Treyliu and Kwoalewei. I've had 4-5 fairly serious characters over the last ~5 years (haven't really played since Kwoa). I have had no real trouble winning RC when I tried for it, other times was more just wanting a PK focused build. I have had zero OOC connections or any outside contact with imms. I don't get involved on the boards much, wouldn't be surprised if there were quite a few other RC winners in a similar boat...
My "secret" was that I tried hard to develop a role and stuck to it, let it evolve through interactions and growing the character, and spent some focused time writing each entry until I felt they were easy to read and told a story.
For me it's about 1) concept (storyline), 2) writing it up well in a brief way that captures that concept and is enjoyable to read and evolves over time, and 3) executing the role in terms of observable RP. If you can do these 3 things it's really not so hard. #2 is probably the hardest for people (but doesn't necessarily matter so much if you do #1 and #3 well).
Biggest tip I can give is spend some time first thinking it up, then writing it up, and really try to make it short but to the point like every sentence has to be important. Make it a fun creative writing task in some down time, preferably an entry or two before you hit PK range. I used it as a warm-up exercise when I had to do other writing for my job. Also, I feel adding the first role or two early (before level 10) is important, as it makes a statement that you are committed and sets the tone for future growth. Lastly but also critical, cover the bases as others have suggested elsewhere-- somehow incorporate why you are that class/spec/align/ethos/cabal/religion through backstory and character developments. Then update for major milestones.
If you do the above you may not win right away. Patience is the last factor.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/19/2015 07:09AM by Yarrow.