T is for Tracking Tools

Keeping track of plot lines, character names, or unusual words can be hard to do for a single novel. A series is even harder to manage. At the start, let me admit that I am a plotter. While no single tool works for every project, there are programs that can be purchased. However, this post will focus on things you can do yourself.

 

A step beyond lists using pen and paper are tables built using spreadsheets or word processing programs. 



And since this is a blog hop, I also use a table to track posts written or awaiting creation.


 

In my book of tools are numerous templates for character profiles. Many of which are twenty to thirty pages long. A piece of writing advice that never worked for me was to fill out complete character profiles for all my main characters before I wrote word one.

The form I use the most is a handful of questions on a single page. While I agree that some pre-planning can help me get to know my characters, I don't need much to start with. Just a physical description, a name, and a statement of the hero's journey. Although I don't complete an extensive profile, I do have an abbreviated form of a few questions that include the previous mentioned items and things like preferred weapons and possibly favorite food. But those are filled out as the story and characters develop.

~till next time, Helen 

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