I’ve been using the steps for years now. I always tell myself to try a new method, but I’m lazy and always come back to yours. I believe your steps give me the most reward for my prep. It’s like that idea that 80% of the results come from 20% of your work. I believe you have identified the 20%.

I'm a professional improv actor of 15 years. I both perform and teach how to collaboratively and spontaneously storytell. While running a game without a plan isn't normally a problem for me, I've found that your steps have given me some real benefits. First, the focus on a strong start has meant all my games generally hook my players with something engaging. Second, it helps give me parameters to know when things are getting a little out of hand or not. I find my stories can get a little operatic in tone when I get excited. This provides me a line in the sand so I can more easily see the choices of "keeping in tone" or "going to anime land". And thirdly, it helps me remember the sessions later. I often forget to do session notes afterwards, and I almost never do mid-session notes, but looking back at my pre session notes can really save my skin. All in all, your work is so good, and even those who "can run a game with no prep" still benefit from your work you so graciously gift this hobby and craft ❤

Really great advice in this one. I'm big on improv, but having these pieces organized gives me a tool box I can work with during the game.

Thanks Mr Shea, your work gives me back the pleasure of mastering!🎉

I think this video truly just made the 8 steps click for me. I have been using the template for a while but never quite understood the philosophy.

Yes I’ve had sessions where I’ve had to improv most of it and they were some of the best I’ve ever run

I bought the Return of Lazy DM ebook the other day, and I've read the first 4 or 5 chapters. I've incorporated a couple of the 8 steps, and the next session went really well with minimal effort in the prep. So, that's neat. Almost like there's some good advice in there or something *shrugs*.

This is how I have been running my cyberpunk game. I’ll spend some time getting a good map for a strong setpiece, next is writing and making the whole gig, then last is encounter design . I rarely do two of those in one sitting

Thanks Mike. Love your content. Your always on point every week with your DM info

I'm glad that you dislike using the term railroady when talking about linear adventuring. It's not a railroad unless the DM forces you to solve challenges one way and doesn't allow you to brainstorm up ideas and come up with alternative, reasonable solutions. Choosing a direction to go is much less significant than brainstorming up solutions to problems. Giving your players content is not railroading. Forcing them to deal with the problem one way is (if done too frequently). Sometimes, there is only one solution. I love to use google docs to make my notes. I can link in other documents, monster/NPC stat blocks, spells, etc. I have my recap, date and time, NPCs, possible encounters, descriptions, and save off each session. Very handy for future referencing, it tracks the whole adventure. I feel like I am doing what you are recommending, so good stuff! Zero prep DMs are frustrating to play with. I really dislike whimsical combats. They have no substance and are empty victories. I want well designed battles that are supposed to be won by playing smart and not being unlucky (not every combat, but the important ones at least). Keep up the good work!

question, in some cases, more linear campaigns like light of xaryxis would be better to keep the structure in scenes or would it be more beneficial to use this split approach? Tnx for the video