Writing tips

[twylight]

Also avoid really long run-on sentences that connect ideas with commas when they should really be connected by periods, reading sentences like that can be very tiring, and even though the commas may fit at certain points, not everything needs a comma, so reread what you've written, and if you're using more than a couple of commas in one sentence, think, really think, about breaking it up into two or three sentences, because nothing is worse than trying to read one long string of text, it's as if someone were reading dialog in a very monotone voice that drones on, and on, and on.

*titters*



I tend to write in run on's, without comma's and I use a lot of '...'s because that's literally, how I talk. >.<;

I talk fast, and with no stopping, and if I'm very lucky, I'll actually write something as fast as my mind is moving.

 

[wiegeabo]

Oh weig, you're so funny.

It's a gift. And a curse.

 

[Byrd Man]

I feel you, there. I've gotten alot of complaints about my posts being too long, or this, or that... and honestly, without trying to sound prickish or rude, I really just don't care. I'll write my stories how I want to write them, and the only elements I want tips for are the things that even I look at and go "something's off about that".

People seem to enjoy my stuff anyway, as it is, so it isn't until the entire board is against me that I'll really start trying to appeal to people's needs. At least, as far as my storytelling is concerned. Sure, we write to entertain other people... but when you're writing, and not having fun with it too, that's where it starts to get into a bad place.

You do write your posts too long! We just say they're good to please the dreaded RPG mod.

Oh weig, you're so funny.

Not funny, haha. But funny, queer.

 

[Harlekin]

I feel you, there. I've gotten alot of complaints about my posts being too long, or this, or that... and honestly, without trying to sound prickish or rude, I really just don't care. I'll write my stories how I want to write them, and the only elements I want tips for are the things that even I look at and go "something's off about that".

Honestly, and this concerns the critique of your posts 'being too long', that has less to do with your writing style or sense of story (both are excellent), but more the frequency of your posts. Although you're posting more and more, there was a time when that was not so, and the critique of not making such long posts made sense. We'd rather see you post every two days and it be a few paragraphs than every week or so and have it long as hell. Easier for you, easier for everybody.

Eh, I do not see a need to get technical and grammar crazy in an RPG. I'm not saying outright type like an idiot...but I do not see the need for nitpicky stuff like you guys point out a few posts above. If I do something perfectly grammatically correct? Cool. But I'm not going to make sure on everything. If people enjoy the story, action, and dialogue then all is well.

Did I not make clear in the first post what this thread was for? 'Tips'. For people that would like some pointers on what they can improve. Some of us are wishing to make a career of this, and even though this is a game, we'd like to make the most of it and would like some help now and then.

 

[MaskedManJRK]

Okay, I'm laying it on the line here, mostly because I like hearing constructive (key word here) critiques.

Is there anything in my posts that can be improved on?

 

[Saved]

I'm not a fan of the over-abundant colours and fonts myself

Yeah some people take it too far. PCs or big characters should have colors. Sometimes important NPCs or lesser characters. Never people on the street or individuals your posts will never see again. Thats my opinion, but whatever. I'm with ya, Harl.

 

[SuperFerret]

Okay, I'm laying it on the line here, mostly because I like hearing constructive (key word here) critiques.

Is there anything in my posts that can be improved on?

Your face.



Ha ha! High five anyone?

 

[Spike_x1]

*high fives SF*

 

[Spike_x1]

Okay, I'm laying it on the line here, mostly because I like hearing constructive (key word here) critiques.

Is there anything in my posts that can be improved on?

Honestly, and I do mean this with all due respect, when I was a part of the DC RPG I found that there were occasions that your Batman seemed more in line with the way that he's portrayed in All-Star B&R, rather than the one from the mainstream comics. For example, when your Batman is fighting the Joker, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Batman calling Joker a 'piece of s**t,' or use the word 'f**k' in your dialogue for the character. Yes, I understand that Batman is angry in those situations, but it's just not how the character talks, unless he's being written by Frank Miller (who isn't exactly known for his accurate characterizations of DC characters).

 

[trustyside-kick]

Yea, other than the Allstar Batman vibe, I do not mind it. I can tolerate Frank's take on the character, because it is not the mainstream classic character. But the RPG is mainstream Bats.

And your Q? Love every post of it. I try to picture the awesome voice they got for Q in that JLU show, and it makes the posts that much more enjoyable.

 

[trustyside-kick]

Did I not make clear in the first post what this thread was for? 'Tips'. For people that would like some pointers on what they can improve. Some of us are wishing to make a career of this, and even though this is a game, we'd like to make the most of it and would like some help now and then.

Oh, no. I knew that. I was just saying that it was starting to turn into an English class or something. I mean, even in comics things aren't so on the dot. Unless this was a discussion on novels or something, I could understand.

 

[Byrd Man]

Y
And your Q? Love every post of it. I try to picture the awesome voice they got for Q in that JLU show, and it makes the posts that much more enjoyable.

If you picture Hunter S. Thompson's voice, or even Depp's voice in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas it makes it that much awesome.

 

[Jono Starsmore]

I'd like some constructive criticism too. I know there's something I can improve on, but I can't quite grasp what it is. Something is definitely off, that's for sure.

 

[trustyside-kick]

If you picture Hunter S. Thompson's voice, or even Depp's voice in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas it makes it that much awesome.

Never saw the film.

Guess I'll dare to ask if anyone has issues with any of my writing.

 

[Johnny Blaze]

Never saw the film.

Guess I'll dare to ask if anyone has issues with any of my writing.

Only thing I got against your DC stuff is that it's Aquaman.

 

[trustyside-kick]

Charming.

 

[The Manly Torch]

Yes, quite.

 

[MaskedManJRK]

Honestly, and I do mean this with all due respect, when I was a part of the DC RPG I found that there were occasions that your Batman seemed more in line with the way that he's portrayed in All-Star B&R, rather than the one from the mainstream comics. For example, when your Batman is fighting the Joker, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Batman calling Joker a 'piece of s**t,' or use the word 'f**k' in your dialogue for the character. Yes, I understand that Batman is angry in those situations, but it's just not how the character talks, unless he's being written by Frank Miller (who isn't exactly known for his accurate characterizations of DC characters).

I'm quite certain Batman hasn't said f**k--s**t, yes, but f**k, no.

I wouldn't day I was trying for All-Star--more of a less-mindf**ked DKR version. I can't really help it, 'cause DKR was the first Batman book I read and it just comes naturally to me. I will try to keep it more restrained, though.

If you picture Hunter S. Thompson's voice, or even Depp's voice in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas it makes it that much awesome.

It's a hell of a compliment to say that, since Hunter was one of my inspirations for his voice. Basically, I wanted Q to sound like the love child of Hunter S. Thompson, Phillip Marlowe, and Ayn Rand.

 

[trustyside-kick]

DKR is awful. I'll respect what it did to bring comics back to a more serious/mature medium (since so much was still retaining a lot of campyness from the Silver Age into the Bronze Age)? But it is crap other than that.

 

[SuperFerret]

Never saw the film.

Guess I'll dare to ask if anyone has issues with any of my writing.

Your fonts are usually too small or too light to read unless you quote or highlight it.

 

[trustyside-kick]

What do you mean? I use Size 2. If there is ever a Size 1 being used, it is rare and for like whispers.

I know that the font I choose for Aquaman and style for instance, can look differently depending on the monitor you got though if that is what you are mainly referring to. At my home comp and at work? It looks a bit different, darker even, and a little hard to read. But on my laptop and my old home comp? Perfectly fine.

 

[Spike_x1]

I'm quite certain Batman hasn't said f**k--s**t, yes, but f**k, no.

I never said he did say f**k; I just said that I wouldn't be surprised if he did.
The Goddamn Batman

 

[Shlee]

Eh, I do not see a need to get technical and grammar crazy in an RPG. I'm not saying outright type like an idiot...but I do not see the need for nitpicky stuff like you guys point out a few posts above. If I do something perfectly grammatically correct? Cool. But I'm not going to make sure on everything. If people enjoy the story, action, and dialogue then all is well.

I don't mean to sound like an a**hole, but honestly, it's called "Writing tips" not "Grammar 101". If you didn't want to read the tips or offer anything constructive, why come in here? This post sounds like trolling. Your post wasn't even on topic. All it said was "I don't see why we need grammar nitpickyness, I'm not going to change my writing for anyone." Uh. Okay. And we care because...?

I like to write with grammar and spelling rules for the English language in mind because it makes me sound intelligent and it is easy to read and understand. Am I saying I am perfect? No. There are definitely things I can improve upon, which is why I'm glad for this thread, because as I post more and get more exposure, I'm going to lay the same questions out other people have.

If you don't want to change how you write, your effective or ineffective use of grammar or spelling, etc., then that's your prerogative, but you don't need to come in here all defensive and tell people that. Just don't do it. I guess I just don't/didn't see the need for a post like that which had absolutely nothing to do with the topic and nothing constructive in it.

Anyway, I will refrain from commenting on writing style for a lot of you because I haven't had a chance to really read a lot of your posts. However, the stuff I have read has been good and I'm glad to see a forum full of competent people who don't use chatspeak and actually form coherent thoughts and add capitalization and punctuation to their posts. So keep up the good work, chaps!

 

[Johnny Blaze]

 

[wiegeabo]

That pic is just so wrong.