Serial Stories - Keeping track of things

[only_more_so]

Does anyone else have a hard time keeping all their characters straight, and the time line?

In my Reluctant Psychic series, the story is told first person from the main characters point of view. Basically each chapter introduces a new character and how that character came to be in the main character's life. Sometimes the characters are first introduced in an earlier chapter, sometimes part of their story is told in a later chapter. So while the main thread of the story is moving forward at a relatively slow pace, there are numerous flashbacks to very different times.

One of the hardest things for me was when I got to the third or fourth chapter and realized that the order of events was impossible the way I had the chapter written. So I actually ended up creating a time-line so that when I schedule the flashbacks, I know what events already happened, and which ones haven't happened.

The time-line file also has a brief description of the characters, including details that I know I would screw up unless I read back through each story.

So does anyone else have this problem? Does anyone else keep a contiunity journal for a long story?

 

[drksideofthemoon]

Does anyone else have a hard time keeping all their characters straight, and the time line?

In my Reluctant Psychic series, the story is told first person from the main characters point of view. Basically each chapter introduces a new character and how that character came to be in the main character's life. Sometimes the characters are first introduced in an earlier chapter, sometimes part of their story is told in a later chapter. So while the main thread of the story is moving forward at a relatively slow pace, there are numerous flashbacks to very different times.

One of the hardest things for me was when I got to the third or fourth chapter and realized that the order of events was impossible the way I had the chapter written. So I actually ended up creating a time-line so that when I schedule the flashbacks, I know what events already happened, and which ones haven't happened.

The time-line file also has a brief description of the characters, including details that I know I would screw up unless I read back through each story.

So does anyone else have this problem? Does anyone else keep a contiunity journal for a long story?

I've been writing Montana Summer for about 18 months or more, and Im currently writing Chapter 15 and I've never kept a journal about anything...

 

[WarLordwrites]

Cast List

Greetings

I write serials, multi chapter epics witb many characters and comvoluted plotting...Did I mention the sexy women? Thought so!

After a couple continuity break downs, I settled on a Cast List as my primary organizer.

The very detailed "Character List" (very different then the published one) is includes name, description of the person even to history and personality traits with an intial clothing description including any weapons and equipment.

In stories involving TRAVEL I've added Towns and Cities, the names of destinations with descriptions of the areas being traveled through. Essentially treating locations as characterizations adding impact to the story.

One Fantasy author recommended mapping before starting an alternate universe story and I made a simple one for Blood and Iron! For the "real ones" I use an atlas.

I write in Plot Arcs -- so far, I have not added the story plot lines to my listing. The triggers of cast and location seem to keep me on track.

Use whatever you need! But it needs to be organized to be useful and simple enough to keep it updated and accurate. For me that's a cast list

Enjoy the journey

WarLord

 

[Stella_Omega]

I used to use Index cards, and now I'm have an index card program on my computer. But I keep forgetting to use it. Go figure...

 

[drksideofthemoon]

I used to use Index cards, and now I'm have an index card program on my computer. But I keep forgetting to use it. Go figure...

You're just too damned organized for me...

 

[elsol]

I approach my serials differently because I have a couple of theories about what makes a good MFF+ serial type story, which is what I generally write.


a. Plot Points... write from one major plot point to the next instead of as an 'overarching' story.

Even though I'm writing in a very large story, I only have to deal with continuity over a short period of time, plus whatever overarching elements are needed to keep the larger story flowing.

b. Move characters out of the story when they're no longer needed.

I see a lot of writers that just keep characters around that they're not going to use again... bad idea.

Push them exit stage left ASAP.

Even a 'big' story only needs 3 or 4 major characters.. realistically only 2... everyone else is a supporting character and they should be jettissoned as soon as they've served their purpose.