Interview 25 – James Lowder

Summary: * (0:28) Introducing James.  How little we used to know about the names associated with the games we played. * (2:50) Johann must ask the hard-hitting questions. * (6:02) The degree of freedom RPG fiction writers have in shaping their own work.  The distinction between good prose and good game writing. * (10:50) Writing shared world fiction.  The joy of working in collaboration with other people, while suffering a loss of ownership and control. * (14:29) Zeb Cook's robots. * (16:04) Creator rights in roleplaying games. * (27:03) Is gaming fiction typically worse than other forms of fiction?  And if so, why? * (35:54) The book Jim just finished editing, Beyond the Wall (http://www.smartpopbooks.com/book/beyond-the-wall), and how it illustrates his view of an editor's role. * (41:15) What Jim has coming up, including some script work on the Hack/Slash (http://www.imagecomics.com/series/138/Hack-Slash) comic book.  You can also follow his work via his website (http://www.jameslowder.com/).  While not mentioned during the episode, Jim was a puppeteer for the comedy musical, Misfit Heights (http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi2252644633/). * (42:48) Comparing San Diego Comic-Con to Gen Con, in terms of size, scope, purpose, and culture. Hosts: Dan, Johann, Pat, Wayne Guests: James Lowder