Sleuth Home - Message Boards - Role Playing Stage

Apr-7-2007 09:33
(sticky post)

As you all probably know, I am more than willing to answer any questions you may have about role playing. Those of you who have contacted me with questions have asked some very good ones and I thought the answers would be best shared by all.

In addition to the basic tips Miss Parr has shared:

1. Assume & maintain an identity (know your character)

2. Contribute to existing story lines (know the story)

3. Review past stories for guidance (http://www.freewebs.com/yoyofoshow/sleuthcliffnotes.htm) (Many thanks to Mr. Yoyofoshow)

4. Keep within the time frame (1920-1940, no microwaves, cell phones, or telephone answering machines)

5. Feel free to take risks (don't be afraid to join in or start a new story)

I would like to add the following writing tips that I find aids the reader:

6. One person speaking per paragraph

7. Double space between paragraphs

8. Use capital letters for SCREAMING

9. Double quotes for conversation

Probably the most difficult thing for people to do is get started. My recommendation would be the following:

10. Start slowly. It is not necessary to write a huge entry. A few sentences is all you need to introduce your character.

11. Respect the other characters. It is very difficult to write someone else's character without knowing him well. Be mindful of the different personalities and be sure you are representing them accurately. Be careful not to add attributes to anyone's character that have not already been established.

12. Don't rush the story. Be sure to write connecting content that supports the actions of your characters.

The written word is vastly different from the spoken word. No one can hear inflection nor see the face of the person speaking. It is important that what you write stands on it's own.

Feb-16-2009 04:20

We've all made our mistakes...well...at least I did and got past them. Also we have all had to improvize at some point in order to straighten up a misportraying post of our characters or just to give basic logic and to actually fit some posts into the story. I usually handle such issues directly in the play without making too much fuss about them, but your step was way out of line. It's true though that it was just a mistake and we're all people (and also we're still in a game). I'll answer the rest of your questions as a reply to your PM.