Path of the Vampire forum

Okay, so I'm having an issue, and I really want to know if anyone else experiences it, because I'm really having a hard time.

I am having an issue writing. I am seriously finding it hard to even write or play out even the smallest action for my character in regards to interacting with others here. I don't believe that it's writers block, because I have three notebook pages of different aspects of personality, monologues, stories behind actions on grid that I'm ready to try. But when it comes down to interacting with others (some especially so), there's nothing. I desperately want to do so, because some of you guys I admire so much in your style and dedication to your writing and your characters, that I'd love a chance to learn from you. I just feel overwhelmed and unable to start.

Does this happen to anyone else? Like, is this normal? Or did it happen when you started here?

Edited: Took out some grammatical inconsistencies that came out as a result of removing sentences.

What is it about the interacting that isn't working out for you? Like is there anything you can describe to narrow it down? Or is it something akin to 'stage fright'? If so, I've totally dealt with that kind of thing, in writing, in the past.

<3 Good luck whatever the case.

Yes. It has happened to me. It usually happens when I cannot find a realistic plot for my character to meet someone.

So Like Az Mun, said..I arranged an ic fight oocly.. where we had a rough idea where we were would head.. then we just rolled with it. It actually turned out really great.. and they ended up being tolerable acquaintances.

I guess it does happen to me. A lot of the time I'll think about joining a thread with a character and then just... don't. I don't think it's a matter of being intimidated, at least not for me, it's more a hesitation to get shown up (I have a bit of an ego). Other times I'm the opposite, throwing my characters into everything to see what comes their way. I guess it's a matter of when you feel the inspiration to write.

No need to be intimidated by anyone when it comes to writing though. Most people here have day-jobs lol. The community is just a bunch of people looking to write for fun, so join in!

I totally get where you are coming from (although I also do have writer's block right now, arthritis in both arms and a TON of rl stuff going on atm) when I first started here a certain player who shall remain nameless pretty much told me I sucked at writing and writing with me was 'the worst' so that's always in the back of my head now. It's not a huge block most of the time but when I am not feeling a lot of confidence to begin with, that's usually the final thought behind my reluctance.

Sometimes, yes.

Like if a post is 1000 words long I feel the need to match it, and that creates a hurdle. But then I remember that I know the other player, and they don't care if mine is shorter. From my perspective, anyway - I'd write with anyone.

Sometimes I can write 1000 word responses to things but other times I am more than happy to stick with 200-400 words. Sometimes it flows better. It really depends on the plot and how much is happening. I'd suggest approaching those you want to write with? See if chatting to them helps you to overcome things?

Ditto to the comments about my RP^ I don't let it bother me. I enjoy writing, it's my outlet, not theirs. If someone doesn't like how I write, they can skip over my posts. As long as I'm enjoying the story then I really don't care if others do.

My rules to live by when posting:

1. Stick with the character concept you had. Regardless of popularity, stick with it but let the character grow as they interact with others. People are fluid and their minds change on even huge issues over time

2. Don't be afraid to quit a character or an RP. If you're not feeling it, then don't do it. Role-playing is meant to be enjoyable to all involved. If you are struggling to make 50 words on a post and it feels like a chore, tell your RP partner what's going on. If it can't be fixed, stop. Better to move onto something you will enjoy that get frustrated at a lack of enjoyment and quit altogether.

3. RP powers and regular grid powers make easy RP fodder. They are fun to play out, they can start of or revitalize threads pretty easily and they are there to be written about.

4. Forget the audience and just write.

5. Try and find creative uses for the game's canon. There are a lot of factors and angles that haven't been considered. Use that. It's fun.

Hope something in there helps.

I know for me (90% of the time) I'm just too nervous to do much in writing. Like ill go into and open thread and think "yeah I have a way I can get into that" but then it's either I'm nervous the person won't like what I wrote so they won't write back or I feel like I didn't write enough or whatever the reason.

It's good to pm the person sometimes and talk to them about it ooc and maybe get to know them. And remember most of us have lives outside the game and can totally understand when things come up.

I think it's a mixture of stage fright and an intense fear of disappointing someone with my writing. There's more to it than this, but it's more personal at that point, so I won't delve into that part.
That being said, I'd like to say thank you guys for the advice and/or sharing your own experiences. (Ha, even here I worry that it could offend someone, or that it's too formal.)
I know it sounds weird, but it really helps to know I'm not the only one that's been at that point before.

Renee-mun and Alexandrea-mun: If you'd like to try write with me, I'd be ecstatic. No worries on the time it takes or feeling pressured, because I'd just like to write and build rapport with different people. :) (I also have some rl stuff that may make it so I take a while to respond at random times.)

Sorry if I missed out a response to a question, I was reading and rereading to make sure I got to everyone, but I probably missed someone.

I'd love to try! :) Pm me?