It is possible to take current popular themes and apply them to your own, but you should work to really make it yours. It is okay to draw inspiration from pop culture, but it gets old pretty fast (think of overplayed songs on the radio).
- Be creative. Like I.mmortal's post about statistics, some names are just overused. Do some research, come up with a plan. Sometimes just changing a letter in the name helps, sometimes it's not enough. Like instead of Sin, Syn is a little better. Scratch has played a character named Absynthe here in the past.
- The Devil is in the detail. The more you can paint a picture of your character in your own head, the more material you have to post about. Plus, by having a plan, you can keep it consistent. By using more detail, you also help others to really see your character and relate to it.
- Sometimes it is helpful to keep records. Scratch keeps a boards2go board of her characters with all their descriptions, plus also likes to keep posts and interactions they have in the game. That way, whenever she has a blank, or needs to find some muse, she finds it helpful to look over what she has written in the past. Also, you can keep track of HTML, pictures, etc from your characters.
General Rules of Thumb
- Use spell check. It is pretty difficult to read a post that has glaring spelling and grammatical errors, unless it is intentional and maybe part of character development. There are some authors that dumb down their writing for certain books to really get in the characters' heads. Otherwise, there is no excuse for a post full of misspellings. It is helpful to use programs like Microsoft Word (which is also helpful in holding on to posts). No access to Word? There is a free program called Apache Open Office Writer you can download on the internet, and we have also provided a link to an online spell checker and also one to a word counter.
- Speaking of Microsoft Word, sometimes it is helpful to copy and past posts you are responded to into one of these programs. That way, instead of switching back and forth between windows, it is all right there in front of you. Sometimes it's just nice to see the posts in normal format- while HTML is fun and visual stimulating, sometimes it is nice to have a more neutral backdrop in order to really be able to think about what you are writing. Plus, with the other post in front of you, you can respond directly to what the other player(s) have written. However, never ever take another player's work. They work hard to produce what they do, and it will come back to bite you in the but. Reusing your own stuff is okay, but be careful: if it is seen too much, it gets old and people lose interest.
- Now, we have provided a dictionary for your reference. However, be careful of the words you use. Some of them are dated, or really not appropriate. Commonly used ones are in there as well, even if they are not correct. we did this so that if someone uses them, you can reference what they mean. Sometimes less is more, and there is nothing wrong with using the simple terms. Often this makes a post more sophisticated. But it is also nice to not repeat the same word every single time; use some synonyms. Again, research using a real dictionary, Google, or dictionary.com.
-Like we said, less is more. You want to make your posts enjoyable to read.... don't try to out-do yourself by using the biggest words possible. It is also possible to overdo adjectives. Use adjectives sparingly, just to flavor your sentences and draw attention to a specific aspect. Pick something to describe in detail, but don't describe every little thing in one sentence. They are statement pieces that make the outfit.... otherwise it looks trashy.
- Use variation. Like we've mentioned already, repetition is tedious. All of these tips can even be used in regards to other writing (like for school). This variation can be applied to words, sentence length, even general ideas. The originality doesn't stop at creating your character, it also applies to their interactions. Sentence length should vary, too. You don't want to read children's stories (This is Sam. This is Hal. Sam and Hal are friends. Sam walked to Hal's house), nor do you want to read a 300 page novel written in 3 sentences.
- There are no limits to creativity beyond those you create yourself. Make a mare ugly, but teach her some diplomacy and make her eloquent. Having your mare be promiscuous has been overplayed, but have her be a prude, or just flirty but not really put out. Don't go too overboard with one idea so that it's tedious, but give your characters some quirks. Research some psychology, mythology, or anatomy and draw inspiration. Draw ideas from books, movies, or even people you know. Make people remember them!
- There is a time and a place for different lengths of posts. Maybe you play with someone where the posts tend to be 800 words long, but then with someone else, its 400. Sometimes there is even reason to play out just in a few sentences for the sake of a plot. this could be called quick play, and is usually best when you have an agreement with another player to make things happen. Often times the longer the post, the harder it is to read and respond to. Not everyone can spend HOURS on the computer coming up with replies, but sometimes they can. The danger with post-by-post RPGs is that people run out of time and fall behind on posts, then it gets harder and harder to catch up. So give them enough to reply to, but don't make it a chore.
- Pick up a book. Not only can you draw inspiration for characters from this, but it helps to improve your writing naturally. Authors know how to use words; they are, after all, the tools of the trade. You learn how to start thinking in terms of what is enjoyable to read, learn how to put sentences together to flow better, and learn how to describe things without being overdone. And don't be afraid of classics or the lesser known, instead of always going for the best sellers. Some teen books are just okay in writing style, but they are often easy to read (versus Jack London). They all have their advantages (though maybe avoid Twilight and 50 Shades hahaha). Read Stephen King, Frasesca Lia Block, Dan Brown, Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, Michael Crichton, Pride & Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, and so many other fantastic writers! Share the books you like with others, too! Others of us like good reads.... why else would we choose a writing/reading game?
and HAVE FUN! Ask questions! Get a mentor! Read other player's posts, even if you aren't involved!