And the Challenge Continues

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Now at 15,371 words and I'm very pleased. The story continues to flow and I'm happy to be a quarter of the way to the goal of 50,000 words. I also have 8 scenes coming together nicely.

Keeping up with all the details of my story is a challenge. I've tried using a loose leaf notebook and I've also used colored index cards.

For this writing challenge I'm using an Excel spreadsheet. At work we use spreadsheets for everything (I work in Accounting!) and it's a great way to track information.

For all the fiction and non fiction writers out there.....how do you keep the details straight?
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Margie
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Submitted by Coloradodreamer on Wed, 11/07/2007 - 18:51.

litekepr's picture

Congrats - Almost 1/3 :)

Submitted by litekepr on Wed, 11/07/2007 - 19:56.

COngratulations, you're almost 1/3 of the way through Smiling Great to hear the story is flowing -- don't you love when that happens?

I love spreadsheets and use them for plenty of info. I also use Excell to keep up with my word count and misc chapters that don't have a number yet - quite a few of those Smiling

For my non fiction books, I have a rough outline and usually Section Topics. That helps me find out where I need more info and what sections have enough info. The word count also helps me keep a handle on the areas that need more info.

I know for many people outline is a dirty word, but it helps me hit all the important points and really speeds up the writing process.

For fiction, I have a sheet of details for each character with basic info and a sheet or two about the setting. In addition, with my historic novels, I usually print out perpetual calendars and note critical historic events that will figure into the story. That's usually 20-30 pages total and it really helps me keep the details straight and helps me keep a series flowing through several books Smiling

By the way, I'm at almost 18,000 words and its going great. I took yesterday off, but had to get back to work today. Besides, its too cold to hang around outside anyway Smiling

Nikki

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Nikki Leigh - www.nikkileigh.com
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Hi Nikki

Submitted by Coloradodreamer on Wed, 11/07/2007 - 21:38.

Greaat ideas! Thanks for commenting.

So happy to hear NaNo is going well for you! Smiling

__________________________

Margie

My Writing Journey
My Blogging Journey
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Trick Falls's picture

Looking good so far

Submitted by Trick Falls on Wed, 11/07/2007 - 23:13.

I keep most of the details straight from memory, but since I tell stories in a non-linear fashion, I create a time line file that shows the true order of things.

Excel's probably a decent way to do it, too.

TF