It’s funny because I’ve been online forum-based roleplaying for two decades. Though not a single site, except one, has helped me improve myself as a writer. Too many of them were stuck in their idea of what a literate site was. A certain amount of words per post, or a certain length, for example, three paragraphs minimum or 600 words.

It was only recently that I discovered a site that has become a home to me in the roleplaying community. That site is called Ordinary Things is a real-life-based site set in a fictional town. We call it a slice-of-life type site. It’s based on community, but so much more. As a writer, one of the hardest things to do is to put a character you love, one you’ve created many times before, out there for others to see.

What makes this site different are several things. It has an admin team that works to give us a safe space to play and enjoy our craft. They are helping build the world so that we can enjoy it. They are personable and easy to approach, and that helps. More though, they see potential in people. They encourage you to be your best writer and have provided several resources. Not only are there three types of applications that you can use to enhance your character, but there’s a whole list of development topics that will build your character up as well.

I have been on this site since it opened in September of 2021. Even then, I wasn’t the writer I am now. It’s because of the admin’s help. They pushed me into trying something new. Into working to develop a character deeper than I ever had before. To explore more than their likes and dislikes. They had me dive into the perceptions of the character from others. Into their hobbies and skills. Into their relationships with others. I will be the first to tell you. It was frustrating at first. I felt like it wasn’t worth the effort, but it was. Oh, how it was.

Ordinary Things has given me a chance to grow. I still struggle with the development of a character, but I know with practice, I’ll get even better. Through all the frustration, the admins have been there for me. They could have laughed and said I was on my own, but they didn’t. They walked me through the first round I did and helped me to see where things could be improved upon. Now I can create realized characters much easier.

It’s changed me as a writer because I don’t have to worry about someone not knowing how to interact with my characters. They will know them now. What’s even better is the characters seem to know themselves. They seem to come alive on the page when working on posts and replies. They have taken on a new life, and I find it encouraging as a writer and know that I will continue to grow.