Recent Articles & Reviews by Jennifer Derrick

I'm a writer whose career has taken some strange turns. I began as a technical writer in the software industry, took a turn into grant writing, progressed through writing about personal finance and board games, and ended up as a novelist. I'm mostly retired from the grind now (but I still take on passion projects), which means I can focus on the two parts of that career that brought the most joy: Board games and storytelling.

When it comes to board games, I generally prefer lighter to mid-weight fare. Some of my favorites include Trollhalla, Barenpark, Flamecraft, and The Pursuit of Happiness. If a game involves tile-laying, it will almost always get a second look from me. Life simulations and city builders are the same. Auction games rarely appeal. I enjoy randomness, a fistful of dice, and worse, I'm one of "those people" who rarely mind unmitigated luck, especially in lighter games.

Beyond games, you can find me playing with Lego, coloring, working jigsaw puzzles, and crocheting/knitting some truly awful pieces. I'll also read anything I can get my hands on, including cereal boxes over breakfast. These are all extensions of a late-in-life interest I've developed in studying the power of playful analog activities to keep us sane, human, and socially active. I'm also interested in exploring the ability of such hobbies to stave off cognitive decline as we age.

I'm also owned by a dog.

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