Creating a Story Timeline

Apr 26 2011

Creating a timeline is essential to a coherent story.

Photo courtesy of Jurlacher.

The stories we write are filled with history, actions, and events. Once a pantster, I now try to start my stories with a loose outline. However, my outlines haven’t included dates or exact timeframes. So I often find that keeping dates straight becomes an issue down the road.

Why is this so important? Having times and dates clearly in mind keeps the story in chronological order so a character isn’t remembering a picnic with her father two years ago when he dad died three years ago.

Keeping a solid timeline also prevents your characters from walking around in parkas or Uggs in the middle of summer. (Though people here in North Carolina often wear Uggs when it’s warm outside. Still trying to figure that one out).

I’d been dragging my feet for some time on creating a timeline for the manuscript for the manuscript I’m currently revising. Last night I finally started putting together a timeline for my story. So far I’ve chronicled the major events in the characters life prior to the opening of the story. (Important for flashback and references). Today I’ll finish chronicling the events that happen from the opening of the story through the end of the book.

I was surprised not to find forms created specifically for this purpose. However, I was able to find several timeline options on school and history sites. Below are the links to several timelines you can use when creating your story timeline.

Enchanted Learning offers a printable linear timeline.

Enchanted Learning’s printable table timeline.

Create a timline on OurTimeLines.com.

Scholastic offers a printable timeline.

How do you manage your story timeline? Tell us in the comments below.

I Love Social Bookmarking
SubscribeDiggdel.icio.usStumbleUpon

RaleighRoxStar Signature

Explore. Challenge. Write.

2 responses so far

Cool Writing Challenge to Increase Speed

Apr 20 2011

Final Draft: Post After Five Two and a Half Minutes of Editing

I’ve talked about my struggles with procrastination and perfectionism here before. Both are long-term battles I’ve been dealing with for years. I’ve always known about my tendency to procrastinate on projects I am reluctant to work on. However, it was only in recent years that I discovered how problematic my propensity for perfection in my writing and other projects had become and how it was impacting my bottom line.

Why Perfectionism is a Problem

As writers we want to do our very best on each and every project. It’s what we want. It’s what our clients deserve. However, the pursuit of perfection can be a thinly veiled mask for my old friend procrastination. As in, ‘It’s been three years and I still haven’t launched my new information product because it’s not as perfect as I’d like it to be.’ Sometimes good is good enough and perfect is just another name for procrastination. I also discovered that a relentless pursuit of perfection can be a manifestation of intense, gripping fear. Fear of failure, even fear of success.

Perfectionism is particularly problematic for a freelance writer. The more time I spend on one project, the fewer projects I am able to take on. I will never sacrifice quality. Yet, I didn’t think there was a way to marry writing well and writing fast. Enter Sean Platt, Ghostwriter Dad. I’ve been a fan ever since I downloaded his The 9 Mistakes Most Writers Make That are Keeping Them Poor. (If you haven’t downloaded your copy yet, seriously, go do it now. I’ll wait.)

Now, check out Sean’s video below where he talks about an important writing trick. How to write both well and fast. Sean advises us to take just a few minutes to do some advance planning to get the brain juices flowing. Then just go for it. Turn off the internal editor and just make it happen. I couldn’t agree with his advice more and from my past experience in my fiction writing I know he is right. I just never thought to try it in my freelance writing projects.

Watch the video below and then try the challenge. Let me know how it worked for you. I didn’t reach 500 words , but I did write 411 words. That’s a lot more than I would have normally written in such a short period of time. So I will definitely be using this tip going forward.

PS: See the results and times spent on every step by clicking ‘read more’ after the video below.

Time spent: 2 minutes, 30 seconds

Total time spent to create 411-word post: 20 minutes.

Want to see each step of the challenge? Here are the results of each step and the amount of time each step took.

Continue Reading »

I Love Social Bookmarking
SubscribeDiggdel.icio.usStumbleUpon

RaleighRoxStar Signature

Explore. Challenge. Write.

One response so far

Tips on Writing Query Letters

Apr 19 2011

A few weeks ago I attended my first writers conference – Write Now! – produced and hosted by Triangle Area Freelancers.

It was an informative, well-planned event with lots of knowledgeable speakers on subjects that were perfect for novice freelance writers. At the same time there was plenty of advice suitable for veteran freelancers, too.

The timing on this event was perfect since my of my goals for the third quarter is to send magazine queries. The even helped me prepare for the non-fiction market.

One of the things freelance writers dread most is writing the all-important query letter. Don Vaughn, founder of Triangle Area Freelancers, and a long-time freelance writer, shared some invaluable tips on writing a successful query letter. Below is the video from the conference I attended.

Do you have some additional tips on writing a successful query letter? Share them in the comments below.

I Love Social Bookmarking
SubscribeDiggdel.icio.usStumbleUpon

RaleighRoxStar Signature

Explore. Challenge. Write.

No responses yet

They’re Playing Basketball

Apr 10 2011

My favorite time of year is nearly here. NBA Playoffs. Life has been a bit crazy and I don’t get to watch games as often as I once did, but rest assured come playoff season I’ll be watching all the major games – even if I have to record it on DVR.

Today I plan to watch a highly anticipated game – the Boston Celtics vs. the Miami Heat. I fear the game will not turn out as I hope, but we’ll see.

As I prepared to watch today’s games I thought of a favorite classic hip-hop song, Kurtis Blow’s Basketball. So here’s an ode to the sport I love and to men everywhere (mostly Atlanta) with the guts to still sport jheri curls.

I Love Social Bookmarking
SubscribeDiggdel.icio.usStumbleUpon

RaleighRoxStar Signature

Explore. Challenge. Write.

No responses yet

Getting Back on the Blogging Wagon

Apr 01 2011

It’s a funny thing about blogging. It is so easy to fall behind. Not posting for a few days can easily turn into not posting for a week, then weeks. The next thing you know you’re asking yourself, “Has it really been a month since the last time I posted to my blog?”

Make time for writingIt happens so quickly. Life and the thousand things we have to do in our everyday life can easily consume every moment of our time.  Then there are the times that we know we should be writing, but the couch or the TV is calling and we find it hard to resist. The past month has been filled with busyness, a few crazy and unexpected turns, and – I won’t lie – a very comfortable couch and some rather entertaining DVDs. And while I haven’t been very active here on my blog, I’ve been working hard behind the scenes to push my writing forward.

I am editing my manuscript and actively participating in two local critique groups. It’s been time-consuming, but also a very rewarding experience. Still, I’ve been doing a lot of critiquing and editing and very little writing. So, I decided it was time to make a concerted effort to get back to writing – starting right here. So, today I am getting back on the blogging (and writing) wagon.

Keep me honest. ;-)

I Love Social Bookmarking
SubscribeDiggdel.icio.usStumbleUpon

RaleighRoxStar Signature

Explore. Challenge. Write.

One response so far

Inspiring Stories: Janet Evanovich

Mar 06 2011

I am always inspired by the stories of writers (and other artists and entrepreneurs) who achieved great success through hard work and perseverance. Janet Evanovich is an excellent example of this.

Check out an interview Janet did with Time Magazine a while ago.

I Love Social Bookmarking
SubscribeDiggdel.icio.usStumbleUpon

RaleighRoxStar Signature

Explore. Challenge. Write.

One response so far

Recommended Reading: 32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter

Feb 26 2011

32 Candles: A Novel by Ernessa T. CarterOne of the perks of being Senior Editor of All Things Girl is the opportunity to discover wonderful new authors, artists, and musicians. I jumped at the chance to review the debut novel of Ernessa T. Carter, 32 Candles and I wasn’t disappointed. In 32 Candles we meet Davidia “Davie” Jones – an ugly duckling growing up in the small town of Glass, Mississippi. Davie escapes Glass – leaving behind the mother who would just as soon beat her senseless as have a conversation with her and the classmates that ridiculed and tormented her for years.

Davie reinvents herself in L.A. Just when she is satisfied with her life she runs into her once obsession – James Farrell. It took a lot of years and a Psych degree for Davie to get over her obsession/hatred of James Farrell and his sisters. When he reappears, and doesn’t recognize her, Davie can’t bear to tell him that she was the pitiful girl they called “Monkey Night” at Glass High. But just when it seems that she might be due for a happy ending, the past comes back with a vengeance.

Read my complete review of 32 Candles over at All Things Girl. Check out the trailer for the book below.

I Love Social Bookmarking
SubscribeDiggdel.icio.usStumbleUpon

RaleighRoxStar Signature

Explore. Challenge. Write.

2 responses so far

Tell Me What You Really Think

Feb 22 2011

A couple of years ago I came to the realization that I would need to a writer’s group if I wanted to grow and improve as a writer. I wasn’t ready at the time. But I’m glad I began to think about it back then. I needed time to digest the idea and come to terms with it.

Join a writer's group to improve your work.

Sharing my work with strangers and giving them permission to tell me all the things they didn’t like about it was far from my idea of a night of fun. I imagined it would be about as pleasant as the five minutes I spend with a phlebotomist digging around to find my ever-elusive veins. The only thing that would make me more uncomfortable than having my work critiqued is critiquing someone else’s work.

Our writing is so personal – an extension of ourselves. Someone telling you they don’t like your character or that your plot feels contrived can hurt as much as being told your newborn looks like a small alien. Even if it’s true. No thank you, I thought. I am far more comfortable in the role of cheerleader. Still, I knew it was something I needed to do. I resolved to eventually join a writer’s group – even if I had to start my own.

During those years I worked to improve my writing. I studied the craft. I took classes. Most importantly, I learned the importance of constructive criticism and how to accept it graciously. I also had the privilege of interviewing some wonderful authors for All Things Girl – including New York Times bestselling author, Joshilyn Jackson.  During the interview Jackson credited her participation in a critique group with moving her writing career forward. It was a story I’d heard repeatedly from published authors.

I was reminded of my promise to myself to join a writer’s group. So I did. I was fortunate to discover a wonderful writer’s group in my local area on Meetup.com. The group organizer is thorough, proactive, and conscientious. The members take their critiquing seriously. They offer insightful observations and constructive comments that consistently make each member’s work better. Best of all the group is always positive.

Joining the group – despite my initial reservations – turned out to be one of the best things I could ever have done for my writing. I currently participate in a virtual critique group – a subgroup of the main group. I feel extremely lucky to be part of this group of talented writers who give generously of their time and energy.

I had to step outside out of my comfort zone to join a writer’s group, but I’m so glad I did. My writing is better for it. Telling my fellow writers what I really think about their work isn’t as hard as I thought. My only goal is to encourage their brilliance while helping them to improve their craft. What could be more simple?

I Love Social Bookmarking
SubscribeDiggdel.icio.usStumbleUpon

RaleighRoxStar Signature

Explore. Challenge. Write.

One response so far

Recommended Viewing: The Romantics

Feb 19 2011

I like “slice of life” movies that introduce us to a few flawed characters and let us in on the drama of their lives without giving us a happy ending wrapped neatly in a bow. The three primary characters – Holmes, Duhamel, and Paquin – were interesting and well-played. Holmes and Duhamel’s characters struggle with doing what feels right vs. what feels best. Paquin does a splendid job as Holmes former college roommate and current frenemy. She is calculating without being evil and willing to sacrifice her personal feelings for what she wants most – to win.

I liked the sketchy filming – going back and forth from clear strong camera shots to dimly lit shots that look like they were taken by your uncle at a backyard barbecue. I also liked the soundtrack. It was simple but clearly conveyed to us what the characters were feeling.

While this movie was panned on both Rotten Tomatoes and Blockbuster.com – I liked it. Admittedly I watched it at 1AM – and no, there was no drinking involved. But still, I liked it very much. Typically when I watch a movie made from a book it is hard for me to go and read the book later. This time I actually wanted to go out and get the book to learn more about the characters.

I Love Social Bookmarking
SubscribeDiggdel.icio.usStumbleUpon

RaleighRoxStar Signature

Explore. Challenge. Write.

No responses yet

3 Non-Writing Activities to Get You Writing

Feb 15 2011

There are times when I cannot stare at my blank screen – begging to be filled with prose – another single minutes. Or times when I re-read a passage I’m revising a dozen time and can’t quite figure out what’s not right about it. It is usually about this time that something calls to me. My family having fun in the next room. A leftover slice of pie. Episodes of How I Met Your Mother or House Hunters International on my DVR. Giving into the temptation to leave my office and partake of these activities is often relaxing. Seldom do they lead to inspiration and a stroke of brilliance that sends me flying back to my laptop.

As writers we are all too familiar with the admonition to put our butt in the chair and JUST WRITE. But sometimes – at least for me – inspiration comes in those moments I step away from my laptop. Here are three non-writing activities that inspire me to write.

Yoga can inspire you to write.

Exercise

One of the best things we can do for our minds is to take care of our bodies. This includes living an active lifestyle – spending time with butt out of said chair. Whether I choose to practice Yoga with its focus of mindfulness or a dreadfully terrible – but equally fun – dance routine on Just Dance 2 or the Michael Jackson Experience I am energized and inspired.

Spending Time with Nature

For me this often takes the form of exercise – a walk through one of our many Greenways or a bike ride. Sometimes I just sit on my balcony, enjoy the sunshine, and listen to the birds. In these moments I pay attention to details in nature that could add to my descriptions when I’m writing or a flesh out a scene between two characters. Either way I usually return with concrete ideas that help move my writing forward.

Reading

Most writers are also avid readers. It is no wonder. For a long period I’d stopped reading for recreational purposes. I was consumed with all of the prescribed reading in my life – business books, research topics, etc. I felt I didn’t have time to read for pleasure. It is little wonder that I did very little creative writing during that time. I wrote several articles for other people but I wasn’t content because I wasn’t doing any writing for me.

When I resumed reading strictly for pleasure an amazing thing happened. I was inspired to write again. The more I read, the more easily writing came. I was more inspired than ever. I was inspired by great stories and strong writing. Less than great stories pushed me to get writing, thinking, “I can certainly do better than this.” (Don’t pretend you haven’t thought that before, too!)

As I’ve refined my focus on pushing my writing career forward I’ve discovered what works and what doesn’t. These non-writing activities keep me inspired and help me to continually write or edit. What non-writing activities help inspire you?

I Love Social Bookmarking
SubscribeDiggdel.icio.usStumbleUpon

RaleighRoxStar Signature

Explore. Challenge. Write.

2 responses so far

« Newer posts Older posts »