User blog comment:BraveHeart70/Need to be a better Roleplayer: HELP!/@comment-24984058-20141118144246/@comment-2182964-20141118191348

With me it ultimately it came down to trust and understanding. Once a plot outline was agreed upon we filled in the gaps, employing what Raze and I called "rolling with the punches", which was basically improv. APS agreed and all three of us shared a successful universe, spanning multiple story arcs.

I'd suggest introducing a bit of improvised story-telling. The whole thing about improv is being spontaneous, with decisions made on-the-spot, without pre-planning everything. Its really enjoyable to see a story rise from one or two plot-points and grow into a massive undertaking between friends, with posts that clearly show character and plot-developing changes. As it grows, and the original goal was reached, you may decide to keep it going. In that case agree on a new goal and rinse and repeat.

That's what we did at any rate and it worked for us. All the advice I can offer is what worked for me, I'm afraid. Know your characters, the main direction you want to go in, and know the guy or gal you're working with on at least some level. If an Rp is fun -- and not a chore -- you'll no doubt put forth more effort, especially when you have some freedom to do what you want. But that's where the trust comes in.