We've all been there. Even though I've taken a break since December from DMing, I think I've hit a wall. I've DM'd since Fall of 2016 almost every weekend, and I just don't know if it's me, my groups or what - but I have no drive to do it anymore.
What are some ways you've used to reignite that DM spark?
If possible, have someone else GM while you play a character. Seeing it from the other side of the screen, what "your" players, and you, like/dislike about the other GM's style, the inevitable thinking to yourself, "how would I have done that?" all helped me regain my eagerness to dive in again.
My current group has hit upon a fun system where we each take turns DMing a campaign for about 6-8 sessions in a kind of mini-arch, then we rotate to either a new campaign or returning to one of the old ones. Keeps things fresh and prevents burnout.
I let somebody DM in my homebrew world and then I instantly start champing at the bit to correct whatever they've "screwed up." Whether that means the JJ Abrams/Rian Johnson/JJ Abrams passive/aggressive eraser fight of the last Star Wars trilogy or trying to synthesize their ideas in a way that brings it into line with my ideas, like Grant Morrison's comics. Also, I read and watch stuff that has nothing to do with fantasy and see if I can find an angle to bring it into the game somehow.
I think burnout is just a natural thing, I just started dming not long ago but I’ve experienced burnout in other creative hobbies.
Like others have said, being on the other side of the screen for awhile will help for sure. Also, maybe be a little selfish with your dming, tell your players you’re feeling burned out and maybe do something that YOU want to do and see if the players are cool with it, then just go nuts making something you’ve always wanted.
I would like to join the chorus saying that becoming a player is one of the best ways to combat or recover from burnout. Take a break and let someone else run for a while, even if they just run one shots. And when you're ready to get back into DMing make sure you have regular opportunities to continue to play! Either with regular breaks for someone else to take over, or with another game on the side that you can play in.
Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone! I appreciate it. I'm starting a pirate campaign this week with some friends, as a player. Over Hangouts, of course
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We've all been there. Even though I've taken a break since December from DMing, I think I've hit a wall. I've DM'd since Fall of 2016 almost every weekend, and I just don't know if it's me, my groups or what - but I have no drive to do it anymore.
What are some ways you've used to reignite that DM spark?
If possible, have someone else GM while you play a character. Seeing it from the other side of the screen, what "your" players, and you, like/dislike about the other GM's style, the inevitable thinking to yourself, "how would I have done that?" all helped me regain my eagerness to dive in again.
My current group has hit upon a fun system where we each take turns DMing a campaign for about 6-8 sessions in a kind of mini-arch, then we rotate to either a new campaign or returning to one of the old ones. Keeps things fresh and prevents burnout.
I let somebody DM in my homebrew world and then I instantly start champing at the bit to correct whatever they've "screwed up." Whether that means the JJ Abrams/Rian Johnson/JJ Abrams passive/aggressive eraser fight of the last Star Wars trilogy or trying to synthesize their ideas in a way that brings it into line with my ideas, like Grant Morrison's comics. Also, I read and watch stuff that has nothing to do with fantasy and see if I can find an angle to bring it into the game somehow.
I think burnout is just a natural thing, I just started dming not long ago but I’ve experienced burnout in other creative hobbies.
Like others have said, being on the other side of the screen for awhile will help for sure. Also, maybe be a little selfish with your dming, tell your players you’re feeling burned out and maybe do something that YOU want to do and see if the players are cool with it, then just go nuts making something you’ve always wanted.
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InsiderI would like to join the chorus saying that becoming a player is one of the best ways to combat or recover from burnout. Take a break and let someone else run for a while, even if they just run one shots. And when you're ready to get back into DMing make sure you have regular opportunities to continue to play! Either with regular breaks for someone else to take over, or with another game on the side that you can play in.
Find me on Twitter: @OboeLauren
Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone! I appreciate it. I'm starting a pirate campaign this week with some friends, as a player. Over Hangouts, of course