InsaneJournal

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inthewatermods (inthewatermods) wrote in rp_tutorials,
@ 2014-02-05 21:45:00

When writing a RP sample, how long is too long?

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	frozenfear 2014-02-05 12:16 pm UTC (link)
	I never write more than 2-3 paragraphs unless the app is specific about what they want. (Reply to this)

darkhuntress
2014-02-05 05:39 pm UTC (link)

I usually write at least 3-4 solid paragraphs but then that's normally what I give in a tag and I feel my writing sample should reflect me. Also when apps call for you to write one just for the game it's often so one can get a feel for the characters voice and personally I don't see how one can do that with only one or two paragraphs. If a sample is just to see if one has a grasp of proper grammar and spelling, well the app reflects that pretty well. And I realize this answers more of how short is too short. As for how long is too long? I feel asking for more than 4 paragraphs in a writing sample is too much. Or if you wanna go by word count 250-300 words seems fair.

If a game doesn't call for a specific sample just for the game I keep log and narrative samples in my cdj that I link to so the mods can get a sense of my writing style. This is usually an easier route to go if you're not wanting character specific samples.

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x_funhouse_x
2014-02-05 09:36 pm UTC (link)

I would say length between 3-4 paragraphs is good. As already stated by others. But it should be remembered that it isn't length that a lot of people might necessary be looking for, but rather quality compared to quantity. At least that's what I look for as a mod/admin to games. Although in actually tagging, the same amount of effort ought be given by all writing parties. I've seen that lacking a lot in some places. :/

As for the question too long? Well I'm one of those writers that can really knock out a lot of words with an array of my characters, but for samples 5-6 paragraphs would be a lot. You just want a short scene. Nothing for anyone to get lost in. Or my 2cents on it anyway. And, Links to various samples/examples is always nice. Get a well rounded idea of the players style.

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