Review: Anatomy of an Adventure

Anatomy of an Adventure is the first book I've encountered by a TTRPG designer for other designers. Written by M.T. Black, a prolific writer of 5e D&D material, I found it to be an extremely enjoyable and inspiring read. 

Written in a conversational voice, Black's work is enhanced by his own analysis of his earliest works, identifying strengths and areas he'd do things differently given the chance. It certainly leans towards the art side of the craft of adventure design rather than the science. 

Most work in this very niche subject area is actually advice written for GMs, who act essentially as their own independent adventure designers routinely. Instead Black approaches the subject as an introduction to the industry and aid for aspiring designers to create their own first adventures.

Some nuggets that I took away:

• Emulate (i.e. copy) those adventures and elements of stories that you love. Adding enough things together and doing it you way will make it your own.
• Other adventures, or old issues of Dragon or Dungeon magazine provide great inspiration and examples of things to try.
• This journey takes practice, repetition, and failures. Working through these and learning from them is valuable.
• Random tables can provide inspiration and break up stale thinking.

This was an extremely interesting and engaging read for me. In parallel I took a look at some of Black's adventures to see other examples of his thoughts. I think this is a great resource and motivator to try designing their own original material.