[@Alix] Lord Wraith and Rockette hit many points that I agree with.

I will add that with a small group it’s important that you lead by example and offer a safe space for your team to open up and blossom into great writers. Be transparent and real with your writers, reach out to them, especially when you notice that some might be more quiet than others. You, as the gm, are the driving force but you’re also human too. I try to do mental health check ins and reach out to writers to see if I can assist them in anyway if they are struggling. 

A roleplay will have waves where everyone is active/hype and when everyone is burnt out/tired/going through it. Being resilient during those times matter especially if you know you have a dedicated batch of writers. I assure you those can be only a speed bumps in the road. You, the gm, just have to persevere. It’s okay to lean on others for support and it’s okay for everyone to take breaks. At the end of the day, there is no linear way to GM - small or big. 

Big roleplays eventually trickle down to small roleplays because life is a beast in its own and a handful of people find themselves uninspired or unable to commit. And that’s okay. It happens. Life happens. But once you find your core group, keep attentive to them. Allow them to have some creative liberties, while also setting boundaries and limitations. 

You have a vision but so do they. Allow them to expand your story and add color to it, make them feel like what they bring to the table matters - because it does, and as you guide them down a path, they’ll show you sights you didn’t think of but really enjoy seeing. 

Collaborative stories can be a beautiful thing - and as the director of the film, you help push it forward. But like Rockette said, you need to know what you want out of the roleplay. Your goals, your intention, your ultimate destination. Once you set the foundation, it’ll be easier for others to help you build a house. 

And if writers come and go like the seasons change, don’t feel disheartened (easier said than done). Pick up your chin, think of a resolution, keep going. 

Ultimately we’re all just people trying to have a good time and it’s okay for you to not know what methods work best for you right now. You’ll never know your gm style until you gm a roleplay, you know? Trial and error. Practice. Keep going. In time, you’ll find people you adore that loves your creativity and that inspire you. Those same people will support you and express how they do things, and you can take a page out of their book to add to your ever growing manual of roleplaying. 

Stay open minded, be kind hearted, and don’t be afraid to try new things/change things up. Be honest about the process.

I know for me - transparency has gotten me far.