Feedback What’s Next?

[Kitter Bitters]

This February will mark my 20th year in this hobby. Twenty years! Where does the time even go?

As I find myself reflecting on the past and thinking about the future, I've realized I'm in a strange place creatively.

Lately, I've been feeling drained and, for reasons I can't quite explain, overly conscious of how others perceive me. There's this nagging little voice in the back of my head trying to convince me that I'm not wanted here. Logically, I know that's ridiculous. Several people have gone out of their way to be kind, welcoming, and reassuring. Yet, for whatever reason, I can't seem to shake the feeling.

It's made me wonder if maybe what I really need isn't reassurance, but a change.

For almost twenty years, I've played Jedi. Even on Chaos, nearly every faction I've been involved with has been Jedi or Republic-inspired. I've spent the better part of two decades writing heroes, building Jedi communities, and telling variations of the same kinds of stories. I've loved it, but maybe I've reached a point where I need to step outside my comfort zone.

I recently created the New Jedi Praxeum, and part of me feels like I should be putting more energy into building it. But the truth is, I'm struggling to find the motivation to write anything Jedi-related right now. Every time I think about posting, it feels more like an obligation than something I'm excited to do. That's not how I want my hobby to feel.

So, I'm trying to figure out what comes next, and I'd genuinely love some thoughts and ideas.


Option 1: Give Kinley Pryse the spotlight.

Kinley has serious main character energy, and she's one of the few characters I've created who exists outside my usual Jedi/Republic comfort zone. I think there's a lot of potential for her, even if finding a faction where she fits has been a little challenging.

I'd love to hear what people might want to see from her. Should I move her beyond Black Sun? Take her in a completely different direction? What kinds of stories or connections could be interesting for her?


Option 2: Reinvent myself with an entirely different character.

In twenty years of roleplaying, I've never seriously played a Sith, an Imperial, a Mandalorian, a corporate character, or even someone in the military. That's a pretty enormous corner of Star Wars I've barely touched.

Maybe it's time to stop writing the good guys for a while. Maybe I need to embrace being a villain, an antagonist, or just someone who operates in the morally gray areas of the galaxy.

The possibilities are exciting, but also a little overwhelming when you've spent so long writing essentially one type of character.

So, where do I go from here?

I think part of what's making this difficult is that I feel like I should be doing more with the New Jedi Praxeum. I created it because I genuinely love the idea, and I still believe in what it could become. But right now, I'm burnt out, and trying to force myself to write Jedi stories isn't helping.

After twenty years, maybe it's time for a different kind of adventure and a chance to meet some new writers.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Whether you have ideas for Kinley, suggestions for a new character, or just some perspective from having been in a similar creative rut, I'm all ears.

 

[Srina Talon]

Kitter Bitters

Twenty years is a long time, and there's nothing wrong with wanting to try something different. My advice would be to write what genuinely interests you rather than what you may feel "obligated" to maintain. (I have no more credits to extort, so you'll have to find a different schmuck in that regard.) That said, I think it's worth remembering that other writers also invest their time and creativity into our stories, too. If you're going to start something new, especially something involving a community or faction, try and make sure it's something you're prepared to follow through on.

I'm not saying that IRL doesn't happen and all that...But I think you know what I mean. If you show interest and activity, people will come, and I honestly think having that camaraderie and support from your peers would help you stay grounded. But, people always need to see their leaders "doing the thing" first, or they will just flock to someone else already doing the thing, or do the thing themselves.

I would say that you don't necessarily need a new character or faction to find that spark again unless you think it's really a dead end. Sometimes a change in perspective, different writing partners, or just committing to a story and seeing it through can make all the difference. Whatever you choose, it should be enjoyable for you. When I get into a slump (lets face it, it happens) I tend to use the "power through" method because I find that the more I write a character and engage with others, the easier it is. The more fun it is because I become invested.

People make the RP for me, not factions, etc.

At the end of the day, I can't tell you what to do with 100% certainty that it will work. If Jedi RP isn't doing it for you...Branch out?

If you're struggling with a certain character that you still want to try writing...What about doing some writing exercises (Private Threads, Blogs) to really dig deep into that character and try to figure out what their motivations, thoughts, and goals are. It can help you feel more connected.

 

[Kitter Bitters]

Srina Talon thank you for the feedback. I do really want to find some new writing partners. I also agree that maybe I shouldn’t be leading anything. In 2027 I think it should be my goal not to really start any factions. It’s clearly something I’m just not currently equipped to do.

 

[Srina Talon]

Srina Talon thank you for the feedback. I do really want to find some new writing partners. I also agree that maybe I shouldn’t be leading anything. In 2027 I think it should be my goal not to really start any factions. It’s clearly something I’m just not currently equipped to do.

That's a pretty harsh view of yourself...I'm not going to go into mom therapy mode, but don't shortchange your efforts. You have plenty of positive qualities, and you can clearly build factions. I'm just saying that sticking with things can make you feel more connected to them.

Otherwise, investment and excitement tend to wane...Does that make sense?