Write a post your partner can respond to

What you’ll learn

Begin a scene with a setting, a situation and a way for another character to get involved.
Respond to the previous post, develop the scene and leave room for a reply.
Leave character choices to their writer unless an agreement or shared rule settles the outcome.

Respond, add and leave an opening

Respond to something in the previous post: a question, an action or a detail your character notices.
Add something that develops the scene, such as a decision, a discovery or a complication.
Leave a hook: something your partner can respond to. It might be an unanswered question, an offered object or a choice with consequences.

The first post in a scene is often called a starter. Establish where your character is, what is happening and how the other character could get involved. “The last ferry had left. Ari stood on the jetty with two tickets and a suitcase that wasn’t hers” offers a situation to explore. Later posts can follow the same principle: include enough to make the moment clear, without carrying the scene so far that your partner loses their chance to take part.

Deciding both sides

Kate pushed Tomas into the fountain. He dropped the map and admitted he had lied.

Writing an attempt

Kate reached toward Tomas, trying to push him back toward the fountain. “Then show me the map,” she said.

When the outcome is already agreed

Try it yourself

Your partner ends a post at a locked archive door, with footsteps approaching. What could your character do next?

Show explanation

Notice the locked door and react to the approaching footsteps.
Add an action, such as looking for another entrance or slipping a note under the door.
Give your partner room to respond: your character could gesture toward a hiding place or ask whether to stay. Leave their choice to them.