Now that I’m writing Book 2 in my cozy series– I’m realizing the need for a series bible. A set of descriptors that stay constant. A road map or directional signs. Like the color of my heroine’s eyes or that the Main Street Bed and Breakfast – stays on Main. (grin.)
I drew a little map based on memory – then added to it when I did edits for the first book. I also listed off all my characters and which ones will be one book only’s and which ones will show up in book three which is still just an idea.
But I have pages of notes – listing every time I name a place or a person. And I had made a decision in book one on the name of a diner, that by the time I started working again on book 2- I’d totally forgotten. More edits.
I tried making a One Page file for the series, but I guess I don’t keep it updated because it only has a couple of things saved.
My friend does index cards on her characters. I’m not perfectly happy with that system either.
A more successful author said that he just goes to the wiki his fans have made to look up what he needs on a character. Now that’s fan love.
So back to me, sans rabid fans - right now, my system is pages of notes where I’ve listed out names, places, the turning points of the next few chapters. And stickie’s floating around my desk at work and home – listing off things I need to remember to add or change or think about.
Organization. Not my strongest skill. But I’m working on setting up a better desk process.
What about you – writers? Do you have a series bible? What format do you use to store the details of your fictional world?
Lynn
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