Why I Created a Space to Reflect on My Creative Challenges

New Blog Category - Reflections: Personal insights and thoughts on my creative journey, including challenges, workflow experimentation, and evolving ideas. This category provides an open space to explore creativity, storytelling, and solo RPG experiences, while encouraging dialogue and connection with readers.

Why I Created a Space to Reflect on My Creative Challenges

Today, I created a new category called Reflections, a place where I can share spontaneous and unstructured ideas. I want to share some personal insights from my creative journey—reflecting on challenges, experimenting with workflow, and how my ideas continue to evolve as I explore creativity, storytelling, and my solo RPG experiences.

How Did I Get Here?

I grew up playing Dungeons and Dragons in the 80s and 90s and then took a long break. Over the years I played a few MMOs, discovered anime and manga, watched all the LOTR films and finally in 2020 I discovered the concept of Solo RPGs.

I was overwhelmed at first. There are different game systems or you can just use normal dnd rules, then I discovered Pathfinder 2e and ended up going with Basic Fantasy RPG (more on this later). I went through months of researching, looking up tools like random tables, random name generators, Virtual Table Tops (VTTs). I also decided to experiment and tinker with the BFRPG rules, which started small by adding just one or two rules from 5e but over time the rules changed and got out of control so long story short; I am back to BFRPG with a few really small changes for solo play.

What Am I Doing?

I started off with the intent to get a solo game of my own and as I set up the location and inserted a dungeon and monsters; I started to really enjoy creating the world, and factions, then gods, other planes of existence, a story and although this consumed me for months; I don't see it as a waste of time because I clarified what I wanted to do in my game but at some point, the game itself must begin right? I don't think I knew if I wanted to write a story or play a solo RPG and luckily I decided to dive in and start my first ever solo RPG adventure!

I failed seven times in a row; and each time, I would get stuck; I didn't know how to simultaneously be the Dungeon Master. I learned to take simple notes and not to worry about writing down ever attack roll and saving throw.

I wont go into all the magical tips and techniques I picked up but I will say that, for me, the goal of Solo RPG Play is "immersion" and "escape from reality." But I found when I had to stop the game to look up a rule like the range for a spell; this would cause me to get frustrated and break my precious immersion.

Paper, Pencil and Dice for my Solo RPG Sessions

So after my first solo game in 2023; I took a break and eventually came back it. I re-read my first session and thought I would be able to get back into that story or start a new one, especially since I had success before. But when I tried; I found myself getting stuck again. I had to re-read the rules, explore what my goals are etc.

You Play Solo RPGs? And So What?

Creating this new "Reflections" category is an important step in my creative process. It gives me a space to share my journey honestly—highlighting both the challenges and the breakthroughs I’ve experienced in solo RPG play. I've learned that preparation can sometimes be a trap, but it’s through taking action, failing, and adjusting that true immersion and creative growth happen.

As I continue to explore this path, I also want to share these insights with others. Writing about my experiences allows me to connect the dots between gameplay, storytelling, and creative expression. This is a long-term project for me, and I hope it can inspire or resonate with others who may be on a similar journey.

If you've faced similar challenges or have your own creative struggles to share, I’d love to hear from you.