I've helped people before with their Storybooks (some of you might even be reading this ^^) and I can often be harsh when working with others on their Storybooks.
However, I don't mean to be this way, I just have some expectations out of all Storybooks and I want to help anyone make a Storybook that I would join.
So, here's a few things that I'm looking for in a Storybook. If you want me to help you or join it.
The Basics
- Spelling and Grammar -
This one is a given, even though I see this not happening in a lot of things. Just use spellcheck and make sure we can understand what you're saying.
- Setting/Plot/Location -
These are all along the same lines. Give me a bit of info into the world that we're writing in. This is your one chance to info-dump to your heart's content! Make sure that you're explaining everything people need to know for to make their Character Templates and Introduction Posts at least.
- Character Slots/Template -
It's a good idea to form your Storybook on how many people you're wanting in it. After that make a Character Template for your Storybook. It can be generalized or it can be unique. Honestly, it doesn't matter too much on the CT, since characters change and evolve all the time.
- Discussion Thread -
DTs are the bomb. Use them! And other forms of communication are cool too. Anything that allows you to talk to your participants freely and vice versa is a wonderful tool to utilize. Make sure for anything off the site that you be careful with internet privacy.
Polishing Your Storybook
- Topic Tags -
There's nothing keeping you from using these and there's nothing bad coming from using them. Instead of clunking up your title, just use the topic tags.
- The Sidebar -
There's a lot of cool things on the sidebar and it's all there for you to use. Rules are important for every Storybook. You get to add a picture and see who gets to participate in the Storybook. Explore what all the sidebar has to offer if you don't know it yet.
- Graphics/Formatting -
Now, this one I don't usually see but it's fun to do. Just add pictures or graphics or banners to your Storybook. Not only does it make it appealing to see, but it also grabs people's attention. A less-intensive way of doing this is cool fonts and formatting. Like the bebas I'm using or the center formatting.
The Plot/Driving Your Plot
This is perhaps what I help with/nitpick with the most. With most Storybooks, there are multiple plot holes that can destroy the certain Storybook. So what I suggest is to give your Storybook a world, a universe. Establish a premise for why the Storybook is happening. Establish a driving force in your Storybook that will keep it moving smoothly. A lot of times I'll ask why something is happening because if you want someone to write in your world, it needs to be fleshed out enough for them to write in it. Guide them along and they'll make it better.
And that's all I have for this week ^^
What are the things you look for in a Storybook? Any questions/comments/concerns, please post them here! Thanks <3