Forums » Smalltalk » Need Advice on Writing Skill in RP

Does anyone else feel like when they RP with someone who is a much better writer then yourself that you aren't good enough to RP with them because you struggle and such? I've actually dealt with this a lot and have lost good RP partners because I just felt like I was boring them and all...

I KNOW THIS EXACT FEELING!!! I always feel like apologizing profusely!

I often get that feeling, but usually, when I ask about it, I'm assured that all is going well. That's the key thing - ask! I know there's been times I've RP'd with folks who had more trouble with grammar or spelling, whether because they didn't have as much practice or using a phone or something made things more difficult, but I've still loved their characters and had a blast with the game. I'd hate to lose a partner just because they think they aren't good enough!

Yes, I have. It's happened a few times before too. But I try to keep things clear and simple -- that I'm still on my way to improvement. I honestly want to roleplay with those I know are better and more experienced than I am, but I can't escape the fact that I feel so little and unworthy. Despite this, I hope to improve to their level someday if I just keep doing what I do. It's very difficult. Even so, I continue to convince myself that I can do things better if I keep at 'em.

One thing I've noticed is how much I love descriptive RP partners, so I try all I can to do exactly what makes me love my partners so much. And so far, I think they're my long-term partners now!

We all started somewhere. I doubt anybody would hold a few errors against you. If they do, they're probably not very enjoyable company anyway. Being a good roleplayer is about a lot more than just being a good writer. It takes teamwork, empathy and communication.

I think people tend to conflate grammar with creativity, which isn't really the case. Grammar and punctuation are tools which are only as useful as their craftsmen. As Nova touched on, you can meet some really interesting characters who aren't necessarily "perfect" in their presentation.

So, yeah. Strive to improve, but don't get hung up on your supposed skill. We are our own worst critics.

I feel very self-conscious about my writing. Many of my friends have told me that they are very self-conscious about their writing. People I look up to and admire are very self-conscious about their writing.

You are your own worst critic. I'm sure your writing is not as bad as you think. Be less hard on yourself.

If that happens to me, I kill my character and make a new one. Though it depends on whether I feel that way because I'm lost in the RP itself -- sometimes people don't give much information and I like to be rooted in context -- or I feel that way because my character isn't interesting enough. It's best to just write what you enjoy to write. Try making a character that you agree with, but don't completely agree with. Like a guy that shares your idea that the government shouldn't put cameras in people's home but takes it to a bit of an extreme by yelling through a microphone about it on the roadside. (The kinda guy you'd say "You know, you're right, but you should find another way to express yourself.)

If it comes down to a confidence issue rather than legitimately not liking your content, just push through it! Your character will form as you go along, and you'll get used to writing them. As the writing smooths out, you'll come up with some real interaction gems and enjoy the ride.

And sometimes it just comes down to not clicking with your RP partner.

Honestly, it's such a case-by-case basis that I'd only be able to say with confidence that you should keep trying. Keep pressing on! The want to write well is an admirable one, and I'm willing to offer any advice on any paragraphs or sections of writing you have

I'd like to offer a slightly different perspective on this.

Writing skill = / = Roleplaying skill.

Your command of the English language has almost no bearing on how you play/develop/flesh out your character. I've met writers who write beautifully and poetically, and I've met writers who elect to use relatively simpler syntax and vocabulary. The quality of the roleplay ALWAYS depends on how they play their characters and interact with yours, and rarely on the stylistic quality of their writing.

Think of it this way: if they just wanted to read good writing, why wouldn't they join a creative writing group, or work on a book? They're roleplaying for a reason -- the interactive aspect is the primary appeal.

If you feel intimidated by your partner's writing skill, focus instead on the roleplaying aspect. Fun, nuanced interactions trump writing style. Don't have your character react in cliched, boring ways. I think a good rule of thumb is that if your character feels like an NPC you'd meet in a good RPG, you've done your job.

Thanks for the words of wisdom everyone

I IZ A GREAT RYTER WHOMED IS GRACING DIS WURLD WIF MAH AWESUM RYTING SKILZ, I R MLG PRO 380 NO SCOPE OMAYZING. EVURY1 LOIKS MI CUZ I R OLL NOWING AND GR8 AT RP!

no but really i get the same feeling sometime :C

Got to admit that I'm a pretty hot-deaded that'll try to justify my writting flaws and such, but I suppose I almost never had to defend any of my writing since almost no one comments on it's quality and coherence. Sometimes, I just feel like giving up from an RP just from lack of feedback about my posts. :c

Hell, there even have times that I convince my self that my english's near of a 13 old kid.
But, I 'dunno, you could always try and ask out your partners if you meet their 'standards' on writing quality. I've never cared myself that much about grammar and such, if the player is coherent and he's able to advance the plot smoothly, then it's mostly fine by me.

You know what's a funny thing? Nowadays, I feel like I'm on the other end of that. It's going to sound totally conceited, but I always worry that when I start something with a new person, they're going to end up being a really enthusiastic young person who doesn't have a lot of experience with writing. So you end up with someone who makes posts that don't really make any sense, at a grammatical level.

I mean, I'm by no means perfect. People tell me I'm good at writing, but I really don't see it. And besides, I struggle constantly with a lack of motivation that prevents me from just sitting down and writing so much as a snippet of poetry, something that would take, like, ten minutes if you applied yourself. My point is, I'm aware of the dangers of hubris.

Still, there's always some discomfort when you bump into that obvious..I don't want to call it a "skill gap" because that would make me sound like an elitist. But you have two people on two different levels. And when that happens, the one on the upper level has to take some kind of initiative and assist the person on the up-and-coming level. Either offer advice, or be the one to call it off and point them in the right direction and wish them the best of luck, and tell them they're welcome to come back later.