Writing a Book
Well, I’ve been meaning to get this project started for quite a while now and recently (about 10 weeks ago recently) I decided to start writing it. It is a book that is aimed towards those that are, or wish to become mappers with the Source engine. If you haven’t already realised, Source is my game engine of choice. The book will be able to take a beginner and teach them all they need to know in order to produce good maps. The book will also cover theoretical aspects of mapping, such as what makes a good layout and it will also cover mod management. How to operate and manage a Source engine mod, something that has not been covered at all from my searchings.
But why bother to write a book in the first place,” I hear you ask, “surly there is already a decent level of literature out there on the web in Wiki’s and tutorial websites that cover all aspects of the Source engine already?” Well, yes that’s true, everything is already out there, but it isn’t without it’s problems. Firstly, everything is written by different people with different viewpoints, so some things don’t flow correctly and can cause confusion. Sometimes it can be difficult to find exactly what you need, especially when it comes to theory (either because it is too boring, or no one has bothered to write about it before).
Other reasons I’m writing a book is to improve my English grammar and spelling, I’m sure a lot of you have already realised that my grammar could be considered poor and I see writing this book as a way to improve that. I also see it as a way to consolidate all my knowledge and learn some extra aspects of the Source engine I have yet to look at.
So, when can you all expect it? Well, don’t really, chances are this book will never be printed, however I will probably make into a .PDF file and distribute it accordingly. I will give publication a try, but I don’t have any hopes for it. I think it would be better anyway for the book to be distributed digitally, so that it is easier for everyone to get a hold of and is completely free, the individual can decide whether to actually print the book or not.
