Idea
The Pun Tyrant
Hello everyone! How`s it going?
So, I want to discuss a certain issue, which more or less every rper has gone through: when your or your partner posts start to get smaller. There are a number of reasons, the most commonly named one being writers block.
Now, there is no magical cure to this. It isn`t something you overcome without some work. However, I believe a few tips might take one a long way. So, without further delay, let`s start.
1.Blocking the Block- What is in the average post?
I said I`d start and here`s how: I shall take a look into how an rp post works. I usually divide a post into response, filler and events. Response is everything which triggered by your partner(s) post. It is divided into action and reaction. Filler is when your character or a narrator gives a reader elements of the scenery, without revealing the any other characters about it`s views on those elements, when the new information isn´t interacting with the characters. It is divided into memory, view and omniscience. Finally, events are anything which interacts with the characters but wasn`t triggered by the previous post either. They are divided into impulse events, plot events and coloring events.
Action- It is the attitude your character takes in response to what happened during your partner(s) post. The decisions they make and things as such are all fit into it. These are the main source of character interaction and something essential to have a decent, non-repetitive rp.
Reaction-This is the more internal version of an action. If your character feels something, it`s body automatically responds in a certain way or if it thinks something because of what happened during the other post, then that`s a reaction. Think of the difference between actions and reaction as the difference between a character in a show and the viewer. The character will almost surely have some influence in what happens in the show, while the viewer is mostly just having an indirect influence, allowing the writer to see if it`s ideas are flowing well or not. Remember, reactions will hardly be properly used by other rpers, unless they`re character is Cal Lightman or something.
Memory-Memory is simply when your character remembers something without telling anyone about it. You will ask, “shouldn´t be a reaction then?”. No. Because memory is only when it`s triggered by something in your post, or if your character just casually remembers it with no real cause.
View-I called it view because it`s usually appears in the form of describing how things look like. The weather, the hills, the sunset, the amazing woman sitting on the bench…All of it is view. It`s a bit hard to be precise when defining this one, although, I`d try by saying it is essentially a character voicing what it`s senses are telling him/her and occasionally giving an opinion on it.
Omniscience-It is a type of view and memory, but to which your character doesn`t have access. This should only show up in the first post or if your narrative is person omniscient. Otherwise, it`s a deep mistake and should be corrected IMMEDIATELY. It can destroy an rp to have access to information one shouldn’t. Please remember that the only way for a filler to be responded to by your partner (s) is when they use the description to give their own characters an opinion, fleshing them out. For that reason, a filler is usually just straw to make your posts grow, omniscience in particular, because it is used to provide a context which the characters are aware of and won`t discuss IC or to info-dump on the world.
Impulse event- It is when a character does something because of quirk of their personality. Like any other event, this is not triggered by anything your fellow rpers do, but something that just suddenly happens or that you triggered yourself. Impulse events are usually rather extravagant, or they wouldn`t get anyone anywhere. Imagine your character is rather forgetful and clumsy, and they drop something on the floor, forgetting they did and then step on that thing, falling over. That would be an impulse event, and a very common type of it.
Plot events-By far the most common type of events, this events are something that suddenly happen for the reasons of helping a stalled plot jump back into action, or to get a plot that is off-track get on it`s proper place. They are events which force a character to respond to them (even it is just by lifting their shoulders and stating they don`t care) and which come in all forms and varieties.
Coloring events-Events which come to exist to help flesh out a character, set a certain tone to the story or bring up a specific feeling. They can be exactly the same as plot events, in fact most coloring events end up being plot events as well, the difference being on what their fundamental purpose is and how they came into existence. It is a plot event if it comes out of the blue to help the plot or if something in plot calls for it. It is a coloring event if, for example, a certain character has been known to respond to a certain trigger with an unusual emotion (let`s say, crying over seeing a birthday cake). Along with actions, events are the best source for interaction, being able to sparkle a whole lot of big posts, because they allow characters to have something to do.
This list will likely help a lot of the readers which aren`t merely curious. It is usual for me to find posts which sadly lack most of these elements, without once having even TRIED to bring them along. The distinction between the types of responses is something I find that is especially important, since I have experienced many cases where people do like five straight posts of mere reaction, therefore exhausting any and all creativity I could have for the scene, because I am given nothing I can work with.
But this may not suffice. Sometimes your brain decides to take a vacation and leaves you with a nice cozy writers block. Here are a few tips which I think may help.
2.Blocking the Block-Background: Inspiration and mimic
Before anything, you wanna make sure you`re in the right mood. Your background should always be in conditions in which you can take in and get sucked into the rp. Otherwise, it`s like reading one of those stories which never really end, and writing an essay on it on top of that. It`s boring. So, you`ll want to set in conditions where you attach yourself to your work. It will help the rp flow, the writing and dialogue seem more appropriate, will cut on major plot holes and best of all will make it what it was meant to be all along: entertaining.
How can you do that? Begin by at some point asking, “what in this character or world can I relate to?” if the answer is too generic, then get a new one. However should it be so specific that you won`t ever remember it again, then it doesn`t work either. You want something in your world and in your character that says (to yourself) “this is why this character isn`t just [insert something you couldn`t care less about]”.
Now, I`m not telling anyone to do a self-insert here. It takes a very specific plot for it to reasonable to do, and most people who have the necessary skill to do a self-insert well don`t do it at all. What you need is not to have a character be you. You need them to have something which comes from you, to help you immerse into the character`s perspective.
Another thing you can do, is stimulate your senses into having the emotional state the plot is supposed to be in. Looking at a picture, listening to music, smelling or tasting something, etc…all that can help creating emotion which you can then convey into the post. And if that`s not enough stimuli, go and see a movie or show, read a book, or even get into some online chatter about the topic or genre you intend to write about.
Speaking of seeing previous work, besides all the forms of inspiration, if you really can`t get over your lack of writing, why not cheat? By that, I mean, why not take a look at what your partner, or someone you`re following or even a complete stranger is posting, and taking tips from there? If your partner(s) is describing the scenery describe the scenery. Don`t know how to make a compelling action scene? Scout the forums to see how other people do it, and adapt it. I`m not telling you to straight up copy/paste someone else`s post. I`m telling you, go and see someone doing what you can`t and learn how to do it yourself from there. This will likely be a trial and error thing, since you can`t be exactly sure about what makes the posts you`re copying work.
In short, remember to keep in touch with whatever you`re having trouble at. Try to immerse yourself into the character, have some inspiration and mimic work that is better than yours so you can eventually incorporate that quality.
3. Blocking the Block- Plot: Straw and Fate
When rpig, one of things that one should keep in mind is, obviously, the plot. However, the plot isn`t merely the overall story, with it`s final goal, and start and all those other steps. In the middle, many sub-plots and even just tiny deviations with no real plot interest arise.
As mentioned before, the managing of what is plot, sub-plot and whatever and the course they take is not just determined by decisions rpers make through the character, but also in large part by the events. These events are a fundamental tool in sparking activity in a stalled rp.
Greek stories, theater and myths are known for many interesting details. They´re mythology has inspired many, and one concept in particular has created many questions and attitudes over the centuries: fate. When a prophecy is given in a Greek myth, you know it`s bound to come true, nomatter what anyone says or does. Drama`s were once entirely build around the attempt to escape fate and the failure to do so.
However, as dramatic as it is, rpers also take on the role of fate. Ultimately, a character is always bound by the rper decisions. Still, that isn`t a bad thing. Otherwise, there would be no plot at all, cause most characters wouldn`t leave the comfort of their daily lives. In other words, your plot needs to be somewhat guided by fate. There need to be checkpoints, something that regardless of the circumstances MUST happen. Some events are meant for exactly this: get you back on track to get the plot going, flowing and not getting increasingly bring out f the action dying out or not escalating.
And then there`s the other side of the coin: straw. All those sub-plots and tiny deviations which you create to connect point A and point B of the main plot. They have a multitude of uses, from fleshing out and developing characters, to showcasing some funky ability to foreshadowing or even just having a fun vacation break from the main action, let`s say, for romance`s sake for example. Typically the proportion of straw should increase with the length of the rp, or the main plot will die out very easily. However, straw should also decrease as the main plot escalates, as in to not disturb the built-up tension too much. Again, events can help you create the straw. Usually, there is rarely a better chance to warm-up difficult characters to a certain idea. Remember that, since the obstinacy of some characters is what is stalling the rp.
To sum up, you`ll want to create events. Lots of them. They aren`t important to strengthen the main plot and make it solid (and even get some new tricks up your sleeve), but also to be able to take a break from it and then come back without having a character suddenly spit his coffee and say “Oh, wait, we were suppose to be saving the world right?”.
4.Blocking the Block- Fear Block
Sometimes it`s not about what you can think of- It`s about what others may think of your ideas. While this a common and seemingly impossible problem to solve for most people experiencing it, it isn`t in fact. In fact, the second one gets over it, they probably feel like laughing since they had nothing to worry about after all. However, should you be having this problem, here are a few tips to help you feel safer.
Speak to someone ooc- This should always be your first approach. In spite of the internet´s “dangerous” reputation, people who aren`t under heavy pressure from some game are usually rather polite and considerate online. Unless you fear you may spoil something for them (and if you`re worried you may spoil stuff, then whatever you`d otherwise be spoiling is worth going for or you wouldn`t be afraid to spoil it), asking them and explaining why you`re insecure about the idea will likely lead to an honest or in the very least an encouraging reply, which is almost sure to provide you with the answer you needed about whether or not to actually post your idea.
Keep your options open- Sometimes it`s about what you write, but how you write it that defines what something means and conveys. Try to write things you`re unsure about in such a way that you can give them a double-purpose and are capable to changing their “real” meaning further down the road in case something goes wrong
Fallible narrators- This is highly associated with the previous tip. Remember that, if you`re rping under the perspective of a certain character, then what that character perceives of what`s happening is what you`re writing. With that said, should your character make a mistake in how it perceived something, it happened. Like anyone else, they can misunderstand things, and you can use that to not only make your character`s more humane, but also to correct a mistake you yourself may have made.
5.Blocking the Block- Research
When learning a new language, one of the main problems people tend to have is pronunciation. Even among fluent speakers, pronouncing everything correctly is nearly impossible. Accents, in particular, can make it extremely hard. On the other hand, a native speaker`s accent may actually help.
Something similar happens when doing an rp. In order to write about the world, you might just have to KNOW about it. Your character, who has lived in that world for who knows how long is likely very familiar with concepts you know nothing about. It probably has interests you don`t even know exist. Your character has a native speaker`s accent, while you have a foreign one.
For that reason, it is crucial that, at one point or another, you research and think about the world your character lives in, the kind of tastes and experiences your characters has soaped in which you haven`t talked about yet because you were so focused on how his brother died after betraying him in a rainy day. Do your research and I guaranty your character will come out much more relatable, much fitter and overall, just a better character. The same applies to the world that surrounds it. Oh, and did I mention that when someone takes interest in something, and knows about it, it changes how they view the world? How they react to it? How about the way people can go on and on discussing their hobbies, hobbies which you may never have heard of at all, and might even interest other characters or your fellow rper? And that, helps create better and longer posts!
To put it short, do your research, think about how things should work out together and then apply it, little by little. The sooner, the better. However, don´t info-dump, don`t make giant speeches of exposition, cause it will only bore people out. Give people a taste of what you came up with during your research, but try to make to it show up in a natural, casual and real way.
6.Blocking the Block- NPCs
When all hope seems lost, a hero may show up out of nowhere to save the day. Your NPCs can do the same. Standing for non player characters, for those who don`t yet know it, these consist of every character which isn`t your partner(s)`s main character or your`s. Much like events, NPCs give you a fresh start without having to throw your previous work into the trash. In fact NPCs are usually what trigger events.
Another great advantage of NPCs, is that you can have any number of them AND you can make virtually anything out of them. While your main character should always be limited to make sure it is balanced with your partner(s) character and that the rp goes smoothly, you can make whatever you like with NPCs. Truth be told, it is actually better to convey all those “badass” and “super cool” or even godmodding ideas into NPCs, and then have your character witness it and describe them the way any enthusiastic would, conveying your excitement into other rpers in the process.
NPCs are the peak of problem solving. They fit character slots which no rper wanted, they provide lots of interaction, they are new and unexplored characters with that comes to it, they provide descriptive material, they can trigger all sorts of things, they can…Well, the list goes on.
Point is, NPCs are the population of the world you created and are practically limitless. The only and biggest danger is that they may end up overshadowing your main character or your plot. Provided you can avoid that, go ahead and use NPCs to your heart`s content.
7.Blocking the Block-Breaking the Habit
One of the things which tends to create boredom and with it, a block, is repetition and sheer routine for the sake of it in itself. Try new stuff occasionally, and remember to try to see different aspects of the story you`re making. Sometimes look at it plot-wise, sometimes in moral terms, have your character try to place itself in the shoes of someone else, etc…
Other times, you may just be straining yourself too much. Take a break, a let your partner take the lead for a while. Maybe hold the rp a bit and just chatter with however is rping with you about…well, whatever. Point is, take a break before you dive in again.
8. Blocking the Block-Final Words
Ok, I hope this was useful and that in the very least in gave you an idea on how you can improve and grow your posts, perhaps even get over a serious writer`s block.
I want to state here, quickly, that I have nothing against one-liner posts. Simply I think one shouldn`t try to make one-liners or heavily descriptive posts until they are very confident with casual ones. This is because it takes a lot more skill to make a one-liner that conveys enough of what you need to say and because it is EXTREMLY hard to continually do long discriptions.
With that said, I`ll end this post. Should you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
So, I want to discuss a certain issue, which more or less every rper has gone through: when your or your partner posts start to get smaller. There are a number of reasons, the most commonly named one being writers block.
Now, there is no magical cure to this. It isn`t something you overcome without some work. However, I believe a few tips might take one a long way. So, without further delay, let`s start.
1.Blocking the Block- What is in the average post?
I said I`d start and here`s how: I shall take a look into how an rp post works. I usually divide a post into response, filler and events. Response is everything which triggered by your partner(s) post. It is divided into action and reaction. Filler is when your character or a narrator gives a reader elements of the scenery, without revealing the any other characters about it`s views on those elements, when the new information isn´t interacting with the characters. It is divided into memory, view and omniscience. Finally, events are anything which interacts with the characters but wasn`t triggered by the previous post either. They are divided into impulse events, plot events and coloring events.
Action- It is the attitude your character takes in response to what happened during your partner(s) post. The decisions they make and things as such are all fit into it. These are the main source of character interaction and something essential to have a decent, non-repetitive rp.
Reaction-This is the more internal version of an action. If your character feels something, it`s body automatically responds in a certain way or if it thinks something because of what happened during the other post, then that`s a reaction. Think of the difference between actions and reaction as the difference between a character in a show and the viewer. The character will almost surely have some influence in what happens in the show, while the viewer is mostly just having an indirect influence, allowing the writer to see if it`s ideas are flowing well or not. Remember, reactions will hardly be properly used by other rpers, unless they`re character is Cal Lightman or something.
Memory-Memory is simply when your character remembers something without telling anyone about it. You will ask, “shouldn´t be a reaction then?”. No. Because memory is only when it`s triggered by something in your post, or if your character just casually remembers it with no real cause.
View-I called it view because it`s usually appears in the form of describing how things look like. The weather, the hills, the sunset, the amazing woman sitting on the bench…All of it is view. It`s a bit hard to be precise when defining this one, although, I`d try by saying it is essentially a character voicing what it`s senses are telling him/her and occasionally giving an opinion on it.
Omniscience-It is a type of view and memory, but to which your character doesn`t have access. This should only show up in the first post or if your narrative is person omniscient. Otherwise, it`s a deep mistake and should be corrected IMMEDIATELY. It can destroy an rp to have access to information one shouldn’t. Please remember that the only way for a filler to be responded to by your partner (s) is when they use the description to give their own characters an opinion, fleshing them out. For that reason, a filler is usually just straw to make your posts grow, omniscience in particular, because it is used to provide a context which the characters are aware of and won`t discuss IC or to info-dump on the world.
Impulse event- It is when a character does something because of quirk of their personality. Like any other event, this is not triggered by anything your fellow rpers do, but something that just suddenly happens or that you triggered yourself. Impulse events are usually rather extravagant, or they wouldn`t get anyone anywhere. Imagine your character is rather forgetful and clumsy, and they drop something on the floor, forgetting they did and then step on that thing, falling over. That would be an impulse event, and a very common type of it.
Plot events-By far the most common type of events, this events are something that suddenly happen for the reasons of helping a stalled plot jump back into action, or to get a plot that is off-track get on it`s proper place. They are events which force a character to respond to them (even it is just by lifting their shoulders and stating they don`t care) and which come in all forms and varieties.
Coloring events-Events which come to exist to help flesh out a character, set a certain tone to the story or bring up a specific feeling. They can be exactly the same as plot events, in fact most coloring events end up being plot events as well, the difference being on what their fundamental purpose is and how they came into existence. It is a plot event if it comes out of the blue to help the plot or if something in plot calls for it. It is a coloring event if, for example, a certain character has been known to respond to a certain trigger with an unusual emotion (let`s say, crying over seeing a birthday cake). Along with actions, events are the best source for interaction, being able to sparkle a whole lot of big posts, because they allow characters to have something to do.
This list will likely help a lot of the readers which aren`t merely curious. It is usual for me to find posts which sadly lack most of these elements, without once having even TRIED to bring them along. The distinction between the types of responses is something I find that is especially important, since I have experienced many cases where people do like five straight posts of mere reaction, therefore exhausting any and all creativity I could have for the scene, because I am given nothing I can work with.
But this may not suffice. Sometimes your brain decides to take a vacation and leaves you with a nice cozy writers block. Here are a few tips which I think may help.
2.Blocking the Block-Background: Inspiration and mimic
Before anything, you wanna make sure you`re in the right mood. Your background should always be in conditions in which you can take in and get sucked into the rp. Otherwise, it`s like reading one of those stories which never really end, and writing an essay on it on top of that. It`s boring. So, you`ll want to set in conditions where you attach yourself to your work. It will help the rp flow, the writing and dialogue seem more appropriate, will cut on major plot holes and best of all will make it what it was meant to be all along: entertaining.
How can you do that? Begin by at some point asking, “what in this character or world can I relate to?” if the answer is too generic, then get a new one. However should it be so specific that you won`t ever remember it again, then it doesn`t work either. You want something in your world and in your character that says (to yourself) “this is why this character isn`t just [insert something you couldn`t care less about]”.
Now, I`m not telling anyone to do a self-insert here. It takes a very specific plot for it to reasonable to do, and most people who have the necessary skill to do a self-insert well don`t do it at all. What you need is not to have a character be you. You need them to have something which comes from you, to help you immerse into the character`s perspective.
Another thing you can do, is stimulate your senses into having the emotional state the plot is supposed to be in. Looking at a picture, listening to music, smelling or tasting something, etc…all that can help creating emotion which you can then convey into the post. And if that`s not enough stimuli, go and see a movie or show, read a book, or even get into some online chatter about the topic or genre you intend to write about.
Speaking of seeing previous work, besides all the forms of inspiration, if you really can`t get over your lack of writing, why not cheat? By that, I mean, why not take a look at what your partner, or someone you`re following or even a complete stranger is posting, and taking tips from there? If your partner(s) is describing the scenery describe the scenery. Don`t know how to make a compelling action scene? Scout the forums to see how other people do it, and adapt it. I`m not telling you to straight up copy/paste someone else`s post. I`m telling you, go and see someone doing what you can`t and learn how to do it yourself from there. This will likely be a trial and error thing, since you can`t be exactly sure about what makes the posts you`re copying work.
In short, remember to keep in touch with whatever you`re having trouble at. Try to immerse yourself into the character, have some inspiration and mimic work that is better than yours so you can eventually incorporate that quality.
3. Blocking the Block- Plot: Straw and Fate
When rpig, one of things that one should keep in mind is, obviously, the plot. However, the plot isn`t merely the overall story, with it`s final goal, and start and all those other steps. In the middle, many sub-plots and even just tiny deviations with no real plot interest arise.
As mentioned before, the managing of what is plot, sub-plot and whatever and the course they take is not just determined by decisions rpers make through the character, but also in large part by the events. These events are a fundamental tool in sparking activity in a stalled rp.
Greek stories, theater and myths are known for many interesting details. They´re mythology has inspired many, and one concept in particular has created many questions and attitudes over the centuries: fate. When a prophecy is given in a Greek myth, you know it`s bound to come true, nomatter what anyone says or does. Drama`s were once entirely build around the attempt to escape fate and the failure to do so.
However, as dramatic as it is, rpers also take on the role of fate. Ultimately, a character is always bound by the rper decisions. Still, that isn`t a bad thing. Otherwise, there would be no plot at all, cause most characters wouldn`t leave the comfort of their daily lives. In other words, your plot needs to be somewhat guided by fate. There need to be checkpoints, something that regardless of the circumstances MUST happen. Some events are meant for exactly this: get you back on track to get the plot going, flowing and not getting increasingly bring out f the action dying out or not escalating.
And then there`s the other side of the coin: straw. All those sub-plots and tiny deviations which you create to connect point A and point B of the main plot. They have a multitude of uses, from fleshing out and developing characters, to showcasing some funky ability to foreshadowing or even just having a fun vacation break from the main action, let`s say, for romance`s sake for example. Typically the proportion of straw should increase with the length of the rp, or the main plot will die out very easily. However, straw should also decrease as the main plot escalates, as in to not disturb the built-up tension too much. Again, events can help you create the straw. Usually, there is rarely a better chance to warm-up difficult characters to a certain idea. Remember that, since the obstinacy of some characters is what is stalling the rp.
To sum up, you`ll want to create events. Lots of them. They aren`t important to strengthen the main plot and make it solid (and even get some new tricks up your sleeve), but also to be able to take a break from it and then come back without having a character suddenly spit his coffee and say “Oh, wait, we were suppose to be saving the world right?”.
4.Blocking the Block- Fear Block
Sometimes it`s not about what you can think of- It`s about what others may think of your ideas. While this a common and seemingly impossible problem to solve for most people experiencing it, it isn`t in fact. In fact, the second one gets over it, they probably feel like laughing since they had nothing to worry about after all. However, should you be having this problem, here are a few tips to help you feel safer.
Speak to someone ooc- This should always be your first approach. In spite of the internet´s “dangerous” reputation, people who aren`t under heavy pressure from some game are usually rather polite and considerate online. Unless you fear you may spoil something for them (and if you`re worried you may spoil stuff, then whatever you`d otherwise be spoiling is worth going for or you wouldn`t be afraid to spoil it), asking them and explaining why you`re insecure about the idea will likely lead to an honest or in the very least an encouraging reply, which is almost sure to provide you with the answer you needed about whether or not to actually post your idea.
Keep your options open- Sometimes it`s about what you write, but how you write it that defines what something means and conveys. Try to write things you`re unsure about in such a way that you can give them a double-purpose and are capable to changing their “real” meaning further down the road in case something goes wrong
Fallible narrators- This is highly associated with the previous tip. Remember that, if you`re rping under the perspective of a certain character, then what that character perceives of what`s happening is what you`re writing. With that said, should your character make a mistake in how it perceived something, it happened. Like anyone else, they can misunderstand things, and you can use that to not only make your character`s more humane, but also to correct a mistake you yourself may have made.
5.Blocking the Block- Research
When learning a new language, one of the main problems people tend to have is pronunciation. Even among fluent speakers, pronouncing everything correctly is nearly impossible. Accents, in particular, can make it extremely hard. On the other hand, a native speaker`s accent may actually help.
Something similar happens when doing an rp. In order to write about the world, you might just have to KNOW about it. Your character, who has lived in that world for who knows how long is likely very familiar with concepts you know nothing about. It probably has interests you don`t even know exist. Your character has a native speaker`s accent, while you have a foreign one.
For that reason, it is crucial that, at one point or another, you research and think about the world your character lives in, the kind of tastes and experiences your characters has soaped in which you haven`t talked about yet because you were so focused on how his brother died after betraying him in a rainy day. Do your research and I guaranty your character will come out much more relatable, much fitter and overall, just a better character. The same applies to the world that surrounds it. Oh, and did I mention that when someone takes interest in something, and knows about it, it changes how they view the world? How they react to it? How about the way people can go on and on discussing their hobbies, hobbies which you may never have heard of at all, and might even interest other characters or your fellow rper? And that, helps create better and longer posts!
To put it short, do your research, think about how things should work out together and then apply it, little by little. The sooner, the better. However, don´t info-dump, don`t make giant speeches of exposition, cause it will only bore people out. Give people a taste of what you came up with during your research, but try to make to it show up in a natural, casual and real way.
6.Blocking the Block- NPCs
When all hope seems lost, a hero may show up out of nowhere to save the day. Your NPCs can do the same. Standing for non player characters, for those who don`t yet know it, these consist of every character which isn`t your partner(s)`s main character or your`s. Much like events, NPCs give you a fresh start without having to throw your previous work into the trash. In fact NPCs are usually what trigger events.
Another great advantage of NPCs, is that you can have any number of them AND you can make virtually anything out of them. While your main character should always be limited to make sure it is balanced with your partner(s) character and that the rp goes smoothly, you can make whatever you like with NPCs. Truth be told, it is actually better to convey all those “badass” and “super cool” or even godmodding ideas into NPCs, and then have your character witness it and describe them the way any enthusiastic would, conveying your excitement into other rpers in the process.
NPCs are the peak of problem solving. They fit character slots which no rper wanted, they provide lots of interaction, they are new and unexplored characters with that comes to it, they provide descriptive material, they can trigger all sorts of things, they can…Well, the list goes on.
Point is, NPCs are the population of the world you created and are practically limitless. The only and biggest danger is that they may end up overshadowing your main character or your plot. Provided you can avoid that, go ahead and use NPCs to your heart`s content.
7.Blocking the Block-Breaking the Habit
One of the things which tends to create boredom and with it, a block, is repetition and sheer routine for the sake of it in itself. Try new stuff occasionally, and remember to try to see different aspects of the story you`re making. Sometimes look at it plot-wise, sometimes in moral terms, have your character try to place itself in the shoes of someone else, etc…
Other times, you may just be straining yourself too much. Take a break, a let your partner take the lead for a while. Maybe hold the rp a bit and just chatter with however is rping with you about…well, whatever. Point is, take a break before you dive in again.
8. Blocking the Block-Final Words
Ok, I hope this was useful and that in the very least in gave you an idea on how you can improve and grow your posts, perhaps even get over a serious writer`s block.
I want to state here, quickly, that I have nothing against one-liner posts. Simply I think one shouldn`t try to make one-liners or heavily descriptive posts until they are very confident with casual ones. This is because it takes a lot more skill to make a one-liner that conveys enough of what you need to say and because it is EXTREMLY hard to continually do long discriptions.
With that said, I`ll end this post. Should you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
