When it comes to people who prefer spontaneous rp, the key is to have an idea of what to do in your head. Have a few ideas in mind of things that can happen during the rp and then have it happen once you start rping. If you're in game, I think it's best to try to set something up in the moment. Worst case scenario, they're busy or don't want to -- you've shown your interest and hopefully have made a good impression. Chances are if you try again you might be able to make something work. Generally I go with a three strike rule. If I try to rp with someone on three separate occasions and they're always busy and don't want to work out a time, then I move on to someone else.
Otherwise, I think sometimes that if you find a great character that you want to play with, pm the player on these forums (usually if they're on the forums they're not in the middle of something and will be able to properly talk to you) and start out with telling them you would like to rp with them and that you had some ideas about when/where your characters might meet, etc. If they're interested in plotting then they'll ask about your ideas, if not then you can just try to arrange the rp itself and set something into motion once you start rping.
As I told someone else, sometimes when you get nervous it's good to think of it as a way of brightening someone else's day. It's always flattering to have someone pick you, specifically, out of all the numerous other people they could have picked. Be genuine and polite, show enthusiasm. Even if nothing works out, at the least you will have paid them a compliment and hopefully made them feel good -- can't go wrong there. And, well, it's okay if things don't work out. Try not to look at it in a negative light (easier said then done sometimes, I know). I know I've been turned down and had to turn people down due to a finicky schedule or things overlapping or whatnot -- it happens and it does not in any way reflect badly on you!
Otherwise, I think sometimes that if you find a great character that you want to play with, pm the player on these forums (usually if they're on the forums they're not in the middle of something and will be able to properly talk to you) and start out with telling them you would like to rp with them and that you had some ideas about when/where your characters might meet, etc. If they're interested in plotting then they'll ask about your ideas, if not then you can just try to arrange the rp itself and set something into motion once you start rping.
As I told someone else, sometimes when you get nervous it's good to think of it as a way of brightening someone else's day. It's always flattering to have someone pick you, specifically, out of all the numerous other people they could have picked. Be genuine and polite, show enthusiasm. Even if nothing works out, at the least you will have paid them a compliment and hopefully made them feel good -- can't go wrong there. And, well, it's okay if things don't work out. Try not to look at it in a negative light (easier said then done sometimes, I know). I know I've been turned down and had to turn people down due to a finicky schedule or things overlapping or whatnot -- it happens and it does not in any way reflect badly on you!
