Lesson One: What To Write About

[Wicked Sama]

Lesson One: What To Write About

Welcome to the Beginner's Roleplay Academy! This lesson will be about what to write about, which sounds simple, but really isn't, especially when you are just starting out.

Many sites have a set minimum word count. For those of you that don't know what this is, a minimum word count of 200, for example, means that each of your in character posts would need to be at least 200 words long. Here on MUSTANG, we don't have a minimum word count, but we do require a paragraph or two, at least. If you have trouble writing a decent paragraph or two, or just find yourself drawing a blank about what you should include in your post, this lesson will definitely be helpful for you.

Try To Include:
1) Setting. This is very important. It seems to me that most roleplayers describe their setting in the beginning of the post. This helps set the scene and give you a better visual. What season is it? What kind of weather is it? Rain, snow, sun, wind? Tell us! When you say it is raining in your post, then the person you are posting with can also include it in their own post.
2) Terrain. This goes hand in hand with the setting. Think about the land you are posting in, and be sure to include it in your post. Are you in Cloud's Forest? If so, there will be trees all around you, pine needles scattered across the ground, etc. If you are posting in the Rouge Battle Grounds, then there will be dirt and sand all around you, and the lands will be mostly open and barren. Always set the scene.
3) Your character's appearance. If you don't have a picture of your character, or don't include their stats in a post, then the people you are roleplaying with will have no idea what your character looks like. It is your job to tell them. Describe your horse's coat color, mane/tail color, height, etc. Are they tall and bulky, built more like a Percheron? Or are they dainty and nimble, built more like an Arabian? Let us know!
4) Your character's thoughts. All day every day, we have a constant stream of thoughts running through our head. Whether we are listening to a background noise, such as my birds chirping right now, or are focusing and thinking about something, we never are completely blank and silent up there. Your characters shouldn't be either! Do they smell something strange, dislike the way the wind is picking up dust and blowing in their eyes? Tell us, or even better, let your character tell us.
5) Objective. Why is your character where they are? There is usually a reason for them being somewhere, whether it is to join a herd, meet up with a friend, or fight a battle. Include this is your post, and the person you are roleplaying with will have more to work with.

So there you have it. Five basic things to include in your posts. Not only will this increase the length of what you write, but it will also improve the quality.