Writing (The Sims 3)

Writing is a skill in The Sims 3. Sims can only write by using a computer. The skill is augmented by Artistic and Bookworm traits, and Acclaimed Author lifetime reward (Some other traits are also useful for several types of writing). Finished books will be mailed to the Sim after completion free of charge with the exception of articles which simply appear in the Sim's inventory. They can be read just like any other book. The books can also now be found in the library, and be bought from the Bookshop in town. Income is paid once a week, at 12 pm on Sunday, for 6 weeks per book. Small payments are also received for every 20% of the book that is completed. If the author dies, payments will stop for any books they have written. With The Sims 3: Ambitions expansion pack, players can register as a self-employed writer. Being a writer is very hard compared to other skill careers, as many, and possibly all, of the Sim's wish slots will be taken up by wishes related to the career.

Statistics

 * Books Read
 * Current Book Completed
 * Completed Books
 * Scrapped Writings
 * Pages Written
 * Flops
 * Hits
 * Best Sellers
 * Most Experienced Genre
 * Most Profitable Book
 * Money Earned Writing
 * Current Weekly Royalties

Challenges

 * Speed Writer
 * Speed Writers are so prolific that they've earned §30,000 in royalties. Speed Writers write more quickly than normal writers.

Prolific Writer
 * Prolific Writers have written at least 20 books in their career. They are so well known that they tend to write far more best-sellers than their counterparts.

Specialist Writer
 * Writers must pen at least 5 novels in a specific genre to be known as a specialist for the genre. Such specialists write far more hits and best-sellers in their particular genre than most.

Useful Writer traits
Along with the traits that provide a bonus to individual writing genres, there are some traits that any sort of professional writer could find useful:
 * Bookworm Sims get a bonus to writing quality and write novels faster.
 * Artistic Sims get a further bonus to writing with this trait.
 * Computer Whiz Sims enjoy playing on the computer more and can fix broken computers faster.
 * Sims that Hates the Outdoors will never go Stir-Crazy. This is useful for writer Sims, who rarely need to leave the house.
 * Hopeless Romantic Sims are more prominent in the Romance genre.
 * Insane Sims can talk to themselves, which allows them to fulfill their need for social interaction, especially if they live alone.
 * Green Thumb can talk to potted/planted plants to quickly refill their social need (much more effective than Insane's talk to self as it lasts roughly twice as long and seems to fill the need more quickly. One talk to plant will refill almost the whole social from empty, while insane requires 5-6 talk to self to do the same).
 * Loner Sims need less social interaction than others. They also get a mood boost when they're alone.
 * Sims with No Sense of Humor have an almost halved need for fun.
 * Perfectionist Sims take longer to do many things but do them better than normal. This includes writing novels.
 * Slob Sims don't mind a dirty house or body, allowing them more time to write.
 * Couch Potato Sims sitting in a particularly comfy chair while writing get up to a +25 mood bonus with this trait. Sims may also watch TV for a quick Fun boost, if they get strained.
 * Neurotic Sims can use the "Freak Out" action to prevent/eliminate stress from writing for long stretches of time.
 * Brooding Sims can start writing poetry right away, although at the cost of a 10% learning gain rate of the writing skill.
 * Avant Garde Sims can write Poetry and Satire in lower skill requirements.

Additionally, for each bonus traits that a Sim possesses upon completing a novel, the book royalty is added by +25%. So, possessing all the seven traits (if possible) of auto-biography will add a bonus of +175% to the royalty.

A History of One
Write a Biography of (Sim).
 * (Sim) wants to be immortalized in print, and you're just the writer to do it! If you find the time to write a biography of (Sim), it'll surely improve your relationship and earn you some money.

Your Autobiography
Write an Autobiography.
 * (Sim) has read quite a few of your books and thinks you're quite the writer. With such an interesting life, (Sim) thinks you should put it on paper. Write an Autobiography and you'll improve your relationship with (Sim) and earn some money.

Correcting Past Mistakes

 * (Sim) has read some of your very first books and determined they weren't quite up to snuff. Prove that you've improved as a writer by writing a novel that generates §100 in weekly royalty checks, and you'll improve your relationship with (Sim). Your books will also improve from then on!

Book Donation
Donate three books at City Hall.
 * City Hall is collecting books for the library - such a great cause! Those who donate will be viewed as Charitable, so bring three books that you've written and drop them off at City Hall!

Add a Little Drama
Write a Drama.
 * (Sim) has a soft spot for a well-written drama that pulls at the heartstrings and excites readers with its suspense. Write a Drama Novel for (Sim) to earn some money and improve your relationship.

To Boldly Go
Write a Sci Fi novel.
 * Lasers, adventuring through space, and discovering new planets where evil monsters may lurk are exactly what (Sim) wants you to occupy your time with. Write a Science Fiction novel for (Sim) and you'll earn some money and your relationship will improve.

Hopefully You Like Orks
Write a Fantasy novel.
 * (Sim) has a hankering for magic, wizards, and green-skinned Orks that like fighting just a little too much. You should take a stab at writing a Fantasy novel for (Sim). It'll improve your relationship and earn you a little cash!

A Masterpiece
Write a Masterpiece.
 * (Sim) has read everything you've ever written. As one of your biggest fans, (Sim) is eagerly anticipating your masterpiece. Write a Masterpiece and your relationship with (Sim) will improve. You'll also earn some money!

A Few Pages of Satire
Write a Satire.
 * (Sim) absolutely loves satire and is very interested in seeing you take a pass at the genre. Write a Satire novel for (Sim) and it'll improve your relationship, plus earn you some money.

The Glory of Vaudeville
Write a Vaudeville novel.
 * The great storytelling and humor of Vaudeville is sought by your acquaintance (Sim). Write a vaudeville story for (Sim) and your relationship will improve, plus you'll earn a cash bonus!

Descriptions of each skill level
''Can words move another Sim to cry? To laugh? To fall in love? [Sim] has begun the literary path, one that is not always the less traveled, but perhaps one in need of excellence. Will the next bestseller be penned by [Sim]?''
 * Level 1

''Congratulations! [Sim] has just improved [his/her] Writing Skill to level 3! [Sim] now understands how to write drama novels. Don't hold back the sappy dialogue and deep plot-line -- readers will eat it up!''
 * Level 3

''Congratulations! [Sim] has just improved [his/her] Writing Skill to level 5! [Sim]'s fingers may be a tad sore, but the calluses will heal and key replacements for keyboards are cheap. Keep typing away, and that masterpiece will be within [Sim]'s grasp. [Sim] now possesses the touch to pen Humor Novels. The neighborhood can always use a little more funny.''
 * Level 5

''People have no doubt wept from the telling dramas written by [Sim]. Readers have no doubt laughed until their stomachs hurt, and it can most definitely be said that the most vivid tales were created by none other than [Sim]. Enjoy the royalties - they are well deserved.''
 * Level 10