'Stories Change Hearts and Minds'

Lynne Meyer, MTS '98, Editor; Freelance Writer and Sensitivity Consultant, Paizo Inc. and Self-Employed, (Remote)

View more stories on HDS alumni and their career paths.

Describe the work you do today:

My full-time work is as an editor for Paizo, home of the Pathfinder and Starfinder tabletop roleplaying games. What that work looks like changes day to day according to our publishing schedule and the needs of the moment. The edit team works on every product from start to finish, from reviewing outlines in the early stages of development to final proof checks before sending the files to print. We work pre- and post-layout, ensuring consistency and clarity in language, layout, style, and tone. We also work closely with our narrative, rules, and art teams to address and remedy any potential sensitivity issues that may be present.

In my free time, I write and design games of my own, and I occasionally freelance as a writer and sensitivity consultant for other games companies

How has your HDS degree influenced your career journey?

The two most important things I learned from my time at HDS were the power of story and the importance of personal connection. I was drawn to HDS because I wanted to study religious pluralism; I took as many courses with Professor Diana Eck as I could and became a passionate believer in interfaith dialogue. One thing I learned early on, and which became the cornerstone of my academic career, is this: It's not facts that change hearts and minds, but stories. 

I left higher education in 2017 after a medical issue prevented me from continuing in my role. Working in games was never something I'd envisioned for myself, even though I'd been a gamer for many years. What pulled me in, and what made me fall in love with games as a hobby and now the industry, was the collaborative storytelling at their core. My time at HDS taught me how to think critically and compassionately about difference, inclusion, and representation, and it gave me the tools and knowledge such work requires.

What career advice would you offer to current HDS students?

Be open to where your path may lead. Think creatively about your talents and how to use them. Listen to yourself and honor what you truly need, not just what you might think you want. It's never too late for a plot twist. Author Susan Statham once said it best: “Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often.” Adventures await!

If you're on Bluesky, come find me @lynnemeyer.bsky.social and say hello!