RuneScape Forum Archive | Creative Writing Guide

Feb

2018

Philosopher

Posts: 142 Iron Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

I'd like to try this. As a writer by profession, I've been playing Runescape since the early days of its conception and have watched the world develop over many years. Perhaps now is the time to tell the story of my character and other characters who I had acquaintence to meet?

14-Feb-2014 04:06:23

[#WPZO4D419]

Posts: 1,332 Mithril Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Nice guide profiled.

18-Apr-2014 10:31:14

Dec

2023

Houyi

Posts: 368 Silver Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

awesome guide, ive been trying to write a RS based story but im struggling with some of it, i was wandering if its possible to get a few tips and pointers.
so far i have written close to 6000 words and ive only just got started and i already made notes on how i want it to end.

so these are my questions

1. as this is my first story should i make it short and simple or do a long one to give me more room to let the story progress at a calmer pace?

2. detail, how do you go about adding detail into your stories, whether its the location and general environment too what the characters look like.

i really struggle to add in the details, as im writing i picture it in my head and never thought to add in details for if someone else is reading but when i try to add in the details during or after ive written it i struggle badly.

any help is gratefully appreciated and i apologize if this post is in the wrong place but i didnt know where else to put this post and didnt want to create a new thread

04-May-2014 19:31:44

The Level

Posts: 9,000 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Really the length is up to you - we all just write for fun so there's no problem with experimenting to find what you're comfortable with.

As for detail, you want vivid imagery that helps the reader get an image of what is going on. Don't overdo the descriptors when it comes to important things, since "Joe walked through the mahogany door, which had a shining brass doorknob and deep varnished wood," is a little over the top when "Joe stepped through the door" would suffice.

05-May-2014 19:12:21

MrEedamame

Posts: 78 Iron Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

I agree with Level. Length is a personal choice... Unless you are writing for a competition and are limited by the parameters. But we really don't have a straightforward answer because each writer writes differently. Again, as Level said, do what feels right.

But in all honesty, don't go too terribly long unless absolutely necessary, especially for your first one. When starting out you will make mistakes, it's inevitable, and having a piece that's lengthy and bloated with errors can be a bit discouraging. I know. I've been there. So start off easy, start off with a pretty comfortable length that you feel gets your point across, then get it critiqued and examined, learn from the criticism, correct what needs correction, and then step up with the next idea.

Vivid imagery and detail is always difficult when first starting out, because it's more than just adding words to what is already written. It's... A way of thinking, a way of processing the images floating around in your head. It's takes practice and patience. I have long since stopped thinking in images, and instead hear the narrative. Not that the images aren't there, but in my thought process I see and hear the words first and then the image forms. I form the image from my words, instead of trying to form the words to the image, and if I don't like it, I tweak it. And tweak it. And tweak it. Until it finally gets where I want it.

Adding detail at any point won't be easy, but don't give up! Keep at it and I'm sure you're going to whip up a masterpiece!

Best of luck and happy writing!

09-May-2014 15:58:10