Don’t Split the Party

The whole point of the blog is to document the path to writing a fantasy novel. This love of writing comes from all the books I’ve read, different movies I’ve watched, and the games I’ve played. A specific game is Dungeons & Dragons. This game is usually played in a group or a party. The game can be played individually but the roles fun multiplies when you share the game with others. There’s an unspoken grand rule in the game of Dungeons & Dragons, and that is don’t split the party. It’s hard sometimes because everyone has goals that they want to go after. Certain tasks and things that they want to do. Part of the fun is collaboration to meet the most amount of goals and have the best time. For me recently I got the chance to go on a little adventure myself. A quest to see a comedian I love in Virginia Beach by the name of Dan Cummins. This adventure was supposed to be with a friend however it became a solo quest. After this little trip I’ve come to realize that adventuring as a party is far superior to adventuring alone.

This recent trip was turned from a duet to a solo because of wonderful circumstances in my friend’s life. The purchase of a home for him and his family made moving week the same as our trip. This meant sadly my friend couldn’t join me. While I was genuinely happy for him, the prospect of going on this journey alone left me with a tinge of sadness. I did have some family there and was going to get to at least visit with someone familial, however missing a trip with my best friend was a big bummer!

As I navigated the trip alone, I engaged in activities I’d typically enjoy on a mini vacation. Dining out, sipping drinks, and strolling through unfamiliar places. As I stood at the edge of a beach I had a thought. While I normally enjoy a bit of time to myself at home, heading out on a little adventure solo was not as desirable. Some individuals find solace and recharge their batteries on solo trips, I realized that, for me, the true magic lies in sharing these experiences with others. Specifically I thought of my wife and all the nice places we could visit and dine.

Texting my wife during a moment of solitude, I expressed my appreciation that we allow each other the freedom to do these excursions. I wanted her to know however that these moments would be infinitely better with her by my side. Companionship, I realized, is about finding someone whose presence enhances the beauty of every moment, someone with whom the ordinary becomes extraordinary. This was a trip to go see a comedy show and have a few nice meals. Doing that alone can be so lonely, and a great partner makes them exponentially better. There is a certain charm in solo adventures, a chance to revel in personal freedom and self discovery. However, the depth of experience, the laughter shared, and the memories created are magnified when surrounded by “The Party” so to speak. Really a group of people you love and cherish.

In the grand tapestry of life, it’s the shared adventures that weave the most intricate patterns. While the solo moments are essential for personal growth, the true joy lies in discovering that your little “Party” adds vibrancy and warmth to the journey. So, whether it’s traversing the landscapes of a fantasy novel or navigating the unfamiliar terrains of real life, I’ve come to treasure the beauty of companionship. When you find a group that you love, the adventure is truly enriched.

I hope you all get a chance to find and build your “Party”

K