Learning
Curves –
In writing,
as any other profession, there are things you need to learn. But, unlike most
other jobs out there, there’s not a set training regimen. When I worked as a
teller for a Credit Union, I had a checklist for skills that I needed to learn.
Classes I had to attend to learn about Computer Programs specific to the EFTs
and Debit Cards. There was a method to the madness.
Not exactly
the same for authors. Sure, there are classes. Lots of classes. And many of
them are really good, but a lot of what I’ve discovered in writing I’ve either
stumbled over it as an issue, or had someone clue me in on what else I have learn.
This last
week’s lesson for me?
Series
Bibles –
And no, if
you haven’t heard the phrase before, it’s not meant to knock or belittle the
actual Bible. A Series Bible – holds all of the pertinent information on
Characters, Locations, Events in a book series.
And it’s
mostly to help the author keep track of the W’s in a series. Who What When
Where
I used
to use just a word doc – but it’s harder to keep the facts that I need straight
I’m starting
a Contemporary Romance Series next year –
So far I have
Character sections and Locations sections in the Excel Sheet.
Characters -
Name, Unit, M/F, Job, Race, Eyes, Hair…
Locations –
Name, Business/Home, Character
Later on, I’ll
add more information ‘columns’ as I realize what’s needed. I’ve done something
similar for a Sweet Western Series that I’m writing… that’s what makes Excel
the best possible method for keeping track of all of the facts I need. It’s
much easier to drop in a column or a row instead of trying to add pieces to a
word document.
Are there
better ways to do all this work? I’m sure… but this is how I’m figuring it out
for now. :D
So… do you
have a better idea?
Do you know
a program that would handle this better?
I still use a Word doc. I'm sure Excel would be less complicated. Thanks for the suggestion.
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy how things change over time... I like the columns in Excel when I do indents in word sometimes things don't line up as well... I'm a creative type that likes disorder and order at the same time lol
DeleteI learned the hard way to keep a Master List of all names used in a book. I ended up with heroines in 2 books both having the same surname--and they were not related in any way. The second book came about because I had only a few weeks to get it written. I sat down and the words flowed--including the heroine's name. Imagine my surprise a few years later when I realized I'd used the same last name as a book a few years before.
ReplyDeleteI have a character list but sometimes I fail to input the information... I'm trying to develop a check list of things to do at the end of writing a book/publishing and a checklist of what to do at the start :D
DeleteBe it any time that they are with you, they will always give you the best memories, that you can have, as the Escorts in Pakistan knows it perfectly well how they can be good in the bed and how they can behave with you when you are willing to have the best which can help you in order to get a very well time with them.Pakistani Escorts will do whatever you ask them to, they will hug you, please you, spend quality time with you, and they will also treat you as the kind when they are with you.
ReplyDelete