by Vicki Hopkins

Created on: January 25, 2009

WRITERS WHO ROLEPLAY

Need to work on your fiction writing skills? Do you ever wonder if you have what it takes to write a novel? Can't seem to develop a character? Never had the joy of being the evil plot bunny? Need practice describing scenes? Well then, pick up your quill, dust off your computer, create a character, and roleplay.

THE JOURNEY OF AN ASPIRING WRITER - All right, I confess.

As an aspiring writer, I have used many methods to improve my skills. I have taken an online fiction-writing course, purchased numerous how-to books, read writing periodicals and inspirational blogs by authors, purchased software to check my grammar, joined forums, and met a few published authors who have become mentors.

I have learned an invaluable lesson on my journey. In order to grow as a writer, one must write consistently to improve and tone skills. It's like learning to play the piano. You need to practice each day. Unless you actually do it, you'll never develop.

This is my confession. I love to roleplay. It is the one medium I have discovered that has immensely sharpened my quill, and I am about to share why.

ROLEPLAY - It's not always about an avatar or gaming software.

About a year ago, I set up my first MySpace page, mainly for advertising my blog. After spending months on the site and making various friends, I stumbled across a phenomenon. Since my focus was on the Phantom of the Opera, I found profiles that bore the character's names. Occasionally these pages were filled with writing and various story lines. Frankly, in my innocence, I didn't know what they were doing. After a little digging around, I discovered they were roleplaying.

A few sites caught my eye, and I was whirled into a story land created by various online authors. One person starts by sending what is called a "starter" to begin the story, and then your partner writes back continuing the story. It's a back and forth collaborate fiction effort. I was fascinated over this new medium.

Many roleplayers pick characters from movies, television, or fictional works. A player builds their own profile, which looks like a storyboard, and they write a bio on the character they are playing. Some roleplayers create their own characters out of their imaginations rather than using current works and find someone to write a new story. There are thousands on MySpace.

Well, the whole thing fascinated me, and I decided to try it out. My entire purpose was to see if I had what it takes to write fiction. Frankly, I was petrified!

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