I posted this in the BZP Writing Tips topic, but since it was so long I have also decided to share it in my blog also.

(This is a very long rambling of advice that may or may not work for you, but I felt obliged to share)

1. DECENT SIZED CHAPTERS. This is a confusing and often misconception issue. While it truly matters on your story, it may call for long or short chapters, but for whatever reason do not, DO NOT make a chapter half a page, a paragraph, or anything of the sort. A 'chapter' is a part telling the story, it will both bring you in and smoothly come out with a conclusion, or you will have a cliffhanger, guessing what will happen to the certain characters, storyline or a location.

2. Do not be discouraged if you don’t get many reviews. This is a common problem among the epic forum. Both talented and innovative authors will be ignored time to time because of all the floods of epics. There are many people like you who would love feedback on both encouragement and critique. Just continue and try your best—in your spare time you could possibly read other authors work, and many times they will be obliged to return the favor. Don’t be afraid to contact people requesting [nicely] that they could read and give feedback on your story. Try to be understanding and helpful, if you see another person struggling and without much attention, help them out and give them a review.

3. While the readers want a wide variety of characters, it is very, very discouraged to add a bunch of characters at the start. Such is the reason why you should take your time to write some paragraphs (or maybe a whole chapter) devoted to a character or two. In the BIONICLE universe, in the official and alternate storylines it is very common to have many characters; but that doesn’t mean you should feel pressured to introduce 6 Toa and 6 badguys all at once in the first chapter. The readers WANT to know your characters; so try balancing out some character development and who are the most important, to who are merely minor.

4. Members who have the patience to read an epic usually very understanding, do not feel stressed or pressured to update your story every day, or every week. Sometimes your inspiration goes away and it may be a month or more until you see how your epic should take its turn. While you should inform your readers of your dilemma, don't just rush in and try to continue, and then in the end all you have is a train wreak. If anything, go ask help from a friend or family members, they could suggest an idea that you never thought of—try not to steal or copy ideas though; mutate the suggestion into your own, let the original ideas and suggestions (from either friends or something from a movie/book) be a crutch.

5. Emotion and details are some of the most important things in a story. Details bring the story out in a realistic poetic feeling, where you can see, smell and taste. Emotions are what bring you to understand the situation, to feel how the character is feeling, to be either saddened or excited. This brings your epic out to blossom. I almost would say emotion and detail are more important than action, or possibly a storyline (to a degree). Someone could write a long, detailed and emotional tale without a complicated plot, and yet it could be very beautiful and talented.

6. Strive for originality. Strive for open mindedness; don’t be afraid to try something crazy. Do not be afraid to be unique. Do not be afraid to try something even if other people say it isn't a good idea. You never know until you try. You're the writer, you know what's best. I've seen authors write out the strangest and unique tales that usually would not work out, but because they tried their best and had the talent for it, they produced some of the most outstanding works. While you should defiantly listen to people who critique your stuff and be open to their reason, simply put you should enjoy what you want to do.

7. While it's always fun for yourself to be unsure how your epic will unravel in the end, it is suggested you plan it out. If you get an idea, don't just post it the next day. Think about it, write some draft copies, and ask your friends or family about the idea so they can offer critique. Take a few days to prepare it, and have someone proofread (grammar edit) it. It would also be a good idea to write a few chapters before posting, so if you get busy, you always have a backup to post, and you are just ahead. It helps organize your work out.

8. Action is important, but not important enough to clog your story. In fact it can be avoided entirely in an epic; though I admit that is a bit boring, and usually only works out for Short Stories. Don't try to make action in every chapter, you don't always need some epic battle in every scene-- just take it easy, give a chapter or two devoted to the story or characters, or even some suspense to build up toward some action.

9. Grammar and spelling is very, very important. It makes your story look very professional, clean and easier to read. Take this seriously. If you are unsure of your abilities to address the editing of your story, get a friend or two to help you out and fix the flaws. Fix it up enough so you know other people can easily read it. Since you wrote it, of course it will be easy for you to read. But for others, it may be challenging.

10. Never give up. Just because you are new to writing does not mean you will be horrible forever. It is true some people may have the natural knack with writing that you may not have, but it shouldn't stop you from enjoying writing. With art, MoCing, acting, singing, and many other activates, if you are truly interested and devoted, you will improve. Don't give up hope, it just takes time.

11. *Bonus* READ BOOKS. Not just simple ones or another members epic; get your hands on some good books! Classical, recent...whatever you wish. Reading will help you improve and understand the basics of writing; I can assure you of this.

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My advice is from various experiences and common opinions from myself and others; everyone has their own style to handling a story, so you don’t have to follow these 10 steps. I’m not an amazing author, humbly speaking. I struggle myself and I’m leaning new things everyday. Still, if you would like to further discuss this, or if anyone needs help, you are always welcomed to PM me.

*Pardon me being a hypocrite if you see any grammar mistakes, I wrote this at like, 12 AM *