The LitRPG Writer’s Toolkit
So you want to write a LitRPG novel? This genre is growing in popularity, which is no surprise, given how ubiquitous gaming (video and table top) has become. Books utilizing LitRPG aspects play to a very specific demographic: gamers who like to read. It’s best if the author also fits into that demographic.
LitRPGs present their narratives in a game-like format, where the characters progress in skills, levels, etc. (like in a role-playing game), as the story unfolds. The characters usually know they are in a game or game-like setting. Though it’s open to many different rules styles and genres, the LitRPG mainstay is typically grounded in statistics that describe the character’s strengths, weaknesses, abilities, and equipment. This is the literary equivalent of playing Dungeons & Dragons at the table with a group, or playing Skyrim on PC/console. (Or EVE Online if you’re really into accounting…)
Writing a LitRPG brings its own set of challenges and considerations on top of all the others the author must deal with. What follows is a breakdown of the most important ones.
1: If You’re Not a Gamer, This Isn’t For You
Yes, I understand that heading presents a narrow position, but if you’re not a gamer, it’s highly unlikely you’ll enjoy writing a LitRPG. You probably won’t respect/know your target audience, or produce your best work. Like any…
