I write mysteries, but no matter what genre you write, you need to make sure you have the scene firmly set in your mind.
- Is it pouring rain but your character's in a t-shirt and shorts?
- Is it midnight when you arrive at the murder scene but you describe the sun shining through the window onto the body?
- Is it summer and the kids are trick-or-treating?
How can you keep it all straight in you mind, especially if you don't write everyday or your editing after placing the manuscript away for three months?
Well, every writer has their own system but I use the notebook. I love going to the stationary store and picking up a really elegant notebook with which to keep notes.
What sorts of things does one write in their notes?
Here's an example I found on another site:
Some others use Excel or Word programs, some spread paper on their offices walls, some use notecards.
What is your system?
Sources for photos: here and here
9 comments:
I've seen these charts before and always wondered if they're helpful. I've never used one personally, though.
Some great advice. It is really hard sometimes to keep the timeline straight. In one of my drafts I had a day with two seperate sun sets and my friend who always does the first read through nearly strained her brain trying to work out if I'd jumped back in time or what had happened.
I don't actually use a chart but I find it helpful to draw a timline or at least plot out the main events in dot point form so I can make sure things happen in order.
Thanks for sharing this post.
Kimberley, I don't actually use the charts but I kept an in depth notebook and plan to learn shorthand to keep it secure.
Cassandra, I always have difficulty keeping things straight too. Especially minor character names.
ann
Time lines are tough for me. I usually will catch big errors when I'm doing my straight-through reading during revisions. But by then it's a pain to correct them. Spreadsheets seem like a good idea.
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen
I know quite a few writers who use spreadsheets, but I am not that organized. I really don't have a system, but I am hoping the more WIPs I get under my belt, the more organized I will be.
Liquid E Story Binder.
(Though I'm as yet not particularly organized in temperament.)
:)
Elizabeth, I would like to say I'm perfect with my timelines and notes but I need to work on that also.
Sherrinda, well, I hope you have better success with it than I have. But, I constantly work at being organized.
Corra, I have never heard of that program, I will have a look into it.
ann
I don't do charts, but I am aware of timelines. You have to be writing mysteries! Since my WiP is historical I've used meals as my anchors. It seems to be working.
Elspeth
It's called Liquid Story Binder XE. Sorry, my brain was off. :)
It's a great program:
http://www.blackobelisksoftware.com/
~ Corra
from the desk of a writer
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