honestly, I don’t know if I have the answer to that. But here is what I will say to try. I love video games, and I love writing, and I think the two have more in common than people might think. Sure every video game (well, almost) requires writing as a part of its production, but, it goes deeper than that. Just like someone can learn to write by reading (and should read often if they aspire to write), one can also learn to write by playing video games. Also, video games are just as good as novels when it comes to providing a space for the user to escape reality (which, let’s be honest, a lot of us want to do from time to time—oh, you want to escape forever? Me too!)

Aside from video games, I also think one can learn a great deal about writing from taking up the role of Game Master and penning their own grand adventures that lead players through fantasy, semi-real, steampunk, or cybernetic future worlds (or fill in the blank with what makes your creative juices flow). It’s not a novel, no, but it can turn into one (seriously, go read my About Me to learn more about my current thesis project and novel-in-progress born from one of my D&D campaigns).

That is what this blog will be about, video games, writing, TTRPGs, and everything in between. It may include book recommendations based on video games you might enjoy, or video game recommendations based on books you might enjoy (it always goes both ways). Posts may include some writing tips, game mastering tips, video game tips, or news from the industry. Hell, posts may even just include some incoherent ramblings of my writing process, eventual book promotions or podcast promotions, or insight into my MFA journey (it’s been an interesting ride).

I’ll end with this, my personality has been described as one part emo, one part golden retriever. This means I am a generally happy, fun person who happens to love the macabre and the beauty found in dark aspects of life. So, if none of the above interests you, perhaps you identify with that personality type and you'll stick around because you found a friend who gets you, understands you, and won’t judge you.

Beyond anything else, my pledge to you all is that this place will be a safe space for all people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, BIPOC, and all other underrepresented communities. I am here for you all and promise to keep my content open, inclusive, honest, and (hopefully) fun.

Wishing you all the natural 20s in the world,

H. A. Spector