Feedback Early feedback

[Isobel Serraris]

Bordering the hundred posts for Isobel, a feat that—I have said before—felt impossible. But it accounts for something, my few months on Chaos and the like.

That said, I have been struggling plenty in this 1,5 month I have been writing her especially when it comes to the future and what I want to achieve with her. It is a thought that rarely crosses the mind when creating a character! And with that I do mean more specific goals or struggles to overcome.

I am not much of a planner, and definitely not much of a GM/DM, so thinking of sudden events is a struggle.

But I shan’t go down that rabbit hole, this is more so about how I’ve been doing when writing this idealistic Jedi. Or my writing in general. Is there something you like about her or are there things to improve on.

Definitely could use and learn from any advice, so long as you are polite about it

 

[Aether Verd]

Isobel is so much fun to read!

When you put fingers to keyboard for Isobel (and all your characters really), you nail them. As far as feedback for writing itself, I have no notes. My only request is moar please.

In general, my feedback for you is lean into winging it. Some people like to have long arcs planned for their characters. Some people like DMing adventures. And some people (like the both of us) put a bio together and say wherever the story takes me, I'm game.

What vibes for you is what vibes for you - don't get discouraged or overthink because it's not the way everyone vibes. Your vibe is a good vibe!

 

[WelshPsych]

In terms of feeling like you are struggling with direction or planning her story out. The best advice is to have goals. Nothing complex or super detailed, just goals that you have set in your mind (even have them written down so you can reference them).

For Lily, it wasn't story goals that I had with her, I had writing goals. I wanted to develop her personality and abilities as much as I could. So I gave myself the goal of reaching 1,000 posts with her as a Padawan. Didn't matter how long it took, that was going to be her target.

Aileni, I have more story beats and ideas of how his time as a Padawan will develop since I want him to explore certain elements. But I also keep in mind that the board is very fluid and things can and will change that impact my stories. Doesn't mean they can't happen just when and how they happen then I must adapt.

With Eira, she is growing and building her skills as a Sith Apprentice. I am exploring that with a lot of fun and have some story ideas that I wish to explore. But will get there when I feel the time is right.

Mostly, what I am trying to convey from my experience, setting things up can be tough. But having some ideas, some goals (no matter how big or small), can really help guide a direction. Figure out what you want this character to be, why you want them to be that way and how you want them to get to that place.

It isn't a GM/DM mindset, more a writing challenge. The best way to make a character fun and exciting is to have a deep understanding of them and know where they want to go as a character and where you want to take them as a writer.

 

[Acier Moonbound]

Isobel is so much fun to read!

When you put fingers to keyboard for Isobel (and all your characters really), you nail them. As far as feedback for writing itself, I have no notes. My only request is moar please.

In general, my feedback for you is lean into winging it. Some people like to have long arcs planned for their characters. Some people like DMing adventures. And some people (like the both of us) put a bio together and say wherever the story takes me, I'm game.

What vibes for you is what vibes for you - don't get discouraged or overthink because it's not the way everyone vibes. Your vibe is a good vibe!

Echoing literally all of this.

It all depends on the kind of writer you are. Sometimes its good to have a rough outline or a rough end goal, but ultimately its the journey that's more exciting. Not the destination. So as big bro says, lean into winging it!

(P.S. Make sure my son is receiving his scheduled maintenance)

 

[Makai Dashiell]

For Lily, it wasn't story goals that I had with her, I had writing goals. I wanted to develop her personality and abilities as much as I could. So I gave myself the goal of reaching 1,000 posts with her as a Padawan. Didn't matter how long it took, that was going to be her target.

I think this is great advice for a new character someone might be trying to figure out. I've found the personality will form as one writes, often in directions unexpected.

My only real feedback for Isobel Serraris is more! I know I messaged you about a thread and I can't wait. Seemed like an interesting character and House Serraris looks fun and different. Love that you guys focus on flowers, a great way to set apart from others. Looking forward to see where Isobel goes in the future the more you write her.

 

[Kitter Bitters]

I have really enjoyed reading threads with this character. I know it can be difficult when you make a character you really like but can't seem to flesh out the goals. Maybe you could start small? Does she want to go to school? Open a fashion line? Date? Learn how to control her visions as a seer? Maybe if you just pick one small thing it will help.

Another way that can help is having a bad thing happen to the character that shakes things up. I'd be happy to help you plot that if you want.

I do love reading your stuff and I think you are doing amazing!

 

[Kei Amadis]

I don't know you. But I wish you well as you build your character over time.

I offer this:

Big List of RPG Plots

"The Big List of RPG Plots" was created by S. John Ross from examining hundreds of Tabletop RPG adventure modules and originally published as a supplement to his game Risus in 1999. In 2002, he has uploaded an updated version of it to his (now …

tvtropes.org

For when times get hard to think of a plot. It has helped me a lot over the years.

Characters can be unchanging, change often, or go on small arcs, long arcs. You could refine the same concept over years.
So don't worry if you think she or he should be this or that; just be what you want to write. And often the best or most organic changes you never see coming anyway because someone gives you that through their interaction.