In this candid, high-energy conversation, fantasy fiction writer and narrative tabletop RPG designer Tom Davis joins Muse Dreams to explore what it really takes to build immersive worlds—and sustain a creative life without burning out. From epic fantasy and role-playing systems to vintage typewriters and creative constraint, Tom shares how discipline, imperfection, and intentional tools helped him break perfectionism, revive his writing practice, and reclaim joy in the work.
The conversation moves between story craft, game design, creative psychology, and process, offering grounded wisdom for writers, artists, and world-builders at any stage.
Episode Highlights
- How writing first drafts on a vintage typewriter removes perfectionism and restores creative momentum
- Building immersive fantasy worlds where moral choice, consequence, and struggle matter
- Designing narrative-first tabletop RPGs that prioritize agency and story over power fantasy
- Using creative constraint to break blocks and make the impossible feel doable
Reclaiming joy in the work after burnout, overthinking craft, and a long creative hiatus
Resources in This Episode
Tom Davis (Guest)
Tom Davis is a writer and game developer focused on immersive storytelling at the intersection of fantasy fiction and tabletop role-playing games. His work explores how mechanics shape narrative, character choice, and consequence. His current project, Filner’s Bane, blends pulp fantasy energy, epic mythic scope, and gritty political intrigue.
Connect with Tom
- Substack & Website: https://filnersbane.substack.com
- Email: tom@vidlocity.tv
Mia Walters (Host)
Mia Walters is an artist and creator of the Muse Activation Method, as well as a certified Active Dreaming and Intentional Creativity teacher. She guides creators to awaken inspiration at its source, bring hidden art into the world, and carry it forward with intention, clarity, and courage.
Connect with Mia
- Website: https://www.musedreams.com
- Email: info@musedreams.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/musedreamsart
- X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/musedreams
Fantasy & Story Influences
- Robert E. Howard (Conan the Barbarian)
https://www.howardworks.com/
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robert-E-Howard - Michael Moorcock (Elric of Melniboné, Eternal Champion)
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-Moorcock - J.R.R. Tolkien
https://www.britannica.com/biography/J-R-R-Tolkien
Creative Tools & Process
- Underwood No. 5 Typewriter (vintage writing tool)
https://americanwriterstypingmuseum.org/underwood-no-5 - Paper Dictionary & Thesaurus
Suggested: Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary and Roget’s Thesaurus (any print editions)
Creative Philosophy & Craft
- B.B. King — limitations shaping iconic style https://www.bbking.com
- Brandon Sanderson — writing practice, finishing novels, and craft advice
https://www.brandonsanderson.com
Tom’s Work
Filner’s Bane
An evolving epic fantasy universe featuring novels, maps, lore, and a narrative-first tabletop RPG.
- Updates, excerpts, and behind-the-scenes posts:
https://filnersbane.substack.com - Calls for beta readers and RPG playtesters are shared via Substack.
