Writing (The Sims 3)

See also: Book

For the similar skill, see Creativity.

A Sim practicing his writing.

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 on Sunday 12pm for 6 weeks per book. Small payments are also received for every 20% of the book completed.

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.

Genres

Genre	Requirement	Average Length	Expected Royalties	Royalty	Royalty / page	Approx. Income range	Bonus Trait
Fiction	Writing Skill Level 0	90		§137	§1,53	§20-130
Non-Fiction	Writing Skill Level 0	90		§137	§1,53	§20-130
Science Fiction	Writing Skill Level 1 or Level 0 with ComputerWhiz trait	150		§325	§2,17	up to §300+-	Computer Whiz, Genius
Trashy	Writing Skill Level 2 or Level 0 with Inappropriate trait	190		§395	§2,08
Drama	Writing Skill Level 3	305		§858	§2,81	up to §600+-	Commitment Issues
Humor	Writing Skill Level 5 or Level 3 with Good Sense of Humor trait	345		§1388	§4,02	up to §550+-	Good Sense of Humour, Inappropriate, Mean Spirited
Mystery	Writing Skill Level 8	510		§1633	§3,26	up to §1300+-	Genius
Romance	Writing Skill Level 10 or Level 5 with Hopeless Romantic trait	675		§3725	§5,52	up to §3100+-	Hopeless Romantic
Children's	Writing Skill Level 3 AND Painting skill Level 4	105		§450	§4,29	up to §460 approx	Artistic, Childish, Family Oriented
Historical	Writing Skill Level 6 AND Requires the Elder Age	505		§1625	§3,25	§1286 approx.	Perfectionist
Auto-Biography	3 Biography (From Skill Opportunity)	163		§813	§2,03		Charismatic, Unlucky, Daredevil, Insane, Kleptomaniac
Fantasy	3 Sci-Fi Books	440		§1650	§3,75	up to §1350+-
Satire	3 Humor	350		§1900	§5,43		Grumpy, Hot-Headed, Over-Emotional
Vaudeville	2 Sci-Fi, 2 Drama, 2 Humor, 2 Mystery, 2 Romance	1250		§8050	§6,44	up to §6000+	Bookworm
Masterpiece	25 Novels	2000		§14625	§7,31	§10000 to §15000+
Life Story	From Top Level Career Opportunity	400		§2000	§5,00
Political Memoir(Political Life Story)	From Political Career Opportunity	400		§2000	§5,00
Article (Story/Review)	Journalist Level 3	79	none	§218	§2,75
Report*	Law Enforcement Level 4	?	none
Stakeout Report	Investigator Level 1	?	none

*=Writing reports does not increase Writing skill.

Self-Employment (Sims 3: Ambitions)

Players may choose to register any adult Sim with at least one point of writing skill as a "Self-Employed Writer" at City Hall. Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through writing novels.

Lvl	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Fan Fiction Drafter	Your literary yearnings are barely paying the bills, but every famed author must start at Chapter 1. Keep writing and the next chapter is just a page away!	N/A	+§75
2	Small-Time Scribe	Critics aren't praising your latest work quite yet, nor do they know you even exist! However, critical scrutiny of your written word will come with patience and perseverance.	None	+§475
3	Tabloid Typist	Murmurs are turning into inside-voice whispers as you continue to climb the table of contents. At this rate, it won't be long until recognition and accolades follow.	None	+§1,475
4	Paperback Pauper	Reputable establishments now carry your works on shelves without despair or smirks, earning your latest piece a spot in an avid reader's rotation.	None	+§3,975
5	Work-for-Hire Wordsmith	Wordy corporations and literarily challenged locals are coming to you to wordsmith what they need, when they need it. Keep it up!	§500	+§8,975
6	Pretentious Poet	Poetry is but a phase for talented writers, but an important one nonetheless. Keep your rhymes appropriate, your pentameter pretentious, and your haiku within 5/7/5 syllables and all will be well.	None	+§16,975
7	Ghostwriter	Top notch writers who are too lazy to draft their own stories now seek you to do it for them at a fraction of the cost. A strong reputation and good attitude will go far in the writing industry!	§1,500	+§28,975
8	Prize Winning Author	The critics are lining up to pin accolades and awards upon the covers of your eagerly anticipated books. Many aspire to such lofty heights, but few succeed.	None	+§47,975
9	Fiction Fantastico	School children around the world rush to bookstores at midnight the day of the release of your latest work to hold your masterly crafted pages. There are few instances of higher praise than that.	§2,500	+§77,975
10	Blockbuster Writer	Without a doubt you are the preeminent writer alive today. Few have succeeded so brilliantly with words, imagination, and ink as you.	§5,000	N/A

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.

Computer Whiz Sims enjoy playing on the computer more and can fix broken computers faster.

Sims with Hates the Outdoors never go Stir-Crazy. This is useful for writer Sims, who rarely need to leave the house.

Insane Sims can talk to themselves, which allows them to fulfill their need for social interaction, even if they live alone.

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 If your sim is writing in a particularly comfy chair, you may gain up to +25 mood bonus while writing with this trait. Sim may also watch TV for a quick Fun-boost if they get strained.

Opportunities

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

Write a book with a royalty of §100.

(Sim) 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

Level 1

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 10

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.