How to write a good play-by-post post
In play-by-post, your writing is your whole presence at the table. You don't need to be a novelist. A few habits make the difference between posts that move the story and posts that stall it.
Length: a paragraph or three
Most good posts are one to three paragraphs. One line ("I attack the goblin") leaves nothing for others to work with; a page of inner monologue buries the action. Aim for: what your character does, what they say, and a hint of what they feel.
Leave a hook for someone else
The best play-by-post players write posts that invite a response:
Kestrel snorts at the ferryman's price, then catches Brannoc's eye. "You're the one with the honest face. You talk to him."
That post does three things: it shows character, it moves the scene, and it gives another player an easy, fun thing to do next.
Don't decide what other characters do
You can describe your character pushing, persuading or pleading, but leave the other character's reaction to their player. "Kestrel shoves past him" is fine; "Kestrel shoves past him and he falls over" isn't.
Say what you're attempting, not the result
Instead of "I pick the lock," write "Kestrel kneels and works at the lock with her picks." The DM decides whether it works, often with a roll. On Talewrite, you can roll straight from your sheet in the same post.
Format so people can skim
- Put spoken words in quotes, and consider bold for dialogue in long posts.
- Keep out-of-character talk separate. On Talewrite, use Table talk for "brb, back tomorrow" and rules questions.
- Mention which character you're talking to if there's a crowd.
Post on rhythm, even briefly
A short post on time beats a perfect post three days late. If life gets busy, a two-line post that keeps your character present is enough. If you'll be away, say so in table talk, and say what your character should do meanwhile.
Read before you write
Skim everything since your last post. Nothing deflates a scene like a reply to something that changed two posts ago.
Let the spotlight move
If you posted last, give others a turn. If someone hasn't posted in a while, write something that pulls their character in.