How To Keep a Storybook Moving

Bella · 2008-07-29T04:12:14Z

All right - so I've noticed a lot of times storybook writers have one of these problems: 1 - They can't get the storybook started. 2 - They can't keep the storybook moving at a decent pace 3 - They end up posting very short, undetailed posts just to post. Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but when I'm in a storybook I want something fast paced and fun to write, then doesn't get boring. And I don't think one or two sentence posts should be allowed unless you're just discussing the storybook, and that should then be done in a discussion thread. So here are a few suggestions I have for starting, or posting on storybooks. 1 - Make sure you have a plot Don't start a storybook without at least a few general plot ideas. When you do this, it easily becomes to chaotic to continue, and people drop out. Once a few key people drop out, the storybook becomes pointless. 2 - Put you character into the story Sometimes you may have trouble figuring out where to put your character in so they're engaging with someone. We're all guilty of posting something along the lines of "someone bring me in please?" Instead of doing this, try to put your character anywhere. In a room with another group of characters that are already talking, walking down the hallway toward another character, etc etc. And if none of that works, PM someone else in the storybook and ask them to engage with your character, instead of clogging up the storybook with "bring me in" posts. 3 - Post longer posts Each post you make should be, at the least, one paragraph long. If that's the case, it should be a standard, 4-7 sentence paragraph. Even then, this is still a VERY short post. If you're at a loss for what to post, add in descriptions. This is good writing practice, and gives others an idea of how you're viewing the setting. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'll be adding more as I think of them - feel free to post your own! ~Bella Bambina~

Jas

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Tue May 11, 2010 1:08 am

Jas says... · Tue May 11, 2010 1:08 am

Please please please DON'T post like 2 sentences. That is so annoying. Another thing, I hate when people join storybooks then NEVER post. That's currently happening to me :'( =_(

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or maybe like pocket candy
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TalaPaulwic

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Mon Jun 14, 2010 12:31 am

TalaPaulwic says... · Mon Jun 14, 2010 12:31 am

I would say as far as advice...

1.) Check daily for new posts, and read what's happening to everyone else, who knows, maybe it'll have an effect on your character.

2.) Don't drop your character into the background, because that's no fun. However you shouldn't be pushing, or talking to everyone all the time.

3.) For the love of god, put flaws in your characters. So many times I've seen characters that over-powered, however they still don't really have any flaws.

All I can hear; "I me mine, I me mine, I me mine". Even those tears; "I me mine, I me mine, I me mine". No one's frightened of playing it. Everyone's saying it. Flowing more freely than wine. All through your life; "I me mine".

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Bloo

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Wed Jul 14, 2010 9:26 pm

Bloo says... · Wed Jul 14, 2010 9:26 pm

My way to keep it moving is simple. *gets out a whip*

That User Who Changed Their Name A Dozen Times And So No One Ever Knew Who They Were Half the Time and When They Did Only Used Bolt.

The tragic tale of losing all #Brand for nothing in return.

The Take Away Is You Probably Know Me As Bolt

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SisterItaly

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Wed Jul 14, 2010 9:40 pm

SisterItaly says... · Wed Jul 14, 2010 9:40 pm

wow bolt....

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The Book.

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Sins

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Wed Jul 14, 2010 10:26 pm

Sins says... · Wed Jul 14, 2010 10:26 pm

Bolt wrote:My way to keep it moving is simple. *gets out a whip*

*Bows*

Yes, Mis- I mean, Sir.

I didn't know what to put here so I put this.

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jok101

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Wed Sep 22, 2010 4:36 pm

jok101 says... · Wed Sep 22, 2010 4:36 pm

If you get though's annoying people that really really take the plot their way not thinking about how stupid what their doing is tell them.

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Bloo

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Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:41 pm

Bloo says... · Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:41 pm

jok101 wrote:If you get though's annoying people that really really take the plot their way not thinking about how stupid what their doing is tell them.

You're doin it wrong.

That User Who Changed Their Name A Dozen Times And So No One Ever Knew Who They Were Half the Time and When They Did Only Used Bolt.

The tragic tale of losing all #Brand for nothing in return.

The Take Away Is You Probably Know Me As Bolt

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Light_Devil!

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Thu Sep 23, 2010 3:48 am

Light_Devil! says... · Thu Sep 23, 2010 3:48 am

Bolt wrote:
jok101 wrote:If you get though's annoying people that really really take the plot their way not thinking about how stupid what their doing is tell them.

You're doin it wrong.

So are you.

---

Anyway, the best way to keep a SB moving is to have your character actively involved in the plot. That said you don't need your character to be the main one all the time, however, they need to have something to do during the plot which adds to it.

Also, don't have your character go on a completely different tangent. If they're doing something completely different no one can relate and that'll exclude your character and eventually lead to a less active SB.

Dynamic Duo AWAY!!!

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Bloo

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Wed Oct 06, 2010 11:50 pm

Bloo says... · Wed Oct 06, 2010 11:50 pm

Light_Devil! wrote:
Bolt wrote:
jok101 wrote:If you get though's annoying people that really really take the plot their way not thinking about how stupid what their doing is tell them.

You're doin it wrong.

So are you.

That was intentional lol

That User Who Changed Their Name A Dozen Times And So No One Ever Knew Who They Were Half the Time and When They Did Only Used Bolt.

The tragic tale of losing all #Brand for nothing in return.

The Take Away Is You Probably Know Me As Bolt

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