I'm in the process of working on two different contemporary romance series and thanks to some brilliant blogger about a year ago, I've created 2 bibles for each series to help me save my sanity. I wish I could remember which blogger posted about this - if it's you, give yourself a shoutout in the comments!
If you're writing a series, you know how hard it is to keep track of the little things. Here are a few of the things I've had to ask myself:
- what's the name of the sheriff's wife?
- does the gossip maven wear glasses?
- what's the name of the hardware store?
- who's the crazy guy who believes in aliens?
- what's the meaning of the horse's name?
- what's the name of the bay off the northwest of the lake?
- what's his favourite fudge flavour?
One of the advantages of a spreadsheet is the ability to have different sheets within the same file. Currently I have 4 sheets for each series. Within each sheet I use the columns to create categories to help me quickly find the info. Here are my current choices:
- novels (title, main characters, season, major settings)
- main characters (name, nickname, love interest, height, hair/eye colour, body type, personality basics, job, quirks, food (faves, hates, allergies...), vehicle, important stuff)
- minor characters (books they show up in, job, connection to main characters, significant other, physical description, personality basics, important stuff)
- locations (building name, type of business, owners, moose (you'll have to read the series to find out about that one!), location in town, exterior description, interior description)
It does take a bit of time to set it up - and it's SO much easier if you remember to add information to it as you're drafting! - but I think it's well worth the time you invest. Searching through your ms or multiple mss for the info you need is a big time waster - even with the Find feature. Much easier to open your spreadsheet!
If you write series, do you use a bible? Do you have any tips to add?
Jemi Fraser is an aspiring author of contemporary romance. She blogs and tweets while searching for those HEAs.
25 comments:
This is good advice~
I use Scrivener, which usually has a section set aside for research and notes.
Since I'm playing in the fantasy pool, I also include things like history and cultural taboos, and a record of all the new words I've used and what they mean.
Outside of fantasy, though, generally I'll have characters associated with a particular theme-- one character always has some kind of fire-related word in her description, while another is more associated with felines, and so forth-- and I include those themes in my notes.
Great idea Jemi! I'm writing my 3rd book in the same setting so I need to borrow your idea. I'm a spreadsheet queen, so it's right up my alley!
I don't use a spreadsheet of any kind, but I write down character details in a notebook. Plus I note things about the storyline and surroundings.
JW - sounds like you're well organized! I use Scrivener as well (love it!!) and it does help with a lot too :)
Kez - yay another spreadsheet fan! This has saved me tons of time already - hope it works for you!
Alex - a notebook works just as well! I rarely use paper for anything writing related (I'd lose it!) but I know it works so well for so many!
I don't write series, but there are times when I could use this sort of thing for my stand alones. I have a hard time keeping track of some things, especially when I'm just starting out.
So true, Jeff! Keeping track in all stories can be tough!
Ooh, I don't use a bible but I think I should. It'll really help me keep track of everything.
SC - it's saved me a ton of time!! Hope it does the same for you :)
I love the idea of using spreadsheets to keep track of things - although I can foresee for myself that the first obstacle would be remembering to track things in the spreadsheet as I go. I haven't yet gotten to book 2 in any of the series I have going yet, but I probably should think seriously about getting spreadsheets set up sooner rather than later. Great post, Jemi!
Belle - it is hard to remember to input the data as you go - I tend to do it in chunks - not always the most efficient way :) Glad it helped you out a bit!
Scrivener had some awesome character profile sheets when I was using it. So now I have a character bible. Now, on a separate page, each person has
"Character Name:
Role in Story:
Occupation:
Physical Description:
Personality:
Habits/Mannerisms:
Background:
Internal Conflicts:
External Conflicts:
Notes: "
Really helps keep me from having to do a search for "did I ever mention..." I'm a pantser and can't figure out how I managed to go as long as I did without keeping it all laid out.
Geek - I love Scrivener! But I have to confess I rarely use that template. I've used a few of my own character pages under that folder, but not the templates :)
I'm a pantster too - & it can be so hard to keep track!!
I never really gave Scrivener a chance, but I do love spreadsheets.
Medeia - I love Scrivener - so many handy features - but I'm not giving up my spreadsheets yet!
I do use a bible. I buy journals and keep a page or two for each character and ... well a whole book on everything I need to keep safe.
Susan - that's a good idea! I don't have a desk area at home but if I did, I might have started that way too! I like not being able to physically lose my computer files! :)
Spreadsheets give me a rash. But I do record all the character and setting details in Scrivener. Great post!
Charmaine - too funny! I love my spreadsheets but I use the Scrivener folders too :)
I haven't needed to for my current WIP, but in the past I just scroll up to the top of my document and jot notes. It's not organized, but it works for me. :) Christy
Chrisy - that actually works really well I'd think - you would always know where the notes are and they're in the same file!
Great advice and it sounds simple to set up! I haven't set anything like this up yet- but have thought about it. I will start a file like this sometime this week. Thanks for sharing! :)
~Jess
I love spreadsheets, too! I'm definitely going to put that tool to use. Thanks for this, Jemi! Great suggestions.
Jess - it isn't bad to set up - my biggest problem is adding in the info at the right time!
Lee - yay another spreadsheet fan! They're so fun! Glad to help :)
I keep detailed character profiles and a timeline. With five books in a series that overlapped, I had to keep everything straight.
Diane - no kidding! Having them overlap is a HUGE challenge! You're a very brave lady :)
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