Hi all,
This is actually a
recycled writing tip from waaaay back, so most of you
haven’t seen it ;-) This month, since I couldn’t come up with anything specific
for a writing tip, I will just explain my common method for posting – from
inception to writing to delivery.
This writing tip
is certainly not meant to be the end-all and be-all of writing methods, but
hopefully it will get you thinking about your own writing process and the things
you can do to improve it.
The first thing I
like to do is read all the most recent posts, identifying plot lines and
potential areas of exploration. In the Sim, there are usually several plotlines
running at any given time, and several more potential plot lines that may not be
active. Some examples related to what’s going on on
SB25 include:
The Se'pate's and the Tulan's
negotiation of their contracts on the SB
The recent mention of
sightings of a Galor Class Cardassian warship and a Ferengi
Marauder
The Nelson’s
computer virus and containment protocol on the SB (and any docked
ships)
The hunt for Lt.
Lattiner’s double
Then of course,
there are the plotlines that were active and can be
resurrected:
Commodore
Lazarus
The Grelt return to SB 25 from their probationary
status
The Lunites are up to no good again
Various personal
plotlines
The list goes on
and I won’t bore you with a list but you get the idea.
After I’ve
identified what’s going on in the sim, It’s time to brainstorm. I do this at
various times and during various activities (I rarely just sit and think without
doing something else). The main things I pay attention to are glaring plotlines
(In this case I would focus on the HN’s computer
virus), then advancing the story, then wrap-ups or character developments. For
example: The glaring plotline now is the containment of the computer virus on
the hN and the search for Lt.
Latinner. First I would address Latinner’s capture (glaring plotline). Then I would discuss
the containment procedures for the computer virus such as disconnecting all
docked ships and quarantining the HN. The Nelson’s next course of action
(advancing the story) would be integrating the two Latinners. If I had time, I’d include some character
development such as J’Dem’s Anbo Jytsu training.
I would like to
take a moment here to stress the importance of trying to advance the story: I
know it’s tough to think that your idea of what should happen next in the story
is something that everyone would want to respond to, but it is vital that the
storylines advance lest they stagnate and become boring. Try to introduce
plotline advancements as much as possible and others will respond to you,
picking it up where you left off. That’s the whole idea of the SIMM, right?
Don’t be afraid to try something bold, either. If it’s too out of line, you may
be corrected by Brit, but that’s way we learn.
As I toy with
these ideas, I make notes about what to write about. I would write something
like: Issue containment command for computer virus,
I don’t always
have time to do this, but it’s a good idea if you do. The idea with a first
draft is to get your thoughts down in a logical order with the intention of
going back and adding all the details, dialog, etc. Although I was planning to
do this stuff about a toaster (see the end of this writing tip), for the sake of
relating this to something concrete, I’ll use the current plotline. My first
draft of the Computer Virus being contained would go something
like:
[HN
Engineering]
Ram isolates the
infected gelpacks and takes affected systems offline.
They are replaced and the systems are restarted. Containment protocols are
issues on the Starbase and all docked ships are
ordered to disengage. In the confusion, a rumor gets circulated that the Starbase is being attacked and that’s why all the ships are
disengaging, getting ready for combat.
Latinner is cornered in the HN’s Ten Forward and is stunned while trying to assault a
security guard.
J’Dem’s Anbo Jytsu training is interrupted by an urgent comm. badge
communication informing him that General Quarters have been issued on the Starbase to curtail any budding riot.
Of course, with
the next pass, I would fill it out and add details.
Once I have my
post fully composed, I go back and re-read it. I’ve discussed this practice in
length before, always stressing continuity and, of course, spelling errors.
I realize this
month’s writing tip has been a bit nebulous, but that’s what I get for waiting
until the last minute to write it! Just some things to keep in mind next time
you are writing a post:
RAM: “But how will
we contain the virus, Howitt?”
Howitt: “Ahh,
Lieutenant, I thought you would ask. This device will isolate the virus and
create a small containment field for it.” ::pulls out a
white rectangular device with two elongated rectangular slits in the top:: “This
is a Tertiary Optical Apparatus for System Telemetry Essential to
Recovery.”
RAM: “A
TOASTER?”
Howitt: ::shrugging:: “If you like.”
RAM: ::incredulously:: “But you…Toast bread with
it.”
Howitt: “One of its many fine uses. It can also
be used to triangulate the infected systems if utilized with the proper ship
resources.”
Off: Anyway, I’ll
have to continue that one some other time. ;-) Tune in next month when hopefully
I’ll have thought about the writing tip more than 24 hours in
advance!
Thanks,
Russ
Aka Captain J’Dem
Commanding Officer
USS Horatio Nelson
NCC-11995
