Picture a Maine storyteller who turned tabletop gaming into a magical adventure—meet Dave Barrett! A lifelong gamer and accounting professor, Barrett swapped spreadsheets for spellbooks to craft the enchanting young adult fantasy novel It’s All Fun and Games. His stories whisk readers into worlds where live-action role-playing (LARP) becomes reality, blending gaming culture with thrilling quests.
Barrett’s journey from number-crunching to narrative-weaving is as inspiring as his tales. With a knack for making fantasy feel relatable, he’s captured the hearts of teens and nostalgic gamers alike. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this unique author who proves imagination knows no bounds!
The Making of Dave Barrett
Born and raised in the United States, Dave Barrett grew up enchanted by fantasy. His mother’s bedtime readings of Tolkien’s The Hobbit sparked a lifelong love for magical worlds, while Dungeons & Dragons taught him how to play in them. Barrett dedicated his debut novel to Lloyd Alexander and Gary Gygax, crediting their influence on his storytelling. Before becoming an author, he pursued a practical path, earning a graduate degree and teaching financial accounting at the University of Maine. Yet, his active imagination refused to stay confined to balance sheets.
Barrett’s writing career kicked off with a bold leap into National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in 2007, a challenge he embraced annually, save for publication years. His “pantser” approach—writing by the seat of his pants—mirrors the spontaneity of a D&D campaign, letting creativity lead the way. Living in Hampden, Maine, with his wife and three children, Barrett balances family, teaching, and crafting stories that resonate with gamers and dreamers.
Dave Barrett’s Unforgettable Stories
Barrett’s breakout novel, It’s All Fun and Games (2016), won the inaugural Nerdist Collection Contest, cementing his place in young adult fantasy. The story follows Allison and her LARP group, who find their role-playing game transformed into a real, perilous fantasy world. With magical powers now tangible, they battle kobolds and brigands to survive. Critics praised its fast-paced narrative and appeal to Dungeons & Dragons fans, World of Warcraft players, and reluctant readers.
The series continued with More Fun and Games (2018), a self-published sequel that dives deeper into the group’s quest, packed with humor and plot twists. The trilogy concluded with No More Games, wrapping up the saga with a satisfying blend of action and camaraderie. Barrett’s style shines through his ability to weave gaming tropes—like epic quests and character stats—into relatable coming-of-age stories. His love for portal fantasy, where ordinary teens enter magical realms, echoes classics like The Chronicles of Narnia but feels fresh with its gaming-inspired lens.
Barrett’s stories are more than escapism; they celebrate gaming culture and the creativity it fosters. His characters, often young and underestimated, discover their strengths in fantastical settings, making his books a gateway for teens exploring fantasy. Readers note the nostalgic nod to 80s role-playing, paired with a modern, inclusive vibe that welcomes diverse audiences.
Why Dave Barrett Matters
Dave Barrett’s impact lies in his ability to bridge gaming and literature, inspiring a new generation of fantasy fans. His novels resonate with teens who see themselves in his characters—ordinary kids thrust into extraordinary adventures. By spotlighting LARP and tabletop gaming, Barrett elevates a niche subculture, showing its power to spark imagination and community. His work as an independent author, supported by local bookstores like The Briar Patch in Bangor, highlights the grit of self-publishing in a competitive industry.
Barrett’s legacy also stems from his authenticity. As a professor who writes for fun, he embodies the idea that passion projects can lead to greatness. His NaNoWriMo commitment and dedication to crafting stories he’d love to read inspire aspiring writers to take risks. In a genre often dominated by epic tomes, Barrett’s accessible, action-packed tales stand out, proving fantasy can be both thrilling and approachable.
- Born: United States (exact date unavailable)
- Key Works: It’s All Fun and Games, More Fun and Games, No More Games
- Awards: Winner, Nerdist Collection Contest (2016)
- Hobbies: LARPing, Dungeons & Dragons, NaNoWriMo
Snag It’s All Fun and Games and dive into Dave Barrett’s spellbinding blend of gaming and fantasy! Whether you’re a teen adventurer or a nostalgic gamer, his stories promise a rollicking good time.