A Good Resource I Found Recently

[Deleted]

TheWorkingScreenwriter.com

It's for writing Screenplays, but he seems to be a wise and generous writer. After I finish my game's script, I'm going to go over it again... and I think that would be the best time to refer to the site. Also, the multiple !s or ?s critique, I would say, doesn't apply to videogames.

[Dungeon Warden]

I don't see how a screenwriter can help you. Screen writing is a specialized form of writing that requires a certain format that doesn't translate well into other kinds of writing. He might be able to help with cut-scenes, but only if your story was completely independent of the game play.

A better place to go might be Writing.com. They deal with all kinds of writing there and you can usually get several reviews in a short period of time.

If you're willing to spend money, there are many more options that will give you better results.

The multiple !s and ?s problem applies to all writing. This problem extends to overusing bold, ALL CAPS and italics as well. Some people think if a little is good then a lot is much better, but often the opposite is true. Over empathizing tends to weaken a idea's importance, not make it stronger. That's not to say you should never use multiple !s or ?s, only that they should be used very rarely so that when they do happen they really stand out.

[Deleted]

Cool! Thanks for the link, DW. I registered, but am now lost as to what to do next. It's so massive.

[Doan the Nado]

I don't really see how writing the story for a video game is any different from screen writing. Just saying...

[Dungeon Warden]

There's a kind of mind set you need to get into to write scripts that's different then other kinds of writing. Unless you've actually done it, it's hard to explain.

As to what to do on Writing.com, the first this to do is sign up for some newsletters. They have lots of information on a wide number of topics that can be helpful. One of the newsletters is specifically for new members and they will highlight new members' stories every week (Wednesday evening to be exact). Just send your story to the newsletter (there is a message box at the bottom of the newsletter) and within a month you should get lots of responses. For quicker results, enter one of the weekly contests. There are specific contests for new members that usually accept any kind of writing. There are also groups of people who seem to have nothing better to do then read stories every day. It shouldn't be too hard to find these groups. For example, Noticing Newbies is linked right on the front page.

Explore around and you should find all kinds of helpful links. If you're looking for something specific I can help point you in the right direction.

Of course the very first thing you should do is read the Getting Started section. Hopefully, you've done that already.

[Deleted]

I put up my first item, but I'm having trouble figuring out how to sign up for newsletters and stuff. Are the newsletters the different message forums? Which newsletter is the one specifically for newbies? And, what's Noticing Newbies?

My item is called "Episodeof Law and Order: Criminal Intent". What are some of your works, DW?

edit: I made a post on their message board to promote it, so far. Same title as the work.

Thanks for all the help so far!

[Dungeon Warden]

You should be able to find these on your own, but here are the links:

Newsletters: you can subscript to newsletters using the third option. The newbie newsletter is called "Noticing Newbies" just like the group.

Noticing Newbies: This is the place to go to meet new people and talk about your interests. Give the link for your story and see how many responses you get.

Linking: learning to link can be the hardest thing you'll need to learn to do. This links to an illustrated guide that will explain the process fully. You'll need this information to put your stories into newsletters or contests.

Newbie Contest: The Drop Box is a contest for new members to show off their best work each month. You're only a newbie for two months, so you can basically only enter twice.

Contests list: If you search the contest lists you might be able to find a contest you can enter your story in. Conversely, you may find a contest that you'll want to try writing a new story for, just to practice your writing skills.

Writing.Com is one of those places where the more you put into it the more you'll get out of it. There are many excellent writers on the site and most people are helpful and friendly. As with any large group, you'll find a few rotten eggs, but overall I've enjoyed the time spend on the site.

My Site: You can check out my stories here. Read my award winning "Dwarf in the Dark" first (it's the first on the list for a reason). Then you can check out my Children's stories. There are some other stories not intended for children along with some poetry and articles. Some of my older artwork can be seen here as well.

[Deleted]

Cool! Thank you, DW! I did all that stuff, and am sure glad I did. Thanks for walking me through it so detailedly!

Oh, and I read "A Dwarf in the Dark" and one of your children's stories, but have nothing to offer besides praise.

[Joey MURDERFACE!]

This seems very interesting,
I will definitly look into this stuff.

Thanx everyone! =P