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Chance’s Muse is my first book on my principles for creating random generators. I took what I’d learned over two-plus decades of running Seventh Sanctum and compiled them into a collection of guides and theories.
I created it because of my own sense of mortality.
Seventh Sanctum started in 1999 after I’d made a few random generators. At first, it was a subsection of my personal site, but it became its own thing due to popularity. It is one of the oldest random generator sites on the internet that I know of, and obviously, an older site means an older creator.
In 2018 I realized I had to ask what the legacy for Seventh Sanctum should be. Though I am in excellent health, I will age at some point, and I won’t be here. Though I love the site, there might be a time of change that means I’d pass it on. I had to ask, “what should be next.”
This resulted in a multi-pronged effort:
- I identified an inheritor if I die.
- I participate in a community of randomizer enthusiasts, so I have people that may help.
- I am rewriting the site in a more modern code base for anyone that may come after me. Plus it helps me keep up on coding.
- Third, I decided to write things up in a book. That became Chance’s Muse.
Chance’s Muse is part of my legacy, something that will be out there when I’m gone. I’m a writer, so obviously, that was one way to pass on what I learned to others. I am not sure how much good it will do, but then again, what is certain?
There will probably be a sequel or two for it, additional legacies for the future.
This is something I want to encourage in your writing – finding a way to leave a legacy. This is part of mine, but I have talked to other people about writing down histories or experiences – one did not live to do that. This is your chance to create something to outlast and to reach others.
Steven Savage