For our little 666 days anniversary, I present this fresh new shiny guide!
Welcome, fellow scribes of the strange and unusual! If you’ve found yourself wandering into the eerie world of the SCP Foundation, you might be itching to pen your own article. Whether you’re looking to document a new SCP, share a tale of horror, or just want to flex your creative muscles, this guide is here to help you navigate the dark corridors of SCP writing. So grab your pens (or quills, if you’re feeling particularly gothic) and let’s dive in!
1. Understand the SCP Format
First things first: the SCP Foundation has a specific format that you need to follow. Think of it as the recipe for a deliciously creepy cake. Here’s the basic structure:
Item #: This is the SCP’s designation. Make it catchy! (SCP-8055 sounds cooler than SCP-1234, right?)
Object Class: Is it Safe, Euclid, or Keter? Choose wisely! (Remember, “Keter” is not just a fancy word for “I’m too lazy to contain this.”)
Special Containment Procedures: How do we keep this thing from eating the interns? Be detailed but concise.
Description: This is where you get to describe your SCP. Be creative! But remember, the more bizarre, the better.
Addendum: Any additional information, like test logs or incident reports. This is where the juicy details come in!
2. Get Inspired (But Not Too Inspired)
Look around you! The world is full of inspiration. Just remember, while it’s tempting to base your SCP on that weird neighbor who collects garden gnomes, make sure your idea is original. We don’t want any copyright issues with the gnome community.
3. Embrace the Weird
SCP articles thrive on the bizarre. Don’t shy away from the strange! If your SCP is a sentient toaster that burns toast into the shape of famous historical figures, go for it! Just make sure to explain why it’s a threat. (Because burnt toast is a serious issue, obviously.)
4. Keep It Professional (Sort Of)
While the SCP Foundation has a serious tone, that doesn’t mean you can’t sprinkle in some humor. Just be careful not to turn your article into a stand-up routine. A well-placed joke can lighten the mood, but remember: the goal is to create an unsettling atmosphere, not a comedy club.
5. Edit, Edit, Edit
Once you’ve written your article, it’s time to edit. Read it out loud, share it with friends, or even have a chat with your pet goldfish (they’re great listeners). Look for typos, awkward phrasing, and anything that might confuse your readers. Remember, clarity is key, even when discussing a creature that can turn people into spaghetti.
6. Get Feedback
Before you submit your article, you can seek feedback from the SCP community. Join forums, share your draft, and be open to constructive criticism. Just remember, not everyone will appreciate your genius. Some might think your idea of a “Keter-class rubber duck” is ridiculous. But hey, that’s their loss!
7. Submit and Celebrate
Once you’ve polished your article to perfection, it’s time to submit it! Take a moment to celebrate your hard work. Maybe do a little dance, or treat yourself to a snack (just avoid anything that looks like it might be sentient).
8. Handle Rejection Like a Pro
Not every article will be warmly accepted, and that’s okay! If your piece gets rejected, don’t take it personally. Instead, use the feedback to improve your writing. Remember, even the best writers have faced rejection. Just think of it as the SCP Foundation’s way of saying, “Not today, my friend.”
Conclusion
Writing for the SCP Foundation can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. Embrace the weird, follow the format, and don’t forget to have fun! Who knows? Your article might just become the next big hit in the SCP universe. Now go forth and create something that will haunt the dreams of readers everywhere!