When creating balanced characters, it is important to take an inventory of their merits and flaws to be certain that they are well-rounded. Flaws are interesting. They create obstacles and make our characters seem human (or elf, or vampire…) Flaws make the story relatable, even if the flaw is so awesome/detrimental that it alienates the…

Writing research is a key element of preparation for any new project. You can start writing off the top of your head, but the juices will flow a lot better if you get all of the basics in a file before you start. Quick stops to open a word document to recall where your hero…

November is NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and around the world, writers will be racing their page-a-day calendars to crank out a 50,000 word book by the 30th of November. The goal is to write, write, and write just to get it down on paper. Don’t stop. Don’t edit. Don’t give yourself time for a…

If you love text-based role-play, then you’re probably familiar with filling out character applications. They can take hours of your time and then you have to worry that they may not even be accepted.   I have over six years of experience moderating and have read hundreds of applications. I know what I look for and…