How I Write by SouthernSlangAnon

Principle I: Setting

Before I begin writing, I create the story's setting; for my purposes, this entails conducting extensive research—that is, reading both fiction and nonfiction relating to the potential setting I may have and modifying my initial idea as needed—to ensure that the events that occur are semi-realistic. For example, if I were to write a story that took place during the Wild West, I'd take time to research the cultural, historical, and technological reality that people “on the American frontier” experienced, read about popular misconceptions that the general public may have about that time period, and search for books written by authors set in the Wild West, that way I can better envision the setting and place necessary information via Author, Title, Tag, Genre in Memory if needed.

Principle II: Plot

After I’ve created the setting, I take a step back to consider what kind of plot I want to write about (the central theme, motifs, perspective, etcetera), how that plot might fit in the setting I’ve created, and how the events that occur might affect the overall setting, even if they aren’t particularly noteworthy. Because I haven’t done enough research on the Wild West to include a potential plotline as an example, I’ll just say that, for my purposes, this means that the myth arc I’ve created for my story must balance the principles behind narrative filigree and the law of conservation of detail, similar to a shared universe.

Principle III: Characterization

Once I have a general plot outline, I write a rough draft of the characters, concepts, locations, races and whatnot that will appear in the story, whether I’ve repurposed them from my other stories or introduce new characters. Each of my characters, like an onion, must have more than the bare minimum of characteristics required for their “role” in the story. Outside of the NovelAI program, I describe each character, including their motivations, values, and priorities, what they do/how they act, what they say/how they speak, and their reputation. Then I create a Lorebook that includes the following information: identity (name, nickname, surname), general physical appearance (bust size/buttock size, eye color, hair color, height, skin color), reputation, personality (glaws, hidden depths, strengths), motivation, and relationship to the main character. I take care to be concise in my description thereof and that I don’t exceed 150 tokens per character—excluding name—though I consider it alright if I exceed it somewhat. Moreover, I scaffold my input and plan potential development/derailment pathways for that character in a separate inactive Lorebook or within my supplementary notes, which I then use in the composition of the story.
Once I’ve created a Lorebook for a character, I write a quick test prompt and run it through a few times to see how much information NovelAI can glean about that character. With that information, I can determine whether I need to reword the details I included in the Lorebook. I repeat this process for each main and secondary character. I seldom make Lorebooks for tertiary characters because their role in the story is often inconsequential.
When I’ve completed enough Lorebooks, I start a new blank prompt and input the relevant ATTG in Memory and include whatever pertinent information I believe might be necessary in Author’s Note. As an aside, I prefer to use an omniscient third-person perspective throughout my input.

Principle IV: Composition

Once I’ve added enough context to the prompt, I began the story, alternating between brevity and purple prose, changing the Author’s Note as needed, and reviewing my grammar, punctuation, and spelling to ensure that my outputs aren’t tainted by errors. My preferred writing style includes an extraordinarily rich and ornate vocabulary, a cosmic perspective, and a vein of sardonic and sometimes ribald humor, all accompanied by a deceptively mundane fantastic atmosphere in which conflict either arises within the confines of an elaborate social hierarchy or happens because of ordinary problems with surprisingly realistic outcomes, though I have dabbled with rewriting excerpts from my story in different writing styles to garner a fresh perspective.

Principle V: Perseverance

With all the above information in mind, I must admit that I do not consider myself an expert. However, I consider the most important thing a prospective writer can do is persevere, even if their writing ability is poor. Anyone can improve their writing skills with practice. Often, the first draft of a story is worthless, but with time and several revisions, you may create something worthwhile. I believe in you, my fellow anons!